TDD Repeater Timing Recovery Using GNSS Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repeaters for 5G wireless communications face high cost and complexity due to the use of time-division-duplex (TDD) RF architectures, particularly when incorporating user equipment (UE) modems, which are costly and complex to implement.
Innovation Solution
A timing recovery subsystem using out-of-band communication with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) or other protocols to synchronize with the 5G network, implemented with a low-cost microcontroller, eliminating the need for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Digital Signal Processors (DSP), and high-speed ADCs, and enabling switching between downlink and uplink modes based on scheduled timing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UE modem is used for timing recovery in TDD repeaters, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing recovery function from the complete UE modem, implementing a dedicated timing recovery subsystem that uses GNSS timing and simplified signal processing to achieve synchronization without the full modem complexity. This separates the critical timing function from the expensive, complex modem infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex UE modem with a more economical timing recovery implementation using basic signal processing components and GNSS timing references. This cheaper alternative achieves sufficient timing accuracy for TDD operation without requiring full modem capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If a UE modem is used for timing recovery in TDD repeaters, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing recovery function from the complete UE modem, implementing a dedicated timing recovery subsystem that uses GNSS timing and simplified signal processing to achieve synchronization without the full modem complexity. This separates the critical timing function from the expensive, complex modem infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex UE modem with a more economical timing recovery implementation using basic signal processing components and GNSS timing references. This cheaper alternative achieves sufficient timing accuracy for TDD operation without requiring full modem capabilities.
3Reliability
If full duplex architecture with four separate antennas is used, then robustness to air interface changes is improved, but cost and isolation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TDD operation where the repeater switches between uplink and downlink modes based on timing recovery information, allowing shared use of RF chains and antennas. This dynamic time-division approach provides robustness to air interface changes while reducing the need for four separate dedicated antennas required by static full duplex architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the RF chains and antennas universal by allowing them to serve both uplink and downlink functions at different times through TDD switching. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed compared to full duplex architecture where separate dedicated paths are required for simultaneous bidirectional operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater for wireless communications systems can include a time-division-duplex (TDD) architecture with a timing recovery system for switching between uplink and downlink. In some approaches, the timing recovery system can receive a timing reference from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), or Galileo.