Terminal Synchronization Across LTE and NR Sidelinks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in determining operations related to synchronizations in device-to-device direct communications where different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) are used, specifically between LTE and NR sidelinks.
Innovation Solution
A terminal is equipped with a communication unit for transmission and reception in a first RAT and a control unit that controls communications in the first RAT. The control unit performs synchronization in the first RAT based on synchronization in a second RAT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate synchronization resources are used for LTE sidelink and NR sidelink, then each RAT can maintain its own synchronization independently, but resource collision and interference occur between different RATs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization resources of LTE sidelink and NR sidelink by allowing NR sidelink to use LTE sidelink synchronization signals (S-SSBs) as its synchronization source. This combining approach enables both RATs to share the same synchronization resources, eliminating resource collision while maintaining synchronization reliability through a unified synchronization framework.
2Productivity
If LTE sidelink and NR sidelink share the same time and frequency resources, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but synchronization conflicts and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical synchronization structure where GNSS or gNB serves as an upper-layer intermediary, and LTE S-SSBs serve as a lower-layer intermediary for NR sidelink. This intermediary approach allows both RATs to share time and frequency resources efficiently while the synchronization hierarchy mediates potential conflicts, preventing interference through structured resource coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NR sidelink uses independent synchronization resources, then synchronization independence is maintained, but the complexity of synchronization management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic synchronization selection mechanism where the NR sidelink terminal can flexibly choose between using independent NR synchronization signals or LTE S-SSBs as synchronization sources based on current system conditions. This dynamic approach maintains synchronization independence when needed while reducing management complexity by allowing terminals to adaptively select the most appropriate synchronization source.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal comprising: a communication unit configured to perform transmission and reception in a first RAT (Radio Access Technology); and a control unit configured to control communications in the first RAT. The control unit performs a synchronization in the first RAT based on a synchronization in a second RAT.