JP5115265B2 - Information processing apparatus and timing synchronization method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process at a timing synchronized with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing apparatus, and a timing at which the predetermined process is performed by the information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a timing synchronization method for synchronizing with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by an information processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, a radio base station apparatus that is a component of a mobile communication system has a frame between other radio base station apparatuses in order to normally perform processing that requires cooperation between radio base station apparatuses, such as handover. Timing synchronization is performed.

  As a method of synchronizing the frame timing, for example, each radio base station apparatus extracts a predetermined clock (hereinafter referred to as “GPS clock”) based on a signal received from GPS (Global Positioning System), and takes Some generate frame timing based on a PPS (Pulse Per Second) signal synchronized with a GPS clock. In this method, since each radio base station apparatus generates frame timing based on the GPS clock, it is possible to synchronize the frame timing generated between a plurality of radio base station apparatuses.

  By the way, some radio base station apparatuses gradually correct the generated frame timing when the currently used frame timing is significantly different from the frame timing based on the PPS signal. This is because if the frame timing is greatly changed at a time, the communication managed in the radio base station apparatus cannot be normally controlled, and the voice service or the like is interrupted. For this reason, the frame timing generated by the radio base station apparatus may not be synchronized with the frame timing generated by another radio base station apparatus for a while.

  As a technique related to a technique for eliminating this kind of state, there is a phase locked loop (PLL) that instantaneously synchronizes the frequency of input / output signals. Specifically, when the frequency of the input / output signal is synchronized, the difference between the control voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator and a predetermined initial value is stored in the storage unit as correction information, and this is applied when asynchronous. A control voltage applied to the voltage controlled oscillator is controlled based on the correction information.

JP 2004-80265 A JP-A-4-369927

  However, the conventional radio base station apparatus described above has a frame timing used by each radio base station apparatus when communication with GPS is secured again after communication with GPS has been disconnected for a while. There was a problem that it took time to synchronize again.

  This problem will be specifically described. For example, when a predetermined radio base station apparatus A loses the GPS clock, the radio base station apparatus A generates frame timing based on a signal output from a clock module (clock source) in the own apparatus. The signal output from this clock module is a signal having the same timing as the PPS signal, but since it is not synchronized with the GPS clock, a phase difference from the PPS signal is accurately generated. For this reason, there is a phase difference between the frame timing generated by the radio base station apparatus A and the frame timing generated by another radio base station apparatus B.

  After that, when the radio base station apparatus A captures the GPS clock and communication with the GPS is ensured, the radio base station apparatus A generates the frame timing based on the PPS signal synchronized with the GPS clock. Become. At this time, as described above, when the phase difference between the frame timing when the GPS clock is lost and the frame timing based on the PPS signal is large, the radio base station apparatus A gradually changes the frame timing based on the PPS signal. Generate. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time until the frame timing of each radio base station apparatus is synchronized again. The longer it takes to synchronize the frame timing, the longer the time that the processing that requires cooperation between the radio base station devices will not be performed normally, which will greatly affect services that require cooperation between the radio base station devices. The problem of giving

  Note that the technology for instantaneously synchronizing the frequency of the input / output signal used in the above-described phase synchronization circuit is based on the premise that the input signal and the output signal to be synchronized can always be acquired. Even if it used, the said problem was not able to be solved.

  From the above, it becomes an important issue how to realize a technology that can shorten the time taken to re-synchronize the frame timing after the communication between the radio base station apparatus and the GPS is disconnected. It was. Such a problem is not only a problem that occurs only for the radio base station apparatus, but also a problem that similarly occurs for other information processing apparatuses that need to synchronize the timing for performing predetermined processing.

  The disclosed technique has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technique, and provides an information processing apparatus and a timing synchronization method that can shorten the time required to synchronize a predetermined timing again. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the information processing apparatus disclosed in the present application performs information processing that performs predetermined processing at a timing synchronized with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing apparatus. When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing apparatus, the correction information is generated to synchronize the own apparatus generation timing, which is the timing generated by the information processing apparatus, with the reference timing. Correction information generating means, correction information storage means for storing correction information generated by the correction information generating means, and when the reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing apparatus, the correction information storage means stores the correction information. Timing control means for correcting the self-device generation timing based on the correction information And requirements.

  It should be noted that a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, a data structure, etc., in which any component, expression, or combination of components of the information processing apparatus disclosed in the present application is effective as another aspect. is there.

