{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854608","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854608","title":"Method and apparatus for obtaining uplink timing alignment on a secondary cell","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-05T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":16,"abstract":"A method for uplink timing alignment in a wireless transmit/receive unit is provided. The method includes receiving control signaling from an evolved Node B, receiving on a primary cell (PCell) a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order, the PDCCH order including a carrier indicator field indicating a secondary cell (SCell) to transmit a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission. In response to the PDCCH order, transmitting the PRACH transmission, and in response to the PRACH transmission, monitoring the PCELL for a random access response (RAR). In response to detecting an RAR associated with the PRACH transmission, adjusting timing for the SCell in response to a timing advance included in the RAR."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell patent addresses the critical issue of maintaining precise uplink timing alignment in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks utilizing carrier aggregation. The core innovation lies in a method that dynamically adjusts the uplink timing of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) based on feedback from an evolved Node B (eNB). This is achieved through a process involving control signaling, physical random access channel (PRACH) transmissions, and random access responses (RAR).\n\nThe problem being solved is the challenge of ensuring accurate timing synchronization across multiple frequency bands in carrier aggregation scenarios. Without precise timing alignment, uplink transmissions from the WTRU may arrive at the eNB at different times, leading to interference, reduced signal quality, and diminished data throughput. Existing methods often struggle to cope with the complexities of carrier aggregation, making it difficult to maintain accurate timing alignment on secondary cells (SCells).\n\nThe key technical approach involves the eNB transmitting control signaling to the WTRU, instructing it to initiate a PRACH transmission on a designated SCell. The WTRU then transmits the PRACH signal and monitors the primary cell (PCell) for an RAR. The RAR contains timing advance information, which is used to adjust the WTRU's uplink timing for the SCell. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the uplink transmissions from the WTRU arrive at the eNB within the required timing window.\n\nThe business value and applications of this patent are significant. By improving uplink timing alignment, the invention enhances data throughput, reduces interference, and improves overall network performance. This translates to a better user experience, increased network capacity, and reduced operating costs for wireless carriers. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for high-speed, reliable wireless communication continues to grow, particularly with the proliferation of 5G devices and applications.\n\nThe Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell offers a robust and scalable solution that can be adapted to meet the evolving demands of next-generation wireless systems. Its ability to dynamically adjust uplink timing based on real-time feedback makes it a valuable asset for wireless carriers seeking to optimize their network performance and deliver a superior user experience.","layman_explanation":"The Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell patent addresses a critical challenge in modern wireless communication: ensuring that data transmissions from mobile devices arrive at the cell tower at the precise moment they are expected. This is particularly important in advanced technologies like 5G, where multiple data streams are used simultaneously to increase speed and capacity.\n\n1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\nImagine a group of musicians trying to play together, but each one is slightly out of sync. The result is a chaotic and unpleasant sound. Similarly, in wireless communication, if data transmissions from a mobile device are not precisely synchronized with the cell tower, the signals can interfere with each other, leading to slower speeds, dropped connections, and a poor user experience. Existing solutions often struggle to maintain accurate synchronization, especially when a device is using multiple data streams at the same time. This patent provides a solution to this problem by ensuring that all data transmissions arrive at the cell tower at the correct time.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\nThis patent introduces a method for constantly checking and adjusting the timing of data transmissions from a mobile device. Think of it like a conductor leading an orchestra. The cell tower acts as the conductor, sending a signal to the mobile device, instructing it to send a special 'test' signal. The cell tower then measures when the test signal arrives and calculates how much the mobile device's timing needs to be adjusted. The cell tower sends this adjustment information back to the mobile device, which then adjusts its internal clock to ensure that all future data transmissions arrive at the correct time. This process is repeated continuously to maintain accurate synchronization, even as the mobile device moves around or the network conditions change. It's similar to how a GPS system constantly updates your location to keep you on the right track.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\nThis innovation has significant implications for the performance and reliability of wireless networks. By ensuring accurate synchronization, the Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell can significantly improve data speeds, reduce dropped connections, and enhance the overall user experience. This is particularly important for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and virtual reality. The market impact is substantial, as it enables wireless carriers to deliver a superior service to their customers and compete more effectively in the marketplace. Furthermore, the technology can be licensed to equipment manufacturers, creating additional revenue streams and expanding its market reach. The business value lies in its ability to improve network performance and reduce operating costs for wireless carriers.