Patent Description:
To meet the demand for wireless data traffic having increased since deployment of 4th generation (<NUM>) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop an improved 5th generation (<NUM>) or pre-<NUM> communication system. Therefore, the <NUM> or pre-<NUM> communication system is also called a `Beyond <NUM> Network' or a `Post Long Term Evolution (LTE) System.

The <NUM> communication system is considered to be implemented in higher frequency (mm Wave) bands, e.g., <NUM> bands, so as to accomplish higher data rates.

In the <NUM> system, Hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as an advanced coding modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi carrier (FBMC), nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as an advanced access technology have been developed.

A <NUM> system and existing cellular systems require synchronization among base stations (BSs). In detail, the required accuracy of synchronization may depend on systems, but it is required to use time-synchronized clock signals among BSs. In general, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal is used for synchronization among BSs. The GNSS signal is a weak signal that is transmitted to a user on the ground from a GNSS satellite being apart over several tens of thousands of kilometers, so a separate antenna device that is installed outdoor may be used for a reception device to normally receive the GNSS signal. In this case, the reception device and the antenna device may be connected to a cable (e.g., a coaxial cable). However, using a cable may cause a delay until the GNSS signal received by the antenna device reaches the reception device, and the accuracy in synchronization may be decreased due to the delay.

<CIT> discloses a TDMA digital mobile communications system prevents TDMA frame synchronization from being asynchronous among radio base stations when a communication held by a mobile station is handed over from one service area to another. A control station sends a reset pulse for TDMA frame synchronization to the radio base stations each being situated in a particular service area over communications cables. In response, the radio base stations each generates a TDMA frame. The control station has a synchronous signal generator for generating the reset pulse while each radio base station has a time delay adjustment unit for adjusting the time delay of the reset pulse. The synchronous signal generator and the time delay adjustment units of the individual radio base stations perform measurement and setting such that a reset signal has the same time delay between the control station and all of the radio base stations. Hence, regarding a TDMA signal which the mobile station receives, TDMA frame synchronization is immediately set up at the time of hand-over and thereby prevents a voice signal from being interrupted.

<CIT> discloses a communication system and method are provided for equalizing delay of transmission paths in a distributed antenna network. The distributed antenna network includes a plurality of remote antenna units, a central unit or a base station connected to the remote antenna units by transmission media, where each connection between the base station and one of the remote antenna units forms a separate transmission path having an associated delay time, a delay detector for determining the associated delay time of the separate transmission paths for each of the remote antenna units, and a delay compensator for adjusting the associated delay times in response to the delay detectors so that all of the associated delay times are substantially equalized. The system and method allow the delay parameters for the entire network to be set upon installation and then to be periodically updated without physical intervention by an operator. The detection and compensation allow for equalization of delay time differences that could not otherwise be compensated in the base stations or mobile stations of conventional systems and methods. Furthermore, the equalization synchronizes the bursts so that air frame timing between cells served by the remote antenna units is enhanced and the hand-off performance therebetween is improved.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for estimating a delay time between an antenna device and a reception device in a synchronization system.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for estimating a delay time that is generated in a cable between an antenna device and a reception device in a synchronization system.

Further aspects of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims. When the term "embodiment" is used for describing an unclaimed combination of features, it has to be understood as referring to examples useful for understanding the present invention.

The apparatus and method according to various embodiments can improve accuracy of synchronization by estimating a delay time generated in a cable between an antenna device and a reception device in a synchronization system.

Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary may be interpreted to have the meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in the disclosure. In some cases, even the term defined in the disclosure should not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the disclosure.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described based on an approach of hardware. However, various embodiments of the disclosure include a technology that uses both hardware and software and thus, the various embodiments of the disclosure may not exclude the perspective of software.

Hereafter, the disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for estimating a delay time in a synchronization system. In detail, the disclosure relates to a technology for more effectively estimating a delay time that is generated in a cable between an antenna device and a reception device in a synchronization system having a structure in which the antenna device and the reception device are separated.