  According to the information processing apparatus disclosed in the present application, after communication between the other information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus disclosed in the present application has been disconnected for a while, and when such communication is secured again, the timing used by each It is possible to synchronize immediately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and a timing synchronization method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an example in which the information processing device and the timing synchronization method disclosed in the present application are applied to a radio base station device will be described. However, the information processing device and the timing synchronization method disclosed in the present application are not limited to this example. However, the present invention can be applied to other information processing apparatuses.

  First, a mobile communication system to which the radio base station apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile communication system to which the radio base station devices 100a to 100c according to the first embodiment are applied. In the mobile communication system shown in the figure, a GPS receiver 20 and radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c according to the first embodiment are connected via a network 10. In the figure, an example in which the mobile communication system includes three radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c is shown. However, the number of radio base station apparatuses is not limited to this, and the mobile communication system includes two or less radio base station apparatuses. You may have a base station apparatus and four or more radio base station apparatuses.

  The network 10 is a core network to which, for example, a radio network controller (RNC: Radio Network Controller) in the third generation mobile phone system (3G) is connected. The GPS receiving device 20 is a device having a GPS receiving function. The GPS receiver 20 generates a PPS signal synchronized with the GPS clock transmitted from the GPS 30, and generates a predetermined timing (hereinafter referred to as “reference timing”) based on the PPS signal. Then, the GPS receiving device 20 transmits the generated reference timing to the radio base station devices 100a to 100c.

  Further, the GPS receiver 20 transmits a signal indicating whether or not the own device (GPS receiver 20) is in communication with the GPS 30 (hereinafter referred to as “GPS communication status signal”) to the radio base station device 100a. To ~ 100c.

  The radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c generate frame timings for determining the frame length of data, and after correcting the frame timing based on the reference timing or correction information stored in a predetermined storage unit, It is an apparatus that performs predetermined processing such as processing.

  When these radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c indicate that the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS receiving apparatus 20 is in communication between the GPS receiving apparatus 20 and the GPS 30 (hereinafter referred to as “GPS communication in progress state”). Different processing is performed depending on whether the GPS receiver 20 and the GPS 30 are not communicating (hereinafter referred to as “GPS non-communication state”).

  Specifically, when the GPS communication status signal indicates the GPS communication status, the radio base station devices 100a to 100c compare the reference timing received from the GPS receiving device 20 with the frame timing generated in the own device. . When there is a phase difference between the reference timing and the frame timing, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c generate correction information for correcting the phase difference.

  Subsequently, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c correct the frame timing based on the generated correction information, and store the correction information in a predetermined storage unit (referred to as the correction information storage unit 130). At this time, the radio base station apparatuses 100 a to 100 c store correction information for a predetermined period in the correction information storage unit 130. For example, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c store the correction information for one day in the correction information storage unit 130 in association with the time when the correction information is generated. Thus, the correction information storage unit 130 stores information indicating how the frame timing can be synchronized with the reference timing by how and when the frame timing is corrected in what hour, minute, and second.

  Then, based on the corrected frame timing, the radio base station devices 100a to 100c perform predetermined processing such as baseband signal processing on the signal received from the network 10 or the signal received from a mobile terminal (not shown). Do.

  On the other hand, when the GPS communication state signal indicates a GPS non-communication state, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c correct the frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130, and correct the frame. Based on the timing, a predetermined process is performed on the signal received from the network 10.

  For example, as in the above example, when correction information for one day is stored in the correction information storage unit 130, the radio base station apparatuses 100 a to 100 c receive correction information corresponding to the current time from the correction information storage unit 130. Acquire and correct the frame timing based on the acquired correction information. For example, when correction information for one hour is stored in the correction information storage unit 130, the radio base station apparatuses 100 a to 100 c correct correction information in which “minute” and “second” of the current time match. The frame timing is corrected based on the correction information acquired from the information storage unit 130 and acquired.

  In addition, the radio | wireless base station apparatuses 100a-100c can improve the precision which correct | amends frame timing, so that the period of the correction information memorize | stored in the correction information storage part 130 is lengthened. For example, when the temperature difference of the day changes the magnitude of the phase difference between the reference timing and the frame timing, when the correction information storage unit 130 stores correction information for one day, the radio base station apparatus 100a ˜100c can correct the frame timing based on the correction information considering the phase difference that changes with the temperature change of the day.

  As described above, the radio base station devices 100a to 100c according to the first embodiment store the correction information for correcting the frame timing in the correction information storage unit 130 when the GPS receiving device 20 is in the GPS communication state. In addition, when the GPS receiver 20 is in a GPS non-communication state, the frame timing is corrected based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130. Even when it is in the middle state, the generated frame timing is synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state, or the frame is almost synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state. The timing can be corrected. In other words, the radio base station devices 100a to 100c according to the first embodiment use the frame timings used by the respective radio base station devices 100a to 100c even when the GPS receiving device 20 is in a GPS non-communication state. A state where there is no phase difference or a state where the phase difference is extremely small can be achieved.

