WLAN Sink Device Internal Clock Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area network (WLAN) stations face challenges in power consumption and accuracy due to the need for external oscillators, which increase production costs and are sensitive to environmental factors, and require precise timing synchronization without external clock signals.
Innovation Solution
A WLAN apparatus and method using a receiving circuit, computing circuit, and adjusting circuit to synchronize with a source device by computing time intervals and differences in beacon signals, adjusting the beacon output signal, and generating a clock signal influenced by environment factors to maintain accurate timing without an external oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an external oscillator is used to provide accurate clock signal, then timing accuracy is improved, but production cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing accuracy function from the external oscillator and implements it within the STA using an internal low-frequency clock. The core functionality of providing accurate timing is separated from the external component and integrated into the device itself, eliminating the need for external oscillator connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-frequency clock is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides timing for power-saving mode operations, enables beacon signal reception timing, and supports synchronization with the access point. This multi-functional approach replaces the dedicated external oscillator with a more versatile internal clock mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If an external oscillator is used to provide accurate clock signal, then timing accuracy is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external oscillator component from the bill of materials and replaces it with an integrated low-frequency clock circuit. This extraction eliminates the need for additional external components, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while maintaining timing accuracy through software-based synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive external oscillator with a cheaper internal low-frequency clock that can be implemented using standard integrated circuit components. The cost-effective approach accepts that the internal clock may require periodic synchronization but eliminates the need for expensive external timing components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the STA operates in power-saving mode with low frequency clock, then power consumption is reduced, but timing accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization where the STA wakes up at predetermined intervals to receive beacon signals from the access point. During these periodic wake-ups, the STA synchronizes its internal low-frequency clock with the access point's timing, ensuring accuracy is maintained without requiring continuous high-frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from beacon signals received from the access point to adjust and synchronize the internal low-frequency clock. The timing information from beacon signals provides feedback that allows the STA to correct any drift in its internal clock, maintaining timing accuracy while operating in power-saving mode.
4Reliability
If the STA wakes up early to receive beacon signal, then connection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the STA wake up slightly before the expected beacon signal arrival time. This advance waking ensures the STA is ready to receive the beacon signal without excessive early activation, optimizing the balance between connection reliability and power consumption through carefully timed pre-activation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a sink device and a signal receiving method thereof, applicable to wireless local area network. The sink device receives a plurality of beacon signals, synchronizes the beacon output signal generated by itself with the operating clock of the source device according to the above-mentioned timing synchronization data. And the sink device receives the plurality of beacon signals according to this calibrated synchronization clock.