SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003
(Main)Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); Radio subsystem synchronization (GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
- Abstract
05.10; s31b; CR: A055; R98; 7.2.0; 7.3.0; BTS Synchronisation, Location Accuracy and LMU update rates
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2003
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Due Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Completion Date
- 01-Dec-2003
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 300 912 Version 7.3.1 for digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) radio subsystem synchronization. The standard specifies synchronization requirements for GSM, DCS 1 800 and PCS 1 900, covering BTS, MS, CTS-FP and CTS-MS operation. It focuses on timing, frequency accuracy, timing advance, delay tracking and handover behavior, while leaving the actual synchronization algorithms to the manufacturer.
What does SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 specify?
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 specifies the synchronization requirements for the GSM radio subsystem. The standard is written for equipment and operation in GSM, DCS 1 800 and PCS 1 900, and it states that the synchronization algorithms in the BTS, CTS-FP and MS are left to the manufacturer.
The document is organized into a short front matter, then clause 1 with scope, references, definitions and abbreviations, followed by clauses 2 to 7. These clauses move from the general synchronization model to counters and transmitted signal timing, then to BTS, MS and CTS-FP requirements. Annex A is normative; annexes B, C and D are informative.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Additional requirements for pseudo-synchronization, synchronized handovers and pseudo-synchronized handovers |
| B | CTSBCH timeslot shifting properties for CTS-MS synchronization |
| C | BTS frequency source stability and E-OTD LMU reporting periods for LCS |
| D | Change control history |
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003?
Common timing model
Clauses 2 to 4 define the timing model used by the whole system. The BTS sends frequency correction bursts and synchronization bursts so that the MS can lock to the BTS and align its own frequency standard. The standard also defines common counters - QN, BN, TN and FN, plus T4 for a non-attached CTS-MS - and explains how they advance and relate to each other.
In practice, this means implementers must keep all burst, timeslot and frame timing tied to the same counter logic. Clause 4 then shows how received synchronization bursts are used to set the counters, so acquisition and re-synchronization are based on the air-interface timing that the network transmits.
BTS synchronization requirements
Clause 5 sets the BTS timing and frequency requirements. The BTS shall use a single frequency source for RF generation and timebase clocking, with absolute accuracy better than 0,05 ppm, or 0,1 ppm for pico-BTS. Different carriers of the same BTS shall be synchronized together, and the timing difference at the antenna shall stay within the stated bit-period limits.
The clause also requires the BTS to measure initial timing advance from access bursts and to limit timing advance to the range 0 to 63. It then requires continuous delay tracking for circuit switched channels and packet switched channels, including continuous updates in packet transfer mode when a PTCCH subchannel is assigned. For engineers, this is the part that governs how the BTS keeps uplink bursts aligned and how it reacts when propagation delay changes.
MS synchronization requirements
Clause 6 requires the MS to keep its carrier frequency and internal timebase aligned with the BTS. The MS carrier frequency shall be accurate to within 0,1 ppm, and if the timing difference grows beyond 2 microseconds the MS shall correct its timebase in steps of 1/4 bit period. The MS shall transmit according to the BTS timing and the latest timing advance, with defined tolerances for GSM and CTS operation.
Clause 6 also sets the rules for receiving and applying new timing advance values, including circuit switched SACCH behavior and packet switched PTCCH and PACCH behavior. It defines access to a new BTS, temporary loss of signal, intracell channel change and reaction times for GPRS mobile stations. In practice, this clause tells the MS when it may transmit, how quickly it must follow new network commands and what timing it must keep during handover or packet transfer.
CTS-FP and CTS-MS requirements
Clause 7 gives synchronization requirements for CTS-FP. The CTS-FP shall use a single frequency source with absolute accuracy better than 5 ppm, and if it is assisted by a CTS-MS it shall maintain one-hour carrier accuracy within 2 ppm according to the received Observed Frequency Offset (OFO). The CTS-FP shall also keep its carrier timing aligned across carriers and assess CTS-MS delay with the stated error limit.
This clause matters when CTS operation is being implemented or tested because it controls the service range and the timing reference used in CTS. It also links the CTS-FP to the CTS-MS through OFO reporting and frequency correction.