  In addition, when the GPS receiver 20 enters the GPS non-communication state and then enters the GPS communication state, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c need to gradually synchronize the frame timing with the reference timing. Since it is not, it can be synchronized with the reference timing at a time. As a result, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c immediately synchronize the frame timings used by the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c when the communication between the GPS receiving apparatus 20 and the GPS 30 is disconnected for a while and the communication is ensured again. be able to.

  In addition, although the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c described above have shown examples in which the frame timing is synchronized with the reference timing generated by the GPS receiver apparatus 20, each of the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c has a GPS reception function. May be. The case where each of the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c has a GPS reception function will be specifically described. In such a case, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c generate reference clocks that are synchronized with the GPS clock when GPS communication is in progress, and correct the frame timing based on the reference clock. At this time, the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c store correction information for correcting the frame timing in the correction information storage unit 130. For example, when the radio base station apparatus 100 a enters a GPS non-communication state, the radio base station apparatus 100 a corrects the frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130.

  Thereby, the radio base station apparatus 100a can correct the frame timing to a frame timing synchronized with the reference timing or a frame timing substantially synchronized with the reference timing. That is, even when the GPS non-communication state is established, the frame timing used by the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c can be set to a state where there is no phase difference or a state where the phase difference is extremely small. Thereafter, when the radio base station apparatus 100a enters the GPS communication state, the radio base station apparatus 100a can synchronize the frame timing with the reference clock at a time, so that the frame used by the radio base station apparatus 100a is used. The timing can be immediately synchronized with the frame timing used by the radio base station apparatuses 100b and 100c.

  Next, the configuration of the GPS receiving device 20 and the radio base station devices 100a to 100c shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the GPS receiving device 20 and the radio base station devices 100a to 100c shown in FIG. Note that the radio base station apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 corresponds to the radio base station apparatuses 100a to 100c illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the GPS receiving device 20 includes a GPS antenna 21, a GPS module unit 22, and a timing generation unit 23. The GPS antenna 21 is an antenna for receiving a signal transmitted from the GPS 30 shown in FIG.

  When the GPS module unit 22 is in the GPS communication state, the GPS module unit 22 generates a predetermined PPS signal and a processing clock based on a signal received from the GPS 30 via the GPS antenna 21 and outputs the PPS signal and the processing clock to the timing generation unit 23. For example, the GPS module unit 22 generates a PPS signal of 1 [PPS] and a processing clock of 10 [MHz] and outputs the generated signal to the timing generation unit 23.

  On the other hand, in the GPS non-communication state, the GPS module unit 22 is in a self-running state, generates a PPS signal and a processing clock without being based on a signal transmitted by the GPS 30, and outputs the PPS signal and the processing clock to the timing generation unit 23.

  When the GPS module unit 22 is in the GPS communication state, the GPS module unit 22 transmits a GPS communication state signal including information indicating that the GPS communication state is in progress to the radio base station apparatus 100. On the other hand, in the GPS non-communication state, the GPS module unit 22 transmits a GPS communication state signal including information indicating the GPS non-communication state to the radio base station apparatus 100.

  The timing generation unit 23 generates a reference timing based on the PPS signal received from the GPS module unit 22 and the processing clock, and transmits the reference timing to the radio base station apparatus 100. For example, the timing generation unit 23 generates a reference timing of 10 [ms] and transmits it to the radio base station apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the radio base station apparatus 100 includes an antenna 110, an internal clock 120, a correction information storage unit 130, an AMP unit 140, and a control unit 150. The antenna 110 is an antenna for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a mobile terminal (not shown). The internal clock 120 is a processing unit that outputs a predetermined clock signal (eg, 3.84 [MHz] clock signal) to the correction information storage unit 130 and the control unit 150.

  The correction information storage unit 130 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory that stores correction information for synchronizing the frame timing generated by the timing control unit 152 described later with the reference timing. The correction information storage unit 130 is updated by a correction information generation unit 151 described later. Various information stored in the correction information storage unit 130 will be described in detail later.

  An AMP (Amplifier) unit 140 is a processing unit that converts a baseband signal received from a data processing unit 153 (to be described later) into a radio signal and transmits the radio signal to a mobile terminal or the like via the antenna 110.