Terms indicating signals, terms indicating systems or entities, terms indicating components of devices, etc. that are used hereafter are exemplified for the convenience of description. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the terms to be described hereafter and other terms having equivalent meanings may be used.

Various embodiments are described herein using the terms, which are used in some communication standards (e.g., <NUM>rd generation partnership project (3GPP), but they are only examples for description. Various embodiments of the disclosure may be easily modified to be applied to other communication systems.

Hereafter, various embodiments that can be applied to a synchronization system are described. The synchronization system, which is a set of devices that extracts time synchronization from an external signal, can provide synchronization signals (SSs) to various systems that require synchronization. For example, a system that requires synchronization may be a cellular communication system. However, the disclosure is not limited to a cellular communication system and may be applied to other systems that use an SS.

<FIG> shows an apparatus and method for estimating a delay time in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a synchronization system includes an antenna device <NUM>, a reception device <NUM>, and a synchronization device <NUM>.

The antenna device <NUM> receives an external signal, for example, a satellite signal transmitted from a satellite <NUM>. The satellite signal may be referred to as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal. The antenna device <NUM> may be installed outdoors and can amplify and then provide a received satellite signal to the reception device <NUM>. The satellite signal is transmitted from the antenna device <NUM> to the reception device <NUM> through a cable <NUM>. To this end, the antenna device <NUM> may include at least one antenna, at least one filter, at least one amplification circuit, or at least one port.

The reception device <NUM> generates a synchronization signal (SS) using a satellite signal. For example, the SS may include a <NUM> pulse per second (PPS) signal. The SS is provided to the synchronization device <NUM>. To this end, the reception device <NUM> may include at least one terminal and at least one signal processing circuit. According to various embodiments, the reception device <NUM> can estimate a delay of a satellite signal due to the cable <NUM>. Information about the estimated delay may be provided to the synchronization device <NUM> or may be used to generate an SS.

The synchronization device <NUM> generates a clock signal that is used in an external system, based on an SS. In detail, the synchronization device <NUM> can generate a clock signal at a needed frequency by dividing an SS. Depending on cases, the synchronization device may be understood as a part of an external system that requires synchronization.

In the synchronization system shown in <FIG>, when the antenna device <NUM> and the reception device <NUM> are adjacent to each other, the synchronization system is implemented in a single equipment, the time that is needed to transmit a satellite signal between the antenna device <NUM> and the reception device <NUM> may be negligibly small. However, when the antenna device <NUM> is installed outdoors and the reception device <NUM> is disposed indoors to receive a satellite signal, the cable <NUM> (e.g., a coaxial cable) may be used as a path for transmitting the satellite signal. In this case, a delay shown in <FIG> may be generated.

<FIG> shows a delay time that is generated in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a satellite signal is received by the antenna device <NUM> at time t0. However, while the satellite signal is transmitted to the reception device <NUM> through a cable (e.g., the cable <NUM>), a cable delay of td may be generated.

The delay time in a cable depends on the length and characteristics of the installed cable. For example, if a cable has a characteristic that a delay of <NUM> ns is generally generated per <NUM>, a delay of <NUM> ns can be generated when the cable is installed in a length of <NUM>. This means that an error of about <NUM> ns is generated even if the reception device <NUM> does not generate an error. When there is a plurality of synchronization systems that provides an SS or clock signal to different devices (e.g., different base stations (BSs)), the phases of SSs or clock signals may be different due to a difference in length or a characteristic of installed cables. Accordingly, a technology of correcting a time error due to a delay that is generated in a cable is required to satisfy SS accuracy that is required by systems.

The synchronization system according to various embodiments includes a delay detection module that estimates a delay time generated between the antenna device <NUM> and the reception device <NUM>, and a response module that generates a signal responding to a signal that is output from the delay detection module. The delay detection module and the response module are installed to be connected directly or indirectly to an end and the other end of a cable (e.g., the cable <NUM>). Hereafter, the configurations of the delay detection module and the response module are described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a configuration of a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a delay detection module <NUM> includes a power supplier <NUM> and a delay detector <NUM>.