Pseudo-synchronization and handover support
Annex A adds normative requirements for pseudo-synchronization, synchronized handovers and pseudo-synchronized handovers. It defines the relationship between Observed Time Difference (OTD), Real Time Difference (RTD) and propagation delay, and it requires the BTS to maintain time difference estimates for neighboring BTSs if the scheme is supported.
For the MS, Annex A requires reporting of time difference information after handover and defines how the initial timing advance is derived for synchronized or pseudo-synchronized handover, including the handling of values outside the 0 to 63 range. In practice, this annex is the handover procedure reference for systems that use timing relationships between neighboring cells to improve handover behavior.
What terms does SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 define?
- BTS - Base Transceiver Station, the radio base station whose signals set the timing and frequency reference for the MS.
- CTS-FP - CTS Fixed Part, the fixed side of CTS operation that the CTS-MS synchronizes to.
- CTS-MS - MS operating in CTS mode, meaning the mobile side of the CTS procedures.
- Timing Advance - the parameter sent by the BTS to tell the MS how much to advance transmission timing to compensate for propagation delay.
- TAI - Timing Advance Index used for GPRS to select the PTCCH subchannel from which the network derives timing advance.
- OFO - Observed Frequency Offset, the measured frequency difference between signals received by a CTS-MS from a CTS-FP and a BTS.
- OTD - Observed Time Difference, the timing difference between two BTSs as measured by the MS in pseudo-synchronization procedures.
- RTD - Real Time Difference, the local system time difference between two BTSs used in synchronized and pseudo-synchronized handover calculations.
Who uses SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003?
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 is used by engineers who design BTS, MS, CTS-FP and CTS-MS implementations and by test teams that verify timing, frequency stability, timing advance and handover behavior. It is also relevant to radio network planners and location-system engineers working with GPRS, CTS and E-OTD-related timing behavior.
Because the document leaves the synchronization algorithms to the manufacturer, it is especially useful as a requirements reference for equipment design, conformance testing and interoperability checks. Buyers and quality teams can also use it to compare whether a product family covers the timing and synchronization behavior expected for GSM, DCS 1 800 and PCS 1 900.
What changed in SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 from the previous edition?
This edition is the publication update from Version 7.3.0 to Version 7.3.1. The change control history also records the prior update from Version 7.2.0 to 7.3.0 as “BTS Synchronisation, Location Accuracy and LMU update rates.”
Which standards are used with SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003?
| Reference | What it contributes |
|---|---|
| GSM 01.04 | Abbreviations and acronyms used in GSM documents |
| GSM 03.30 | Radio network planning aspects, including the handling of delays beyond timing advance 63 |
| GSM 03.52 | CTS Phase 1 lower layers and CTS timing terms |
| GSM 03.60 | GPRS service description stage 2 |
| GSM 03.64 | GPRS radio interface stage 2 |
| GSM 03.71 | E-OTD location system context for OTD, LMU and SMLC reporting |
| GSM 04.08 | Mobile radio interface layer 3, including handover and assignment messages |
| GSM 04.60 | GPRS RLC and MAC layer, including PTCCH and packet procedures |
| GSM 05.02 | Multiplexing and multiple access on the radio path, including frame and CTSBCH shifting terms |
| GSM 05.05 | Radio transmission and reception, including sensitivity and interference reference values |
| GSM 05.08 | Radio subsystem link control, including timing advance and handover behavior |
| GSM 05.56 | CTS-FP radio subsystem, used for CTS service range control and delay assessment conditions |
| GSM 05.50 | Annex C relationship between frequency stability and E-OTD reporting periods |
| ITU-T G.810 | Definition of Time Interval Error used in Annex C |
What does the SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 document contain?
The document contains the synchronization model for GSM, including the counter relationships and the timing of transmitted signals. It then sets the BTS, MS and CTS-FP requirements for frequency accuracy, timing alignment, timing advance, delay tracking and reaction times.