  The control unit 150 is a control unit that controls the radio base station apparatus 100 as a whole, and relates to processing performed by the radio base station apparatus 100 disclosed in the present application, as a correction information generation unit 151, a timing control unit 152, A data processing unit 153.

  The correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for synchronizing the frame timing to the reference timing when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication in-progress state, and generates the generated correction information. It is a processing unit that is stored in the correction information storage unit 130.

  Specifically, the correction information generation unit 151 first calculates the phase difference by comparing the phases of the reference timing and the frame timing at regular intervals based on the clock signal output from the internal clock 120. Hereinafter, a clock used for the correction information generation unit 151 to perform the phase comparison process is referred to as a “sampling clock”.

  Subsequently, the correction information generation unit 151 determines whether or not the calculated phase difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. When the phase difference is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for correcting the phase difference, outputs the generated correction information to the timing control unit 152, and corrects the correction information. The data is stored in the storage unit 130. As described above, the correction information generation unit 151 associates correction information for a predetermined period such as one day or one hour with the correction information storage unit 130 in association with the time when the correction information is generated. Remember me.

  On the other hand, when the calculated phase difference is larger than the predetermined threshold, the correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for slightly correcting the phase difference and outputs the generated correction information to the timing control unit 152. In addition, the correction information is stored in the correction information storage unit 130. Then, the correction information generation unit 151 performs a timer process that waits for a while. After the waiting state ends, the correction information generation unit 151 generates again the correction information for slightly correcting the phase difference, outputs the correction information to the timing control unit 152, and stores the correction information in the correction information storage unit 130. Perform timer processing. The correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for gradually correcting the phase difference until all the calculated phase differences are corrected, outputs the correction information to the timing control unit 152, and stores the correction information in the correction information storage unit 130. Then, timer processing is performed.

  When the phase difference is larger than a predetermined threshold, the reason for gradually correcting the phase difference is that if the large phase difference is corrected at one time, communication managed in the radio base station apparatus 100 cannot be normally controlled. This is because a problem such as an instantaneous interruption of service occurs. That is, when the phase difference is larger than the predetermined threshold, the correction information generation unit 151 can gradually prevent the problem from occurring by correcting the phase difference gradually.

  The timing control unit 152 generates frame timing, and the generated frame timing is either correction information received from the correction information generation unit 151 or correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130. It is a processing part which corrects based on.

  Specifically, the timing control unit 152 generates a processing clock (eg, 3.84 [MHz]) and a frame timing (eg, 10 [ms]) based on the clock signal output from the internal clock 120. To do. Subsequently, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication state, the timing control unit 152 corrects the generated frame timing based on the correction information received from the correction information generation unit 151. . Then, the timing control unit 152 outputs the corrected frame timing to the correction information generation unit 151 and the data processing unit 153.

  On the other hand, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS non-communication state, the timing control unit 152 determines the generated frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130. to correct. Then, the timing control unit 152 outputs the corrected frame timing to the correction information generation unit 151 and the data processing unit 153.

  The data processing unit 153 performs baseband processing on predetermined data received from the network 10 based on the frame timing output from the timing control unit 152 and the clock signal output from the internal clock 120, and generates the data It is a processing unit that outputs a baseband signal to the AMP unit 140.

  Next, frame timing synchronization processing performed by the radio base station apparatus 100 will be described with an example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame timing synchronization processing by the radio base station apparatus 100 when the GPS receiving apparatus 20 is in a GPS communication state.

  In the figure, in order from the top, the reference timing output by the timing generation unit 23, the corrected frame timing output by the timing control unit 152, the sampling clock, the reference timing by the correction information generation unit 151, and the frame timing. The comparison result and an example of the correction information storage unit 130 are shown.

  As described above, when the GPS receiver 20 is in a GPS communication state, the correction information generation unit 151 performs a phase comparison process that compares the phases of the reference timing and the frame timing at regular intervals according to the sampling clock. . Hereinafter, a number for identifying one phase comparison process performed according to the sampling clock is referred to as a “sampling number”. In the figure, in the figure showing the sampling clock, the numerical value shown above the upward arrow represents the sampling number.

  In the example shown in the figure, the correction information generation unit 151 determines that there is no phase difference between the reference timing and the frame timing in the phase comparison process with the sampling numbers “1” to “9”. In such a case, the correction information generation unit 151 indicates that there is no phase difference in the correction information in the correction information storage unit 130 in association with the combination of the sampling number of the phase comparison process and the time when the phase comparison process was performed. Remember information.