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\nThe Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell lays the foundation for future advancements in wireless communication. As networks become increasingly complex and data demands continue to grow, the need for precise timing synchronization becomes even more critical. This innovation provides a robust and scalable solution that can be adapted to meet the evolving demands of next-generation wireless systems. Future applications may include advanced features such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).","technical_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell patent provides a detailed framework for achieving accurate uplink timing synchronization in wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G networks and carrier aggregation. The technical architecture revolves around the interaction between the evolved Node B (eNB) and the wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), leveraging specific signaling and channel resources.\n\nThe implementation details involve a carefully orchestrated sequence of events. First, the eNB initiates the timing alignment process by transmitting control signaling to the WTRU. This signaling includes a carrier indicator field, which specifies the SCell that requires timing adjustment. The WTRU then responds by transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH) signal on the designated SCell. This PRACH transmission serves as a probe, allowing the eNB to estimate the timing offset between the WTRU and the network.\n\nThe algorithm specifics involve the eNB processing the received PRACH signal to determine the timing advance required to synchronize the WTRU's uplink transmissions. This timing advance information is then encapsulated in a random access response (RAR), which is transmitted back to the WTRU on the primary cell (PCell). The WTRU, upon receiving the RAR, extracts the timing advance information and adjusts its uplink timing accordingly.\n\nThe integration patterns involve seamless coordination between the eNB and the WTRU, utilizing standard 5G protocols and signaling procedures. The control signaling, PRACH transmissions, and RARs are all transmitted using well-defined channel resources and modulation schemes. This ensures compatibility with existing 5G infrastructure and allows for easy deployment of the technology.\n\nThe performance characteristics of this system are noteworthy. By dynamically adjusting the uplink timing based on real-time feedback, the Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell can significantly reduce interference, improve signal quality, and enhance data throughput. This translates to a better user experience and increased network capacity.\n\nThe code-level implications of this patent are primarily related to the implementation of the signaling and channel processing algorithms within the eNB and the WTRU. The eNB must be able to generate and transmit the control signaling, process the received PRACH signals, and generate the RARs. The WTRU must be able to receive and interpret the control signaling, transmit the PRACH signals, and process the RARs to adjust its uplink timing. These functionalities can be implemented using standard software development tools and techniques.","business_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Obtaining Uplink Timing Alignment on a Secondary Cell patent presents a compelling business opportunity within the rapidly expanding 5G market. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-speed, reliable wireless communication across a wide range of industries and applications.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this invention stem from its ability to dynamically adjust uplink timing based on real-time feedback, leading to improved data throughput, reduced interference, and enhanced network performance. This translates to a better user experience, increased network capacity, and reduced operating costs for wireless carriers. These advantages position the technology as a valuable asset for wireless carriers seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.\n\nThe revenue potential of this patent is significant. Wireless carriers can leverage this technology to offer premium services with guaranteed performance, attracting high-value customers and generating additional revenue. Furthermore, the technology can be licensed to equipment manufacturers, generating royalty income and expanding its market reach.\n\nThe business models associated with this patent are diverse. Wireless carriers can integrate the technology into their existing infrastructure and offer it as a value-added service to their customers. Equipment manufacturers can license the technology and incorporate it into their products, enhancing their competitiveness. Alternatively, a standalone company could be formed to commercialize the technology and offer it as a service to wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this patent is strong. It addresses a critical challenge in 5G networks, providing a robust and scalable solution that can be adapted to meet the evolving demands of next-generation wireless systems. This positions the technology as a key enabler for the widespread adoption of 5G and its associated applications.\n\nThe ROI projections for this patent are highly favorable. By improving network performance and reducing operating costs, the technology can generate significant cost savings for wireless carriers. Furthermore, the increased revenue potential from premium services and licensing agreements can lead to substantial returns on investment.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method and apparatus for obtaining uplink timing alignment on a secondary cell","description":"A method for uplink timing alignment in a wireless transmit/receive unit is provided. The method includes receiving control signaling from an evolved Node B, receiving on a primary cell (PCell) a phys","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854608","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854608","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for obtaining uplink timing alignment on a secondary cell\" (US-9854608). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854608","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854608","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854608","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:21:31.883Z"}