Terminal Delay Compensation for 5G TSN Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems struggle to provide the necessary lower delay guarantees and higher clock synchronization accuracy required for time sensitive networking (TSN) in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, such as factory automation and electrical power distribution, with synchronization errors exceeding 900 ns.
Innovation Solution
A delay compensation method where a terminal reports first information, including time information and a delay compensation amount, to assist the network device in performing delay compensation, using periodic, semi-static periodic, or signaling triggered reporting modes to maintain high clock synchronization accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If propagation delay measurements are used for positioning to compensate for propagation delay at the UE, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously measuring propagation delay using positioning reference signals and calculating its own timing adjustment value without requiring complex network-side measurement infrastructure. The UE uses its own receiver to measure the time difference between receiving downlink positioning reference signals and transmitting uplink positioning reference signals, thereby compensating for propagation delay independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the UE report the measured propagation delay or timing adjustment value back to the network device. The network device receives this feedback information and uses it to adjust timing configurations, ensuring synchronized operation. This feedback mechanism enables continuous optimization of synchronization accuracy without requiring complex real-time measurement infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reporting modes (periodic, semi-static periodic, signaling triggered) are implemented for delay compensation information, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the reporting mode based on actual synchronization requirements and network conditions. Three reporting modes are provided: periodic reporting for stable scenarios, semi-static periodic reporting for moderate changes, and signaling-triggered reporting for event-driven updates. The network can flexibly configure and switch between these modes to optimize the balance between synchronization accuracy and signaling overhead according to specific operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes reporting parameters (reporting period, trigger conditions, information content) based on network conditions and synchronization requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system can reduce signaling overhead in stable conditions while maintaining synchronization accuracy when changes occur, effectively managing the trade-off between information freshness and signaling burden.
3Loss of time
If delay compensation is performed using uplink and downlink positioning reference signals, then time synchronization requirement is met, but measurement difficulty and positioning system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning reference signals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they enable positioning measurements, support propagation delay compensation, and facilitate time synchronization. By making the positioning reference signals multi-functional, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated synchronization signals, thereby meeting time synchronization requirements without significantly increasing system complexity or measurement difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of positioning and synchronization by using the same uplink and downlink positioning reference signals for both purposes. The propagation delay measurement process is combined with the timing synchronization process, allowing the system to achieve time synchronization requirements while reusing existing signal structures and measurement procedures, thus avoiding additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to the field of communications. Disclosed are a delay compensation method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: a terminal reports first information to a network device, the first information being used for assisting the terminal or the network device to perform delay compensation, so that high clock synchronization precision is maintained between the terminal and the network device.