Time Synchronization Circuit Using Frequency Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clock synchronization methods in network systems face limitations in precision and consistency due to frequency drifts caused by temperature and aging factors, leading to challenges in maintaining accurate time synchronization across apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A time synchronization device comprising a signal generating circuit and a time adjusting circuit, which uses a frequency control word to adjust the clock signal of an electronic apparatus based on detected temperature and aging parameters, generating an output signal with a target frequency to enhance synchronization precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional clock synchronization methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the synchronization precision deteriorates due to frequency drifts from temperature and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing compensation values for temperature and aging effects in lookup tables. The temperature compensation module queries these pre-prepared compensation values based on detected temperature, avoiding complex real-time calculations. Similarly, aging compensation values are pre-calculated and stored, enabling the system to compensate for frequency drifts without complex computational operations during runtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary compensation modules that mediate between the crystal oscillator and the clock synchronization system. The temperature compensation module acts as an intermediary to correct temperature-induced frequency drifts, while the aging compensation module serves as an intermediary to correct aging-related frequency variations. These intermediaries isolate the oscillator from environmental effects without requiring fundamental system redesign.
2Stability of the object's composition
If frequency drift compensation is implemented, then synchronization consistency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional compensation modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting frequency compensation parameters based on temperature measurements and aging time. The temperature compensation module changes the frequency parameter according to temperature-dependent lookup tables, and the aging compensation module adjusts parameters based on elapsed time since oscillator calibration. This allows the system to adapt to environmental changes without adding complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating compensation parameters for various temperature conditions and aging stages, storing them in lookup tables. During operation, the system simply queries these pre-computed values rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining synchronization consistency while minimizing computational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If higher frequency clocks are used, then time synchronization precision improves, but the sensitivity to temperature and aging drifts worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of frequency drift into a beneficial compensation mechanism. By detecting temperature variations and aging effects, the system calculates compensation values that counteract the drift. The temperature compensation module transforms temperature-induced frequency deviations into correctable errors, and the aging compensation module converts aging-related drift into predictable, compensatable variations, thereby maintaining high precision despite environmental sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the temperature detection module continuously monitors temperature and feeds this information to the temperature compensation module, which adjusts frequency compensation accordingly. Similarly, the aging compensation module uses feedback from elapsed time measurements to adjust compensation parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures that high-frequency clocks maintain precision by continuously correcting drift based on environmental and temporal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A time synchronization device adapted for an electronic apparatus, an electronic apparatus, a time synchronization system and a time synchronization method. The time synchronization device includes: a signal generating circuit and a time adjusting circuit. The signal generating circuit includes: a control circuit, configured to generate a frequency control word; and a signal adjusting circuit, configured to receive the frequency control word and an input signal having an initial frequency, and to generate and output an output signal having a target frequency based on the frequency control word and the input signal. The time adjusting circuit is configured to perform a synchronization adjusting operation on a clock signal of the electronic apparatus based on the output signal having the target frequency.