Satellite-Mediated Base Station Synchronization for GNSS Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terrestrial cellular communication systems face challenges in synchronizing base stations due to their asynchronous nature, which hinders accurate timing assistance for GNSS receivers and prevents effective triangulation techniques, leading to increased complexity and time required for position calculation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving asynchronous base stations sending frame synchronization words to a satellite, which is then processed on the ground to calculate distances and routing times, allowing for the determination of real Time of Week (TOW) and transmission of accurate timing information to synchronize the base stations and assist GNSS receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If base stations operate asynchronously to maintain operational independence, then device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability of timing assistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A satellite acts as an intermediary to carry synchronization messages between asynchronous base stations. The satellite receives messages from multiple base stations, processes them at a ground station, and enables timing synchronization without requiring direct communication links between base stations, thus maintaining operational independence while achieving timing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite system performs multiple functions: it serves as both a navigation satellite for position determination and as a synchronization carrier for base station timing. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to provide both GNSS positioning and cellular network synchronization
2Productivity
If base stations are synchronized to enable triangulation techniques, then position calculation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite system uses its own existing infrastructure and capabilities to provide synchronization services. The ground station processes satellite-carried messages using the satellite's orbital data and timing information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated synchronization satellites or complex ground-based timing distribution networks
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite serves as a mediator that carries synchronization information between base stations and the ground station. This intermediary approach enables triangulation-based positioning by providing the necessary timing synchronization without requiring direct complex inter-base-station communication infrastructure
3Measurement precision
If satellite processing is used to determine base station timing, then measurement precision of timing is improved, but loss of time in message processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of satellite position and timing at the ground station before the satellite transmits the synchronization message. By pre-computing the expected timing parameters and embedding them in the message, the actual processing time at receiving base stations is minimized while maintaining high precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces the time and complexity of synchronization, enabling more accurate and efficient triangulation and position calculation, while also providing a cost-effective solution for maintaining precise timing across the cellular network.
Implementation Method 1
a step of said first and second base stations sending to a telecommunication satellite a first message, respectively a second message
Implementation Method 2
a step of calculating the distance between the first base station and the satellite, the processing device knowing the position of the first base station and the position of the satellite
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of synchronizing base stations of a terrestrial cellular communication system using a satellite component.