Timing Control Signal Generation in Split Base Station Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems employing function-splitting, accurate timing control between units is challenging, particularly in 5G systems using higher frequency bands, which affects the reliability and efficiency of base station operations.
Innovation Solution
A timing control method and apparatus that involves a distributed unit (DU) in a base station, utilizing a processor and modem to obtain time information from a central unit (CU), generate timing control signals indicating changes in system frame numbers, subframe numbers, slot numbers, and symbol numbers, and synchronize with a global positioning system (GPS) to ensure accurate timing across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function-splitting is applied to base station units, then operational flexibility and scalability are improved, but timing control accuracy between units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is segmented into multiple independent units (CU and DU) that can be distributed separately. Each unit maintains independent timing control capabilities while receiving synchronization signals from GPS, allowing functional flexibility without sacrificing timing accuracy through decentralized timing management.
Solution Approach 2:
A timing control signal acts as an intermediary between the distributed units and the modem. This signal carries precise timing information derived from GPS synchronization, enabling accurate timing control across split functional units without requiring direct inter-unit timing coordination.
2Measurement precision
If multiple timing control signals are generated for different hierarchical levels, then timing precision at each level is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Timing control is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels corresponding to different time scales (SFN, subframe, slot, symbol). Each level generates its own timing control signal with appropriate precision, allowing the system to achieve high overall timing precision while keeping each individual timing generator relatively simple and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
A timing control method, performed by a first DU including a processor and a modem in a base station supporting function-splitting, includes obtaining, by the processor, first time information from a CU included in the base station; obtaining, by the processor, synchronization information with a first system based on the first time information; identifying, by the processor, a change time point of an SFN based on the synchronization information; generating, by the processor, a first timing control signal including a signal indicating a changed SFN and a first tick signal having a same periodicity as a change periodicity of the SFN when the SFN is changed; and providing, by the processor, the first timing control signal to the modem.