The power supplier <NUM> outputs a power signal. To this end, the power supplier <NUM> may be connected to an external power. According to an embodiment, the power supplier <NUM> can generate a request signal <NUM> that indicates a pre-defined length. The request signal <NUM> may have a single pulse shape with a pre-defined length. The request signal <NUM> generated from the power supplier <NUM> is transmitted through the cable <NUM>. The request signal <NUM> is provided to the delay detector <NUM>. Signal paths that are formed by the cable <NUM> include a first path for a satellite signal and a second path for a power signal. The request signal <NUM> is transmitted through the second path rather than a specific control path, so it may be understood as a type of power signal.

The delay detector <NUM> estimates a delay time that is generated in the cable <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the delay detector <NUM> can estimate a delay time, based on the request signal <NUM> and a response signal <NUM> corresponding to the request signal <NUM>. The response signal <NUM> is a signal generated by a responder as a response for the request signal <NUM> transmitted through the cable <NUM>. Accordingly, a time difference between the falling edge of the request signal <NUM> and the rising edge of the response signal <NUM> may be understood as including a signal reciprocation signal in the cable <NUM>. Accordingly, the delay detector <NUM> can check the time difference between the falling edge of the request signal <NUM> and the rising edge of the response signal <NUM> and can estimate a delay time, based on the time difference.

<FIG> shows a configuration of a response module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a response module <NUM> includes a request detector <NUM> and a response generator <NUM>.

The request detector <NUM> detects the request signal <NUM> that is transmitted from a delay detection module (e.g., the delay detection module <NUM>) and received through the cable <NUM>. The request signal <NUM> may have a single pulse shape with a pre-defined length. That is, the request signal <NUM> may include a power signal that is temporarily generated. The request detector <NUM> can detect the request signal <NUM>, based on the characteristic of the request signal <NUM>. That is, the request detector <NUM> can detect that a power signal disappears after generated.

The response generator <NUM> generates and outputs the response signal <NUM> in response to detection of the request signal <NUM>. The response signal <NUM> is transmitted to the delay detection module through the cable <NUM>. For example, the response signal <NUM> may include a pulse signal having a predetermined magnitude and length. The magnitude of the response signal may be smaller than the magnitude of the request signal <NUM>. The response signal <NUM> is, similar to the request signal <NUM>, transmitted through the second path for a power signal rather than a specific control path, so it may be understood as a kind of power signal.

<FIG> shows an operation flow of a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> exemplifies an operation method of the delay detection module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the delay detection module outputs a request signal. The request signal may be a pulse type signal having a pre-defined length. For example, the request signal may include a power signal having a pre-defined length. The request signal is input to one end of the cable to be transmitted to the response module and is supplied to another circuit in the delay detection module connected to the other end of the cable. Accordingly, the delay detection module can find out the time when the request signal was generated.

In operation <NUM>, the delay detection module detects a response signal corresponding to the request signal. When the request signal reaches the response module, a response signal is generated by the response module and is received by the delay detection module. The response signal is, similar to the request signal, received after passing through the cable and may be received through the path for a power signal. Accordingly, the delay detection module can stop output of a power signal until a response signal is received.

In operation <NUM>, the delay detection module outputs information about a determined delay time, based on the time difference between the request signal and the response signal. That is, the delay detection module checks the time difference between the falling edge of the request signal and the rising edge of the response signal, estimates a delay time, based on the time difference, and outputs information about the delay time. The information about the time delay may be provided to a module that generates an SS or to a device (e.g., the synchronization device <NUM>) that generates a clock signal using an SS.

In the embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the delay detection module estimates a delay time, based on the time difference between the request signal and the response signal. The delay detection module may further consider a time error in a circuit in addition to the time difference between the request signal and the response signal. The inside of the circuit, which is at least a part of not only the delay detection module and the response module, but also an antenna device (e.g., the antenna device <NUM> and a reception device (e.g., the reception device <NUM>), includes at least one circuit that influences the request signal and the response signal. For example, the time difference may include at least one of time that is needed to detect a request signal, time that is needed to generate a response signal, time until a request signal is input to an end of a cable, and time until a response signal is input to the other end of the cable after being generated.

