Time Translator for Distributed Node Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed embedded control systems face challenges in synchronizing the generation of events across different nodes in real-time, particularly in vehicles, due to the complexity and bandwidth-intensive nature of current methods, which require additional hardware and do not allow for flexible system construction.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a time translator to identify reference events and recalculate time stamps across nodes, using local clocks and secondary events to create a common time domain, allowing for precise timestamping without additional hardware, by defining relationships between reference events and their secondary events, and utilizing protocols like USB for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a global time synchronization system is implemented using conventional methods, then time coordination between nodes is achieved, but device complexity and bandwidth requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time translator as an intermediary component that converts local node timestamps to global time references. This mediator handles the complex time base transformations, isolating the complexity from the distributed nodes while maintaining accurate time synchronization across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based time synchronization mechanisms with software-based time translation algorithms. Instead of using dedicated hardware clocks and synchronization circuits at each node, the system uses protocol messages and computational time base transformations to achieve the same synchronization effect with reduced hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional hardware is used for time synchronization, then time coordination accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software copies of time base information rather than physical hardware copies. Each node maintains a copy of the time translation parameters and algorithms, allowing independent timestamp conversion without requiring additional physical synchronization hardware at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The time translator component performs multiple functions: it translates timestamps between different time bases, synchronizes event timing, and provides a common time reference for system-wide coordination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware components for each timing function.
3Reliability
If real-time clock recalibration is performed, then time synchronization is maintained, but processing time and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time base updates where the time translator recalibrates time references at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains synchronization reliability while minimizing the processing time required, as the system only performs recalibration work when needed rather than constantly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and arrangement for correlating time in different time bases used by interconnected units by timestamping a reference event with a time determined with respect to a first time base. A message unit provides the time to a second interconnected unit that uses a second time base. A translation device is configured to calculate a difference between the time measured by the first time base and in the second time base. The difference is used to translate a time measured by the first clock to a time in a different time base at run time.