  Further, the correction information generation unit 151 detects that the frame timing is delayed from the reference timing in the phase comparison process whose sampling number is “10”. In such a case, the correction information generation unit 151 stores correction information (“Up” in the example shown in the figure) indicating that the frame timing is delayed from the reference timing in the correction information of the correction information storage unit 130. Let Specifically, the correction information generation unit 151 stores “Up” in the correction information of the correction information storage unit 130 in association with the combination of the sampling number “10” and the time “t10”. It should be noted that the time in the correction information storage unit 130 shown in the figure actually stores a time such as an hour, minute, second (for example, “14:00:02”).

  At this time, the correction information generation unit 151 outputs correction information indicating that the frame timing is delayed from the reference timing to the timing control unit 152. Upon receiving such information, the timing control unit 152 corrects the frame timing and synchronizes with the reference timing. As a result, the frame timing and the reference timing are synchronized as indicated by the broken line on the sampling number “17” in FIG.

  Similarly, in the example shown in the figure, the correction information generation unit 151 detects that the frame timing is delayed from the reference timing in the phase comparison process whose sampling number is “31”. In such a case, the correction information generation unit 151 stores “Up” in the correction information of the correction information storage unit 130 in association with the combination of the sampling number “31” and the time “t31”, and the correction information. Output to the timing controller 152. The timing control unit 152 that has received the correction information corrects the frame timing and synchronizes with the reference timing.

  Thus, when the GPS 30 is in the GPS communication state, the radio base station apparatus 100 synchronizes the frame timing with the reference clock, and stores the correction information in the GPS communication state in the correction information storage unit 130. Keep it.

  Next, frame timing synchronization processing by the radio base station apparatus 100 when the GPS receiving apparatus 20 is in a GPS non-communication state will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame timing synchronization processing by the radio base station device 100 when the GPS receiving device 20 is in a GPS non-communication state.

  In the figure, in order from the top, an example of the correction information storage unit 130, a correction information output clock indicating the timing at which the correction information storage unit 130 outputs correction information, and the correction information output by the correction information storage unit 130 are shown. Yes. In the example shown in the figure, it is assumed that the correction information storage unit 130 outputs the correction information according to the correction information output clock. The correction information output clock is a clock signal having the same clock frequency as that of the sampling clock. The correction information storage unit 130 shown in FIG. 3 is in a state where the correction information is stored by the correction information generation unit 151 in FIG.

  As described above, when the GPS receiver 20 is in a GPS non-communication state, the timing control unit 152 corrects the frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 130. Here, it is assumed that the timing control unit 152 receives a GPS communication state signal indicating a GPS communication state from the GPS module unit 22 from time “t1” to time “t41”.

  In this case, since the timing control unit 152 receives information indicating that there is no phase difference in the correction information in the correction information storage unit 130 during the times “t1” to “t9”, the frame timing correction processing is performed. Do not do. On the other hand, when the time “t10” is reached, the timing control unit 152 receives the correction information “Up” from the correction information storage unit 130. The timing control unit 152 that has acquired the correction information “Up” corrects the frame timing. Similarly, when the time “t31” comes, the timing control unit 152 receives the correction information “Up” from the correction information storage unit 130 and corrects the frame timing.

  Thus, when the GPS 30 is in a GPS non-communication state, the radio base station apparatus 100 performs frame timing based on the correction information stored when the GPS receiver 20 is in a GPS communication state. Correct. Thereby, the radio base station apparatus 100 corrects the frame timing to the frame timing synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state or the frame timing substantially synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state. can do.

  Next, data processing by the radio base station apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure performed by the radio base station apparatus 100. As shown in the figure, the correction information generation unit 151 of the radio base station apparatus 100 performs correction information generation processing (step S101).

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 152 of the radio base station apparatus 100 performs frame timing synchronization processing (step S102). The correction information generation processing by the correction information generation unit 151 and the frame timing synchronization processing by the timing control unit 152 will be described later.

  Subsequently, the data processing unit 153 performs baseband processing on predetermined data received from the network 10 based on the frame timing output from the timing control unit 152 and the clock signal output from the internal clock 120. Thus, a baseband signal is generated (step S103). Then, the AMP unit 140 converts the baseband signal generated by the data processing unit 153 into a radio signal and transmits it to the mobile terminal or the like via the antenna 110 (step S104).

  Next, correction information generation processing by the correction information generation unit 151 illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a correction information generation processing procedure by the correction information generation unit 151. As shown in the figure, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS non-communication state (No in step S201), the correction information generation unit 151 of the radio base station apparatus 100 performs processing. Absent.

  On the other hand, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication in-progress state (Yes in step S201), the correction information generation unit 151 includes the reference timing received from the timing generation unit 23 according to the sampling clock, The phase difference is calculated by comparing the phase with the frame timing received from the timing control unit 152 (step S202).