<FIG> shows an operation flow of a response module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> exemplifies an operation method of the response module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the response module detects a pulse type request signal. The request signal may be a pulse type signal having a pre-defined length. The request signal is generated by a delay detection module (e.g., the delay detection module <NUM>) and is received after passing through the cable. For example, the request signal may include a power signal having a pre-defined length. In this case, the response module can detect the request signal by detecting a disappearance of a power signal.

In operation <NUM>, the response module generates and outputs a response signal for the request signal. The response signal may be a pulse type signal having a predetermined magnitude and length. The response signal can be transmitted through a path for transmitting a power signal of the cable.

As described above, a delay time that is generated in a cable can be estimated by interaction between a delay detection module (e.g., the delay detection module <NUM>) and a response module (e.g., the response module <NUM>). In order to estimate a delay time in the cable, the delay detection module and the response module are disposed respectively at an end and the other end of the cable. According to various embodiments, the delay detection module and the response module may be implemented as separate devices or may be included in an antenna device (e.g., the antenna device <NUM>) or a reception device (e.g., the reception device <NUM>). Depending on what device the delay detection module and the response module are included in, a component for controlling a signal path may be further included. Various arrangement embodiments of the delay detection module and the response module are described hereafter.

<FIG> shows an example arrangement of a response module and a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, <FIG> shows an example arrangement of a response module and a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> shows an example arrangement of a response module and a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> shows an example, in which the response module <NUM> is included in the antenna device <NUM> and the delay detection module <NUM> is included in the reception device <NUM>. In this case, since the antenna device <NUM> includes the response module <NUM> and the reception device <NUM> includes the delay detection module <NUM>, it is possible to estimate a delay time in the cable <NUM> by installing the antenna device <NUM> and the reception device <NUM> on the cable <NUM> instead of existing antenna device and reception device.

Referring to <FIG> shows an example, in which the response module <NUM> is included in an assistant device <NUM> and the delay detection module <NUM> is included in the reception device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the assistant device <NUM> is a device designed to be able to be detached with an existing antenna device while the existing antenna sustains. Accordingly, it is possible to estimate a delay time in the cable <NUM> by adding the assistant device <NUM> without replacing the existing antenna device.

Referring to <FIG> shows an example, in which the response module <NUM> is included in a line amplifier <NUM> and the delay detection module <NUM> is included in the reception device <NUM>. The line amplifier <NUM>, which is a device for amplifying a signal at the middle of the transmission path when the antenna device <NUM> and the reception device <NUM> are apart over a distance that the antenna device <NUM> supports, is a type of a repeater or router. When the line amplifier <NUM> includes the response module <NUM>, a delay time in the cable <NUM> can be estimated without replacing an existing antenna device in an environment requiring the line amplifier <NUM>.

Hereafter, configurations of the reception device <NUM>, the antenna device <NUM>, the assistant device <NUM>, and the line amplifier <NUM> according to arrangement embodiments of <FIG> are described.

<FIG> shows a configuration of a reception device including a delay detection module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure that is not being claimed. The configuration exemplified in <FIG> may be understood as the configuration of the reception device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the reception device includes a receiver <NUM>, a signal sorter <NUM>, and the delay detection module <NUM>.

The receiver <NUM> generates an SS using a satellite signal. The receiver <NUM> receives a satellite signal received by an antenna device (e.g., the antenna device <NUM>) and generates an SS, based on the satellite signal. For example, the SS may include a pulse signal having a periodicity.

