Wireless Time Synchronization via Packet Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time synchronization methods in wireless communication systems face challenges due to hardware differences, interrupts, and clock frequency differences between nodes, leading to synchronization errors and increased bandwidth and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing time between nodes by calculating and correcting time differences using packet transmission and reception times, and periodically compensating for clock drift to maintain accurate synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time synchronization is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then synchronization precision is improved, but bandwidth consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization operations where nodes exchange timing packets at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The system determines optimal synchronization periods based on clock drift rates and accuracy requirements, performing synchronization only when necessary to maintain the required time accuracy threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where nodes calculate time differences and clock drift rates based on exchanged timing packets, then adjust their local clocks accordingly. The system monitors synchronization accuracy and dynamically adjusts synchronization intervals based on observed drift patterns, reducing operations when accuracy is maintained and increasing them when drift exceeds thresholds.
2Measurement precision
If hardware-based delay measurement is used during manufacturing, then delay time measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to different hardware configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables nodes to automatically measure and compensate for their own transmission and reception delays through software-based timing packet exchanges. Each node independently calculates its processing delays by comparing send and receive times of synchronization packets, eliminating the need for pre-configured hardware delay values and enabling universal compatibility across different hardware platforms.
3Device complexity
If clock frequency differences between nodes are not compensated, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements clock drift compensation by having nodes calculate frequency differences based on timing packet exchanges and adjust their local clock frequencies accordingly. The system monitors the rate of time difference accumulation and applies corrective frequency adjustments to maintain synchronization, with the complexity of the compensation mechanism activated only when drift exceeds acceptable thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for synchronizing time between nodes in a wireless communication system. A reference node transmits a first packet to a correspondent node. Upon receiving the first packet, the correspondent node transmits a second packet with a reception time of the first packet recorded therein, to the reference node. Upon receiving the second packet, the reference node calculates a forward delay time using a transmission time and the reception time of the first packet. The correspondent node receives a third packet with the forward delay time from the reference node, and calculates a reverse delay time. The correspondent node calculates an offset value for the synchronization using the forward delay time and the reverse delay time.