Time Synchronization via Distributed Unit System Information Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in implementing high-precision time synchronization between terminals in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system when a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) are separated, due to significant transmission delays, making it difficult to provide accurate timing for terminals.
Innovation Solution
A time synchronization method and apparatus that enables terminals to receive high-precision time information through a system information block (SIB) generated by either the DU or CU, which includes time information indicating a moment corresponding to a boundary of a system frame number (SFN), allowing terminals to determine and synchronize with precise time references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) are separated from each other, then the system architecture becomes more flexible and scalable, but the transmission delay between CU and DU increases, making it difficult to provide accurate timing for terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into CU and DU segments, where the DU generates and broadcasts time information through SIB messages independently, while the CU maintains the master time reference. This segmentation allows the DU to provide local time synchronization without waiting for CU instructions, reducing transmission delay while maintaining architectural flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIB message acts as an intermediary carrier that transports time information from the DU to terminals. The DU serves as an intermediary node that receives time reference from CU (or external source) and redistributes it to terminals, eliminating the need for direct CU-terminal communication for time synchronization and reducing overall transmission delay.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision time information is sent to terminals in broadcast or unicast manner, then time synchronization precision is improved, but the complexity of the system increases when CU and DU are separated
Solution Approach 1:
The time information generation and broadcasting function is extracted from the CU and assigned to the DU. The DU independently generates SIB messages containing time information based on its local time reference, eliminating the need for complex coordinated scheduling between CU and DU for time information distribution, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The DU performs self-service by autonomously generating and broadcasting time information through SIB messages without requiring real-time intervention from the CU. The DU uses its locally maintained time reference to create accurate time stamps, enabling independent time synchronization service delivery and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to time synchronization methods and apparatus. In one example method, a terminal receives a system information block (SIB) sent by a distributed unit (DU), where the SIB is generated by the DU, the SIB includes time information, and the time information indicates a moment corresponding to a boundary of a system frame number (SFN) at which an end boundary of a system information (SI) window for sending the SIB is located, or indicates a moment corresponding to a boundary of an SFN immediately after an end boundary of an SI window for sending the SIB. The UE processes the time information to obtain a time reference.