The signal sorter <NUM> sorts signal paths of a power signal and a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RF signal includes a satellite signal. The signal sorter <NUM> provides an RF signal of signals input to the reception device to the receiver <NUM> and provides a power signal to the delay detection module <NUM>. The power signal is a direct current (DC) signal, so the signal sorter <NUM> may be implemented into an open element for a DC signal and an open element for an alternating current (AC) signal. For example, the signal sorter <NUM> can disconnect a terminal <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> for DC by including a capacitor connected between paths to the terminal <NUM> of the reception device <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. As another example, the signal sorter <NUM> can disconnect the terminal <NUM> and the delay detection module <NUM> for AC by including an inductor connected between paths to the terminal <NUM> and the delay detection module <NUM>. The signal sorter <NUM> may be referred to as a bias-T.

The delay detection module <NUM> includes the power supplier <NUM> and the delay detector <NUM>. The power supplier <NUM> outputs a power signal. The power signal includes a power signal needed for operation of the antenna device <NUM> and the request signal <NUM> for estimating a delay. That is, the power supplier <NUM> can further perform a function that supplies power to the antenna device <NUM> in addition to the function of generating the request signal <NUM>. The delay detector <NUM> estimates a delay time, based on the request signal <NUM> and the response signal <NUM> corresponding to the request signal <NUM>.

According to the embodiment described with reference to <FIG>, the response signal <NUM> is received after the request signal <NUM> is transmitted. The response signal <NUM> is received through a path for a power signal, so when a power signal generated by the power supplier <NUM> is output, the delay detector <NUM> may not detect the response signal <NUM>. Accordingly, the delay detection module <NUM> may further include a controller that stops output of the power signal in a period until the response signal <NUM> is received after the request signal <NUM> is output. The controller may be a separate component or may be a part of the receiver <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a configuration of an antenna device including a response module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure corresponding to claimed subject-matter. The configuration exemplified in <FIG> may be understood as the configuration of the antenna device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an antenna device includes a filter/amplifier <NUM>, a regulator <NUM>, a signal sorter <NUM>, and the response module <NUM>.

The filter/amplifier <NUM> filters out and amplifies signals that are received through an antenna. In detail, the filter/amplifier <NUM> acquires a satellite signal from received signals through filtering and amplifies the satellite signal.

The regulator <NUM> generates and supplies power needed for operation of the filter/amplifier <NUM>. The regulator <NUM> converts a power signal having voltage Vin and provided from a charger <NUM> into a signal having voltage Vout and provides the converted voltage to the filter/amplifier <NUM>. Though not shown in <FIG>, the regulator <NUM> can supply power to at least one active element (e.g., a pulse generator <NUM>) other than the filter/amplifier <NUM>.

The signal sorter <NUM> sorts signal paths of a power signal and an RF signal. The RF signal includes a satellite signal. The signal sorter <NUM> provides power signal of signals, which are input to the antenna device <NUM>, to the response module <NUM> and outputs a satellite signal provided from the filter/amplifier <NUM> to a cable. The power signal is a DC signal, so the signal sorter <NUM> may be implemented into an open element for a DC signal and an open element for an AC signal. For example, the signal sorter <NUM> can disconnect a terminal <NUM> and the filter/amplifier <NUM> for DC by including a capacitor connected between paths to the terminal <NUM> of the antenna device <NUM> and the filter/amplifier <NUM>. As another example, the signal sorter <NUM> can disconnect the terminal <NUM> and the response module <NUM> for AC by including an inductor connected between paths to the terminal <NUM> and the response module <NUM>. The signal sorter <NUM> may be referred to as a bias-T.

The response module <NUM> includes the request detector <NUM> and the response generator <NUM>, the request detector <NUM> includes the charger <NUM> and a comparator <NUM>, and the response generator <NUM> includes the pulse generator <NUM>.

The charger <NUM> is charged using a request signal input through the signal sorter <NUM> and provides the accumulated power to the regulator <NUM>. To this end, the charger <NUM> may include at least one capacitor. When a request signal has a pulse type having a predetermined length, even if the request signal disappears, the charger <NUM> can temporarily supply power to the regulator <NUM> and the regulator <NUM> can output a signal having voltage Vout. Accordingly, even if a power signal is stopped, power needed for operation of the response module <NUM> can be secured for a predetermined period.

