Reference Device Hardware Group Delay Calibration for Positioning Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of user equipment due to hardware group delay errors in reference devices, which affect the precision of positioning procedures such as RTT and TDOA, particularly in 5G networks with increased complexity and higher connectivity demands.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating hardware group delays in reference devices by selecting a reference device based on its hardware group delay calibration capabilities, including obtaining and determining timing measurements using a reference hardware group delay value, and estimating distances and residual delays to improve positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware group delay calibration is performed using multiple reference devices, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs hardware group delay calibration in advance by selecting one reference device from multiple candidates based on predetermined criteria (such as delay characteristics, signal quality, or stability). This preliminary selection and calibration process establishes a reference hardware group delay value that can be reused for subsequent positioning measurements, thereby improving positioning precision while avoiding the complexity of continuously managing multiple calibrated reference devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-calibration by automatically selecting an appropriate reference device from the plurality of reference devices based on their reported hardware group delay calibration capabilities. The selected reference device's hardware group delay value is used as the reference for timing measurements, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain positioning accuracy without external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures.
2Device complexity
If a single reference device is selected for calibration, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of reference device selection by evaluating multiple reference devices based on their hardware group delay calibration capabilities and selecting the most suitable one. This dynamic parameter-based selection ensures that the system uses the optimal reference device for calibration, thereby maintaining positioning precision while managing device complexity through intelligent rather than exhaustive calibration approaches.
3Measurement precision
If hardware group delay calibration capabilities are obtained from all reference devices, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary hardware group delay calibration capability information from reference devices to make an informed selection. Rather than processing all possible calibration data from all reference devices, the system selectively obtains and uses the critical calibration capabilities needed to identify the best reference device, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the time spent on information gathering and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a communications node selects a reference device for a positioning procedure based on hardware group capabilities associated with reference devices involved in the positioning procedure (e.g., RTT, differential RTT, double differential RTT, TDOA, etc.). In another aspect, a distance between reference devices is estimated based on timing measurements of reference signal(s) for positioning. A hardware group delay associated with the reference devices is estimated based on (i) the estimated distance between the first and second reference devices, and (ii) a known distance between the first and second reference devices.