Radio Frame Synchronization via Signal Search and Clock Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods for mobile terminals, such as GPS synchronization, are cumbersome and costly, requiring recalibration when the terminal's position changes, and baseband synchronization is costly with low anti-interference ability.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization method and apparatus that utilizes a receiving node with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and processor to encapsulate local clock and radio frequency data, perform a search for synchronization signals, and calibrate the local clock based on determined location information and frame structure, reducing the need for recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS synchronization is used, then time and frequency synchronization can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and recalibration is needed when position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary synchronization source. Instead of directly using GPS, the mobile terminal synchronizes with the base station, which itself is synchronized to GPS. This intermediary approach simplifies the terminal's synchronization system while maintaining accuracy, as the terminal only needs to track base station signals rather than process GPS data and calculate phase differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the synchronization calculation functions from the mobile terminal and relocates them to the base station. The base station handles GPS processing and phase difference calculations, while the terminal only performs signal reception and basic synchronization tracking. This extraction reduces terminal complexity while maintaining synchronization reliability.
2Reliability
If baseband synchronization is used, then synchronization can be achieved, but the cost increases and anti-interference ability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic synchronization signals transmitted by the base station at regular intervals. These periodic signals allow the terminal to continuously track and maintain synchronization without requiring complex continuous baseband processing. The periodic nature provides inherent robustness against interference by allowing the terminal to reacquire synchronization quickly after signal disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized synchronization signal structures that are copied from established communication protocols. These standardized signals have proven robustness against interference through extensive testing and optimization in the protocols they originate from, providing inherent anti-interference capability without requiring custom complex processing at the terminal.
3Reliability
If GPS synchronization with phase difference calculation is used, then synchronization can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires recalibration when position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs self-service by autonomously calculating and compensating for phase differences in its transmitted signals. The mobile terminal does not need to perform complex phase difference calculations or recalibrations when moving, as the base station's synchronization signals already incorporate the necessary corrections. This self-service approach at the base station level greatly simplifies terminal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary synchronization processing and phase difference compensation before transmitting signals to terminals. By pre-calculating and embedding synchronization parameters in the transmitted signals, the base station eliminates the need for terminals to perform complex real-time calculations during movement, making the terminal's operation simple and automatic.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization method includes: acquiring radio frame data from a sending node; performing a search of a synchronization signal in the radio frame data in the radio frame to determine location information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame data; determining a time calibration parameter of the receiving node according to the location information of the synchronization signal and a frame structure of the radio frame; and calibrating a local clock of the receiving node according to the time calibration parameter and the local clock of the receiving node, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.