Absolute Time Synchronization via Baseband Timing Signalings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile networks rely on relative time synchronization, which degrades due to air link instability, and GNSS-based methods are ineffective in indoor, tunnel, and power grid scenarios, lacking accuracy and vulnerability to interference.
Innovation Solution
An absolute time synchronization method is implemented on a timing chip in a mobile terminal, using received timing signalings and real system frame information to calculate time delays and adjust time, synchronizing with a base station via air interface physical layer signals, incorporating a virtual state machine to manage jitter thresholds and discard inconsistent signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If relative time synchronization is used in mobile networks, then device complexity is reduced, but timing precision degrades due to air link instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absolute time reference as an intermediary element in the synchronization process. The base station transmits absolute time information through timing signalings, which serve as a mediator between the unstable air link and the terminal's timing requirements. This allows the terminal to achieve absolute time synchronization without requiring complex bidirectional synchronization mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If GNSS-based timing is used, then absolute time synchronization is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in indoor, tunnel, and power grid scenarios due to signal obstruction and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a local copy of the absolute time reference at the terminal by receiving and processing timing signalings from the base station. Instead of relying on external GNSS signals, the terminal maintains a local absolute time reference that is synchronized with the base station's clock, providing the same timing functionality without requiring line-of-sight to satellites.
3Measurement precision
If traditional NTP or PTP protocols are used in mobile networks, then timing synchronization is achieved, but stability deteriorates due to air link instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization function into distinct components: the base station generates absolute time references, transmits them through timing signalings, and the terminal processes these signalings to maintain synchronization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the base station providing stable absolute time references without being affected by air link variations.
4Measurement precision
If absolute time synchronization is implemented in mobile networks, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The timing chip is designed to autonomously process the timing signalings and maintain synchronization without requiring complex control mechanisms. The chip automatically calculates time delays, adjusts timing based on received absolute time information, and manages the synchronization process independently, reducing the overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method, an apparatus, and an electronic device for an absolute time synchronization, the method comprising: receiving, from a baseband processing chip, a first timing signaling and a first real system frame information of the received first timing signaling, the first timing signaling comprising a first absolute time corresponding to local time of a base station at time of transmission of the first timing signaling, and a first reference system frame information used by the base station for transmitting the first timing signaling; calculating a first time delay between the base station and the terminal based on at least the first absolute time, if the first real system frame information is consistent with the first reference system frame information; receiving, from the baseband processing chip, subsequent timing signalings and corresponding second real system frame information used by the base station for transmitting the subsequent timing signalings to the terminal, the subsequent timing signalings each comprising a second absolution time corresponding to the local time of the base station at time of transmission of the subsequent timing signaling and a second reference system frame information used by the base station for transmitting the subsequent timing signaling; for each of the subsequent timing signalings, determining a time delay adjustment value between the subsequent timing signaling and the first timing signaling based on at least the first time delay and the second absolute time, if the second real time system frame information is consistent with the second reference system frame information; and after a number of the received subsequent timing signalings reaches a target number, obtaining an absolute time information based on the time delay adjustment values corresponding to the target number of subsequent timing signaling; wherein the absolute time information is used to synchronize time of the terminal to time of the base station.