Uplink-Downlink Timing Offset Update for Satellite UE
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In non-terrestrial wireless communication networks, timing misalignment between uplink and downlink radio frames can cause uplink communication issues due to changes in propagation delay resulting from mobility of user equipment or satellites, leading to unreceived and undecodable uplink communications if the uplink-downlink timing interaction offset is not updated synchronously.
Innovation Solution
A method where user equipment (UE) transmits an indication of updated timing misalignment to a satellite, which updates the offset for the uplink-downlink timing interaction and sends an indication for the UE to use the updated offset, ensuring synchronous communication and improving the likelihood of receivable and decodable uplink communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the uplink-downlink timing interaction offset is not updated, then the system maintains simplicity in timing management, but uplink communication reliability deteriorates due to timing misalignment caused by propagation delay changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE measures timing misalignment between uplink and downlink radio frames, reports this measurement to the satellite, and the satellite updates the timing offset accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures uplink communication reliability by continuously adapting the timing offset to match changing propagation delays caused by mobility, while automating the process to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing offset updates based on UE-reported timing misalignment measurements before uplink communication issues occur. By proactively measuring and reporting timing misalignment, and updating the offset in advance, the system prevents timing misalignment from causing communication failures rather than reacting after problems occur.
2Reliability
If the timing offset is updated frequently to maintain synchronization, then uplink communication reliability improves, but signaling overhead and network resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating the timing offset only when necessary - specifically when the UE detects timing misalignment exceeding a threshold or when mobility conditions warrant an update. Rather than continuously updating the offset unconditionally, the system performs selective updates based on actual timing misalignment measurements, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining sufficient synchronization accuracy for reliable communication.
3Reliability
If the UE transmits uplink communication using outdated timing offset, then device operation remains simple, but timing misalignment causes communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UE to autonomously measure its own timing misalignment between uplink and downlink frames, calculate the required offset adjustment, and report this self-determined timing information to the satellite. This self-service approach allows the UE to manage its own timing synchronization without complex centralized control, improving transmission accuracy while keeping the UE's operational complexity manageable through automated local measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive an indication from a satellite that an offset between an uplink radio frame timing and a corresponding downlink radio frame timing at the UE is to be used. The UE may communicate with the satellite using the offset based at least in part on receiving the indication. Numerous other aspects are provided.