  Subsequently, when the calculated phase difference is smaller than the predetermined threshold (Yes at Step S203), the correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for correcting the phase difference (Step S204) and generates the correction information. The correction information is output to the timing control unit 152 and stored in the correction information storage unit 130 (step S205).

  On the other hand, when the calculated phase difference is larger than the predetermined threshold (No at Step S203), the correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for slightly correcting the phase difference (Step S206), and the generated correction. The information is output to the timing control unit 152 and stored in the correction information storage unit 130 (step S207). Then, the correction information generation unit 151 performs timer processing and waits for a while (step S208). If all the calculated phase differences are not corrected (No at Step S209), the correction information generation unit 151 generates correction information for gradually correcting the phase differences (Step S206), and the timing control unit 152. The process (step S207) stored in the correction information storage unit 130 and the timer process (step S208) are repeatedly performed.

  Next, frame timing correction processing by the timing control unit 152 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a frame timing correction processing procedure by the timing control unit 152.

  As shown in the figure, the timing control unit 152 of the radio base station apparatus 100 generates frame timing based on the clock signal output from the internal clock 120 (step S301).

  Subsequently, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication state (Yes at Step S302), the timing control unit 152 receives the generated frame timing from the correction information generation unit 151. Correction is performed based on the information (step S303).

  On the other hand, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS non-communication state (No at Step S302), the timing control unit 152 stores the generated frame timing in the correction information storage unit 130. Correction is performed based on the correction information that is stored (step S304).

  As described above, the radio base station apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment stores the correction information stored in the GPS communication state even when the GPS receiver 20 is in the GPS non-communication state. Since the frame timing is corrected based on the correction information of the unit 130, the frame timing is synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state or the frame timing is substantially synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state. Can be used. That is, the radio base station apparatus 100 immediately synchronizes with the frame timing used by other radio base station apparatuses when such communication is ensured again after the communication between the GPS receiving apparatus 20 and the GPS 30 is disconnected. be able to.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the example in which the radio base station apparatus 100 synchronizes the frame timing with the reference timing generated by the GPS receiving apparatus 20 has been described. However, one radio base station apparatus in the mobile communication system You may comprise so that it may have a GPS receiving function. In such a case, the radio base station device having a GPS reception function generates frame timing based on the GPS clock, and other radio base station devices not having the GPS reception function use the frame timing generated in the own device. Synchronize with the frame timing generated by the radio base station apparatus having the GPS reception function. Thus, in the second embodiment, an example in which one radio base station apparatus in the mobile communication system has a GPS reception function will be described.

  First, a mobile communication system to which a radio base station apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile communication system to which the radio base station apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is applied.

  The radio base station apparatus 200 is a radio base station apparatus having a GPS reception function. When the radio base station apparatus 200 is in a GPS communication state, the radio base station apparatus 200 generates a reference timing based on the GPS clock transmitted from the GPS 30. Then, the radio base station apparatus 200 generates a frame timing that is synchronized with the reference timing. At this time, radio base station apparatus 200 stores correction information for synchronizing the frame timing with the reference timing in a predetermined storage unit (referred to as correction information storage unit 230). Radio base station apparatus 200 stores correction information for a predetermined period in correction information storage section 230, as in the first embodiment.

  In addition, the radio base station apparatus 200 corrects the frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 230 when the GPS is not in communication. The radio base station apparatus 200 transmits the corrected frame timing to the radio base station apparatuses 300a to 300c regardless of whether the GPS communication state or the GPS non-communication state. Moreover, the radio base station apparatus 200 transmits a GPS communication state signal to the radio base station apparatuses 300a to 300c.

  Radio base station apparatuses 300a to 300c generate frame timings and correct the generated frame timings based on the frame timings received from radio base station apparatus 200.

  Next, the configuration of radio base station apparatuses 200 and 300a to 300c shown in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of radio base station apparatuses 200 and 300a to 300c shown in FIG. Here, parts having the same functions as the constituent parts shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Note that the radio base station apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 9 corresponds to the radio base station apparatuses 300a to 300c illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the radio base station apparatus 200 includes a GPS antenna 21, an antenna 110, an internal clock 120, an AMP unit 140, a correction information storage unit 230, and a control unit 250. The control unit 250 includes a GPS module unit 22, a timing generation unit 23, a correction information generation unit 251, a timing control unit 252, a data processing unit 253, and a data synthesis unit 254.

