Wireless TSN Master Clock Synchronization With Sub-Sample Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing TSN networks struggle to achieve sub-sample precision in synchronizing wireless devices due to limitations in time resolution, particularly in 3GPP networks, which hinder deterministic end-to-end latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a local oscillator clock and resolving sub-samples in the baseband to enhance time resolution, combined with the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) process, for precise synchronization of wireless devices in 3GPP networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional wired TSN network synchronization is used, then synchronization precision reaches fraction of nanosecond, but wireless mobility and scalability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidwireless mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired physical connection system with a wireless communication system while maintaining TSN synchronization requirements. This substitution enables mobility and scalability without completely sacrificing synchronization precision through the use of enhanced wireless synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If standard wireless sampling time synchronization is used, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision is limited to sampling time (e.g., 32 nanoseconds)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization process into two distinct phases: coarse synchronization using standard wireless sampling methods, and fine synchronization using sub-sample interpolation techniques. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision without overwhelming complexity by breaking down the synchronization task into manageable stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using standard sampling synchronization for the majority of the precision requirement and only invoking complex sub-sample interpolation when additional precision is needed, thus balancing complexity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If sub-sample precision synchronization is implemented in wireless networks, then deterministic end-to-end latency is achieved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterministic latencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary coarse synchronization using standard wireless sampling before attempting sub-sample precision synchronization. This preliminary action reduces the search space and processing requirements for achieving deterministic latency, as the system only needs to refine synchronization from a known approximate state rather than from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3827623B1Synchronizing TSN master clocks in wireless networks

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

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AI summary

A synchronization signal is received at a user equipment from a base station. The user equipment synchronizes clocks between the user equipment and the base station using a combination of sample and sub-sample timing determined based at least in part on the synchronization signal. At a base station, the base station transmits toward a user equipment a synchronization signal. The base station synchronizes clocks between the base station and the user equipment using a combination of sample and sub-sample timing determined based on at least the synchronization signal. Methods, apparatus, software, and computer program products are disclosed.