5G Oscillator Synchronization via 4G Timing Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, transitioning from 4G to 5G connectivity poses challenges in establishing synchronization due to frequency offset issues, particularly at millimeter wave frequencies, where the frequency offset is significantly higher than at LTE frequencies, affecting communication quality.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing 4G synchronization parameters, such as timing reference signals, to set a precise frequency reference for 5G oscillators, reducing frequency offset and enabling efficient establishment of 5G connectivity by leveraging 4G clock signals and timing synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 5G oscillators use independent frequency reference at millimeter wave frequencies, then 5G communication can be established, but frequency offset increases significantly affecting communication quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidfrequency offset
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using 4G timing synchronization parameters to pre-adjust the 5G oscillator frequency before 5G communication begins. The 4G base station provides timing reference signals that the 5G oscillator uses to reduce frequency offset in advance, preventing communication quality degradation rather than correcting it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses 4G timing synchronization parameters as an intermediary between the 4G network and 5G oscillator. These parameters act as a mediator that transfers frequency reference information from the 4G base station to the 5G oscillator, enabling accurate frequency synchronization without requiring a separate frequency reference establishment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If 5G oscillators establish independent frequency reference, then 5G connectivity can be established, but time duration for synchronization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacquisition speedVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the 5G oscillator acquire timing synchronization parameters from 4G signals before 5G communication begins. This pre-synchronization reduces the time required for 5G frequency reference establishment, as the oscillator already has a preliminary frequency reference from the 4G network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by using the 4G timing synchronization parameters for dual purposes: first for 4G communication synchronization, and then as a frequency reference for 5G oscillator synchronization. This multi-functional use of the same signal reduces overall synchronization time across both networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3516909B1Synchronizing a 5g communication channel using a 4g timing synchronization parameter
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3516909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3516909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3516909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for clock synchronization in a communication system having first circuitry coupled to a first communication channel and second circuitry, includes generating a first timing synchronization parameter, and synchronizing the second circuitry to a second communication channel using the first timing synchronization parameter.