  The timing generation unit 23 generates a reference timing based on the PPS signal received from the GPS module unit 22 and the processing clock, and outputs the generated reference timing to the correction information generation unit 251.

  When the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication state, the correction information generation unit 251 has a phase between the reference timing received from the timing generation unit 23 and the frame timing received from the timing control unit 252. Are compared to calculate the phase difference. Subsequently, the correction information generation unit 251 generates correction information based on the calculated phase difference, and outputs the generated correction information to the timing control unit 252 and stores the correction information in the correction information storage unit 230.

  The timing control unit 252 generates frame timing based on the clock signal output from the internal clock 120. Subsequently, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS communication state, the timing control unit 252 corrects the generated frame timing based on the correction information received from the correction information generation unit 251. .

  On the other hand, when the GPS communication state signal received from the GPS module unit 22 indicates a GPS non-communication state, the timing control unit 252 corrects the frame timing based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 230. . Then, the timing control unit 252 outputs the corrected frame timing to the correction information generation unit 251, the data processing unit 253, and the correction information generation unit 351.

  The data processing unit 253 performs baseband processing on predetermined data received from the network 10 based on the frame timing received from the timing control unit 252 and the clock signal output from the internal clock 120, thereby generating a baseband signal Is output to the data composition unit 254.

  The data combining unit 254 combines a baseband signal received from the data processing unit 253 and a baseband signal received from the data processing unit 353 of the radio base station apparatus 300 described later, and outputs the combined signal to the AMP unit 140. Thus, the radio base station apparatus 200 synthesizes the baseband signal received from the other radio base station apparatus 300. As a result, the other radio base station apparatus 300 does not need to have an AMP unit, and thus is realized with simple components.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the radio base station apparatus 300 includes an internal clock 120 and a control unit 350. The control unit 350 includes a correction information generation unit 351, a timing control unit 352, and a data processing unit 353.

  The correction information generation unit 351 compares the phase of the frame timing received from the timing control unit 252 with the frame timing received from the timing control unit 352 to generate correction information, and the generated correction information is used as the timing control unit 352. Output to.

  The timing control unit 352 generates frame timing based on the clock signal output from the internal clock 120. Subsequently, the timing control unit 352 corrects the determined frame timing based on the correction information received from the correction information generation unit 351.

  The data processing unit 353 performs baseband processing on predetermined data received from the network 10 based on the frame timing received from the timing control unit 352 and the clock signal output from the internal clock 120, thereby generating a baseband signal Is output to the data composition unit 254.

  As described above, even when the radio base station apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is in the GPS non-communication state, the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 230 is stored in the GPS communication state. Therefore, the frame timing synchronized with the reference timing during the GPS communication state or the frame timing substantially synchronized with the reference timing during the GPS communication state can be used. . Further, since the radio base station devices 300a to 300c correct the frame timing generated in the own device based on the frame timing used by the radio base station device 200, the radio base station devices 300a to 300c are synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state. Frame timing or frame timing that is substantially synchronized with the reference timing in the GPS communication state can be used. That is, even when communication between the radio base station apparatus 200 and the GPS 30 is disconnected and the communication is ensured again, the radio base station apparatuses 200 and 300a to 300c immediately determine the frame timing used by each. Can be synchronized.

  Further, when the radio base station apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is used in a mobile communication system, the radio base station apparatus 300 can be realized with simple components. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the radio base station apparatus 300 does not need to include components such as the correction information storage unit 230 and the AMP unit 140. Thereby, the radio base station apparatus 300 can be reduced in size, and the radio base station apparatus 300 can be realized at low cost. That is, when the radio base station apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is used in a mobile communication system, the construction cost of the mobile communication system can be suppressed, and other radio base station apparatuses can be reduced in scale.

  In the second embodiment, the radio base station apparatuses 200 and 300 both have the internal clock 120. However, only the radio base station apparatus 200 may have the internal clock 120. In such a case, the internal clock 120 included in the radio base station apparatus 200 transmits a clock signal to the radio base station apparatus 300. In the radio base station apparatus 300, based on the clock signal received from the radio base station apparatus 200, the correction information generation unit 351 performs frame timing correction processing, and the data processing unit 353 performs data processing. Become.

  In the first and second embodiments, the correction information is stored in the correction information storage units 130 and 230 as storage devices. However, the method of storing the correction information is not limited to this example. I can't. For example, a counter that counts that the frame timing is later than the reference timing, a counter that counts that the frame timing is ahead of the reference timing, and a sampling period that compares the frame timing and the reference timing are counted. Correction information can also be accumulated by using a counter.

