Research Platform for Quality of Time (QoT) Stack

Abstract:

Existing platforms are built with a static network connecting microprocessor, radio, clock system, and other components. This static configuration prevents researchers from experimentally validating the trade-offs between the way that clocks are conditioned and distributed, and the performance of the embedded system. In particular, such design decisions have major impact on time synchronization. An adaptable hardware platform is developed in order to experiment with and develop new wireless time synchronization technologies. With this platform, researchers can dynamically reconfigure the hardware to perform experiments ranging from low power to high precision time synchronization. In addition, the hardware allows researchers to directly specify Quality-of-Time (QoT) through software via an FPGA-synthesized Roseline QoT module. This module is the interface between the Linux kernel and the Roseline QoT module which allows 1) control of the frequency via external conditioning circuits, and 2) tuning of delays and jitter in the clock system. Future work will explore the new experimental capabilities provided by the platform and Roseline QoT module. We will also explore new capabilities using clock skew and offset measurements made possible with the platform and the on-board CC1200.