Guard-Space Timestamp Point for 5G Clock Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in precisely synchronizing clocks for 5G and 6G networks due to high frequencies, requiring improved methods for timing and frequency adjustment without excessive messaging.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a guard-space timestamp point, which is a detectable pattern or change in the modulation of a synchronization waveform within the guard-space of a wireless signal, allows user devices to precisely synchronize their clocks with base stations by measuring the time of the timestamp point relative to the guard-space boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless messages are used to distribute timing information, then mobile users can be supported, but synchronization precision deteriorates at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing information from the message content and places it in a dedicated guard space region. By separating the timestamp function from the message data, the system achieves precise synchronization measurements without the interference of message processing, thereby resolving the contradiction between mobile support and synchronization precision at high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The guard space acts as an intermediary element that carries timing information independently of the message content. This mediator allows the receiver to perform precise timestamp measurements while the message data is being processed, enabling both mobile user support and high precision synchronization to coexist
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing information is distributed in wireless messages, then cable distribution is eliminated, but messaging overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing information with the existing wireless message structure by embedding the timestamp in the guard space. This combination allows timing distribution to occur simultaneously with message transmission without requiring separate signaling channels, thereby eliminating cable distribution needs while minimizing messaging overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The guard space serves multiple functions: it provides timing information (timestamp), maintains message structure integrity, and supports both data transmission and synchronization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional overhead elements, allowing wireless distribution to achieve cable-like efficiency
3Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are transmitted frequently, then synchronization precision is improved, but communication traffic is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous timing information extraction from every message's guard space without requiring dedicated synchronization transmissions. This continuous availability of timestamp data maintains high synchronization precision while allowing communication traffic to flow uninterrupted, as the timing information is embedded in the regular message stream rather than requiring separate signaling events
Data Source
AI summary
A base station can cause a multitude of user devices in a network to be synchronized with the base station's clock using an ultra-lean low-complexity procedure in 5G or 6G. On a predetermined interval, the base station can transmit a timing signal in the guard-space of a predetermined resource element. The timing signal is a 180-degree phase reversal of the cyclic prefix centered in the guard-space. Each user device can receive the timing signal, determine how far the received timestamp point is from the middle of the guard-space (as viewed by the user device), and thereby determine a timing error between the user device clock and the base station clock, and correct the user device clock accordingly. In addition, the user device can average the timing adjustments over a number of instances, thereby determining a frequency offset if the average differs significantly from zero, and thereby adjust the clock frequency.