The comparator <NUM> compares the magnitudes of an output signal of the regulator <NUM> and an input signal of the charger <NUM>. The comparator <NUM> instructs the pulse generator <NUM> whether to generate a response signal, based on the magnitude of the signal input to the charger <NUM>. That is, when the output signal of the regulator <NUM> is larger than the input signal of the charger <NUM>, the comparator <NUM> triggers the operation of the pulse generator <NUM>. When the request signal disappears, the input signal of the charger <NUM> becomes <NUM>, but the output of the regulator <NUM> can be temporarily maintained. It is detected that the output signal of the regulator <NUM> is larger than the input signal of the charger <NUM> by comparison by the comparator <NUM>. Accordingly, existence of a general power signal that is continuously maintained and another request signal is detected. In <FIG>, the comparator <NUM> compares the magnitudes of the output signal of the regulator <NUM> and the input signal of the charger <NUM>, but according to another embodiment, the comparator <NUM> may be configured to compare the magnitudes of the output signal of the charger <NUM> and the input signal of the charger <NUM>.

The pulse generator <NUM> generates a pulse signal, that is, a response signal in response to a determination of the comparator <NUM>. That is, turning-off is detected after power is applied to the antenna device <NUM> by the comparator <NUM>, the pulse generator <NUM> generates a pulse signal having a pre-defined type. The response signal generated by the pulse generator <NUM> is transmitted to the delay detection module <NUM> through the signal sorter <NUM> and a cable.

<FIG> shows a configuration of an assistant device including a response module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure corresponding to claimed subject-matter. The configuration exemplified in <FIG> may be understood as the configuration of the assistant device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the assistant device <NUM> includes a regulator <NUM>, a signal sorter <NUM>, and the response module <NUM>.

The regulator <NUM> converts a power signal having voltage Vin and provided from the charger <NUM> into a signal having voltage Vout and provides the converted voltage to the comparator <NUM>. Though not shown in <FIG>, the regulator <NUM> can supply power to at least one active element (e.g., the pulse generator <NUM>).

The signal sorter <NUM> sorts signal paths of a power signal and an RF signal. The RF signal includes a satellite signal. The signal sorter <NUM> provides a power signal of signals input to the assistant device <NUM> to the response module <NUM>. The power signal is a DC signal, so the signal sorter <NUM> may be implemented into an open element for a DC signal and an open element for an AC signal. For example, the signal sorter <NUM> can disconnect a first terminal 828a and the response module <NUM> for AC by including an inductor connected between paths to the first terminal 828a, which goes to the reception device <NUM>, and the response module <NUM>. The signal sorter <NUM> may be referred to as a bias-T. The first terminal 828a diverges before it is connected to the signal sorter <NUM>, and is then connected to a second terminal 828b. Accordingly, a power signal and an RF signal can pass through the assistant device <NUM>.

The response module <NUM> includes the request detector <NUM> and the response generator <NUM>, the request detector <NUM> includes the charger <NUM> and the comparator <NUM>, and the response generator <NUM> includes the pulse generator <NUM>. The charger <NUM> is charged using a request signal input through the signal sorter <NUM> and provides the accumulated power to the regulator <NUM>. The comparator <NUM> compares the magnitudes of an output signal of the regulator <NUM> and an input signal of the charger <NUM>. When the output signal of the regulator <NUM> is larger than the input signal of the charger <NUM>, the comparator <NUM> triggers the operation of the pulse generator <NUM>. The pulse generator <NUM> generates a pulse signal, that is, a response signal in response to determination of the comparator <NUM>. The response signal generated by the pulse generator <NUM> is transmitted to the delay detection module <NUM> through the signal sorter <NUM> and a cable.

<FIG> shows a configuration of a line amplifier including a response module in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure corresponding to claimed subject-matter. The configuration exemplified in <FIG> may be understood as the configuration of the line amplifier <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the line amplifier <NUM> includes a regulator <NUM>, a first signal sorter 836a, a second signal sorter 836b, a filter/amplifier <NUM>, and the response module <NUM>.

