DC Power Line Synchronization for Automotive Sensors

摘要

A network such as an in-vehicle powerline communication (PLC) network may allow PLC nodes to communicate over existing powerlines. Provided in the present disclosure are exemplary techniques for synchronizing network nodes (e.g., PLC nodes) with a network clock for the network so that data generated at each node may share a common time reference. For example, a synchronization (sync) signal may be generated by a master node and broadcast to other PLC nodes over a PLC channel, which may also carry data frames to and from other PLC nodes. The network clock may be autonomously generated by the master node or may be tied to an external clock.

主权项

1. A method of time synchronization implemented by a first node in a network that comprises the first node and at least one additional node, the method comprising:
generating a central beacon comprising information that indicates a network clock; transmitting the central beacon to the at least one additional node over a powerline communication (PLC) channel; and receiving data frames from the at least one additional node over the PLC channel.