DAS Synchronization via SS/PBCH Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in achieving time division duplex synchronization, especially indoors where GPS signals are unreliable, leading to increased deployment costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method for decoding the SS/PBCH block from a time division duplex cell to determine the starting position of a radio frame, allowing for time division duplex synchronization without the need for a GPS receiver, by using a cell search and downlink synchronization process to obtain the index of the SS/PBCH block and perform synchronization based on preset uplink and downlink configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is configured in the Distributed Antenna System to achieve time division duplex synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the traditional GPS-dependent approach and implements it through base station signaling. The DAS synchronization terminal obtains synchronization information by decoding SS/PBCH blocks from the serving cell, thereby eliminating the need for GPS receivers and achieving synchronization through extracted signaling data from existing cellular infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SS/PBCH block indexing as an intermediary mechanism to convey synchronization information. The base station embeds synchronization data within the SS/PBCH block structure, which the DAS synchronization terminal then decodes to obtain timing information, using this intermediary signaling structure to bridge the synchronization requirement without GPS hardware.
2Reliability
If GPS antenna is installed outdoors to solve GPS signal coverage, then signal reception is improved, but engineering complexity of deploying the Distributed Antenna System increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external GPS antenna requirement by extracting synchronization information from the cellular network's own signaling structures. The DAS synchronization terminal obtains timing data by decoding SS/PBCH blocks transmitted by the serving base station, thereby taking out the external GPS dependency and using internal network signaling instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the cellular network to serve its own synchronization needs through self-contained signaling. The base station transmits SS/PBCH blocks that encode synchronization information, and the DAS synchronization terminal extracts this information from the same network infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient without external GPS services.
3Measurement precision
If traditional centralized antenna system uses GPS for synchronization, then synchronization is achieved, but deployment cost increases for indoor DAS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive GPS receivers and antennas with a low-cost software-based synchronization terminal that decodes SS/PBCH blocks. This disposable-like approach uses existing cellular signaling infrastructure rather than requiring permanent, expensive GPS hardware installation at each DAS location, significantly reducing deployment costs while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SS/PBCH block structure serve multiple functions: it provides both system information broadcasting and synchronization timing reference. The same signaling structure used for cellular network operation also carries the synchronization data needed by DAS terminals, eliminating the need for separate synchronization infrastructure and reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method, device, and apparatus for time division duplex synchronization for a distributed antenna system, and a medium. The method comprises: decoding a SS/PBCH block from a time division duplex cell, and obtaining an index of the SS/PBCH block; determining, according to the index of the SS/PBCH block, a starting position of a radio frame in which the SS/PBCH block is located; and performing time division duplex synchronization according to the starting position of the radio frame and a preset uplink and downlink configuration of the radio frame.