Timing Error Group Indexing for 5G Positioning Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication networks, such as 5G, face challenges in achieving accurate user equipment (UE) positioning due to timing delays in receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) signals at both UE and base station levels.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves generating receive timing error groups (Rx TEG) and transmit timing error groups (Tx TEG) based on measured time delays, determining corresponding timing error group indices, and reporting positioning measurements associated with these indices to improve positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If timing measurements are performed from antenna to baseband processor, then positioning measurements can be obtained, but timing delays are introduced that reduce positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidtiming delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the timing delays in the receive and transmit signal paths before positioning measurements are performed. The baseband processor determines calibration values for Rx and Tx timing errors based on known reference signals, storing these values for subsequent compensation during actual positioning operations. This advance preparation eliminates timing delays that would otherwise reduce positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the baseband processor continuously monitors timing errors in receive and transmit paths, compares them against calibration values, and adjusts compensation parameters accordingly. The system reports timing error group indices and positioning measurements back to the network, enabling iterative refinement of timing compensation to maintain high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If timing error compensation is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional calibration and compensation procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the timing error compensation into distinct, manageable components: receive timing error calibration, transmit timing error calibration, and combined Rx/Tx timing error calibration. Each component is handled separately through dedicated calibration procedures and compensation mechanisms, making the overall complex system more tractable and maintainable while achieving high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by introducing timing error group (TEG) indices that categorize different timing error conditions. Instead of continuously adjusting numerous timing parameters, the system uses discrete TEG index values to represent timing error states, simplifying the compensation process while maintaining accuracy. The baseband processor selects appropriate compensation values based on the determined TEG index.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4043904B1New radio positioning enhancement for timing and angle based methods and resource aggregation
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4043904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4043904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4043904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method may include generating (702) a receive timing error group, Rx TEG, based on a time delay of a receive, Rx, signal, wherein the time delay is a time measured from an arrival of the Rx signal at a Rx antenna to a time of the Rx signal being digitized and time-stamped at a baseband processor of a user equipment, UE, determining (704) a timing error group, TEG, index corresponding to the generated Rx TEG, determining (706) a positioning measurement associated with the Rx antenna used to generate the Rx TEG, and reporting (708) the positioning measurement associated with the Rx TEG index.