Synchronization System Cable Delay Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems, the accuracy of synchronization among base stations is compromised due to delays caused by cables used to transmit GNSS signals from outdoor antenna devices to indoor reception devices, affecting the precision of time-synchronized clock signals.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization system that includes a delay detection module and a response module to estimate and correct the delay time generated in cables between antenna and reception devices, using a request signal and response signal interaction to determine the time difference and compensate for timing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable is used to connect the antenna device and reception device, then the GNSS signal can be transmitted from outdoor to indoor, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to cable-induced delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of cable delay using test signals before normal GNSS signal reception. The delay detection module measures the propagation delay through the cable by sending a test signal from the antenna device through the cable to the reception device and measuring the round-trip time. This preliminary measurement enables the system to compensate for the cable-induced delay in advance, thereby maintaining synchronization accuracy while using cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the antenna device is installed outdoors to receive GNSS signals, then signal reception is enabled, but cable delay is introduced that affects timing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidcable transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the delay detection module continuously monitors the cable delay by measuring the round-trip time of test signals. The measured delay information is fed back to the synchronization system, which then compensates for this delay when processing GNSS signals. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains accurate time synchronization despite the presence of cable transmission delay, allowing reliable outdoor signal reception without sacrificing timing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3678308B1Apparatus in synchronization system and methods for operating the same
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3678308B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3678308B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3678308B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The disclosure is A first apparatus for estimating a delay time in a synchronization system is provided. The first apparatus includes a detector configured to detect a request signal generated by a second apparatus, and a generator configured to generate a response signal corresponding to the request signal and output the response signal. The request signal is received through a cable from the second apparatus and the response signal is transmitted to the second apparatus through the cable.