UE Timing Configuration Selection for NR Bandwidth and SCS Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE and NR, face challenges in efficiently adjusting transmission timing due to variations in bandwidth and subcarrier spacing, leading to timing errors and inefficiencies in autonomous time adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The system allows user equipment (UE) to autonomously adjust transmission timing by selecting a Timing Error Limit (T_e_NR) and Maximum Autonomous Time Adjustment Step (T_q_NR) based on bandwidth (BW) and subcarrier spacing (SCS), using various design methodologies to account for different SCS levels, ensuring precise timing adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed timing parameters are used across all bandwidth and subcarrier spacing configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to variations in bandwidth and subcarrier spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making timing parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The UE dynamically selects timing error limit and maximum autonomous time adjustment step based on the active bandwidth and subcarrier spacing configuration. This allows the system to optimize timing accuracy for each specific configuration while managing complexity through standardized selection rules defined in the patent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes timing parameters (timing error limit and maximum autonomous time adjustment step) based on bandwidth and subcarrier spacing conditions. Different parameter values are selected according to the active configuration, allowing timing accuracy to be optimized for each scenario without requiring a completely separate system for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If autonomous time adjustment is enabled, then transmission efficiency is improved, but timing errors increase due to variations in bandwidth and subcarrier spacing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidtiming error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE monitors timing conditions and adjusts autonomous time adjustment behavior based on observed timing errors. The system uses feedback from timing error measurements to refine the selection of maximum autonomous time adjustment step, balancing transmission efficiency with timing accuracy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining timing error limit and maximum autonomous time adjustment step values for different bandwidth and subcarrier spacing configurations. The UE selects appropriate parameters before autonomous time adjustment begins, preventing timing errors from escalating while maintaining transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If timing parameters are optimized for specific bandwidth and subcarrier spacing configurations, then timing accuracy is improved, but adaptability across different configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by creating a unified timing parameter selection framework that works across all bandwidth and subcarrier spacing configurations. The same patent mechanisms and selection rules apply universally, allowing the system to maintain timing accuracy optimization for each configuration while preserving adaptability through a single standardized approach.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3603236B1Systems, methods and devices for selecting cellular timing configurations
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 APPLE INC
  • EP3603236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3603236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3603236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

User equipment performs autonomous time adjustment that includes selecting a Timing Error Limit (i.e. Te_NR) and Maximum Autonomous Time Adjustment Step (i.e. Tq_NR) based on bandwidth (BW) and subcarrier spacing (SCS). In one embodiment, given a certain downlink BW, if the SCS = x(kHz) and the Te_NR of this SCS is N, then the Te_NR of SCS = x/2(kHz) is 2*N. Given a certain downlink BW, if the SCS = x(kHz) and the Te_NR of this SCS is N, then the Te_NR of SCS = 2*x(kHz) is N/2. For example, given BW = 10MHz, if the Te_NR of SCS=30kHz is n*Ts_NR (TS_NR is the basic timing unit for NR system), then the Te_NR of SCS=60kHz is N/2*Ts_NR, and the Te_NR of SCS=15kHz is 2*N*Ts_NR.