Wireless Timing Synchronization via Line-of-Sight Delay Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems lack the precision in timing synchronization required for industrial devices that rely on strict timing protocols, such as IEEE 1588 precision timing protocol, as conventional techniques introduce time delays and do not provide sufficient accuracy for devices like printing machines or assembly lines.
Innovation Solution
A UE receives timing synchronization signals from a base station, identifies the earliest instance of signal arrival, determines the propagation delay, and transmits signals based on this to achieve precise timing synchronization, allowing for flexible device placement without wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wireless communication techniques are used for timing synchronization, then system simplicity is maintained, but timing synchronization precision is insufficient for industrial devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing synchronization process into distinct components: identifying earliest signal instance, calculating propagation delay, and applying timing adjustment. This segmentation enables precise measurement of timing parameters while keeping each component manageable and implementable in existing wireless infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timing synchronization mechanism that acts as an intermediary between wireless communication and industrial timing protocols. The base station serves as a mediator that provides reference timing signals, allowing industrial devices to achieve precise synchronization without direct wired connections to timing servers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wired connections are used for precise timing synchronization, then timing accuracy is achieved, but installation flexibility and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic signal-based timing synchronization system. By substituting physical cable connections with radio frequency timing signals, the system achieves both placement flexibility and timing accuracy, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining synchronization precision.
3Reliability
If conventional timing synchronization methods are used, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but time delays are introduced that prevent strict protocol compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary timing adjustment by calculating propagation delay in advance and applying compensation before critical timing events occur. The system proactively adjusts timing offsets based on measured propagation characteristics, ensuring that industrial devices meet strict protocol deadlines without experiencing delays from reactive synchronization corrections.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide time synchronization via wireless communications for devices that use strict timing synchronization. A user equipment (UE) may obtain time synchronization via a wireless connection between the UE and a timing source that may be associated with a base station (or another wireless device). In some cases, the timing source may be synchronized at the UE by determining, using periodic synchronization resources, a propagation delay between the UE and the base station that is based on a timing of a line-of-sight instance of a transmission between the base station and the UE. The propagation delay may be used to determine a timing advance value for use in timing synchronization. One or more devices may be coupled with the UE and the UE may provide commands to the one or more devices that are synchronized according to the synchronized timing source.