System, method, and device to distribute accurate synchronization timestamps in an expandable and timing critical system

Abstract

Techniques are described to provide a device and network of devices that collect distributed coordinated timestamps from distributed time counters in a multi-module or multi-integrated circuit system. The interconnect between the modules can be a single-wire or a two-wire interconnect. The modules communicatively coupled to the interconnect can use a collision-avoidance protocol for triggering the broadcasting of timestamps among the modules as well for allowing all modules to transmit their timestamps. Timestamps from multiple clocks can be transmitted by all modules and then collected and compared to produce correction factors to clock signals of each module to potentially achieve distributed clock synchronization in multiple independent modules or integrated circuits.