Uplink Synchronization via Timing Advance Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional uplink synchronization techniques require the same timing advance for all uplink transmissions over the same component carrier, which is unsuitable for next-generation wireless networks where transmissions may experience different propagation delays due to separate propagation paths.
Innovation Solution
The method allows for separate timing advances to be applied to uplink transmissions by grouping them into Timing Advance Groups (TAGs), with each group receiving a unique timing advance configuration, enabling dynamic adjustment based on propagation delays and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same timing advance is applied to all uplink transmissions over the same component carrier, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but uplink synchronization reliability deteriorates when transmissions experience different propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments uplink transmissions into multiple Timing Advance Groups (TAGs), where each TAG can be assigned a separate timing advance value. This segmentation allows the system to handle different propagation delays for different transmission paths while maintaining manageable complexity through organized group management. The base station configures multiple TAGs with distinct timing advance values, and the UE applies the appropriate timing advance based on the TAG assignment for each uplink transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic timing advance adjustment by allowing the base station to configure and update timing advance values for different TAGs based on observed propagation delays. The system can dynamically assign transmissions to different TAGs and adjust timing advance values as propagation conditions change, enabling adaptive synchronization that responds to varying network conditions while maintaining systematic control.
2Measurement precision
If separate timing advances are applied to different uplink transmissions, then uplink synchronization accuracy is improved, but the complexity of timing advance configuration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Timing Advance Groups (TAGs) as an intermediary layer between the base station's timing advance configuration and the UE's transmission timing adjustment. This intermediary structure simplifies management by grouping transmissions that share the same timing advance characteristics, allowing the base station to configure timing advances at the group level rather than individually for each transmission, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting transmissions into TAGs with distinct timing advance values, the system achieves precise timing control for each propagation path while managing complexity through structured group assignments. The segmentation allows precise measurement and adjustment of timing advances for different transmission types (e.g., PUCCH, PUSCH, SRS) while maintaining organized configuration management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timing advance groups are configured, then adaptability to different propagation paths is improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal TAG configuration framework that can accommodate multiple propagation paths and transmission types through a standardized multi-functionality approach. The TAG structure serves multiple functions: grouping uplink transmissions, assigning timing advances, and managing synchronization across different component carriers and transmission types. This universal framework provides adaptability to various propagation scenarios while maintaining consistent configuration management procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for uplink synchronization is provided, wherein the method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message from a network, the RRC message comprising a first Timing Advance Group (TAG) identity (ID) and a second TAG ID different than the first TAG ID. The method also includes transmitting, by the UE, a first signal over a component carrier in accordance with a timing advance associated with the first TAG ID and a second signal over the component carrier in accordance with a timing advance associated with the second TAG ID.