Multi-TRP Uplink Timing With Consolidated TA Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in managing multiple timing advance adjustments for multi-TRP operation, particularly in maintaining accurate reception timing across non-colocated TRPs within a single component carrier, which can lead to interference and increased control overhead.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining and indicating multiple timing advance values for each TRP, allowing separate timing adjustments by grouping UEs into TA groups and providing these values within a single MAC control element, along with separate RACH configurations for each TRP, to ensure precise uplink timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple timing advance values are determined for different TRPs, then timing accuracy for multi-TRP operation is improved, but control overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple timing advance values (first TA value and second TA value) into a single MAC control element for transmission to the UE. This merging approach maintains precise timing control for multiple TRPs while reducing control overhead by consolidating what would otherwise be separate control messages into one unified structure.
2Reliability
If separate RACH configurations are provided for each TRP, then timing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RACH configuration into multiple distinct configurations (first RACH configuration and second RACH configuration), each specifically tailored for a particular TRP. This segmentation enables precise timing synchronization for each TRP by providing dedicated random access parameters, while the structured organization of these segmented configurations helps manage device complexity through clear separation of concerns.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If UEs are grouped into multiple TA groups, then interference between TRPs is reduced, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces TA groups as intermediary structures that associate UEs with specific timing advance values. By creating this intermediary layer between UEs and TRPs, the system reduces interference through proper timing alignment while managing complexity by organizing UEs into manageable groups. The base station acts as the mediator that controls and updates these associations through MAC control elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for supporting multiple timing advance adjustments for multi-TRP (transmission and reception point) operation. Multiple TRPs may support a single serving cell, e.g., in support of a single component carrier (CC). A UE may receive at least one SSB from each of the TRPs, and may respond by transmitting at least one PRACH transmission via each TRP. Based on the reception timing of the PRACH transmissions, the serving cell may determine a respective timing advance (TA) value for use by the UE in connection with uplink transmissions for each respective TRP. The serving cell may communicate the TA values, and potentially subsequent updates thereto, to the UE. The serving cell may also provide configuration information to assist the UE in determining which TA to use for given uplink transmissions.