Call for Papers

Distribution of accurate synchronization has been a fundamental prerequisite for the correct operation of telecommunications network for a long time. The recent evolution of mobile networks (e.g., 5G), further increased the need for the distribution of accurate and reliable time synchronization, due to wider use of Time Division Duplex (TDD) techniques and the support of critical infrastructure.

The need for time synchronization is continuously increasing in several industries other than Telecom, as they are building the infrastructure for a Smart Society. Machine Type Communications (industrial automation, smart grids, automotive), Data Centers, Network Analytics, and Finance are some key examples.  Accurate location is another key application that often relies on the distribution of accurate timing. Many of these applications require traceability to an official realization of UTC, Coordinated Universal Time. The new concept of “Time as a Service” has been introduced as a method of providing time with some level of guarantees.

Evolution of the existing time synchronization techniques, as well as definition of new solutions, are expected to continue to support existing and future needs of all these industries.  The support of some of these applications over the new radio interfaces (e.g., 5G) calls for new integrated solutions such as IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization integrated with the methods used to synchronize the radio base stations.  Definition of new application areas that can benefit from the availability of an accurate and reliable time distribution can be anticipated.

This Feature Topic (FT) would address the synchronization needs and solutions in various industries. It would touch upon the gaps between these needs and the current solutions, as well as the expected evolutions of the current synchronization methods to meet current and future needs of these various industries. New application areas of time synchronization are also in the scope of this FT.

As a consequence, topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Evolution and future of Sync in radio access (5G and beyond)
• Sync in Intelligent Transport Systems; how is this dependent on time synchronization
• Sync in automotive (e.g. real time precision for Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for safety applications, real time of multiple sensor data within the automotive)
• Industrial Automation and its integration with the 5G radio: what are the synchronization challenges and solutions.
• Synchronization implications in Smart Grid (e.g., as related to the diversity in power sources and distributed generation of power): requirements and solutions
• Sync in Financial; as it relates to High Frequency Transactions, and implications of the new regulations.
• Dissemination of UTC realizations, including certified timing with guaranteed traceability and accuracy, for industrial and other applications.
• New opportunities that a high accurate and reliable distributed time source enables (e.g. in Network Analytics).

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should conform to the standard format as indicated in the Information for Authors section of the Manuscript Submission Guidelines. Please, check these guidelines carefully since they have been updated recently.

All manuscripts to be considered for publication must be submitted by the deadline through Manuscript Central. Select the "April 2020: Time Synchronization Across the Industry for a Smart Society" topic from the drop-down menu of Topic/Series titles. Please observe the dates specified here below noting that there will be no extension of submission deadline.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submission Deadline: 1 October 2019
Decision Notification: 3 January 2020
Final Manuscript Due: 15 February 2020
Publication Date: April 2020

Guest Editors

Stefano Ruffini
Ericsson, Italy

Silvana Rodrigues
IDT, Canada

Maciej Lipinski
CERN, Switzerland

Marc Weiss
WSTS Chair/Time & Frequency Expert Consultant, US