Wireless Time Synchronization Using Propagation Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems struggle to achieve high-accuracy time synchronization between a network and a terminal device, particularly in industrial internet of things (IIoT) systems like factory automation and electrical power distribution, where low delay and precise clock synchronization are required for time sensitive networking (TSN) services.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication method involving propagation delay compensation (PDC) procedures, where a terminal device transmits first information on a first uplink channel to a network device, and the network device transmits second information on a first downlink channel, using various channels such as PUCCH, PUSCH, PDCCH, and PDSCH, to facilitate high-accuracy time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If propagation delay compensation procedures are implemented using existing communication channels, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures propagation delay using uplink synchronization signals before actual data transmission occurs. The network device calculates the propagation delay based on the timing of received synchronization signals from terminal devices, and compensates for this delay in advance by adjusting downlink transmission timing. This preliminary measurement and compensation approach ensures accurate time synchronization for subsequent TSN service transmissions without adding delay during actual data communication.
2Measurement precision
If multiple communication channels are used for propagation delay compensation, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing uplink synchronization signal channels and downlink communication channels for propagation delay measurement and compensation purposes. The same physical uplink channel that terminal devices use for synchronization signaling also serves as the measurement channel for calculating propagation delay. The downlink channel carries both regular data traffic and the compensated synchronization information. This multi-functional use of existing channels achieves high synchronization accuracy without requiring dedicated separate channels or increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method, a terminal device, and a network device are provided. In the wireless communication method, a terminal device transmits, on a first uplink channel, first information for a propagation delay compensation (PDC) procedure to a network device.