Annex A contains the handover and pseudo-synchronization procedures, with the OTD and RTD calculation logic and the rules for setting initial timing advance. Annex B explains how CTSBCH timeslot shifting helps a CTS-MS determine TN, and annex C gives the relationship between BTS frequency source stability, E-OTD LMU reporting periods and location error. Annex D records the change control history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); Radio subsystem synchronization (GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)". This standard covers: 05.10; s31b; CR: A055; R98; 7.2.0; 7.3.0; BTS Synchronisation, Location Accuracy and LMU update rates
05.10; s31b; CR: A055; R98; 7.2.0; 7.3.0; BTS Synchronisation, Location Accuracy and LMU update rates
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.070.50 - Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 300 912 V7.3.1:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
'LJLWDOQLFHOLþQLWHOHNRPXQLNDFLMVNLVLVWHPID]D±6LQKURQL]DFLMDUDGLMVNHJD
SRGVLVWHPD*60UD]OLþLFDL]GDMD
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) (GSM); Radio subsystem
synchronization (GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 300 912 Version 7.3.1
ICS:
33.070.50 Globalni sistem za mobilno Global System for Mobile
telekomunikacijo (GSM) Communication (GSM)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
European Standard (Telecommunications series)
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+);
Radio subsystem synchronization
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
R
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
2 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Reference
REN/SMG-020510Q7R1
Keywords
Digital cellular telecommunications system,
Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)
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© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 2000.
All rights reserved.
ETSI
3 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights.5
Foreword.5
1 Scope .6
1.1 References .6
1.2 Definitions and abbreviations.7
2 General description of synchronization system.7
3 Timebase counters.8
3.1 Timing state of the signals.8
3.2 Relationship between counters .8
4 Timing of transmitted signals.9
5 BTS Requirements for Synchronization.9
5.1 Frequency source.9
5.2 Timebase counters.9
5.3 Internal BTS carrier timing .9
5.4 Initial Timing advance estimation.10
5.5 Maximum timing advance value .10
5.6 Delay tracking .10
5.6.1 For circuit switched channels.10
5.6.2 For packet switched channels .10
5.6.3 Delay assessment error .10
5.6.4 Pico-BTS delay tracking.10
5.7 Timeslot length.11
5.8 Range of Timing advance.11
6 MS Requirements for Synchronization .11
6.1 MS carrier frequency.11
6.2 Internal timebase .11
6.3 Assessment of BTS timing .11
6.4 Timing of transmission.12
6.5 Application of Timing Advance.12
6.5.1 For circuit switched channels.12
6.5.2 For packet switched channels .12
6.6 Access to a new BTS.13
6.7 Temporary loss of signal .13
6.8 Timing of intracell channel change .13
6.9 Application of new Timing Advance value.13
6.10 Definition of "ready to transmit within x ms" .13
6.11 Definition of additional reaction times for GPRS mobile stations .14
6.11.1 Uplink and downlink assignment reaction times .14
6.11.2 Change in channel coding scheme commanded by network.14
6.11.3 Contention resolution reaction time.14
6.11.4 Reaction time in response to other commanding messages .14
6.12 Observed Frequency Offset (OFO) reported by the CTS-MS.14
7 CTS-FP Requirements for Synchronization.15
7.1 Frequency source default requirements.15
7.2 Frequency source for a CTS-FP assisted by a CTS-MS.15
7.3 Internal CTS-FP carrier timing.15
7.4 Timeslot length.15
7.5 Assessment of CTS-MS delay.15
ETSI
4 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Annex A (normative): Additional requirements for pseudo-synchronization, synchronized
handovers and pseudo-synchronized handovers.16
A.1 General descriptions and definitions .16
A.1.1 Conventions.16
A.1.2 Definitions.16
A.1.3 Details of operations.16
A.2 BTS requirements.17
A.2.1 The pseudo-synchronization scheme.17
A.2.1.1 BTS a time difference estimate.17
A.2.1.2 The reception epoch criterion .17
A.2.1.3 Pseudo-synchronized handover .17
A.2.2 The synchronization requirement .17
A.3 MS requirements .18
A.3.1 Provision of time difference information .18
A.3.2 After each successful handover.18
A.3.3 Synchronized or a pseudo synchronized handover.18
Annex B (informative): CTSBCH timeslot shifting properties for CTS-MS synchronization.19
B.1 Determination of TN by the CTS-MS when CTSBCH shifting is not active .19
B.2 Determination of TN by the CTS-MS when CTSBCH shifting is active .19
Annex C (informative): BTS frequency source stability and E-OTD LMU reporting periods
for LCS .20
C.1 BTS frequency source stability and E-OTD LMU reporting periods .20
C.2 Frequency source stability.20
C.3 Relationship to E-OTD reporting periods .20
Annex D (informative): Change control history .22
History .23
ETSI
5 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://www.etsi.org/ipr).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This European Standard (Telecommunications series) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Special Mobile
Group (SMG).
