CPRI PON Synchronization Error Reduction via Symmetric Wavelength Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synchronization methods in C-RANs, particularly in CPRI PONs, face challenges in achieving accurate timing offset calculations due to latency differences between upstream and downstream signals, which can lead to synchronization errors and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves selecting upstream and downstream wavelengths that are symmetric or centered around the zero-dispersion wavelength of the fiber to minimize latency differences, allowing for more accurate timing offset calculations and reduced synchronization errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional synchronization methods are used in CPRI PONs, then synchronization can be maintained, but latency differences between upstream and downstream signals cause timing offset calculation errors and reduced synchronization accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming offset calculation accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameters of optical signals to minimize latency differences. Specifically, it selects downstream wavelengths and upstream wavelengths that are symmetric about the zero-dispersion wavelength of the fiber, which optimizes the group velocity of light at these wavelengths and reduces propagation time differences between upstream and downstream directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary wavelength selection before synchronization operations. By pre-selecting wavelength pairs that minimize latency differences (such as 1270nm for upstream and 1331nm for downstream), the system eliminates the need for complex real-time latency compensation and directly achieves accurate timing offset calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If wavelength selection is optimized to reduce latency differences, then synchronization accuracy improves, but wavelength planning and selection become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidwavelength planning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific wavelength selection criteria based on fiber dispersion characteristics. By defining wavelength pairs symmetric about the zero-dispersion wavelength (e.g., 1270nm/1331nm, 1295.56nm/1309.14nm), the system provides clear, standardized wavelength planning guidelines that reduce complexity while maintaining high synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If asymmetric wavelengths are used for upstream and downstream, then latency differences occur, but using symmetric wavelengths around zero-dispersion wavelength reduces these latency differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatency differenceVSAvoidtiming offset calculation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent intentionally introduces symmetry in wavelength selection to counteract the natural asymmetry in propagation delays. By selecting wavelengths that are symmetric about the zero-dispersion wavelength, the system creates equal and opposite dispersion effects that cancel out latency differences, enabling accurate timing offset calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces synchronization errors, achieving timing offset calculations within ±1.25 ns or less, which meets the stringent requirements for 5G applications, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of synchronization in C-RANs.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting the first synchronization message through a fiber; and receiving the second synchronization message through the fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

the first wavelength and the second wavelength are approximately symmetric about a zero-dispersion wavelength of the fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZero-dispersion wavelength: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP3545630B1Synchronization error reduction in common public radio interface (CPRI) passive optical networks (PONS)
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3545630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545630B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3545630B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A first apparatus comprises: a processor configured to generate a first synchronization message; a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the first synchronization message to a second apparatus at a first wavelength; and a receiver coupled to the processor and configured to receive a second synchronization message from the second apparatus at a second wavelength and in response to the first synchronization message, the first wavelength and the second wavelength are based on a reduction of a latency difference between the second synchronization message and the first synchronization message, and the processor is further configured to calculate a TO between the first apparatus and the second apparatus based on the reduction.