Uplink Compensation Gap for Frequency Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crystal oscillator frequency errors in user equipment (UE) lead to initial frequency offsets that increase over time, degrading communication performance, especially in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with longer round trip times and uplink transmission signals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the insertion of a time gap between uplink transmissions by a wireless communication device or node, based on a navigation signal, to correct frequency errors. This UL gap allows for frequency error compensation, improving communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous uplink transmissions are performed without time gaps, then communication efficiency and productivity are improved, but frequency error accumulates and degrades communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time gaps (UL compensation gaps) between continuous uplink transmissions. These periodic interruptions allow the UE to perform frequency error compensation by receiving downlink signals and adjusting its crystal oscillator, thereby maintaining frequency accuracy while preserving overall communication efficiency through the continuous transmission-resumption pattern.
2Reliability
If time gap is inserted for frequency error compensation, then frequency accuracy is improved, but communication efficiency and productivity deteriorate due to transmission interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by inserting time gaps only when frequency error compensation is needed, rather than continuous interruptions. The gap duration is optimized to be sufficient for frequency correction but minimal enough to preserve communication efficiency. The system dynamically activates compensation gaps based on frequency error thresholds, applying the correction action partially rather than continuously.
3Ease of manufacture
If crystal oscillator is used in low-cost UE, then device cost is reduced, but frequency error increases due to lower oscillator accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the low-cost crystal oscillator to self-correct its frequency errors through the UL compensation gap mechanism. During the time gap, the UE receives downlink signals containing frequency reference information and autonomously adjusts its oscillator parameters to compensate for drift. This self-service approach allows inexpensive oscillators to maintain acceptable frequency accuracy without requiring expensive high-precision components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enhanced uplink compensation gap are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method is configured to insert, by a wireless communication device, a time gap between a first transmission and a second transmission according to a configuration from a wireless communication node, wherein the first transmission includes the wireless communication device transmitting a plurality of first uplink messages to the wireless communication node and the second transmission includes the wireless communication device transmitting a plurality of second uplink messages to the wireless communication node.