RU166018U1 - WATCH SYNCHRONIZATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A clock synchronization device comprising a primary clock, a signal receiver of a global navigation satellite system, a receiver of reference signals of frequency and time of ground stations, as well as a central processor connected to them by data exchange channels, characterized in that the device further comprises an optical network port, a shaper transmitted to a secondary clock of messages, connected by its output to the input of the optical network port, and a shaper of messages received from the secondary clock, connected by its input to the output of the optical network port, while the output of the primary clock is connected to the first input of the shaper of messages transmitted to the secondary clock and the first input of the central processor, the second input of which is connected to the output of the shaper of messages received from the secondary clock, and the output is connected to the second input of the shaper of transmitted on the secondary hours of messages.

Description

The utility model relates to time synchronization tools and can be used in devices that synchronize geographically spaced secondary clocks relative to primary clocks.

A generalized structural diagram of a synchronization system for a remote secondary clock relative to the primary clock is presented, in particular, in patent [1] - US 3756012, G04C 13/02, publ. 09/04/1973 (Fig. 8). In this system, a device that synchronizes a remote secondary clock contains, see [1, Fig. 1], primary clocks, means for generating synchronizing signals and means for transmitting them over the air to a remote consumer, while the primary clocks contain a high-precision frequency standard and a primary time clock scaler based on frequency dividers.

Similar in design devices designed to synchronize a remote secondary clock are also presented in the copyright certificates: [2] - SU 591800, G04C 13/02, publ. 02/05/1978; [3] - SU 1160361, G04C 13/02, publ. 06/07/1985.

A feature of the clock synchronization devices presented in [1] - [3] is the lack of the possibility of their own time synchronization with respect to external reference signals, for example, signals of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), which, according to their formation conditions, are synchronized with respect to the general system time scale UTC (international coordinated time scale) or coordinated time scale of the Russian Federation UTC (SU).

The indicated lack of the possibility of self-synchronization with respect to external reference signals in the devices presented in [1] - [3] increases the requirements for the standard frequency of the primary clock, forcing it to use expensive highly stable quantum frequency standards (hydrogen, rubidium, cesium) with complex systems thermal stabilization.

An example of a device for clock synchronization, equipped with means for performing its own time synchronization with respect to external reference signals, is a device that is part of a time synchronization station, presented in the patent for utility model [4] - RU 105752 (U1), G04C 13/00, publ. . 06/20/2011. This device is adopted as a prototype.

A device for clock synchronization, adopted as a prototype, contains a primary clock, a GNSS signal receiver, a receiver of reference signals of frequency and time of ground stations and a central processor associated with them. The device also contains a secondary clock control module connected to the central processor, designed to generate time synchronization signals in a form convenient for transmission to a consumer via a radio channel.

The primary clock is an electronic device containing a reference generator and a shaper of the time scale, made on the basis of frequency dividers.

The GNSS signal receiver is, for example, a GLONASS signal receiver.

The receiver of the reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations is, for example, a receiver of signals of radio stations of the public service of time, frequency and determination of the Earth’s rotation parameters of the Russian Federation.

The secondary clock control module is a controller with an increased power output, which provides the generation and transmission of synchronization signals via a radio channel for a remote secondary clock, for example, an electromechanical one.

The prototype device operates as follows.

The primary clock using the reference generator and frequency dividers form the time scale of the primary clock. The primary clock timeline signals are sent to the central processor.

The GNSS signal receiver and the receiver of the reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations receive from the air and subsequent processing of signals that carry information on the coordinated time scale of the Russian Federation UTC (SU). The received signals of the reference time scale corresponding to the UTC (SU) time scale are supplied to the central processor.

Using the central processor, the time scale of the primary clock and the reference time scale corresponding to the UTC (SU) time scale are compared and the correction signal is generated. This correction is entered into the time scale of the primary hours, making its correction in accordance with the UTC (SU) time scale. At the same time, the highest accuracy, as well as globality and continuity are ensured when GLONASS signals are used to generate the correction signal.

Time information in the primary clock scale adjusted in such a way is transmitted by the central processor to the input of the secondary clock control module, which generates output signals in a form convenient for transmission to the consumer via a communication channel, for example, via a radio channel.

On the consumer side, these signals are used to synchronize the secondary clock timeline with respect to the primary clock timeline.

The advantage of the prototype device is the ability to use relatively simple reference generators, for example, quartz or quantum ones, with a simplified thermal stabilization scheme in its primary clock.

A technical problem that remains unresolved in the prototype device is the ability to achieve acceptable accuracy of synchronization of the time scale of the secondary clock with respect to the time scale of the primary clock in the face of ever-increasing requirements for synchronization accuracy. The problem is due to the fact that the formation of the output signals in the prototype device occurs only on the basis of the time scale of the primary clock without taking into account the state of the synchronized secondary clock, it does not provide means for receiving the corresponding messages. The inability to receive messages from synchronized secondary clocks does not allow to obtain data on the current deviation of the secondary clock timeline from the primary clock timeline, as well as on time delays on the signal transmission path, and to use this data when generating output signals to ensure accurate synchronization of the secondary clock.

