Thesis Work for A µs time synchronization for industrial applications: between fantasy and reality

Placering
Västerås

Thesis Work for A µs time synchronization for industrial applications: between fantasy and reality
At ABB, we are dedicated to addressing global challenges. Our core values: care, courage, curiosity, and collaboration - combined with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities - are key drivers in our aim to empower everyone to create sustainable solutions. That's our story. Make it your story.
This position reports to
R&D Team Lead

Your role and responsibilities
ABB Corporate Research Center in Sweden is located in Västerås, about 100 kilometers west of Stockholm. Together with our colleagues in other R&D centers we develop technologies for future products and services for ABB's core businesses. Precision Time Protocol (PTP) has been designed for keeping time accuracy of device clocks over a communication network on a µs level. That would be sufficient for stringent industrial applications, e.g., control of collaborative robots or power grids. However, PTP postulates use of specialized hardware, software, and support mechanisms, which may be costly. In addition, reaching such a high accuracy is prone to different impact factors, e.g., network performance variations and environmental conditions. All that may be especially challenging for resource-constrained embedded systems. How realistic would it, then, be for industrial applications to rely on PTP for timekeeping? Details: • Number of students: 1 • Start ASAP, for a total working time of 5 months • Number of credits: 30 ECTS • Work on-site at ABB Corporate Research in Västerås, ABB may cover the accommodation Research questions: • Which impact factors are most challenging for time synchronization (TS) on a µs level? • Is such high time accuracy attainable on resource-constrained embedded platforms with a general-purpose TS protocol? Goals: • Review hardware and software requirements for running Precision Time Protocol (PTP) • Deploy one of the existing PTP implementations on a case-study embedded platform • Evaluate time accuracy and its impact factors Approach: • Analyze PTP implementations, focusing on their suitability to execute under embedded OSes • Install and configure a selected PTP implementation to act as client (i.e., “clock follower”) • Design and implement methodology for a systematic evaluation of PTP-controlled time and impact factors • Carry out analysis for selected evaluation scenarios

Qualifications for the role

• Strong affinity for exploring new topics
• General understanding of computer networks and Internet protocols’ operation
• Good software development skills, a proficiency in C or C++ is advantageous
• Previous experience with embedded platforms and associated OSes (e.g., FreeRTOS)
• Good spoken and written English

More about us
Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 99 06, will answer your questions. For any other questions, please contact Ognjen Dobrijevic ([email protected]). Please note that we can only accept applications submitted through our online career portal. Applications via e-mail will have to be deleted and not processed due to data privacy requirements. Positions are filled continuously. Apply with your CV, academic transcripts, a cover letter in English, and references to your previous technical work. Welcome to apply! We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe. #MyABBStory #Li-onsite

Locations
Västerås, Sweden