Clock synchronization over networks using sawtooth models

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for clock synchronization and ranging in wireless networks using sawtooth signal models and time-to-digital converters, achieving low communication overhead.

Contribution

It develops a sawtooth signal model for round trip times and derives Cramér-Rao bounds, providing new theoretical insights and evaluation methods for synchronization techniques.

Findings

Derived Cramér-Rao lower bounds for the model

Evaluated estimation techniques via simulation

Demonstrated low communication overhead benefits

Abstract

Clock synchronization and ranging over a wireless network with low communication overhead is a challenging goal with tremendous impact. In this paper, we study the use of time-to-digital converters in wireless sensors, which provides clock synchronization and ranging at negligible communication overhead through a sawtooth signal model for round trip times between two nodes. In particular, we derive Cram\'{e}r-Rao lower bounds for a linearitzation of the sawtooth signal model, and we thoroughly evaluate simple estimation techniques by simulation, giving clear and concise performance references for this technology.