Synthetic Delay Compensation for Base Station Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cellular communication networks, the actual in-equipment downlink delay in base station radio equipment can exceed the maximum allowable delay, necessitating a solution that does not require redesigning the radio equipment, to maintain precise frame timing synchronization between the base station and mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The radio equipment introduces a synthetic delay during synchronization, reporting an in-equipment downlink delay that is less than the actual delay to the radio equipment controller, which compensates for the discrepancy by adding a synthetic delay to the synchronization message, allowing the system to operate within acceptable limits without redesigning the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the actual in-equipment downlink delay is reduced to meet maximum allowable delay requirements, then frame timing synchronization is improved, but this requires redesigning the radio equipment which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synthetic delay as an intermediary element that mediates between the actual in-equipment downlink delay and the maximum allowable delay requirement. This synthetic delay is added during synchronization to compensate for the excess actual delay, allowing the system to meet timing requirements without physically modifying the radio equipment. The intermediary synthetic delay effectively bridges the gap between the actual delay characteristics and the required timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay parameter dynamically by introducing a synthetic delay component during synchronization. Instead of permanently reducing the actual in-equipment downlink delay through hardware redesign, the system modifies the effective delay parameter by adding a compensatory synthetic delay. This parameter change allows the total delay to be adjusted to meet maximum allowable requirements while keeping the original radio equipment unchanged.
2Reliability
If the radio equipment is redesigned to reduce in-equipment downlink delay, then delay compliance is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the delay characteristic through the synthetic delay mechanism. Instead of physically modifying the radio equipment to reduce delay, the system creates a compensatory synthetic delay that copies and counteracts the excess actual delay. This virtual compensation achieves delay compliance without any physical redesign or manufacturing changes to the radio equipment, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-applying the synthetic delay during the synchronization phase. The synthetic delay is determined in advance based on the actual in-equipment downlink delay measurement, and is then applied to compensate for the excess delay before normal operation begins. This preliminary compensation ensures delay compliance is achieved without requiring any manufacturing changes to the radio equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a synthetic delay is introduced during synchronization, then delay compensation is achieved without equipment redesign, but the synchronization process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the synchronization process by making the synthetic delay adjustable and adaptive. The synthetic delay is not a fixed value but is dynamically determined based on the measured actual in-equipment downlink delay. This dynamic approach allows the synchronization process to adapt to different delay conditions while providing delay compensation capability, managing the increase in synchronization complexity through intelligent adaptability rather than rigid fixed-value approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to delay compensation during synchronization of uplink and downlink frames in a base station in a cellular communication network. In general, the base station includes a radio equipment and a radio equipment controller that together form at least part of the base station. In one embodiment, the radio equipment includes a first interface configured to receive data from the radio equipment controller and a second interface configured to send data to the radio equipment controller. During synchronization, the radio equipment receives, at the first interface of the radio equipment, a synchronization message from the radio equipment controller. The radio equipment then passes the synchronization message from the first interface of the radio equipment to the second interface of the radio equipment with a synthetic delay that is in addition to an in-equipment delay from the first interface to the second interface.