Small Cell Synchronization Using Multiple PPS Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small cell synchronization systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing multiple synchronization sources, leading to varying synchronization performance and stability across different small cells, especially when using diverse technologies like LTE and 5G NR, and face issues with antenna distribution loss and limited support for additional synchronization methods.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization management module that collectively manages multiple synchronization sources, including GNSS, Ethernet PHY, and GPON SFP, to determine a synchronized PPS by comparing and weighting reliability, providing synchronized PPS and system clock to all small cells, and supports synchronization across LTE and 5G NR cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each small cell uses independent synchronization sources, then each cell can operate autonomously, but synchronization performance and stability vary across different small cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization stabilityVSAvoidsynchronization source management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple synchronization sources (GPS, PTP, NL) into a unified synchronization management module that serves all small cells. This centralization merges previously independent synchronization systems, ensuring consistent synchronization performance across all cells while reducing overall system complexity through standardized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization management module is designed to universally support multiple synchronization sources and serve multiple small cells simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the same module to handle GPS, PTP, and NL synchronization methods for different cell types (LTE, 5G NR), eliminating the need for cell-specific synchronization implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple synchronization sources are used, then synchronization performance can be improved, but it becomes difficult to efficiently utilize all sources when small cells use diverse technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization performanceVSAvoidsupport for diverse synchronization methods

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization system into independent source modules (GPS module, PTP module, NL module) that can be individually managed and selected. This segmentation allows each synchronization source to be optimized for specific technology types while the overall system maintains adaptability to diverse small cell requirements through modular configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization management module dynamically selects and switches between different synchronization sources based on the specific needs of each small cell and the available signal quality. This dynamic adaptation enables efficient utilization of multiple synchronization sources across diverse technology types, optimizing performance for each cell type while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If a single antenna is used for GNSS reception, then cost is reduced, but antenna distribution loss occurs when serving multiple small cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of antennasVSAvoidantenna distribution loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical antenna distribution system with signal processing and digital signal distribution. Instead of physically distributing antenna signals to multiple cells (which causes loss), the system uses a single antenna to receive GNSS signals and then digitally processes and distributes the synchronization information to multiple small cells through the synchronization management module, eliminating distribution loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If separate oscillators are used for each small cell, then each cell has independent clock control, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent clock controlVSAvoidnumber of oscillators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate oscillator functions into a single system oscillator that provides the clock signal for all small cells. This consolidation reduces the total number of oscillators from multiple cell-specific units to one shared oscillator, simplifying the system while maintaining synchronized clock control across all cells through the centralized synchronization management module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12593290B2Using multiple synchronization sources to synchronize small cells

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 LIG ACCUVER CO LTD

AI summary

A small cell synchronization system uses multiple synchronization sources to obtain maximum performance and stability by utilizing all of the plurality of synchronization sources in a multiple small cell system having two or more different mobile communication small cells as one system and a control method thereof. The small cell synchronization system includes: an oscillator providing a system clock signal of a predetermined frequency; and a synchronization management module that collectively manages multiple synchronization sources, and determines the ‘synchronized PPS’ according to a result of comparing the ‘synchronized PPS’ with the PPS for each synchronization source using the system clock and provides it to each small cell along with the system clock.