Synchronization Signal Conversion Device for GPS-Denied Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems using LTE/LTE-Advanced and 5G standards, base stations struggle to generate synchronization signals without GPS signals, as time information is not included in broadcast channel information, making it difficult to establish synchronization in environments where GPS signals are difficult to receive.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization signal conversion device comprising a first communication device that receives GPS signals and transmits time synchronization information wirelessly at a different frequency to a second communication device, which then generates pseudo-GPS reception signals for the base station, allowing it to synchronize with the GPS reference time even in GPS signal-absent environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If base stations use GPS signals for synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates in environments where GPS signals are difficult to receive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability in GPS-denied environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal conversion device as an intermediary that receives GPS synchronization signals and converts them into pseudo-GPS reception signals. This mediator enables base stations in GPS-denied environments to obtain synchronized time information without direct GPS signal access, thus maintaining both accuracy and reliability across different deployment scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into two functional parts: a GPS signal reception unit that acquires accurate time synchronization, and a signal conversion unit that generates pseudo-GPS signals. This segmentation allows the synchronization function to be separated from the base station, enabling reliable operation in environments where direct GPS reception is not feasible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If base stations are deployed in GPS-denied environments, then system adaptability is improved, but the ability to generate synchronized signals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptability to different deployment environmentsVSAvoidsynchronization signal generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of GPS synchronization signals in the form of pseudo-GPS reception signals. The conversion device generates these synthetic signals that replicate the characteristics and timing information of authentic GPS signals, enabling base stations to function normally in GPS-denied environments while maintaining synchronization accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization signal conversion device acts as a mediator that bridges GPS-denied environments with synchronized time reference. It receives accurate GPS-based time information and transforms it into pseudo-GPS signals that base stations can use, thus maintaining synchronization capability regardless of direct GPS signal availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11160044B2Synchronization signal conversion device
Publication Date: 2021.10.26 KOKUSAI DENKI ELECTRIC INC
  • US11160044B2 patent drawing
  • US11160044B2 patent drawing
  • US11160044B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A synchronization signal conversion device comprises a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device acquires, from the received GPS signals, time synchronization information synchronized to a GPS reference time, and wirelessly transmits the time synchronization information at a frequency different from that of the GPS signals. The second communication device receives the radio signals from the first communication device and acquires the time synchronization information, synchronizes internal time information to the GPS reference signal on the basis of the time synchronization information, and generates pseudo-GPS reception signals including satellite information and outputs the signal to a reception-side base station device such that the synchronized internal time information and pre-stored position information are acquired at the base station device.