Time Stamp Synchronization Across Different Time Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time stamps generated by different devices often operate in different time domains, making it challenging to correlate events across these devices, especially in debugging and testing scenarios where accurate synchronization is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method for time stamp synchronization between devices involves generating a common time stamp synchronization event, allowing each device to generate a time stamp in response, and correlating these stamps to establish a relationship between the time domains, enabling accurate translation and correlation of events across different time domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different devices generate time stamps independently in different time domains, then each device can operate autonomously, but the time stamps cannot be correlated between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time domain relationship data structure that acts as an intermediary between devices operating in different time domains. This intermediary contains reference time stamps and relationship information that enables correlation of events across devices without requiring them to share a common time origin, thus resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and time stamp correlation accuracy
2Ease of operation
If ad hoc comparison methods are used to correlate time stamps, then device autonomy is maintained, but correlation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ad hoc comparison methods with a systematic approach using time domain relationship data structures. Instead of manually checking for patterns of external activity, the system uses structured relationship data that mathematically defines how time stamps from different devices map to each other, significantly improving correlation accuracy while maintaining device autonomy
3Adaptability or versatility
If clocks in different devices are used without synchronization, then device independence is preserved, but time drift and skew occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing time domain relationships before events occur. The time domain relationship data structure is pre-configured with reference time stamps and relationship information that account for potential drift and skew. This allows the system to compensate for time instability retrospectively when correlating events, preserving device independence while achieving time domain consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for time stamp synchronization are disclosed. In one embodiment, first and second devices are provided. The second device receives a first time stamp of the first device, wherein the first time stamp was generated in response to a time stamp synchronization event common to the first and second devices; generates a second time stamp of the second device in response to the time stamp synchronization event, wherein the first and second time stamps are in different time domains; and correlates the first and second time stamps, wherein correlating the first and second time stamps provide a relationship between the time domains because the first and second time stamps were both generated with respect to the same time stamp synchronization event common to the first and second devices.