Wireless Cluster Time Synchronization via Master Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving robust and accurate time synchronization in large wireless networks is challenging due to the dynamic nature of wireless links, particularly in process control systems where synchronized data transmission and reception are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where wireless nodes form clusters with a cluster master that provides time synchronization information to other nodes, which adjust their clocks and broadcast this information to maintain synchronization, ensuring that all nodes in the cluster are substantially synchronized with the cluster master.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless nodes use distributed clock synchronization in large networks, then time coordination between nodes is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to dynamic wireless links and cumulative timing errors across multiple hops
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless network is divided into clusters with a cluster master node that maintains a reference clock, and cluster member nodes that synchronize to their local cluster master. This segmentation limits the propagation of timing errors to within each cluster, preventing cumulative errors across the entire large network while still providing coordinated time across all clusters through inter-cluster synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster master node acts as an intermediary between the external time reference and the cluster member nodes. It receives time synchronization information from external sources and distributes it to member nodes, isolating members from direct exposure to dynamic wireless link variations and improving overall synchronization accuracy within the cluster.
2Measurement precision
If wireless nodes frequently exchange time synchronization information, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous wireless communications
Solution Approach 1:
Time synchronization information is exchanged periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. Cluster member nodes update their clocks periodically based on synchronization information from cluster masters, reducing the frequency of wireless transmissions while maintaining adequate synchronization accuracy for process control applications.
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization information is updated more frequently than the minimum required interval, providing a balance between accuracy and energy consumption. The partial updating approach ensures that timing drift does not exceed acceptable thresholds while avoiding the excessive energy cost of continuous synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If wireless networks implement centralized time synchronization control, then synchronization management is simplified, but system complexity increases due to the need for cluster master election and information distribution protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized synchronization function is segmented and distributed to cluster master nodes within each cluster. Each cluster master independently manages time synchronization for its members, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized controller while maintaining simplified synchronization management through standardized cluster-level protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Cluster master nodes perform multiple functions including time reference maintenance, synchronization information distribution, and cluster member coordination. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective centralized-like control within each cluster.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes multiple wireless nodes forming a cluster in a wireless network, where each wireless node is configured to communicate and exchange data wirelessly based on a clock. One of the wireless nodes is configured to operate as a cluster master. Each of the other wireless nodes is configured to (i) receive time synchronization information from a parent node, (ii) adjust its clock based on the received time synchronization information, and (iii) broadcast time synchronization information based on the time synchronization information received by that wireless node. The time synchronization information received by each of the other wireless nodes is based on time synchronization information provided by the cluster master so that the other wireless nodes substantially synchronize their clocks with the clock of the cluster master.