This European Standard (Telecommunications series) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Special Mobile
Group (SMG), and is now submitted for the ETSI standards One-step Approval Procedure.
The contents of the present document may be subject to continuing work within SMG and may change following formal
SMG approval. Should SMG modify the contents of the present document it will then be re-submitted for formal
approval procedures by ETSI with an identifying change of release date and an increase in version number as follows:
Version 7.x.y
where:
7 GSM Phase 2+ Release 1998.
x the second digit is incremented for changes of substance, i.e. technical enhancements, corrections, updates,
etc.;
y the third digit is incremented when editorial only changes have been incorporated in the specification.
National transposition dates
Date of adoption of this EN: 29 September 2000
Date of latest announcement of this EN (doa): 31 December 2000
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this EN (dop/e): 30 June 2001
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 June 2001
ETSI
6 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
1 Scope
The present document defines the requirements for synchronization on the GSM radio sub-system. However, it does not
define the synchronization algorithms to be used in the Base Transceiver Station (BTS), CTS Fixed Part (CTS-FP) and
Mobile Station (MS). These are up to the manufacturer to specify.
The present document is for GSM, DCS 1 800 and PCS 1 900.
1.1 References
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of the present
document.
• References are either specific (identified by date of publication, edition number, version number, etc.) or
non-specific.
• For a specific reference, subsequent revisions do not apply.
• For a non-specific reference, the latest version applies.
• A non-specific reference to an ETS shall also be taken to refer to later versions published as an EN with the same
number.
• For this Release 1998 document, references to GSM documents are for Release 1998 versions (version 7.x.y).
[1] GSM 01.04: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Abbreviations and
acronyms".
[2] GSM 03.60: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS); Service Description Stage 2".
[3] GSM 03.64: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS); GPRS Radio Interface Stage 2".
[4] GSM 04.08: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Mobile radio interface
layer 3 specification".
[5] GSM 04.60: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS); Mobile Station (MS) - Base Station System (BSS interface; Radio Link Control
(RLC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer Specification".
[6] GSM 05.02: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Multiplexing and multiple
access on the radio path".
[7] GSM 05.05: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Radio transmission and
reception".
[8] GSM 05.08: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Radio subsystem link
control".
[9] GSM 03.30: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Radio network planning
aspects".
[10] GSM 03.52: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); GSM Cordless Telephony
System (CTS), Phase 1; Lower layers of the CTS Radio Interface; Stage 2".
[11] GSM 05.56: "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); GSM Cordless Telephony
System (CTS), Phase 1; CTS-FP Radio subsystem".
ETSI
7 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
1.2 Definitions and abbreviations
In addition to those below, abbreviations used in this EN are listed in GSM 01.04.
For the purposes of the present document, the following terms and definitions apply:
BTS: Base Transceiver Station.
CTS-FP: CTS Fixed Part.
CTS-MS: MS operating in CTS mode.
Timing Advance: signal sent by the BTS to the MS which the MS uses to advance its timings of transmissions to the
BTS so as to compensate for propagation delay.
Quarter bit number: timing of quarter bit periods (12/13µs) within a timeslot.
Timeslot number: timing of timeslots within a TDMA frame.
TDMA frame number: count of TDMA frames relative to an arbitrary start point.
Current Serving BTS: BTS on one of whose channels (TCH, DCCH, CCCH or PDCH) the MS is currently operating.
