Uplink Timing Adjustment for Multi-SCS Mobile Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems, particularly OFDM-based systems, face challenges in facilitating uplink transmission timing adjustment with multiple subcarrier spacings, which is essential for supporting various Quality of Service (QoS) requirements in Next Radio (NR) deployments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a terminal in a mobile communication system adjusting uplink transmission timing based on factors like Radio Access Technology (RAT), frame structure, and Subcarrier Spacing (SCS), by considering Timing Advance (TA) commands and applying specific adjustments to align with either the starting boundary of a downlink radio frame or the current uplink transmission timing, using predetermined constants and time units specific to each cell group and subcarrier spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcarrier spacings are supported in NR to meet various QoS requirements, then the system's adaptability and QoS support are improved, but the complexity of uplink transmission timing adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS support capabilityVSAvoidtiming adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple subcarrier spacing configurations (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz) to support different QoS requirements. Each subcarrier spacing has associated timing parameters (NTA, K values, Ts) that are adjusted based on the selected configuration, allowing the system to adapt timing characteristics to match service requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the timing adjustment mechanism into distinct components: TA command reception, NTA calculation with cell-specific K values, offset application (NTA,offset), and final timing determination. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and managed, reducing overall system complexity while supporting multiple subcarrier spacings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If uplink transmission timing is adjusted based on multiple factors (RAT, frame structure, SCS), then timing alignment accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming alignment accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by defining specific relationships between subcarrier spacing and timing parameters. For example, the time unit Ts is defined as 1/(Δf·N) where Δf is subcarrier spacing and N is FFT size, and NTA is calculated as TA×K where K is cell-specific. These parameter relationships enable accurate timing alignment while automating calculations to reduce processing burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through automated timing calculation mechanisms. The UE automatically determines NTA based on received TA commands and cell-specific parameters, applies appropriate offsets based on frame structure and SCS configuration, and calculates final timing without manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains high accuracy while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If different K values and time units Ts are used for different cells and subcarrier spacings, then timing adjustment precision is improved, but the system complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming adjustment precisionVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining cell-specific K values and time units Ts that vary according to subcarrier spacing configuration. Each cell can have its own K value (e.g., K=16 for LTE, K=64 for NR) and Ts value (e.g., 1/(15kHz×2048), 1/(30kHz×2048)), enabling precise timing adjustment tailored to each cell's characteristics while maintaining standardized parameter definitions that limit configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10764888B2Method and apparatus to receive and transmit data in a mobile communication system with multiple SCS
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 THEFARMERBEAR
  • US10764888B2 patent drawing
  • US10764888B2 patent drawing
  • US10764888B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Data transfer method and apparatus for use in a mobile communication system with multiple subcarrier spacings are provided. Method to adjust uplink transmission timing includes receiving TA from the base station, deriving an integer from the logical information received from the base station and determining the amount of uplink adjustment based on the integer.