Base Station Synchronization Signal Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small base station synchronization methods suffer from poor synchronization performance due to the need for separate transmission and reception periods, leading to longer synchronization times and impacting timing synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A method where small base stations determine their synchronization status and configure their synchronization reference signals to transmit UE downlink and inter-station synchronization signals at different times, allowing for simultaneous UE downlink and inter-station synchronization within a single period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If small base stations use the same configuration to transmit synchronization reference signal for both inter-station synchronization and UE downlink synchronization, then the configuration is simple and uniform, but the synchronization time is extended because transmission and reception must be separated by at least one transmission period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization reference signal into two distinct types: inter-station synchronization reference signal and UE downlink synchronization reference signal. This segmentation allows the base station to transmit different synchronization signals at different time points within the same transmission period, thereby achieving both inter-station synchronization and UE downlink synchronization simultaneously without extending the synchronization time. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling functional differentiation while maintaining configuration simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic transmission of synchronization reference signals within a transmission period. By configuring the base station to transmit inter-station synchronization reference signal at a first time point and UE downlink synchronization reference signal at a second time point within the same period, the system achieves both synchronization objectives periodically without requiring separate transmission periods. This periodic action eliminates the time loss that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If small base stations separate the transmission and reception of synchronization reference signals by at least one transmission period, then simultaneous transmission and reception at the same frequency is avoided, but the synchronization performance deteriorates due to longer synchronization time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reception reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction by introducing a time dimension differentiation within the same transmission period. Instead of separating transmission and reception into different periods (time dimension at period level), the invention uses different time points within the same period (time dimension at sub-period level). This allows the base station to receive inter-station synchronization reference signal from a neighboring base station at a first time point and transmit UE downlink synchronization reference signal at a second time point within the same transmission period, achieving both reliability and reduced synchronization time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the transmission period of synchronization reference signal is made relatively long, then the signal transmission is more stable, but the time required to achieve inter-station synchronization and UE downlink synchronization is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by configuring both inter-station synchronization reference signal and UE downlink synchronization reference signal to be transmitted within the same transmission period. This continuous operation within a single period maintains signal transmission stability while eliminating the idle time that would occur if synchronization were spread across multiple periods. The base station can continuously perform both reception and transmission functions without interruption, achieving stability and speed simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2943023B1Synchronization method and base station
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2943023B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2943023B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2943023B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provide a synchronization method and base station, and the method includes: determining, by a base station, a synchronization status of the base station itself, where the synchronization status includes: a synchronized base station, or, a synchronization source base station; and configuring, by the base station, according to the determined synchronization status of the base station itself, a synchronization reference signal of the base station, in order that a first time is different from a second time, where the first time is a time where the synchronization reference signal of the base station is located, and the second time is a time where an inter-station synchronization reference signal of the base station's synchronization source base station is located. The embodiments of the present invention can improve the synchronization performance.