UE Time Synchronization via Dedicated Propagation Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving high synchronization accuracy, particularly in large coverage areas and high mobility environments, where propagation delay compensation is necessary to maintain synchronization accuracy requirements for time-sensitive communication services.
Innovation Solution
A method for time synchronization in user equipment (UE) and base stations that involves transmitting and receiving synchronization-specific uplink and downlink signals, allowing for propagation delay compensation and flexible synchronization accuracy, enabling accurate clock synchronization even in scenarios with large coverage and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional uplink or downlink signals are used for timing advance acquisition, then the existing communication protocol is maintained, but synchronization accuracy cannot meet the requirements of time-sensitive communication services in large coverage areas and high mobility environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional timing advance acquisition process by introducing dedicated synchronization signals (SSB with PSS/SSS) separated from conventional uplink/downlink data signals. This segmentation allows independent optimization of synchronization functionality, enabling accurate timing measurement specifically for time-sensitive services without affecting existing communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including signal structure (introducing SSB with specific synchronization sequences), timing relationships (defining specific time offsets between downlink SSB and uplink PUSCH), and measurement methodologies (using correlation-based timing measurement on synchronization signals). These parameter changes enable synchronization accuracy meeting TSC requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
2Reliability
If propagation delay compensation is implemented to meet synchronization accuracy requirements, then time-sensitive communication services can be supported, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the UE autonomously performs timing measurement on received SSB signals, calculates timing advance values, and applies propagation delay compensation without requiring complex network-side coordination. The gNB simply provides reference timing information, while the UE handles the complex measurement and compensation operations independently, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the UE measures timing based on SSB signals, calculates timing advance, and the network provides confirmation through RAR messages. This feedback mechanism ensures synchronization accuracy for TSC services while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through standardized measurement and reporting procedures.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization-specific signals are introduced to achieve high synchronization accuracy, then time-sensitive communication requirements are met, but signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the SSB structure universal by designing it to serve multiple functions: downlink synchronization, uplink timing acquisition, and propagation delay measurement. The same SSB signals with PSS/SSS sequences are used for both traditional cell search and the new TSC synchronization requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated synchronization signals and reducing overall signal overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges traditional synchronization functions with new TSC requirements by combining downlink SSB transmission with uplink timing advance acquisition in a unified random access procedure. The Msg1 PUSCH transmission serves both as random access preamble and as a signal for timing confirmation, consolidating multiple functions into fewer signal exchanges and reducing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) executes a time synchronization method. The UE transmits a synchronization-specific uplink signal and receives a synchronization-specific downlink signal in response to the synchronization-specific uplink signal. The synchronization-specific uplink signal may comprise a dedicated preamble for propagation-delay-related signaling associated with at least one of timing advance (TA), propagation delay (PD), and propagation delay compensation (PDC) between the UE and a serving base station of the UE.