Current Serving CTS-FP: CTS-FP on one of whose channels (TCH or CTS control channels) the CTS-MS is
currently operating.
Timebase counters: set of counters which determine the timing state of signals transmitted by a BTS or MS.
MS timing offset: delay of the received signal relative to the expected signal from an MS at zero distance under static
channel conditions with zero timing advance. This is accurate to ± 1 bit, and reported once per SACCH or after a
RACH as. required (i.e. at the same rate as timing advance). For example, for an MS with a round trip propagation
delay of P bits, but with a timing advance of T bits, the reported timing offset will be P-T quantized to the nearest bit.
For GPRS the MS timing offset is not reported.
Timing Advance Index: Timing Advance Index TAI used for GPRS, which determines the position of the subchannel
on PTCCH (see GSM 05.02) used by the MS to send an access burst, from which the network can derive the timing
advance.
Observed Frequency Offset (OFO): difference of frequency of signals received by a CTS-MS from a CTS-FP and a
BTS. The Observed Frequency Offset is measured and reported by the CTS-MS on CTS-FP requirement. The Observed
Frequency Offset is expressed in ppm with an accuracy of 1/64 ppm (i.e. about 0,016 ppm).
2 General description of synchronization system
This clause gives a general description of the synchronization system. Detailed requirements are given in clauses 3 to 7.
The BTS sends signals on the BCCH to enable the MS to synchronize itself to the BTS and if necessary correct its
frequency standard to be in line with that of the BTS. The signals sent by the BTS for these purposes are:
a) Frequency correction bursts;
b) Synchronization bursts.
The timings of timeslots, TDMA frames, TCH frames and control channel frames are all related to a common set of
counters which run continuously whether the MS and BTS are transmitting or not. Thus, once the MS has determined
the correct setting of these counters, all its processes are synchronized to the current serving BTS.
The MS times its transmissions to the BTS in line with those received from the BTS. The BTS sends to each MS a
"timing advance" parameter (TA) according to the perceived round trip propagation delay BTS-MS-BTS. The MS
advances its timing by this amount, with the result that signals from different MS's arriving at the BTS and compensated
for propagation delay. This process is called "adaptive frame alignment".
ETSI
8 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
Additionally, synchronization functions may be implemented in both the MS and the BTS to support the so-called
pseudo synchronization scheme. The support of this scheme is optional except that MS shall measure and report the
Observed Timing Difference (OTD), which is a mandatory requirement. The detailed specifications of the
pseudo-synchronization scheme are included in annex A.
In CTS, the CTS-FP sends signals on the CTSBCH to enable the MS to synchronize itself to the CTS-FP and if
necessary correct its frequency standard to be in line with that of the CTS-FP.
The signals sent by the CTS-FP for these purposes are:
a) frequency correction bursts;
b) synchronization bursts.
The timings of timeslots, TDMA frames, CTSBCH, CTSARCH, CTSAGCH and CTSPCH frames are all related to a
first common set of counters which run continuously whether the CTS-MS and CTS-FP are transmitting or not. Thus,
once the CTS-MS has determined the correct setting of these first counters, the CTS-MS is able to attach to the current
serving CTS-FP. In addition, during CTS-MS attachment, the CTS-FP sends to the CTS-MS the remaining counters for
SACCH and TCH frames. Then, all processes of the CTS-MS are synchronized to the current serving CTS-FP.
The CTS-MS times its transmissions to the CTS-FP in line with those received from the CTS-FP. The timing advance
parameter is set to zero for CTS.
Additionally, the CTS-FP may be assisted by a CTS-MS to adjust its frequency source. When required by the CTS-FP,
the CTS-MS estimates if possible and reports the Observed Frequency Offset of the CTS-FP with a specified BTS. The
CTS-FP may then adjust its frequency source according to this value.
3 Timebase counters
3.1 Timing state of the signals
The timing state of the signals transmitted by a BTS, a MS or a CTS-FP is defined by the following counters:
- Quarter bit number QN (0 - 624)- Bit number BN (0 - 156);
- Timeslot number TN (0 - 7);
- TDMA frame number FN (0 to (26 x 51 x 2048) - 1 = 2715647); or
- for a non attached CTS-MS, TDMA frame number modulo 52 T4 (0 - 51).
