Local Clock Calibration via Base Station SIB Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock calibration methods in communication technologies, such as those used in industrial control, unmanned vehicles, and electric power communication networks, rely on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, which is costly, requires special hardware, and is unreliable in indoor or mountainous areas due to signal blockage.
Innovation Solution
A local clock calibration method for User Equipment (UE) that involves acquiring a system frame periodically sent by a base station, determining the second sending moment of the System Information Block (SIB), calculating the length of a reference unit period, and adjusting the frequency of the crystal oscillator to synchronize the local time unit period with the reference unit period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS technology is used for clock calibration, then clock precision can be achieved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of clock calibration from the complex GNSS system and implements it using only the base station's system frame information and the terminal's crystal oscillator. By taking out the clock calibration function from the satellite-based GNSS system and relocating it to the terrestrial base station system, the patent eliminates the need for specialized GNSS hardware modules and antennas while maintaining calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized GNSS hardware with inexpensive, readily available components: the base station's existing system frame transmission capability and the terminal's standard crystal oscillator. This substitution uses cheap, ubiquitous elements to achieve the same calibration function without requiring costly specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If GNSS technology is used for clock calibration, then clock calibration can be performed, but reliability decreases in indoor or mountainous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the base station as an intermediary element between the calibration source and the terminal. Instead of relying on distant satellite signals that can be blocked, the base station acts as a local intermediary that transmits calibration information through the existing communication channel. This intermediary approach ensures reliable signal delivery in environments where direct satellite-to-terminal paths are blocked by buildings or terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional satellite-based signal transmission to two-dimensional planar signal transmission through the base station's downlink. By changing the dimensional approach from space-based satellite signals to ground-based cellular signals that propagate through the communication infrastructure, the system overcomes blockage issues in indoor and mountainous areas.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS hardware modules and antennas are used, then clock calibration is possible, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the base station's system frame transmission serve multiple functions: both carrying communication data and providing clock calibration information. The SIB messages that already exist for system information broadcast are enhanced to include timing reference information, making the existing infrastructure multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate calibration hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clock calibration function with the existing system information broadcast function. By combining these two functions into a single transmission mechanism (the system frame with SIB messages), the patent eliminates the need for separate calibration hardware modules and antennas, reducing overall system cost while maintaining calibration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A local clock calibration method, a User Equipment (UE), and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed. The method may include: acquiring a system frame periodically sent by a base station, wherein the system frame comprises a System Information Block (SIB), and the SIB comprises a first sending moment at which the base station sends the system frame; determining, according to the first sending moment and a frame length of the system frame, a second sending moment at which the base station sends the SIB; determining a length of a reference unit period according to a time interval between periodically obtained second sending moments; and adjusting a frequency of a crystal oscillator of the UE according to the length of the reference unit period and a period length value sent by the base station, to synchronize a local time unit period of the UE with the reference unit period.