Time Synchronization Frame for Single-Line Resource Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization methods waste line resources as they require separate lines for transmitting Time of Day (TOD) and 1 Pulse Per Second (1PPS) signals, leading to inefficient use of line resources and unidirectional TOD transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device generates a time synchronization frame with a TOD and frame header using a single line, carrying an identifier that defines the frame's boundary and location, allowing a second device to identify and obtain the TOD, thus reducing line resource usage and enabling bidirectional time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lines are used to transmit TOD and 1PPS signals, then transmission reliability is improved, but line resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission of TOD and 1PPS signals into a single time synchronization frame transmitted over one line. The frame structure includes both TOD information and 1PPS synchronization signals, eliminating the need for separate physical lines while maintaining transmission reliability through unified error handling and acknowledgment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmission line is designed to carry multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both TOD data and 1PPS synchronization signals, and supports bidirectional communication for time synchronization. This multi-functional line replaces what previously required multiple dedicated lines, optimizing resource utilization.
2Reliability
If separate lines are used for TOD and 1PPS transmission, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions into a single unified frame structure. The time synchronization frame integrates TOD fields, 1PPS markers, and control information, reducing the number of interface connections and simplifying device architecture while preserving signal integrity through structured data formatting and error checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The time synchronization frame is segmented into distinct functional fields (TOD information, 1PPS markers, control bytes) that can be independently processed. This segmentation allows the receiving device to extract and handle different signal components separately, maintaining signal integrity while simplifying the overall transmission interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If unidirectional TOD transmission is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but synchronization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bidirectional time synchronization where devices can both send and receive time synchronization frames. The frame structure supports flexible roles (master/slave) and allows adaptive synchronization in both directions, enhancing synchronization capability while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized frame formats and role negotiation protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a time synchronization method and a device. The method includes: generating, by a first device, a first time synchronization frame according to a first coding scheme, where the first time synchronization frame includes a first frame header and a first time of day TOD, the first frame header carries an identifier of the first coding scheme, and the first coding scheme defines a boundary of the first time synchronization frame and a location of the first TOD in the first time synchronization frame; and sending, by the first device, the first time synchronization frame to a second device by using a first single line, so as to trigger the second device to identify the first time synchronization frame according to the identifier of the first coding scheme, obtain the first TOD from the first time synchronization frame, and trace a time of the first device according to the first TOD. With the time synchronization method and the device in the embodiments of this application, line resources can be saved.