Mobile Unit Synchronization Error Determination in Radio Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In unsynchronized radio communication systems, especially in air-to-ground networks, precise timing synchronization is challenging due to long signal propagation times and high mobility, leading to connection interruptions and delays during handovers, as existing methods require significant resources and effort.
Innovation Solution
A method where a mobile unit determines the synchronization error between two radio stations by measuring the time difference between receiving signals from each station and using this error to synchronize with the second station during handover, without requiring additional central units or occupying extra resources, allowing for quick and efficient synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timing synchronization is implemented in unsynchronized radio communication systems using conventional methods, then connection handover can be performed, but significant resource consumption and time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit performs preliminary measurements of signal propagation times to multiple radio stations before handover is needed. It calculates timing advance values in advance based on these measurements, so that when handover occurs, the mobile unit can immediately apply the pre-calculated timing advance without performing time-consuming measurements and calculations during the critical handover moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit autonomously performs timing synchronization without requiring complex centralized coordination or additional synchronization infrastructure. It independently measures signal propagation times, calculates timing advance values, and adjusts its transmission timing based on these self-determined parameters, eliminating the need for extensive network-side intervention.
2Measurement precision
If centralized synchronization units or additional resources are deployed for time synchronization, then synchronization precision can be improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit autonomously performs timing synchronization without requiring complex centralized coordination or additional synchronization infrastructure. It independently measures signal propagation times, calculates timing advance values, and adjusts its transmission timing based on these self-determined parameters, eliminating the need for extensive network-side intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing downlink synchronization signals from radio stations as intermediaries for timing measurement. Instead of deploying dedicated synchronization infrastructure, the mobile unit leverages the regularly transmitted synchronization signals that are already part of the normal downlink transmission, thereby achieving precise timing measurement without adding complex synchronization systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If guard time is extended to accommodate unknown signal propagation times, then signal interference is avoided, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit dynamically determines the timing advance parameter based on measured signal propagation times. By changing the timing advance parameter according to the actual distance from the radio station, the mobile unit ensures that its uplink transmissions arrive at the radio station within the expected time window, thereby minimizing the required guard time while preventing signal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conservative maximum guard time for all scenarios, the system applies a partial approach by setting the guard time based on the actual measured signal propagation time for each specific mobile unit. This ensures sufficient protection against interference only when needed, rather than always using excessive guard time that would reduce resource efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for temporal synchronization in a cellular, unsynchronized radio communication system comprising at least one first and one second radio station and at least one mobile unit. A connection exists between the mobile unit and the first radio station. The first radio station determines a first signal propagation time (E1) of a first signal (S1) and transmits it to the mobile unit (2). The mobile unit then measures a time difference (ZD) between the reception (ME1) of the first signal (S1) from the first radio station and the reception (ME2) of a second signal (S2) from the second radio station (3). Initial synchronization with the second radio station then takes place (4). After initial synchronization, a second signal propagation time (E2) for the second signal (S2) is determined and transmitted to the mobile unit (5).From the measured time difference (ZD) between the reception (ME1, ME2) of the first and second signals (S1, S2) and the first signal propagation delay (E1) and the second signal propagation delay (E2), the mobile unit determines a synchronization error (SF) (6) and makes it available to other mobile units in the radio communication system (7). In this simple way, a synchronization error (SF) between two radio stations can be quickly determined in an unsynchronized radio communication system and made available to other mobile units. The mobile units can then use the determined synchronization error (SF), for example, during a link handover, without having to first try out possible synchronization errors (SF) for link establishment, especially with the radio stations.