Radio Node Timing Alignment via Intermediary Parameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) in 5G New Radio (NR) systems, there is a challenge in aligning downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmission and reception timings between radio communication nodes, particularly in supporting Case #7, where DL transmission timing alignment between a parent node and an IAB node is necessary, along with UL reception timing alignment at the IAB node.
Innovation Solution
A radio communication node is configured with a control unit that determines the alignment value for reception timing based on timing information used for transmission timing, and a transmitting unit that transmits this alignment value to a lower node, ensuring that DL and UL reception timings are matched, in addition to DL transmission timings, thereby supporting timing alignment in IAB systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DL transmission timing alignment is implemented between parent node and IAB node, then downlink communication efficiency is improved, but UL reception timing alignment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary parameter called 'alignment value' that mediates between DL transmission timing alignment and UL reception timing alignment. This alignment value is calculated based on TA (timing advance) information and offset values, and is transmitted to the lower node to enable simultaneous achievement of both timing alignments without direct complex coordination between parent and child nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter from direct transmission timing control to alignment value control. By determining the alignment value based on TA information and offset values, and transmitting this derived parameter to the lower node, the system transforms the complex timing alignment problem into a simpler parameter transmission and application problem.
2Reliability
If both DL transmission timing alignment and UL reception timing alignment are implemented, then overall timing synchronization is improved, but control information processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of DL transmission timing alignment and UL reception timing alignment into a single alignment value parameter. This unified parameter is determined based on TA information and offset values, and transmitted to the lower node, which then applies this single value to achieve both timing alignments simultaneously, reducing the complexity of processing multiple separate control parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment value serves multiple functions: it enables DL transmission timing alignment between parent and IAB nodes, simultaneously achieves UL reception timing alignment at the IAB node, and simplifies the control information processing by consolidating multiple timing control requirements into a single parameter that can be transmitted and applied efficiently.
3Measurement precision
If timing alignment value is transmitted to lower node, then timing alignment accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the timing alignment control into a compact parameter form. Instead of transmitting complex timing control information, the system determines and transmits a condensed alignment value based on TA information and offset values. This parameter transformation maintains timing alignment accuracy while significantly reducing the amount of control information that needs to be transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential timing alignment information from the complex TA and offset value calculations, and encapsulates it into a single alignment value parameter. This extraction process retains the critical timing alignment accuracy while removing unnecessary computational and signaling complexity, transmitting only the essential aligned timing information to the lower node.
Data Source
AI summary
When a transmission timing of a downlink and a reception timing of an uplink at a radio communication node 100B are aligned, a radio communication node 100A determines an alignment value of the reception timing based on timing information used to determine transmission timing of the uplink, or an offset value from the timing information. The radio communication node 100A transmits the determined alignment value or offset value to the radio communication node 100B.