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Apple patents method to fix timing errors in 5G uplink transmissions

Apple has filed a patent application for a system that helps mobile devices manage timing differences when sending data to a cell tower. If the timing gap between two transmission groups becomes too large, the device starts a timer and alerts the network to adjust the settings. If the network doesn't fix it in time, the device stops using one of the transmission groups to prevent errors.

Why it mattersThis improves the reliability of 5G connections by ensuring data is sent at the correct time, which is a standard part of maintaining stable wireless communication.

In the filing’s own words

Systems and methods for regulating uplink (UL) transmission timing differences (TTDs) at a user equipment (UE) are discussed herein. A UE may determine that a first uplink (UL) TTD between a first UL transmission timing for a first timing advance group (TAG) and a second UL transmission timing for a second TAG is above a threshold, may start a first TTD reconfiguration timer at the UE in response, and may send, to a network, a message indicating that the UE has started the first TTD reconfiguration timer. The network may then provide a configuration to the UE that lowers or renders inapplicable the UL TTD that is of concern. If no new network configuration is provided to the UE prior to expiration of the TTD reconfiguration timer, the UE may drop UL transmission use toward one of the TAGs. Considerations for thresholds for triggering such TTD reconfiguration timers are discussed.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method of a user equipment (UE), comprising: determining that a first uplink (UL) transmission timing difference (TTD) between a first UL transmission timing for a first timing advance group (TAG) and a second UL transmission timing for a second TAG is above a first threshold at a first time; starting a first TTD reconfiguration timer at the UE in response to the determining that the first UL TTD between the first UL transmission timing for the first TAG and the second UL transmission timing for the second TAG is above the first threshold; and sending, to a network, a first message indicating that the UE has started the first TTD reconfiguration timer.

Facts

Company
Apple (APPLE INC.)
Official title
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGULATING UPLINK TRANSMISSION TIMING DIFFERENCES AT A USER EQUIPMENT
Publication number
US20260270913A1
Application number
19167249
Filed
May 5, 2023
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
14

Classified under

H04W 56/0045 Electricity & electronicsH04W 24/10 Electricity & electronicsH04W 28/06 Electricity & electronicsH04W 72/1268 Electricity & electronicsH04W 76/38 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.