Intercell UE-to-UE CLI Timing Synchronization for Accurate Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately measuring UE-to-UE cross link interference (CLI) due to improper timing synchronization, leading to inter-carrier interference and inefficient dynamic TDD configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method for a UE to determine CLI signal reception timing by utilizing propagation delay differences based on received downlink signals from multiple base stations, without relying on inaccurate assumptions about cell sizes or radii.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic TDD configuration is implemented to enhance spectrum efficiency, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but UE-to-UE cross link interference occurs when uplink symbols of one cell collide with downlink symbols of nearby cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidcross link interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful CLI signal into a measurable quantity by having the UE measure the received CLI signal strength and report it to the network. This measurement capability allows the network to identify and mitigate interference issues, transforming the harmful interference into useful information for network optimization and dynamic TDD configuration adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If a UE measures CLI signal without proper timing synchronization, then measurement process is simplified, but inter-carrier interference occurs and measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidCLI signal measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces timing synchronization information as an intermediary element that mediates between the simplified measurement process and accurate CLI measurement. The UE uses received timing synchronization information from the network to properly align its measurement timing, enabling accurate CLI measurement without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms at the UE side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a UE attempts to determine reception timing of CLI signal without proper synchronization, then implementation complexity is reduced, but inter-symbol interference occurs and measurement becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE implementation complexityVSAvoidCLI measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network provide timing synchronization information to the UE before the UE performs CLI measurement. This pre-synchronization ensures that when the UE measures the CLI signal, it is already properly timed, preventing inter-symbol interference and ensuring measurement reliability without adding complexity to the UE's measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3949490B1Timing synchronization for intercell UE to UE cross link interference measurement
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3949490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949490B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3949490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A configuration for a UE that measures CLI to determine the reception timing of the CLI signal transmitted from a UE in another cell. Aspects of a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are presented herein that provide a solution to the problem of measuring CLI signals by improving the manner in which a wireless device determines the reception timing of a transmitted CLI signal. An apparatus receives a first downlink signal from a first base station. The apparatus receiving a second downlink signal from a second base station. The apparatus determines a CLI signal measurement from a second UE received at the first UE based on a propagation delay difference, the propagation delay difference being based on the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal.