Patent · US Active

Time synchronization apparatuses and methods for power-distribution systems and the like

US10340980B1 · kind B1 · utility

1Cited by
48References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 7, 2018
Grant dateJul 2, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 7, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04W56/00
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses and methods for time synchronizing between communication nodes of a communications network. In specific embodiments, the apparatus includes nodes having respective clocks circuit and communication circuitry for communicating with other nodes in the network, and the nodes convey or operate on power-related data indicative of power consumption within a power distribution system by communicating the power-related data between communication nodes of the network or system. Each node can provide a time synchronization request to another of the nodes within an interval after being permitted to join into the communications network, and which then results in the node setting the clock circuit to a parameter conveyed from the second node via timing information provided in a uniquely-recognizable data frame as communicated via one of the upper-level layers. The node maintains on-going time synchronization by communicating additional time synchronization requests within predetermined time ranges.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.