  Further, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above-mentioned documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, all or any part of each processing function performed in each device is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or hardware by wired logic. Can be realized as

  Regarding the embodiment including the above-described Examples 1 and 2, the following additional notes are disclosed.

(Appendix 1) An information processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process at a timing synchronized with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing apparatus,
When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing apparatus, correction information generating means for generating correction information for synchronizing the own apparatus generation timing, which is a timing generated by the information processing apparatus, with the reference timing When,
Correction information storage means for storing correction information generated by the correction information generation means;
Timing control means for correcting the self-device generation timing based on correction information stored in the correction information storage means when a reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing apparatus. Information processing apparatus.

(Supplementary Note 2) When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing device, the timing control unit corrects the own device generation timing based on the correction information generated by the correction information generation unit. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, characterized by:

(Supplementary Note 3) The correction information storage unit stores the correction information in association with the time when the correction information is generated by the correction information generation unit,
The timing control means corrects the self-device generation timing based on the correction information of the correction information storage means that matches the current time when the reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, which is characterized.

(Additional remark 4) The said timing control means transmits the corrected own apparatus production | generation timing to information processing apparatus different from the said information processing apparatus, Information processing as described in any one of Additional remarks 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. apparatus.

(Additional remark 5) The said correction information generation means produces | generates the correction information for synchronizing the phase of the said own apparatus production | generation timing with the phase of the said reference timing, Any one of Additional remark 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The information processing apparatus described.

(Appendix 6) A timing synchronization method for synchronizing a timing at which a predetermined process is performed by an information processing device with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing device,
The information processing apparatus is
When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing apparatus, a correction information generation step of generating correction information for synchronizing the own apparatus generation timing, which is a timing generated by the information processing apparatus, with the reference timing When,
When the reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing device, the self device generation timing is set based on the correction information stored in the correction information storage means for storing the correction information generated by the correction information generation step. A timing synchronization method comprising: a timing control step for correcting.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile communication system to which a radio base station apparatus according to a first embodiment is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the GPS receiver shown in FIG. 1, and a radio base station apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the frame timing synchronization process by the wireless base station apparatus in case a GPS receiver is in GPS communication state. It is a figure which shows an example of the frame timing synchronization process by the wireless base station apparatus in case a GPS receiver is in GPS non-communication state. It is a flowchart which shows the data processing procedure by a wireless base station apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the correction information generation process procedure by a correction information generation part. It is a flowchart which shows the frame timing correction processing procedure by a timing control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the mobile communication system with which the radio base station apparatus which concerns on Example 2 is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio base station apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network 20 GPS receiver 21 GPS antenna 22 GPS module part 23 Timing generation part 30 GPS
100 radio base station apparatus 100a radio base station apparatus 100b radio base station apparatus 100c radio base station apparatus 110 antenna 120 internal clock 130 correction information storage unit 140 AMP unit 150 control unit 151 correction information generation unit 152 timing control unit 153 data processing unit 200 Radio base station apparatus 230 Correction information storage section 250 Control section 251 Correction information generation section 252 Timing control section 253 Data processing section 254 Data synthesis section 300 Radio base station apparatus 300a Radio base station apparatus 300b Radio base station apparatus 300c Radio base station apparatus 350 Control unit 351 Correction information generation unit 352 Timing control unit 353 Data processing unit

Claims (4)

An information processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing at a timing synchronized with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing apparatus,
When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing apparatus, correction information generating means for generating correction information for synchronizing the own apparatus generation timing, which is a timing generated by the information processing apparatus, with the reference timing When,
Correction information storage means for storing the correction information generated by the correction information generation means in association with the time when the correction information was generated ;
Timing control means for correcting the self-device generation timing based on correction information of the correction information storage means whose time coincides with the current time when the reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.   The timing control unit corrects the self-device generation timing based on correction information generated by the correction information generation unit when a reference timing is supplied from the other information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. It said timing control means, the information processing apparatus according to the own apparatus generates timing correction, to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that transmitted to the information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus. A timing synchronization method for synchronizing a timing at which a predetermined process is performed by an information processing device with a reference timing that is a timing supplied by another information processing device,
The information processing apparatus is
When the reference timing is supplied from the other information processing apparatus, a correction information generation step of generating correction information for synchronizing the own apparatus generation timing, which is a timing generated by the information processing apparatus, with the reference timing When,
When the reference timing is not supplied from the other information processing apparatus, the correction information generated by the correction information generation step is stored in a correction information storage unit that stores the correction information in association with the time when the correction information is generated. And a timing control step of correcting the device generation timing based on correction information whose time coincides with the current time .

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