Sidelink Timing Estimation via RSRP Propagation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems operating at extremely high frequencies, significant propagation loss occurs due to high frequencies, leading to challenges in maintaining accurate reference timing across sidelink communications links with multiple hops, especially when UEs are unsynchronized with the network clock.
Innovation Solution
A method for user equipment (UE) to establish sidelink communications links with multiple hops and estimate propagation delay based on the relationship between propagation time and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), allowing for synchronized or unsynchronized reference timing determination, thereby compensating for timing errors across hops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 5G wireless communication systems operate at extremely high frequencies to achieve higher data transfer speeds, then data rates are improved, but propagation loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of frequency operation to extremely high frequencies (mmWave bands) to achieve higher data rates, accepting the trade-off of increased propagation loss. This is compensated through beamforming and precise timing synchronization mechanisms that optimize signal transmission at these frequencies.
2Measurement precision
If reference timing is determined in sidelink communications with multiple hops at high frequencies, then timing accuracy is required for synchronization, but propagation delay estimation becomes more difficult due to severe propagation loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary propagation delay estimation using available signal measurements (such as RSRP) before final timing determination. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare timing compensation values in advance, improving the accuracy of reference timing determination despite propagation challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary measurements and calculations (such as using RSRP as an intermediate parameter to estimate propagation delay) that bridge the gap between difficult direct measurements and the required timing accuracy. These intermediaries facilitate timing determination when direct propagation delay measurement is challenging.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a UE establishes, with a peer sidelink UE, at least one sidelink communications link that each comprises one or more hops. The UE determines estimates a propagation delay between the UE and the peer sidelink UE based in part upon a relationship between a propagation time, between the UE and the peer sidelink UE, and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) irrespective of whether the UE remains synchronized with respect to the network clock.