Time synchronization over redundant and deterministic switch-based avionics networks

Abstract

A system for time synchronization over redundant switch-based avionics networks is disclosed. The system includes a master or source clock for determining precise UTC timing information from received satellite signals and generating time marks based on the timing information. The source clock generates network-compatible timing messages and forwards the timing messages to network switches within the switch-based avionics networks. The network switches modify the timing information to account for switch-based delays and forward the modified timing messages to destination clocks in aircraft end systems. The end systems relay timing messages back to the source clock via the network switches, the timing information again modified by the network switches according to switch-based delays, and based on the precise timing information exchanged destination clocks in end systems throughout the switched network can precisely synchronize to the source clock.