Fine Timing Reference Signal for Wireless Sync

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wideband reference signals used for time synchronization in wireless communication networks consume high energy and lack flexibility, making it difficult to introduce new channels and signals while maintaining accurate synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A fine timing reference signal (FTRS) is transmitted on demand, quasi-co-located with data transmission in a specific time-frequency resource pattern, configurable and spanning less than the entire bandwidth, allowing for energy-efficient and flexible synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wideband reference signals are transmitted continuously over all system bandwidth, then accurate time synchronization is maintained, but network energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidnetwork energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of fine timing reference signals (FTRS) only when needed for specific data transmissions, rather than continuous transmission of wideband reference signals. The network device determines whether to transmit FTRS based on whether data transmission occurs on the physical channel, creating a conditional periodic transmission pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting FTRS only in specific time-frequency resources where data transmission occurs, rather than uniformly across all system bandwidth. The FTRS pattern is configured to span only a portion of the available bandwidth (e.g., 100 resource blocks out of 500), providing localized synchronization support exactly where needed for active data transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If wideband reference signals are transmitted over all system bandwidth, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but flexibility to introduce new channels and signals is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth coverageVSAvoidchannel flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system bandwidth into multiple resource blocks and configures FTRS to occupy only a subset of these blocks (e.g., 100 resource blocks out of 500). This segmentation allows different portions of the bandwidth to be allocated to different purposes: FTRS for synchronization, data transmissions for user traffic, and reserved portions for future channels and signals, thereby maintaining flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the FTRS pattern can be reconfigured based on traffic conditions and service requirements. The network device can adjust the FTRS pattern configuration (time-frequency resources, bandwidth span) dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to changing demands and accommodate new channels and signals as technology evolves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by stationary object

If fine timing reference signals are transmitted occasionally on demand, then energy consumption is reduced and bandwidth flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork energy consumptionVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting FTRS immediately before or at the beginning of data transmission on the physical channel. This timing ensures that the wireless device receives the synchronization signal just in time for the associated data transmission, providing accurate timing reference without requiring continuous transmission. The FTRS is prepared and transmitted in advance of the data it supports, ensuring synchronization accuracy is maintained when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors data transmission conditions and wireless device performance to determine when FTRS transmission is necessary. Based on this feedback, the network dynamically adjusts FTRS transmission timing and frequency, ensuring synchronization accuracy is maintained while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10965432B2Methods and devices operating with fine timing reference signals transmitted occasionally

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Methods and devices enable a fine synchronization related to a data transmission on a physical channel. A fine timing reference signal is occasionally transmitted to the data transmission recipient using one of time-frequency resources in a recipient-specific pattern.