The technical result, which is achieved by the claimed utility model, is to create a device for clock synchronization, characterized by the possibility of generating output signals taking into account messages received from synchronized secondary clocks, which allows to solve the problem of ensuring the accuracy of synchronization of the time scale of the secondary clock in relation to the primary time scale hours.

The essence of the utility model is as follows. A clock synchronization device comprises a primary clock, a GNSS signal receiver, a receiver of reference signals of frequency and time of ground stations, as well as a central processor connected to them by data exchange channels. Unlike the prototype, the device further comprises an optical network port, a shaper of messages transmitted to the secondary clock connected to the input of the optical network port, and a shaper of messages received from the secondary clock connected to the input of the optical network port by the output, while the output of the primary clock connected to the first input of the shaper of messages transmitted to the secondary clock and the first input of the central processor, the second input of which is connected to the output of the shaper Mykh messages from the secondary clock, and an output connected to the second input of the clocks transmitted on the secondary messages.

The essence of the utility model and its feasibility are illustrated by the block diagram of the device for clock synchronization.

The inventive device for clock synchronization contains a primary clock 1, a receiver 2 GNSS signals, a receiver 3 of the reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations, as well as a central processor 4 connected to them by data exchange channels. The device also contains an optical network port 5, a shaper 6 transmitted to the secondary a clock of messages connected by its output to the input of the optical network port 5, and a shaper 7 of messages received from the secondary clock, connected by its input to the output of the optical network port 5. When this ohm, the output of the primary clock 1 is connected to the first input of the shaper 6 of messages transmitted to the secondary clock and the first input of the central processor 4, the second input of the central processor 4 is connected to the output of the shaper 7 of messages received from the secondary clock, and the output is connected to the second input of the shaper 6 transmitted to the secondary hours of messages.

The primary clock 1 is an electronic device containing a reference generator made, for example, on the basis of the rubidium frequency standard, a time scaler associated with it, made on the basis of frequency dividers, and a control device associated with the time scaler, which corrects the generated time scale ( not shown in the block diagram). The control device is connected by a data exchange channel with the central processor 4. The output of the shaper of the timeline forms the output of the primary clock 1 associated with the first input of the central processor 4 and the first input of the shaper 6 of messages transmitted to the secondary clock.

The GNSS signal receiver 2 is, for example, a GLONASS signal-processing module that selects UTC (SU) timeline information. The receiver 2 of the GNSS signals is connected by a data exchange channel with the central processor 4.

The receiver 3 of the reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations is, for example, a block for receiving computational modules of signals of pulsed-phase radio navigation systems of the DV range ("RNS-E", "RNS-V") and time signals of communication stations of the SDV range ("RAB -99 "," RICH-63 "). The receiver 3 of the reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations is connected by a data exchange channel with the central processor 4.

The central processor 4 can be performed on the basis of the "PLISS" microcircuits with the corresponding software.

The optical network port 5 can be made in the form of a combination of receiving and transmitting optocoupler pairs, providing message reception / transmission via a fiber-optic communication line connecting the inventive device with a synchronized object - a secondary clock (not shown in the structural diagram).

Shaper 6 messages transmitted to the secondary clock can be performed on the basis of a controller that converts the transmitted time codes and messages into the signal format of the optical network port 5.

The shaper 7 of messages received from the secondary clock can be performed on the basis of a controller that converts the signals from the optical network port 5 into the format of messages received by the central processor 4.

The inventive device for clock synchronization operates as follows.

The primary clock 1 forms the time scale of the primary clock. The timeline marks of the primary clock 1 and their codes corresponding to the transmission time, from the output of the primary clock 1 are supplied to the first input of the central processor 4 and the first input of the former 6 of the messages transmitted to the secondary clock.

The second input of the Central processor 4 from the output of the shaper 7 received from the secondary clock messages receive data from the synchronized secondary clock.

Using a receiver 2 GNSS signals or a receiver 3 reference signals of the frequency and time of ground stations (the receiver is selected according to the commands received from the central processor 4 via data exchange channels depending on the conditions of signal reception), the UTC (SU) timeline marks contained in in receivers 2 and 3 received. UTC (SU) timeline labels are sent to CPU 4.

In the central processor 4, the procedure for determining the discrepancy between the UTC (SU) time scale and the primary clock 1 time scale is carried out, the result of which is transmitted as a correction via the data exchange channel to primary clock 1, where this correction is entered into the primary clock 1 time scale, providing its combination with the UTC (SU) timeline.

Also in the Central processor 4, the procedure for determining the discrepancy between the time scale of the primary clock 1 and the time scale of the synchronized secondary clock, as well as the amount of time delay on the signal transmission path, is carried out.

