Method and apparatus for conveying and reproducing multiple independent timebases using a shared reference clock, clock snapshots and a packet network

摘要

Disclosed are methods and systems of conveying and reproducing independent timebases in a network. The methods include distributing a common measurement clock and a common measurement clock counter to a plurality of cards in a master chassis in the network. Distributed master clock counters are locked to an external input signal in each of the plurality of cards. Periodic snapshots of a count value generated by the master clock counter are taken. A counter speed of the master clock counter is analyzed to create a future snapshot of the count value. The future snapshot of the count value is transmitted from the master chassis to at least one receiving chassis in the network. The association between master counters and slave counters is programmable by various means including modifying the routing of the snapshot packets.