Normalized Time of Arrival Beam Selection in 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In new radio (NR) systems, particularly in 5G networks using millimeter wave communications, Time of Arrival (ToA) based positioning faces challenges due to multiple communication beams, where distinguishing between beams based on signal quality and propagation time is complex, especially when signals are obstructed or have varying path lengths, leading to inaccuracies in determining the best communication path.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves normalizing the Time of Arrival (ToA) of reference signals across multiple communication beams to a common time reference, allowing devices to compare and select the earliest arriving signal with the best quality, enabling accurate beam selection for communication, even in scenarios with obstacles or varying path lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication beams are used for transmission and reception in NR systems, then coverage and reliability are improved, but beam selection complexity and positioning accuracy deteriorate due to difficulty in distinguishing between beams based on signal quality and propagation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary normalization of ToA values for multiple reference signals to a common time reference before comparison. This preliminary processing enables accurate beam selection by eliminating timing offsets introduced by different transmission times, allowing the receiving device to correctly identify the earliest arriving signal regardless of when it was transmitted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the raw ToA parameter into a normalized ToA parameter by adjusting for transmission time differences. This parameter transformation allows meaningful comparison of arrival times across multiple beams transmitted at different times, resolving the ambiguity in beam selection
2Adaptability or versatility
If reference signals are transmitted at different times on different beams, then beam diversity is achieved, but ToA comparison becomes inaccurate due to varying propagation starting points
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving device performs preliminary normalization of ToA values to account for different transmission start times. By calculating the difference between each reference signal's ToA and a reference ToA, the system creates comparable metrics that reflect actual propagation time differences rather than transmission timing differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference ToA value as an intermediary for comparison. All other ToA values are normalized relative to this reference point, creating a common basis for comparison that eliminates the effect of different transmission times while preserving the relative propagation time information
3Reliability
If the receiving device processes multiple reference signals with different transmission timings, then comprehensive beam evaluation is possible, but processing complexity increases due to normalization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms multiple ToA parameters into normalized ToA parameters through a systematic mathematical operation. By subtracting a reference ToA from each measured ToA, the system creates a simplified set of comparable values that maintain the relative ordering information needed for accurate beam selection while eliminating the complexity of absolute timing comparisons
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses for selecting communication beams based on normalized times of arrival (ToA) of reference signals (RSs) are disclosed. An apparatus of a first cellular communication device includes a data storage device configured to store reference signal data identifying a plurality of reference signals corresponding to a plurality of communication beams used by a second cellular communication device. The apparatus also includes one or more processors configured to process a received portion of the plurality of reference signals received from the second cellular communication device through at least a portion of the plurality of communication beams, normalize ToAs of one or more reference signals of the received portion of the plurality of reference signals to a time period unit; and identify which of the plurality of communication beams correspond to the one or more reference signals using the reference signal data.