Terminal Signal Synchronization Using Frame Phase Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization techniques for wireless communication between terminals often require specialized hardware and negatively impact data transmission rates, necessitating an improved method for synchronizing signal timing between terminals.

Innovation Solution

A system and method involving a first terminal transmitting a signal to a second terminal, where the second terminal periodically inverts the phase of the signal at a frame interval using a phase inversion module, and the first terminal measures the discrepancy between phase inversion points and frame beginnings to determine transmission timing, allowing for synchronization without requiring specialized hardware or additional synchronization preambles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing synchronization techniques (preambles, packet counters, dedicated pilots) are used, then signal timing can be synchronized between terminals, but specialized hardware is required and data transmission rates are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal timing synchronizationVSAvoidspecialized hardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing signal transmission and reception mechanisms to perform synchronization. The second terminal automatically generates phase inversion points using its own clock and transmits them back, allowing the first terminal to measure timing discrepancies without requiring external synchronization hardware or additional dedicated synchronization signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The phase inversion points serve multiple functions: they act as timing references for synchronization, enable the second terminal to transmit timing information back to the first terminal, and can be integrated into existing signal transmission without requiring separate synchronization channels or specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing synchronization techniques (preambles, packet counters, dedicated pilots) are used, then signal timing can be synchronized between terminals, but data transmission rates are negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal timing synchronizationVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization mechanism is merged with the existing signal transmission process. The phase inversion points are generated using the second terminal's clock and transmitted within the existing signal framework, combining synchronization functionality with regular data transmission without requiring separate synchronization preambles or dedicated pilots that would reduce data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs synchronization using its own existing transmission and reception capabilities without requiring additional overhead signals. The second terminal uses its local clock to generate phase inversion points and transmits them back through the existing communication channel, eliminating the need for separate synchronization mechanisms that would impact data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If phase inversion is performed at frame interval, then timing information is encoded in the signal, but the system requires precise clock synchronization and beamforming weight adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming measurement accuracyVSAvoidclock and beamforming control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second terminal measures the timing discrepancy between received signal frames and its local clock, then encodes this timing information by inverting the signal phase at specific frame intervals. The first terminal receives these inverted signals and measures the phase inversion points to determine transmission timing, creating a feedback loop that continuously refines timing synchronization without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the phase parameter of the signal at specific time intervals (frame boundaries) to encode timing information. By inverting the phase (changing it by 180 degrees) at precise moments determined by the second terminal's clock, the system creates detectable timing markers that enable accurate measurement without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12604283B2Systems, methods, and terminals for synchronization of signal timing between a first terminal and a second terminal

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MACDONALD DETTWILER & ASSOC INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and terminals for synchronization of signal timing between a first terminal and a second terminal are provided herein. The system and method includes transmitting a signal from a first terminal to a second terminal, the signal comprising a phase and a plurality of frames, receiving the signal at the second terminal, periodically inverting the phase of the signal at the frame interval to produce an inversion coded signal comprising at least one phase inversion point, transmitting the inversion coded signal from the second terminal to the first terminal, receiving the inversion coded signal at the first terminal, and determining transmission timing of the signal from the first terminal to the second terminal by measuring a timing discrepancy between the at least one phase inversion point and a start time of a next frame.