Sidelink Synchronization Source Selection for C-V2X Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in C-V2X, face challenges in achieving stringent synchronization for accurate positioning, especially in GNSS-challenged environments, which is crucial for meeting sub-lane level accuracy requirements.

Innovation Solution

The system employs sidelink PRS-driven synchronization source selection to determine optimal synchronization sources for vehicles, enabling tight synchronization between vehicles for both communication and positioning purposes, using PRS or SRS signals, and negotiating synchronization sources during pre-PRS handshakes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS is used for synchronization, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates in GNSS-challenged environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sidelink synchronization signals (SLSS) and positioning reference signals (PRS) as intermediary synchronization sources when GNSS is unavailable. These signals enable vehicles to synchronize with each other directly, bypassing the need for GNSS infrastructure and maintaining reliability in challenging environments while achieving sub-lane level positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes synchronization source parameters by selecting between GNSS, SLSS, and PRS based on availability and accuracy requirements. When GNSS is challenged, the system transitions to using SLSS/PRS with adjusted timing and frequency parameters to maintain synchronization quality and positioning accuracy without GNSS dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If sidelink PRS-driven synchronization is implemented, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary synchronization establishment through pre-PRS handshakes and synchronization source selection before actual positioning operations. This preliminary action prepares the synchronization state in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time synchronization adjustments and enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex dynamic synchronization algorithms during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4494390B1Sidelink synchronization source selection
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4494390B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4494390B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4494390B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Systems and techniques are described for sidelink synchronization source selection. For example, a method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE) may include transmitting, from the UE to a target UE, a message including information associated with a first synchronization reference source associated with the UE. The method may include receiving, at the UE from the target UE in response to the message, a response message including an indication of whether the target UE can use the first synchronization reference source for sidelink positioning. The method can further include determining, at the UE based on the response message, whether to use the first synchronization reference source or a different synchronization reference source as a master synchronization reference source for the sidelink positioning.