The regulator <NUM> generates and supplies power needed for operation of the filter/amplifier <NUM>. The regulator <NUM> converts a power signal having voltage Vin and provided from the charger <NUM> into a signal having voltage Vout and provides the converted voltage to the filter/amplifier <NUM>. Though not shown in <FIG>, the regulator <NUM> can supply power to at least one active element (e.g., the pulse generator <NUM>) other than the filter/amplifier <NUM>.

The first signal sorter 836a sorts signal paths of a power signal and an RF signal. The RF signal includes a satellite signal. The first signal sorter 836a provides a power signal of signals input to the line amplifier <NUM> to the response module <NUM> and the second signal sorter 836b and outputs a satellite signal provided from the second signal sorter 836b to a cable. The power signal is a DC signal, so the first signal sorter 836a may be implemented into an open element for a DC signal and an open element for an AC signal. For example, the first signal sorter 836a can disconnect a first terminal 838a and the response module <NUM> for AC by including an inductor connected between paths to the first terminal 838a of the line amplifier <NUM>, which goes to the reception device <NUM>, and the response module <NUM>. The first signal sorter 836a may be referred to as a bias-T.

The second signal sorter 836b sorts signal paths of a power signal and an RF signal. The RF signal includes a satellite signal. The second signal sorter 836b provides a satellite signal of signals input to the line amplifier <NUM> to the filter/amplifier <NUM> and outputs a power signal provided from the first signal sorter 836a to a second terminal 838b. For example, the second signal sorter 836b can disconnect the second terminal 838b and the response module <NUM> for DC by including a capacitor connected between paths to the second terminal 838b and the filter/amplifier <NUM>. The second signal sorter 836b can disconnect the second terminal 838b and the response module <NUM> for AC by including an inductor connected between paths to the second terminal 838b and the first signal sorter 836a. The second signal sorter 836b may be referred to as a bias-T.

The response module <NUM> includes the request detector <NUM> and the response generator <NUM>, the request detector <NUM> includes the charger <NUM> and the comparator <NUM>, and the response generator <NUM> includes the pulse generator <NUM>. The charger <NUM> is charged using a request signal input through the first signal sorter 836a and provides the accumulated power to the regulator <NUM>. The comparator <NUM> compares the magnitudes of an output signal of the regulator <NUM> and an input signal of the charger <NUM>. When the output signal of the regulator <NUM> is larger than the input signal of the charger <NUM>, the comparator <NUM> triggers the operation of the pulse generator <NUM>. The pulse generator <NUM> generates a pulse signal, that is, a response signal in response to determination of the comparator <NUM>. The response signal generated by the pulse generator <NUM> is transmitted to the delay detection module <NUM> through the first signal sorter 836a and a cable.

<FIG> shows an operation flow for generating an SS in a synchronization system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> exemplifies an operation method of the delay detection module <NUM> and the response module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the delay detection module generates a request signal having a pulse type. The delay detection module can generate a request signal including a power signal having a positive pulse type by turning on a power supplier (e.g., the power supplier <NUM>) for a predetermined period and then turning it off. The request signal is provided to the response module through a cable (e.g., the cable <NUM>).

In operation <NUM>, the response module charges a charger (e.g., the charger <NUM>). As the request signal supplies power to the charger, the charger is charged.

In operation <NUM>, the response module compares voltages between an output of the charger and an input terminal (e.g., the terminal <NUM>) of the antenna device. The response module can compare the voltage accumulated in the charger and the power at the input terminal at the point in timing when the positive pulse supplied from the delay detection module disappears. In operation <NUM>, the response module determines whether the output voltage of the charger is larger than the voltage at the input terminal of the antenna device.

When the output voltage of the charger is larger than the voltage at the input terminal of the antenna device, in operation <NUM>, the response module generates a response pulse. That is, the response module can generate a response signal including a pulse signal by enabling a pulse generator (e.g., the pulse generator <NUM>). That is, the antenna device determines turning-off of a power signal received from the reception device, and accordingly, generates a pulse signal. The generated pulse signal is output to the input terminal of the antenna device, passes through the cable, and is then transmitted to the delay detection module.

