UE Time Synchronization Using Broadcast and Unicast Reference Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face challenges in accurately synchronizing clock times between user equipment (UE) and base stations (BS) due to varying delays in propagation delay compensation steps, especially when using both broadcast and unicast messages, leading to reduced communication accuracy and performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques that restrict propagation delay compensation steps to either broadcast or unicast messages, ensuring they occur closely in time, by configuring UEs to determine clock times based on specific types of reference time information conveyed via these messages, thereby improving synchronization accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If propagation delay compensation steps are performed using both broadcast and unicast messages, then communication flexibility is improved, but clock time synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to varying delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propagation delay compensation process by separating broadcast and unicast messages into distinct compensation steps. The UE is configured to perform first propagation delay compensation based on broadcast messages and second propagation delay compensation based on unicast messages, with each step using different reference time information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain flexibility in using multiple message types while preventing the mixing of delays that would degrade synchronization accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If propagation delay compensation steps occur at different times, then message processing flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network configure the UE with specific conditions or criteria for selecting between broadcast and unicast messages before the actual propagation delay compensation occurs. The UE stores this configuration and uses it to determine which message type to process first, ensuring that the compensation steps occur in a predetermined sequence that maintains synchronization accuracy while preserving processing flexibility.
3Quantity of substance
If reference time information is obtained from multiple message types, then information availability is improved, but time alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles and processing methods to different message types based on their specific characteristics. Broadcast messages are used for first propagation delay compensation with their own reference time information, while unicast messages are used for second propagation delay compensation with different reference time information. Each message type is processed with the quality and method appropriate to its nature, ensuring time alignment accuracy is maintained despite using multiple information sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a user equipment (UE), and a base station (BS) are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, at a UE, a configuration message comprising a set of condition parameters, updating a UE configuration based on the set of condition parameters, receiving a set of transmissions at the UE, selecting a target transmission of the set of transmissions based on the UE configuration, wherein the target transmission comprises reference time information, and determining a clock time for the UE based on the reference time information.