Wireless TSN Timing Synchronization via RAN System Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining strict timing synchronization for Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) applications, which require stringent quality of service parameters like low latency and high reliability, especially when data flows are transmitted over wireless multiple-access systems.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a wireless communication system where a first node in the Radio Access Network (RAN) receives timing information for a data flow through system messages and uses this information to establish and manage the flow, incorporating timing synchronization among TSN endpoints, enabling time-aware scheduling and handover management within the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data flows are transmitted over wireless multiple-access systems, then communication coverage and flexibility are improved, but timing synchronization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidtiming synchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary timing synchronization by establishing timing relationships between TSN endpoints and wireless network nodes before data transmission. Timing information is pre-configured and distributed to ensure synchronized operation, allowing the wireless system to maintain TSN requirements while providing communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary nodes (base stations, access points) that act as timing reference points between TSN endpoints and the wireless network. These intermediaries receive and distribute timing information, enabling precise synchronization across the wireless multiple-access system while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If timing synchronization is maintained for TSN applications, then reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functional network nodes that simultaneously handle TSN timing synchronization and standard wireless communication functions. Base stations and access points serve both as timing references for TSN applications and as regular communication nodes, reducing the need for separate dedicated synchronization infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts timing parameters such as transmission timing, reception timing, and scheduling intervals based on TSN application requirements. By changing operational parameters rather than system architecture, the patent maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If strict timing requirements are enforced, then service quality is improved, but scheduling flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling mechanisms that adapt timing allocations based on real-time network conditions and TSN application requirements. Scheduling parameters such as transmission intervals, resource allocation, and priority levels are adjusted dynamically to maintain strict timing where needed while preserving flexibility for other traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3837885B1Signaling timing information for a time sensitive network in a wireless communications system
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3837885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3837885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3837885B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for timing synchronization among one or more time sensitive network (TSN) endpoints via a wireless communications network. A data flow may be established via the wireless communications network, in which one or more system messages associated with the data flow may provide timing information for the data flow. A first node within the wireless communications network may receive a request for establishing such a data flow with a user equipment (UE). The first node may receive timing information for the data flow via one or more system messages associated with the data flow, and establish the data flow based at least in part on the timing information.