In operation <NUM>, the delay detection module detects a time difference between a request signal and a response signal. That is, when a request signal and a response signal are applied to the delay detector in the delay detection module, the delay detector estimates the time difference between the negative pulse of the request signal and the positive pulse of the response signal.

In operation <NUM>, the delay detection module determines the delay time due to the cable. The time difference between the two pulses, that is, the request signal and the response signal, includes the delay time generated in the cable and an error generated in other circuits. The error generated in a circuit can be found out through calibration in advance, so the delay detection module can store a delay offset corresponding to the error found out in advance, and can determine the delay time due to the cable using the stored delay offset.

In operation <NUM>, the reception device or the synchronization device compensates for an SS. According to an embodiment, the reception device can compensate for a delay time when generating an SS. In this case, the reception device provides an SS with the compensated delay time to the synchronization device and additional operation of the synchronization device is not required. According to another embodiment, the reception device provides an SS and delay time information to the synchronization device, and the synchronization device can generate a clock signal after compensating for the SS. Alternatively, the synchronization device can generate a clock signal and then compensate for the clock signal, based on the delay time information.

As described in various embodiments above, in order to estimate a delay time that is generated in a cable between an antenna device and a reception device, the reception device controls a power signal and the antenna device performs a series of processes including charging, sensing, and generating a pulse, whereby the reception device can estimate the delay time. To this end, the antenna device may include hardware that, similar to the response module described above (e.g., the response module <NUM>), is charged using a power signal, compares internal power and input power signal, and generates a pulse signal. The reception device may include hardware that, similar to the delay detection module described above (e.g., the delay detection module <NUM>), controls power to generate a request signal and estimates a delay time, based on a response signal from the antenna device.

The request signal and the response signal are both transmitted to a path for a power signal in a cable. Accordingly, a power signal from the reception device is turned off and a response signal is generated by the antenna device so that a mutual signal can be transmitted from one transmission medium. Accordingly, a delay time can be estimated by controlling only input of a power signal without operation of a separate control processor or software in the antenna device and the reception device.

According to various embodiments described above, it is possible to estimate a delay time generated in a cable and improve precision of an SS using the estimated delay time. The technology according to various embodiments makes it possible to estimate a delay time in real time even if an antenna device and a reception device are installed. Further, the technology according to various embodiments does not require replacement of an existing line, so it has an advantage in terms of cost.

Methods according to embodiments stated in claims and/or specifications of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

The programs (software modules or software) may be stored in nonvolatile memories including a random access memory and a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other type optical storage devices, or a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, any combination of some or all of the may form a memory in which the program is stored.

In addition, the programs may be stored in an attachable storage device which is accessible through communication networks such as the Internet, Intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof.

In the above-described detailed embodiments of the disclosure, a component included in the disclosure is expressed in the singular or the plural according to a presented detailed embodiment. However, the singular form or plural form is selected for convenience of description suitable for the presented situation, and various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a single element or multiple elements thereof. Further, either multiple elements expressed in the description may be configured into a single element or a single element in the description may be configured into multiple elements.

Claim 1:
A first apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a synchronization system, the first apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a detector (<NUM>) configured to detect a request signal generated by a second apparatus (<NUM>), and a generator (<NUM>);
at the detector (<NUM>) comprising:
a charger (<NUM>) configured to be charged using the request signal and output a signal to a regulator after being charged, and
a comparator (<NUM>) configured to instruct the generator (<NUM>) on whether to generate a response signal based on a magnitude of a signal inputted to the charger (<NUM>) and a magnitude of a signal outputted from the regulator; and
the generator (<NUM>) configured to:
generate the response signal corresponding to the request signal; and
output the response signal;
wherein the request signal is received through a cable from the second apparatus (<NUM>) and
wherein the response signal is transmitted to the second apparatus (<NUM>) through the cable.