DCI Timing Advance Commands for Flexible UE Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE and NR, lack efficient mechanisms for conveying timing advance commands, especially in scenarios where medium access control elements are not feasible, leading to synchronization challenges in UE communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing timing advance commands in downlink control information (DCI) with an action time period that allows synchronized communication by defining the delay for UE implementation, using subcarrier spacing and acknowledgement messages to ensure timely adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If timing advance commands are conveyed through MAC CE, then the UE can receive timing advance information, but the mechanism becomes complex and less flexible when MAC CE are not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing advance command functionality from the MAC CE mechanism and relocates it to the DCI format 1_0 structure. This allows timing advance commands to be conveyed independently through Downlink Control Information, eliminating the dependency on MAC CE and providing flexibility when MAC CE are not available or feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes DCI format 1_0 multi-functional by enabling it to carry both downlink scheduling information and timing advance commands. This universal approach allows a single DCI format to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated structures and simplifying the overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If timing advance commands are implemented without action time period, then the command can be executed immediately, but the UE cannot properly process the command and maintain synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an action time period parameter that specifies when the UE should apply the timing advance command relative to the reception time. This allows the UE to properly process and prepare for the timing adjustment, ensuring reliable synchronization while controlling the delay through predefined time parameters.
3Productivity
If the UE implements timing advance command immediately upon reception, then the response time is reduced, but the UE cannot transmit acknowledgement messages timely
Solution Approach 1:
The action time period allows the UE to prepare for and process the timing advance command in advance, ensuring that when the command is executed, the UE is ready to maintain proper timing while still having opportunity to transmit necessary acknowledgements before the next transmission opportunity.
4Productivity
If downlink control information is used for timing advance commands, then the signaling efficiency is improved, but the existing DCI structure does not support this functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends DCI format 1_0 to serve multiple functions: downlink scheduling and timing advance command conveyance. By making this single DCI format multi-functional, the system achieves improved signaling efficiency without requiring separate dedicated structures, thus avoiding significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the existing DCI format 1_0 by adding timing advance command parameters to its structure. This parameter extension allows the same DCI format to carry both scheduling information and timing advance commands, achieving signaling efficiency while managing complexity through structured parameter addition rather than creating entirely new structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, in one or more downlink resources, a timing advance command in downlink control information; and implement the timing advance command after an action time period commencing from receipt of the timing advance command elapses. Numerous other aspects are provided.