ApplePatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 3/10

Apple patents satellite timing adjustments for non-terrestrial networks

Apple describes a method for a device to receive timing information from multiple satellites during specific measurement windows. The device calculates a time shift for each satellite's window to align synchronization signals within a set periodicity.

Why it mattersThis filing outlines a technical method for managing signal timing in satellite-based communication networks, which is a core component of non-terrestrial connectivity standards.

In the filing’s own words

A user equipment (UE) configured to receive a synchronization signal (SS)/Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block measurement timing information (SMTC) configuration information comprising at least two SMTC windows within an SMTC periodicity, determine an association between a first satellite and a first one of the SMTC windows and a second satellite and a second one of the SMTC windows, receive first SMTC information for the first satellite during the first one of the SMTC windows and second SMTC information for the second satellite during the second one of the SMTC windows and determine a first time shift for the first one of the SMTC windows within the SMTC periodicity based on the first SMTC information and a second time shift for the second one of the SMTC windows within the SMTC periodicity based on the second SMTC information.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving a synchronization signal (SS)/Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block measurement timing information (SMTC) configuration information comprising at least two SMTC windows within an SMTC periodicity; determining an association between a first satellite and a first one of the SMTC windows and a second satellite and a second one of the SMTC windows; receiving first SMTC information for the first satellite during the first one of the SMTC windows and second SMTC information for the second satellite during the second one of the SMTC windows; and determining a first time shift for the first one of the SMTC windows within the SMTC periodicity based on the first SMTC information and a second time shift for the second one of the SMTC windows within the SMTC periodicity based on the second SMTC information.

Facts

Company: Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title: SMTC Shifting for Non-Terrestrial Networks
Publication number: US20260280683A1
Application number: 19472149
Filed: Apr 5, 2023
Published: Sep 17, 2026
Inventors: 6
Claims: 20

Classified under

H04B 7/18513 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.