Dual Frequency Timing Acquisition in Compressed WCDMA Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WCDMA communication networks face challenges in efficiently handling inter-frequency hand-offs, which require additional synchronization circuitry and increase costs for mobile handsets, as they need to tune into different frequency bands while maintaining communication with the initial base station.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dual frequency timing acquisition in compressed WCDMA communication networks, where received signals from multiple base stations are processed and stored in separate memory portions, allowing for simultaneous synchronization with one frequency while searching for another, using a processing circuitry and memory configuration that includes a synchronizing matched filter and IIR filter to determine slot timing and frame boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional synchronization circuitry is added to handle inter-frequency hand-offs, then the ability to synchronize with multiple frequencies is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing single-frequency synchronization circuitry universal by enabling it to handle multiple frequencies through software-based frequency switching. The same hardware circuitry is used for both frequency synchronization tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the synchronization process by storing received signal samples in memory and re-processing them at different frequencies. Instead of physically duplicating hardware, the system copies the signal data and applies different frequency transformations through digital signal processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile handset tunes into a second frequency while maintaining communication on the first frequency, then inter-frequency hand-off capability is improved, but the need for additional circuitry increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single synchronization circuit to perform multiple frequency synchronization functions by implementing frequency switching capability through software control. This eliminates the need to manufacture handsets with separate hardware for each frequency band, reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of having separate physical circuitry for each frequency with a digital/software-based frequency switching mechanism. This substitution reduces hardware complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to handle multiple frequencies.
3Productivity
If compressed frames are used to allow frequency switching, then network capacity and efficiency are improved, but the timing acquisition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing received signal samples in memory during the compressed frame intervals when the first base station is not transmitting. This pre-stored data is then reused for frequency switching operations, eliminating the need for complex real-time acquisition during frequency transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by re-processing stored signal samples through the synchronization circuitry multiple times with different frequency settings. The system uses the output from one frequency acquisition to inform and optimize the next frequency acquisition, creating an iterative refinement process that simplifies overall timing acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for dual frequency timing acquisition for compressed WCDMA communication networks may include processing received WCDMA signals. The WCDMA signals, which may be primary synchronization channel signals, may comprise signals transmitted by one base station at one frequency band and by another base station at a different frequency band, during a compressed frame. Samples of the received WCDMA signals from the different base stations may be stored in portions of a memory allocated for signals from each base station. The received WCDMA signals having the first frequency band may be processed via the processing circuitry during a non-compressed frame. The samples corresponding to the signals with the first frequency band during the non-compressed frame may be stored in the memory. The received WCDMA signals may be sampled at a faster rate during the non-compressed frame than during the compressed frame.