Uplink Timing Adjustment in Non-Terrestrial Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN), the existing uplink timing adjustment protocols require a long time to adjust uplink timing within the transmission timing limit, leading to untimely transmission timing adjustments that affect transceiver performance and cause interference to other terminals.
Innovation Solution
A method for uplink timing adjustment that acquires downlink timing information at different moments and adjusts the uplink timing based on the timing difference, using a one shot or gradual adjustment manner to be within a timing limit threshold range, determined by evaluating error values and satellite type indications, to ensure timely adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gradual adjustment rules are applied for uplink timing, then adjustment stability is maintained, but adjustment time becomes too long for NTN scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment by switching between gradual adjustment mode and one-shot adjustment mode based on the magnitude of timing difference. When timing difference exceeds a threshold, one-shot adjustment is triggered to rapidly correct timing, otherwise gradual adjustment is used for stability. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between adjustment stability and adjustment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter (adjustment step size) based on the timing difference magnitude. For large timing differences, larger adjustment steps are applied to reduce adjustment time; for small timing differences, smaller steps maintain stability. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and stability.
2Loss of time
If one-shot adjustment is used to reduce adjustment time, then timing accuracy improves, but transceiver performance may be affected during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the terminal monitors downlink timing information and calculates timing differences continuously. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to apply one-shot or gradual adjustment, and the network device receives adjustment results to verify performance. This feedback loop ensures transceiver performance is maintained while achieving timely adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary timing difference calculation and mode selection before actual timing adjustment. By evaluating the timing difference against thresholds in advance, the system prepares the appropriate adjustment strategy, preventing performance degradation during the adjustment process itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If timing adjustment is delayed in NTN, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but interference to other terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing adjustment process into two distinct modes: gradual adjustment for small timing differences and one-shot adjustment for large timing differences. This segmentation allows the system to maintain protocol compatibility through gradual adjustment while eliminating interference through one-shot adjustment when needed, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and interference reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for uplink timing adjustment, and a storage medium. The method is performed by a terminal and includes: acquiring downlink timing information, where the downlink timing information includes a first downlink timing corresponding to a first moment of the terminal and a second downlink timing corresponding to a second moment of the terminal; adjusting, based on a timing difference between the second downlink timing and the first downlink timing, an uplink timing to be within a timing limit threshold range.