Multi-TRP Timing Synchronization for Inter-Cell Joint Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple transmission and reception point (mTRP) communication techniques, such as coherent joint transmission (CJT) and single frequency network (SFN), face challenges in achieving inter-cell phase alignment and resource wastage due to stringent timing alignment requirements, limiting their deployment beyond intra-cell scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing enhanced mTRP communications using timing difference information from downlink and uplink reference signals to adjust signal timings, enabling ns-level phase alignment and flexible transmission modes based on bandwidth and UE feedback, allowing CJT or SFN operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If stringent timing alignment requirements are imposed for coherent joint transmission, then phase alignment between TRPs is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of deployment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces timing difference information as an intermediary element that mediates between multiple TRPs. This timing difference information, obtained through reference signal measurements, serves as a reference for adjusting signal timings at different TRPs, enabling phase alignment without requiring complex direct synchronization between all TRP pairs. The intermediary timing reference simplifies the synchronization mechanism while maintaining precise phase alignment.
2Productivity
If coherent joint transmission is implemented across multiple cells, then throughput is improved, but resource wastage increases due to timing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining timing difference information through reference signal measurements before actual data transmission begins. This advance timing measurement and adjustment allows TRPs to pre-synchronize their transmissions, ensuring that when actual data transmission occurs, phase alignment is already achieved. This prevents resource wastage from timing misalignment during productive transmission while maintaining high throughput.
3Manufacturing precision
If timing adjustment based on reference signals is implemented, then phase alignment is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by having TRPs autonomously measure timing differences using reference signals transmitted by other TRPs. Each TRP independently obtains timing difference information and performs self-adjustment based on these measurements. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for highly precise external measurement systems while achieving adequate phase alignment through distributed, autonomous timing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a device associated with at least a first transmission reception point (TRP) and a second TRP may acquire information that indicates timing difference information between the first TRP and the second TRP relative to a user equipment (UE). The device may synchronize, based on the timing difference information, a time of the first TRP with a time of the second TRP for joint transmission of a first signal by the first TRP and a second signal by the second TRP to the UE.