Wireless PDC Triggering for Sub-Microsecond TSN Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems struggle to achieve high-precision time synchronization between terminals and networks in Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) due to challenges in propagation delay compensation (PDC), which is crucial for applications like factory automation and electrical power distribution in 5G systems.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and devices that enable propagation delay compensation (PDC) by triggering the process at appropriate times based on specific execution conditions, allowing for accurate synchronization between terminal devices and network devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If propagation delay compensation is performed continuously, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic propagation delay compensation by defining specific execution conditions that trigger PDC operations. Instead of continuous compensation, the system performs PDC periodically when conditions such as timing advance changes, handover events, or configuration updates occur. This periodic approach maintains synchronization accuracy while reducing system complexity and resource consumption compared to continuous compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes execution conditions for PDC in advance, defining when compensation should be performed based on predetermined criteria such as timing advance thresholds, handover preparation states, or configuration indication bits. By preparing and evaluating these conditions beforehand, the system can trigger PDC proactively at appropriate moments, ensuring synchronization accuracy without requiring continuous monitoring and intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If propagation delay compensation is performed more frequently, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces signaling overhead by implementing periodic PDC based on specific triggering conditions rather than frequent continuous operations. The network device sends PDC configurations and indications only when execution conditions are met, such as timing advance changes exceeding thresholds, handover events, or uplink data transmission starts. This approach maintains synchronization accuracy while minimizing unnecessary signaling messages and processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing PDC only when necessary based on evaluated execution conditions, rather than applying compensation in all cases. The system selectively triggers PDC for specific scenarios such as handover, timing advance updates, or configuration changes, avoiding excessive compensation operations that would increase signaling overhead and processing load without providing additional synchronization benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If propagation delay compensation is triggered by terminal device, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but control complexity and decision-making burden on terminal increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the terminal device evaluates predefined execution conditions and provides feedback to the network device about whether PDC should be performed. The terminal monitors parameters such as timing advance values, handover states, and uplink transmission conditions, then triggers PDC or sends indications to the network based on these evaluations. This feedback approach improves synchronization accuracy while distributing control complexity between terminal and network rather than concentrating all decision-making burden on the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the terminal device to autonomously evaluate execution conditions and trigger PDC operations based on predefined criteria stored in the device. The terminal self-determines when timing advance changes, handover events occur, or uplink transmissions start, and can autonomously initiate PDC or send triggering indications without requiring constant network intervention. This self-service capability improves synchronization accuracy while managing control complexity through automated local decision-making based on simple predefined rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12574880B2Wireless communication method, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US12574880B2 patent drawing
  • US12574880B2 patent drawing
  • US12574880B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless communication method includes: performing, by a terminal device, a related operation used for propagation delay compensation (PDC) in response to that a first PDC execution condition is satisfied.