Data characterizing the shift of the time scale of the secondary clock relative to the primary clock, as well as the amount of delay in the communication channel, from the output of the central processor 4 is fed to the second input of the shaper 6 of messages transmitted to the secondary clock, the first input of which receives the timeline marks of the primary clock 1 and their codes corresponding to the transmission time.

Shaper 6 of messages transmitted to the secondary clock on the basis of the received input data and signals generates output signals that are transmitted through the optical network port 5 to the fiber-optic communication line for transmission to synchronized secondary clocks.

On the side of the synchronized secondary clock, these signals are used to synchronize the time scale of the secondary clock relative to the time scale of the primary clock (questions of the performance and functioning of the secondary clock are not related to the subject of the claimed utility model and are not considered in the framework of this application). In addition, the secondary clock generates feedback messages, which are transmitted through the fiber-optic communication line to the optical network port 5 and then to the input of the shaper 7 of messages received from the secondary clock. From the output of the shaper 7, data from the secondary clock is fed to the second input of the central processor 4 for subsequent determination of the discrepancy between the time scale of the primary clock 1 and the time scale of the secondary clock, as well as the time delay on the signal transmission path.

The essence of the process of determining the discrepancy between the time scale of the primary clock 1 and the time scale of the secondary clock, as well as the time delay on the signal transmission path, can be explained by the following example.

The time scale label of the primary clock 1 and its code corresponding to the time t _{1 of} its transmission are received at the first input of the central processor 4, where it is fixed. The same label and its code are received from the output of the device via a fiber-optic communication line to the secondary clock, where the time t _{2 of} its reception is fixed in the time scale of the secondary clock. The value of time t ₂ represents the sum of the following components:

t ₂ = t ₁ + Δt _cm + Δt _tr

where: t ₁ - transmission time stamp in the time scale of the primary clock 1;

Δt _cm is the discrepancy (offset) between the time scale of the primary clock 1 and the time scale of the secondary clock;

Δt _tr - the value of the time delay on the signal propagation path along the fiber-optic communication line.

Next, the recorded value of t ₂ , as well as the time stamp of the secondary clock and its code at the time moment of the secondary clock t ₃ , where t ₃ > t ₂ , are transmitted through the fiber-optic communication line in the opposite direction to the optical network port 5 and then to the former 7 received from the secondary clock of messages, which converts the messages into the signal format of the Central processor 4.

The processor 4 remembers the values of t ₂ and t ₃ , and also records the time t _{4 of} receiving the time stamp of the secondary clock in the primary clock 1 time scale, which is the sum of the following components:

t ₄ = t ₃ -Δt _cm + Δt _tr

Based on the received messages about the values of t ₂ and t ₃ , taking into account the fixed value of t ₄ and previously fixed value of t ₁ in the processor 4, the desired values Δt _cm and Δt _{tr are} calculated by the formulas:

Δt _cm = [(t ₂ -t ₁ ) - (t ₄ -t ₃ )] / 2;

Δt _tr = [(t ₂ -t ₁ ) + (t ₄ -t ₃ )] / 2.

Thus obtained data characterizing the shift of the time scale of the secondary clock relative to the primary clock 1, as well as the amount of delay in the communication channel, are supplied, as mentioned above, to the second input of the shaper 6 messages transmitted to the secondary clock.

In shaper 6, this data, for example, is converted into a service message, which is simultaneously transmitted with the time clock marks of the primary clock 1 to synchronized secondary clocks, ensuring the accuracy of their time synchronization relative to the time scale of the primary clock 1.

The above shows that the claimed utility model is feasible and ensures the achievement of a technical result consisting in the creation of a device for synchronizing clocks, characterized by the possibility of generating output signals taking into account messages received from synchronized secondary clocks, which allows us to solve the problem of ensuring the accuracy of synchronization of the time scale of the secondary clock with respect to to the timeline of the primary hours.

Information sources

1. US 3756012, G04C 13/02, publ. 09/04/1973.

2. SU 591800, G04C 13/02, publ. 02/05/1978.

3. SU 1160361, G04C 13/02, publ. 06/07/1985.

4. RU 105752 (U1), G04C 13/00, publ. 06/20/2011.

Claims (1)

A clock synchronization device comprising a primary clock, a signal receiver of a global navigation satellite system, a receiver of reference signals of frequency and time of ground stations, as well as a central processor connected to them by data exchange channels, characterized in that the device further comprises an optical network port, a shaper transmitted to a secondary clock of messages, connected by its output to the input of the optical network port, and a shaper of messages received from the secondary clock, connected by its input to the output of the optical network port, while the output of the primary clock is connected to the first input of the shaper of messages transmitted to the secondary clock and the first input of the central processor, the second input of which is connected to the output of the shaper of messages received from the secondary clock, and the output is connected to the second input of the shaper of transmitted on the secondary hours of messages.

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