Clock Synchronization via Time Generator and Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synchronizing clocks in wireless base stations face challenges such as complexity in engineering installation, high cost, and low reliability due to the need for antennas and dedicated cables, particularly when the base band module's location is not suitable for antenna placement and the reliability of long-distance clock signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses one or more time generators on the radio frequency module side to generate and transmit synchronous signals to a time distributor on the base band module side, which adjusts the clock signal for communication delay and sends it to both the radio frequency and base band modules, eliminating the need for antennas and dedicated cables by utilizing existing interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clock source is located at the REC/BB and distributed to the RE/RFM through the base band radio frequency interface, then the synchronization can be maintained in the whole network, but the antenna must be connected to the REC/BB from a position suitable for arranging the antenna, which brings complexity in engineering and may lead to infeasibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the time synchronization function into two independent parts: a time generator located at the RE/RFM side and a time distributor located at the REC/BB side. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without requiring complex antenna connections to the REC/BB, thereby reducing engineering complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The time generator acts as an intermediary component that converts external clock signals into synchronous signals suitable for transmission through the base band radio frequency interface. This intermediary function eliminates the need for direct antenna connections to the REC/BB, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If the time receiver is set at the outside of the base band and connected through a dedicated cable, then the clock synchronous signals can be transmitted to the base band, but a cable for transmitting the clock/synchronous signals must be added, which brings inconvenience for engineering and requires additional circuits such as lightening-proof
Solution Approach 1:
The time generator at the RE/RFM side serves multiple functions: it receives external clock signals, generates synchronous signals, and transmits them through the existing base band radio frequency interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated cables and additional protection circuits, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RE/RFM side autonomously generates the synchronous signals it needs through the time generator, rather than relying on external time receivers and dedicated cable connections. This self-service capability eliminates additional hardware requirements and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the time receiver is set at the outside of the base band and connected through a dedicated cable, then the clock synchronous signals can be transmitted to the base band, but the reliability of the long distance transmission is also a problem
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the time synchronization function and placing the time generator at the RE/RFM side close to the antenna, the system eliminates long-distance cable transmissions. The synchronous signals are generated locally and transmitted only over the necessary base band radio frequency interface distance, thereby improving transmission reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for synchronizing clock, which is used to realize the synchronization between a radio frequency module and a base band module in a base station, comprises: one or more time generators, located on the radio frequency module side, configured to generate a synchronous signal according to an external clock signal, and to send the synchronous signal to a time distributor; the time distributor, located on the base band module side, configured to generate a synchronous clock according to a synchronous signal from one of the one or more time generators, and to adjust the synchronous clock according to a communication delay between the time generator which outputs the synchronous signal and the time distributor, and to send the synchronous clock adjusted to the radio frequency module and the base band module to realize the synchronization between the radio frequency module and the base band module.