Wireless Time Synchronization Counter With Jitter-Limited Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, time synchronization accuracy is compromised due to fluctuations in network delay times caused by wireless communication, leading to unstable operations at the rising and falling edges of reference signals, particularly in systems relying on precision time protocol (PTP).
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a first and second counter unit, a calculation unit, and a limiting unit to manage time differences and apply upper and lower limits to the additional values, stabilizing the count and ensuring consistent timing signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time synchronization is executed using PTP on a wireless network, then time synchronization can be achieved between terminals, but network delay time fluctuates due to wireless communication causing reduced time synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a limiting unit as an intermediary component that mediates between the time difference calculation and the counter unit. This limiting unit filters out extreme fluctuations in network delay time by comparing calculated time differences against predetermined thresholds, allowing only within-range adjustments to pass through to the counter unit. This resolves the contradiction by protecting the time synchronization system from harmful wireless communication fluctuations while maintaining the ability to achieve synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of network delay fluctuations into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By setting upper and lower limits on time difference adjustments, the system transforms unpredictable wireless communication variations into a controlled adjustment process. The limiting unit uses the fluctuation data itself to determine when adjustments should be applied or rejected, turning the instability into a self-regulating mechanism that improves overall synchronization reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a reference signal is generated using time of a clock with poor synchronization accuracy, then the reference signal can be generated, but fluctuations of time appear in jitters of the reference signal causing unstable operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preemptively limiting the range of time adjustments before they are applied to the counter unit. The limiting unit预先 sets upper and lower thresholds that cushion the counter unit against extreme time difference values that would cause reference signal jitters. This protective measure is in place before the reference signal generation occurs, preventing instability rather than correcting it afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a communication apparatus that includes a first counter unit configured to count a first time to be corrected by time synchronization, a second counter unit that counts a second time, a first calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first and second times, a second calculation unit that calculates a first additional value based on the difference, and a limiting unit that assigns a first upper limit to a second additional value if the first additional value is greater than the first upper limit, assigns a first lower limit to the second additional value if the first additional value is less than the first lower limit, and assigns the first additional value to the second additional value in other cases, with the second counter unit counting the second time by adding the second additional value to the second time.