Wireless Network Time Synchronization via Coordinator Node
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, the lack of a global clock leads to clock drifts in individual nodes, causing significant errors over time, which complicates applications requiring synchronized time information, especially in ad-hoc sensor networks and IP networks, affecting quality of service and precision.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronization and time transfer using a coordinator node coupled to a single timing source, transmitting timing messages at predetermined intervals, allowing wireless nodes to synchronize with the coordinator node without internal timing sources, and employing RF ranging measurements to remove over-the-air transport times for enhanced network timing synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each wireless node has its own internal clock, then each node can operate independently, but clock drift occurs causing significant time synchronization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator node as an intermediary that receives timing information from a GPS receiver and distributes synchronized time to all wireless nodes. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling independent node operation while maintaining network-wide time synchronization through the coordinator's centralized time distribution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the timing function by separating the GPS receiver and primary time source from individual nodes, concentrating it in the coordinator node. This allows nodes to remain simple while the coordinator handles complex time synchronization, resolving the contradiction between independent operation and synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If wireless nodes use GPS receivers or signal clock generators for time synchronization, then time accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinator node serves multiple functions: it acts as a time source, a time distribution server, and a synchronization manager for the entire network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for each node to have its own GPS receiver or signal clock generator, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the coordinator's universal time provision function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator node with GPS receiver acts as an intermediary time source that all wireless nodes can access. Instead of each node having complex hardware, they all interface with the simple coordinator node for time synchronization, dramatically reducing individual node complexity while maintaining network-wide accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If timing messages are transmitted frequently, then synchronization precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic timing messages transmitted at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains synchronization precision by regularly updating node clocks while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission, as nodes can enter low-power states between periodic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless nodes maintain their internal clocks and use them to operate between periodic synchronization updates. This self-service approach allows nodes to function autonomously using stored time information, reducing the frequency of energy-consuming communications while maintaining acceptable synchronization precision for most operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronization and time transfer in a wireless system having a single timing source comprises: transmitting a timing message from a coordinator node, wherein the coordinator node is coupled to the single timing source of the wireless system; detecting the timing message by a wireless node; and synchronizing the wireless node to a time on the timing message.