Uplink Timing Adjustment for Multi-TRP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In new radio access (NR) networks, a single timing advance value for uplink transmissions may not be sufficient for multi-Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) due to varying distances from terminal devices, leading to inadequate orthogonality and increased intra-cell interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method at both terminal and network devices to determine and apply different timing advance values for uplink transmissions based on specific procedures and resources, allowing for individual radio link adjustments within a serving cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single timing advance value is used for uplink transmissions in a serving cell, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the timing alignment precision deteriorates and intra-cell interference increases when multiple TRPs are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing adjustment mechanism by introducing multiple timing advance values (first TA value and second TA value) corresponding to different TRPs. Each TRP has its own dedicated timing advance value, allowing independent timing control for each transmission point. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple single-value adjustment within each TRP while achieving multi-value precision across the cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by associating different timing advance values with different TRPs based on their specific characteristics (distance from terminal device). Each TRP receives customized timing adjustment parameters tailored to its local conditions, rather than applying a uniform timing value across all TRPs. This enables precise local timing control while maintaining overall system coordination.
2Manufacturing precision
If different timing advance values are applied for different TRPs, then the timing alignment precision is improved and intra-cell interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent timing advance groups, each associated with a specific TRP. The terminal device maintains separate timing advance values (first TA value for first TRP, second TA value for second TRP) rather than a single unified value. This segmentation enables precise timing control for each TRP while keeping the management structure organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic timing adjustment capability where the terminal device can switch between different timing advance values based on which TRP is currently being used for uplink transmission. The timing advance value is dynamically selected according to the active TRP, allowing the system to adapt timing parameters in real-time without requiring complex permanent configurations for all possible scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If a single timing advance value is used for all uplink carriers in a serving cell, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates for multi-TRP transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal timing adjustment framework where the terminal device is configured with multiple timing advance values that can be applied across different uplink carriers and different TRPs. The same set of timing advance values serves multiple functions: supporting single-TRP operations, multi-TRP operations, and different carrier configurations. This multi-functionality maintains ease of operation by using a consistent mechanism while achieving high adaptability to various transmission scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing the terminal device to select different timing advance values based on the specific TRP and carrier being used. The timing advance parameter is not fixed but can be changed according to the active configuration, enabling the system to adapt to different TRP distances and transmission requirements while maintaining a unified configuration approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable mediums for timing adjustment. In example embodiments, a method implemented at a terminal device is provided. The method comprises, in response to a network device providing a serving cell to serve the terminal device and the serving cell being configured with at least a first procedure for adjusting timing of uplink transmissions and a second procedure for adjusting timing of uplink transmissions, determining, from the first and second procedures, at least one procedure to be applied to an uplink transmission. The method further comprises determining at least one timing advance (TA) value for the at least one procedure. In addition, the method further comprises applying the at least one procedure to the uplink transmission by adjusting the timing of the uplink transmission based on the at least one TA value.