User Equipment Synchronization Using Timing Advance and Frequency Offsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks, the rapid change in relative distance between a base station and user equipment due to movement causes severe synchronization issues in both downlink and uplink directions, while in terrestrial networks, maintaining synchronization requires significant reference signal overhead.

Innovation Solution

User equipment calculates synchronization values, such as timing advance and frequency offsets, based on assistance information received from the base station, and applies these values for uplink transmissions, optionally reporting them back to the base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If reference signal and signal design with larger overhead is used to maintain synchronization in terrestrial networks, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signal overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsignal overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The user equipment performs self-synchronization by autonomously calculating timing advance and frequency offset values based on downlink signal measurements, eliminating the need for extensive network-provided reference signals for synchronization purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanism of using extensive reference signals (a form of signal-based synchronization system) with a calculation-based approach where the UE computes synchronization parameters from measured downlink signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional synchronization methods are used in non-terrestrial networks with moving base stations, then synchronization can be maintained, but severe synchronization problems occur due to dramatic distance changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization method is designed to be dynamic and adaptive to changing conditions, with the UE continuously measuring downlink signal characteristics and recalculating synchronization parameters to accommodate rapid distance changes in non-terrestrial networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from using fixed reference signal patterns to dynamically calculating synchronization parameters based on measured signal characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying mobility conditions in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4066549B1Method for synchronization
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP4066549B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4066549B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4066549B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6

AI summary

A wireless communication method for use in a wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless communication method comprises determining at least one synchronization value, and transmitting, to a wireless network node, a signal based on the at least one synchronization value.