Timing Advance Management for Carrier Aggregation Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The LTE wireless communication system does not effectively manage timing alignment functionality for multiple component carriers, leading to failures in uplink transmission synchronization when UE connects to multiple cells with different timing advance values.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing timing alignment functionality in wireless communication systems that supports carrier aggregation, involving the reception and application of separate or joint timing advance commands for each component carrier, with the option to start or restart a time alignment timer for each carrier, ensuring proper synchronization across multiple component carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a UE connects to multiple component carriers with different timing advance values, then the transmission bandwidth is extended and data rate is improved, but the uplink transmission synchronization fails due to improper TA functionality management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TA functionality management by establishing separate time alignment timers for each component carrier. Each timer independently tracks synchronization status for its corresponding carrier, allowing different timing advance values to coexist without interfering with each other. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple carriers to operate with their own synchronization states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic timer management where time alignment timers can be started, stopped, or restarted based on the synchronization status of each component carrier. The system dynamically adjusts timer states in response to timing advance commands or synchronization losses, allowing flexible adaptation to varying synchronization conditions across multiple carriers.
2Reliability
If separate time alignment timers are established for each component carrier, then the uplink transmission synchronization is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TA functionality into separate, carrier-specific time alignment timers, making the management more systematic and easier to implement. Each timer is independent and follows the same basic logic, which simplifies the overall design compared to a unified complex management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal timer management framework that can be applied across all component carriers. The same timer management logic and procedures work for each carrier, reducing the need for carrier-specific complex handling and simplifying the overall implementation.
3Reliability
If the time alignment timer is stopped when switching between component carriers, then the synchronization is maintained, but the signal collision risk increases due to improper timer management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timer management so that each component carrier has its own time alignment timer that operates independently. When switching between carriers, only the relevant timer is stopped or restarted, while other timers continue to track their respective carriers' synchronization states. This prevents unintended timer states that could cause signal collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary timer management actions before carrier switching occurs. The system proactively stops or restarts the appropriate time alignment timer in anticipation of carrier switching, preventing potential signal collisions before they can occur. This preliminary action ensures smooth transitions between carriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing TA functionality for a communication device of a wireless communication system which supports carrier aggregation that multiple component carriers are aggregated to support wider transmission bandwidth is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a RRC message indicating a usage of a timing advance command for each of a plurality of component carriers configured to the communication device, from a cell in a network of the wireless communication system, when the timing advance command has been received from the cell for each of the plurality of component carriers, applying the timing advance functionality corresponding to each of the plurality of component carriers, for updating a timing advance value for each of the plurality of component carriers, and when updating the timing advance value for each of the plurality of component carriers, starting or restarting a time alignment timer for each of the plurality of component carriers.