Multi-TRP Timing Advance Control for Invalid Uplink Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing synchronization between multiple transmit and receive points (TRPs) due to scenarios where one of the uplink synchronizations becomes invalid, leading to inefficiencies in multi-TRP operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing synchronization by transmitting timing advance (TA) values to user equipment (UE) for each TRP, and stopping scheduling when synchronization becomes invalid, involving a radio access network (RAN) node with processing hardware to implement these techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple TA values are transmitted for multiple TRPs, then synchronization management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization management by introducing separate TA values (TA1, TA2, etc.) for different TRPs. Each TRP has its own dedicated TA value, allowing independent timing adjustment for each transmission point. This segmentation enables precise control over uplink synchronization for each TRP-UE link without requiring complex joint adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary actions by proactively transmitting multiple TA values to the UE before synchronization issues arise. The gNB monitors uplink reception quality from multiple TRPs and preemptively adjusts TA values to maintain synchronization, preventing timing misalignment rather than reacting to it. This includes transmitting TA values via MAC CE or RRC signaling in advance.
2Reliability
If uplink synchronization is maintained for multiple TRPs, then communication reliability is improved, but monitoring and management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station monitors uplink reception quality at multiple TRPs and uses this feedback to adjust TA values. The gNB measures timing alignment status based on uplink signals received from the UE at different TRPs and dynamically updates TA values accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adaptation to changing synchronization conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously applying the received TA values to adjust its uplink transmission timing for each TRP. Upon receiving TA values from the base station, the UE automatically configures its transmission timing without requiring external coordination or manual adjustment. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system management by distributing the adjustment burden to the UE.
3Measurement precision
If TA values are updated dynamically, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating TA values selectively rather than continuously for all TRPs. The base station monitors synchronization status and only transmits updated TA values when actual timing deviations are detected or when predictive adjustments are necessary. This partial updating approach maintains synchronization accuracy while avoiding unnecessary signaling transmissions that would increase overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transmitting TA values through different signaling mechanisms (MAC CE or RRC signaling) depending on the update frequency and urgency. For frequent updates, MAC CE provides faster, more efficient transmission. For less frequent or more significant changes, RRC signaling is used. This flexible parameter transmission approach adapts to different synchronization scenarios, optimizing the balance between accuracy and overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
To managing synchronization, radio access network (RAN) node transmits, to a user equipment (UE), a first timing advance (TA) value for managing synchronization of first transmissions between the UE and a first transmission and reception point (TRP) of the RAN node (606); transmits, to the UE, a second TA value for managing synchronization of second transmissions between the UE and a second TRP of the RAN node (608); stops scheduling the first transmissions in response to determining that the synchronization of the first transmissions is invalid (612); and stops scheduling the second transmissions in response to determining that the synchronization of the second transmissions is invalid (614).