Satellite Communication Timing Synchronization With Terminal-Specific TA
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial networks (NTN) like satellite communications, large propagation delays and Doppler shifts due to satellite movements cause interference and deteriorate communication performance, necessitating efficient timing synchronization techniques for terminals and base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for timing synchronization in communication systems, involving terminal-specific timing advance (TA) estimation, reporting, and update procedures, including beam failure recovery, to align uplink and downlink timings and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timing advance procedure is performed in NTN with large propagation delays, then timing synchronization between terminal and base station is achieved, but communication quality deteriorates due to large Doppler shifts and propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal estimates propagation delay and calculates terminal-specific TA value before transmitting the TA report to the base station. This preliminary calculation allows the base station to pre-compensate for timing advances, reducing the impact of large propagation delays and Doppler shifts in NTN environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal transmits a TA report containing terminal-specific TA information to the base station, which uses this feedback to adjust timing synchronization. The base station responds with timing advance commands based on the reported information, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that continuously optimizes timing alignment despite varying propagation conditions.
2Productivity
If terminal-specific TA estimation and reporting is implemented, then timing synchronization efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead between terminal and base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential terminal-specific TA information needed for timing synchronization from the complete TA calculation process. The TA report contains selectively extracted parameters (such as propagation delay estimates or TA value changes) rather than all possible timing parameters, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining synchronization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal reports changes in TA values or propagation delay estimates rather than absolute values. This parameter transformation reduces the amount of signaling data required while preserving the essential timing synchronization information needed for efficient communication in NTN environments.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a terminal in a communication system may include: estimating a propagation delay between the terminal and a first satellite, the first satellite being connected to the terminal and a base station of the communication system; estimating a terminal-specific TA value based on the propagation delay; transmitting, to the base station, a terminal-specific TA report based on the terminal-specific TA value; and performing update of a first TA value for communication with the base station based on the terminal-specific TA value, wherein a time point at which the update of the first TA value is performed is determined based on a first response of the base station to the terminal-specific TA report.