5G V2X Sidelink Timing Synchronization via Network Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, achieving synchronization of sidelink transmissions between vehicles is challenging, especially when they share a carrier with base station uplinks, and there is no common synchronization source among base stations, leading to difficulties in selecting a synchronization signal that is common to all V2X user equipment.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a network node sending information to user equipment about the synchronization status of base stations, including whether they are synchronized to GNSS or UTC, and providing location information to compensate for timing errors due to propagation delay, allowing user equipment to configure and establish synchronized vehicle-to-vehicle sidelinks using either dedicated or shared carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If V2X sidelinks share a carrier with base station uplinks, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases due to lack of common synchronization source
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary that provides synchronization information to V2X user equipment. The base station receives synchronization status information from other base stations and forwards this information to V2X UEs, enabling them to achieve synchronization without direct access to common synchronization sources. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining shared carrier usage while providing the necessary synchronization coordination.
2Measurement precision
If V2X user equipment uses network-based synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but propagation delay causes timing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having base stations provide their location information and synchronization status to V2X user equipment. The V2X UEs use this feedback information to calculate and compensate for propagation delays, adjusting their timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high synchronization accuracy while accounting for the time loss due to propagation delays.
3Area of stationary object
If V2X sidelinks operate in areas without cellular coverage, then coverage area is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having V2X user equipment acquire and store synchronization information from base stations before entering areas without cellular coverage. The equipment uses this pre-acquired synchronization data to maintain synchronized operation even when base station signals are unavailable. This preliminary preparation ensures that coverage is extended to areas without cellular infrastructure while maintaining synchronization reliability through previously obtained reference information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for timing synchronization of sidelinks. In some example embodiments, there may be provided an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive information to enable synchronized operation of a vehicle-to-vehicle sidelink with another user equipment; and configure the vehicle-to-vehicle sidelink. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.