Base Station Timing Calibration Using Single-Cell RTT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timing misalignments among base stations in wireless communications networks, such as 5G networks, lead to inaccurate geographic location determinations of user equipment (UE) due to timing errors in signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for calibrating base stations using a single cell-round trip time (SC-RTT) technique to detect and adjust timing misalignments, employing an analysis engine to determine correction values based on observed downlink and uplink communication timing values, and applying these corrections to synchronize base station timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If base station timing calibration is performed using multiple cells, then timing accuracy is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential timing calibration function to a single reference cell, separating the timing calibration task from multi-cell operations. By identifying and using only one reference cell for timing measurements, the system achieves adequate timing accuracy without the complexity of coordinating multiple cells for calibration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location management function (LMF) as an intermediary that collects timing measurements from multiple user equipment and processes them to determine base station timing offsets. This intermediary handles the complex calculations centrally, allowing individual base stations to use simple single-cell reference procedures while still achieving accurate timing calibration through the LMF's processing.
2Reliability
If timing calibration measurements are performed frequently, then timing synchronization is improved, but network overhead and signaling consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs timing calibration measurements in advance during idle periods when user equipment is already connected for location services. By collecting timing measurements from multiple UEs and processing them through the LMF before actual timing calibration is needed, the system prepares timing offset values proactively, reducing the need for frequent real-time measurement exchanges and signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables user equipment to autonomously perform timing measurements and report them to the location management function without requiring direct coordination with multiple base stations. Each UE independently measures timing offsets relative to its serving cell and reports these measurements, allowing the system to aggregate data from multiple sources without increasing individual base station signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for calibrating base station timing for user equipment (UE) positioning determination are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computerized method is disclosed comprising obtaining signal transmission and reception data samples for a base station and user equipment (UE) pairing, determining an observed downlink communication timing value and an observed uplink communication timing value for the base station and UE pairing using the obtained data samples, determining a true over the air (true OTA) value using the observed downlink and uplink communication timing values, determining a timing correction using the true OTA and one of the observed downlink and uplink communication timing values; and calibrating a timing of the base station using the determined timing correction.