5G NR Time Synchronization via Unicast Signaling and Pre-Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G specifications do not adequately address time synchronization accuracy for high-reliable low latency communications (HRLLCs), particularly in compensating for radio frequency propagation delays, which affects the precision of timing references in ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Enhancements to the synchronization mechanism include prioritizing unicast signaling over broadcast signaling for time reference information, pre-compensating for propagation delays at the network level, and reducing the granularity of timing advance signaling to improve synchronization accuracy, allowing for finer adjustments and compensation for propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If broadcast signaling is used for time reference information, then coverage area is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments time reference information delivery into two paths: broadcast signaling for general coverage and unicast signaling for precise synchronization. This segmentation allows the system to provide both wide coverage and high accuracy by using the appropriate signaling method for different requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated time reference information quality based on the signaling type. Unicast signaling provides higher precision time reference information to specific UEs requiring sub-microsecond synchronization, while broadcast signaling provides general time reference information to all UEs in the coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If timing advance signaling granularity is reduced, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing timing advance signaling granularity only for unicast signaling where high precision is required, while maintaining coarser granularity for broadcast signaling where ultra-precise synchronization is not critical. This avoids the excessive overhead of fine granularity across all signaling types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing advance parameter granularity based on the signaling type and synchronization requirements. For unicast signaling in HRLLC scenarios, a finer granularity (e.g., 0.16 microseconds or smaller) is used, while broadcast signaling uses coarser granularity, optimizing the balance between accuracy and overhead.
3Measurement precision
If propagation delay compensation is implemented, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-compensating for propagation delay at the gNB side before transmitting time reference information to the UE. The gNB calculates the propagation delay based on uplink timing measurements and pre-adjusts the downlink time reference, eliminating the need for complex UE-side propagation delay estimation and compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the gNB as an intermediary that performs propagation delay compensation. Instead of requiring the UE to independently estimate and compensate for propagation delay (which would increase UE complexity), the gNB acts as a mediator that pre-compensates the delay and provides already-corrected time reference information to the UE.
Data Source
AI summary
A device of a New Radio (NR) User Equipment (UE), a system, a method and a machine-readable medium. The device includes a radio frequency (RF) interface, and a processing circuitry coupled to the RF interface, the processing circuitry to: decode a message from a NR Node B (gNodeB), the message corresponding to a unicast message or to a broadcast message and being received through a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) interface (Uu interface), the message further including reference time information; and determine a reference time from the reference time information, the reference time to be used by higher layers of the UE.