Time-sensitive networks based on ultra-accurate synchronization mechanisms

Résumé

This thesis explores advanced topics with respect to the construction, implementation, and validation of TSN systems. Hence, in Part I, we provide the reader with an overview of the main technologies and specifications that lie at the foundation of TSN networks. We also introduce the use and definition of profiles for TSN and emphasize their pivotal role in ensuring that the adoption of TSN will be widespread in multiple industries and applications, as they provide well-defined “templates” tailored to the requirements of a specific application domain. After that, we present the experimental methodologies, tools, laboratory material, and the layout of the test benches that we used during the development and experimental characterization stages. We built convergent TSN network systems with the use of these elements. This convergence is the fundamental property that will allow the eventual replacement of fieldbuses. Hence, TSN networks can handle critical data, best-effort traffic, and timing synchronization protocols simultaneously. In this context, we also introduce a motivational case with White Rabbit (WR) synchronization in the Cherenkov Telescope Array to illustrate how an integration with TSN could pave the way for the use of TSN networks for scientific infrastructures. We show that we have implemented a deterministic TSN system using a highly customizable FPGA architecture, that is also adaptable, and that can be fitted and targeted to multiple devices and scenarios. In this context, we emphasize our successful implementation of the system for major use cases in the Smart Grid and for the avionics of the Miura 1 microlauncher. Also, we have shown the preliminary results of our integration with WR timing for exploring the application of TSN to scientific infrastructure and other advanced topics related to the automatic generation of configuration parameters. We conclude by assessing the overall level of compliance of our initial objectives and with the proposal of an upgrade path for the system as future work. Lastly, we have included some considerations in the Appendixes on select topics relating to network driver development for embedded Linux environments.