Link-Adaptive Synchronization for Low-Jitter 5G TDD Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UEs lack the capability to achieve approximately 1 ms synchronization accuracy required for 5G time synchronization in manufacturing and automation use cases, as chipset vendors are reluctant to implement TSN sync-features, leading to a gap in achieving moderate synchronization demands.
Innovation Solution
A network element is configured to calibrate periodicity parameters for time synchronization by probing roundtrip delay, deriving time offset, and sending time stamps, enabling synchronization with minimal jitter for TDD/TDMA connections, and mediating between IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If TSN sync-features are implemented to achieve sub-μs synchronization accuracy, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing readiness worsen due to chipset vendors' reluctance and lack of market availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a simplified synchronization protocol (LASP) that provides approximately 1 ms accuracy rather than the full sub-μs TSN capability. This partial implementation achieves sufficient precision for manufacturing control bus applications without requiring complex TSN hardware features that are not yet widely available in UE chipsets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synchronization accuracy parameter from the TSN standard's sub-μs requirement to approximately 1 ms for the control bus level. This parameter adjustment allows using existing UE capabilities without TSN implementation while still meeting the moderate synchronization demands of industrial manufacturing applications
2Measurement precision
If TSN protocol is used to achieve sub-μs synchronization accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to lack of market availability and manufacturer readiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing, widely available UE devices with standard synchronization capabilities rather than requiring expensive, specialized TSN-enabled hardware. This approach leverages current market-ready devices that can achieve sufficient synchronization accuracy through software-based protocols, eliminating the need for specialized manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a simplified synchronization approach that provides partial functionality (approximately 1 ms accuracy) compared to full TSN capability. This partial implementation is sufficient for control bus applications and can be deployed using existing UE devices without waiting for widespread TSN market adoption
3Ease of operation
If moderate synchronization accuracy of approximately 1 ms is targeted for control bus level, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision worsens compared to sub-μs TSN standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the synchronization accuracy parameter from the stringent sub-μs TSN standard to the more relaxed approximately 1 ms requirement for control bus applications. This parameter change simplifies implementation by allowing use of existing UE capabilities and standard protocols, making the system easier to operate and deploy while still meeting industrial manufacturing needs
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a first network element, a second network element, a system, and a method for link adaptive synchronization in a network including a first and second network element, and a computer readable medium storing instructions. Compared to conventional synchronization, the present disclosure provides a method to enable the use of PTP time synchronization for TDD based connections, such as the 5G air interface, by limiting the jitter per link (uplink/downlink) to a minimum.