Timing Advance Switching for Multi-TRP TA Loop Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing multiple timing advance (TA) loops for uplink transmissions in multi-Transmission and reception point (TRP) operations, particularly in scenarios where dynamic TRP unmuting/muting is required for network energy savings, necessitating a solution to determine the need for one or two TA loops based on specific conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method where a terminal device measures the time difference between downlink reference signals and transmits an indication of this time difference relative to a threshold to the network, allowing the network to configure the activation or deactivation of TA loops, thereby enabling dynamic TA mode adaptation and efficient multi-TA operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple TA loops are maintained for multi-TRP operation, then uplink transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink transmission reliabilityVSAvoidTA loop management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TA loop activation and deactivation based on measured time differences between downlink reference signals from different TRPs. The terminal device continuously monitors the time difference and reports to the network, which then dynamically adjusts the TA loop configuration - activating both TA loops when time difference exceeds threshold (multi-TRP operation needed) and deactivating one TA loop when time difference is within threshold (single TA loop sufficient), thus adapting system complexity to actual operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the time difference parameter between downlink reference signals as a trigger condition for TA loop configuration changes. When the measured time difference exceeds a predefined threshold, the system transitions to maintaining two TA loops; when the time difference is within the threshold, the system transitions to maintaining one TA loop. This parameter-based dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing system complexity based on actual propagation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If two TA loops are used for multi-TRP operation, then uplink transmission performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink transmission performanceVSAvoidterminal device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TA loop activation and deactivation based on measured time differences between downlink reference signals from different TRPs. The terminal device continuously monitors the time difference and reports to the network, which then dynamically adjusts the TA loop configuration - activating both TA loops when time difference exceeds threshold (multi-TRP operation needed) and deactivating one TA loop when time difference is within threshold (single TA loop sufficient), thus adapting system complexity to actual operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the time difference parameter between downlink reference signals as a trigger condition for TA loop configuration changes. When the measured time difference exceeds a predefined threshold, the system transitions to maintaining two TA loops; when the time difference is within the threshold, the system transitions to maintaining one TA loop. This parameter-based dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing system complexity based on actual propagation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If TA loop configuration is frequently adjusted, then network efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal device measures the time difference between downlink reference signals and reports this information to the network device. Based on this feedback, the network dynamically adjusts TA loop configuration. The feedback is triggered only when the time difference exceeds a threshold, avoiding unnecessary signaling while enabling efficient adaptive TA management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the time difference parameter between downlink reference signals as a trigger condition for TA loop configuration changes. When the measured time difference exceeds a predefined threshold, the system transitions to maintaining two TA loops; when the time difference is within the threshold, the system transitions to maintaining one TA loop. This parameter-based dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing system complexity based on actual propagation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260046879A1Method and apparatus of timing advance

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to operation of Timing Advance. A terminal device obtains a time difference between a first downlink reference signal and a second downlink reference signal. The terminal device also transmits an indication on status of the time difference relative to a threshold. The solution for operation of Timing Advance as provided in the present disclosure can allow switching between multiple TAs and can achieve network energy savings.