In CTS, the CTS-MS shall manage different sets of counters for CTS operation and GSM operation.
3.2 Relationship between counters
The relationship between these counters is as follows:
- QN increments every 12/13µs;
- BN = Integer part of QN/4;
- TN increments whenever QN changes from count 624 to 0;
- FN increments whenever TN changes from count 7 to 0; or
- for a CTS-MS, T4 increments whenever TN changes from count 7 to 0.
ETSI
9 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
4 Timing of transmitted signals
The timing of signals transmitted by the MS, BTS and CTS-FP are defined in GSM 05.02.
The MS can use the timing of receipt of the synchronization burst to set up its timebase counters as follows:
QN is set by the timing of the training sequence;
TN= 0 when the synch burst is received;
FN = 51 ((T3-T2) mod (26)) + T3 + 51 x 26 x T1 when the synch burst is received,(where T3 = (10 x T3') + 1, T1,
T2 and T3' being contained in information fields in synchronization burst).
For CTS, the timebase counters are set as follows:
QN is set by the timing of the training sequence;
TN is set according to the CTSBCH-SB position (see Annex C);
T4 = 51 when the CTSBCH-SB is received (prior to attachment);
FN = (51 ((T3-T2) mod (26)) + T3 + 51 x 26 x T1) mod (2715648) when the CTS-MS receives the last CTSAGCH
burst of the non-hopping access procedure, where T2 = T4 mod (26), and T1 and T3 being contained in this
CTS immediate assignment message.
Thereafter, the timebase counters are incremented as in subclause 3.2.
(When adjacent BTS's are being monitored for handover purposes, or for cell reselection purposes in group receive
mode, the MS may choose to store the values of QN, TN and FN for all the BTS's whose synchronization bursts have
been detected relative to QN, TN and FN for its current serving BTS).
5 BTS Requirements for Synchronization
The conditions under which the requirements of subclauses 5.4 and 5.6 must be met shall be 3 dB below the reference
sensitivity level in GSM 05.05 and 3 dB less carrier to interference ratio than the reference interference ratios in
GSM 05.05.
5.1 Frequency source
The BTS shall use a single frequency source of absolute accuracy better than 0,05 ppm for both RF frequency
generation and clocking the timebase. The same source shall be used for all carriers of the BTS.
For the pico BTS class the absolute accuracy requirement is relaxed to 0,1ppm.
NOTE: BTS frequency source stability is one factor relating to E-OTD LCS performance and the reader is
referred to Annex C for the relationship between BTS frequency source stability and E-OTD LCS
performance characteristics.
5.2 Timebase counters
It is optional whether the timebase counters of different BTS's are synchronized together.
5.3 Internal BTS carrier timing
The channels of different carriers transmitted by a BTS shall be synchronized together, i.e. controlled by the same set of
counters. The timing difference between the different carriers shall be less than 1/4 bit periods, measured at the BTS
antenna.
ETSI
10 ETSI EN 300 912 V7.3.1 (2000-10)
(GSM 05.10 version 7.3.1 Release 1998)
For pico-BTS, the timing difference between different carriers shall be less than 2 bit periods, measured at the BTS
antenna.
5.4 Initial Timing advance estimation
When the BTS detects an access burst transmission on RACH or PRACH, it shall measure the delay of this signal
relative to the expected signal from an MS at zero distance under static channel conditions. This delay, called the timing
advance, shall be rounded to the nearest bit period and included in a response from the BTS when applicable.
For the pico-BTS there is no requirement to measure this timing advance. However, either this measured value or a
programmable value of timing advance shall be included in the response from the BTS when a timing advance value
needs to be sent.
5.5 Maximum timing advance value
The maximum timing advance value shall be 63. If the BTS measures a value larger than this, it shall set the timing
advance to 63. (GSM 03.30 defines how the PLMN deals with MS's where the delay exceeds timing advance value 63.)
5.6 Delay tracking
5.6.1 For circuit switched channels
The BTS shall thereafter continuously monitor the delay of the normal bursts sent by from the MS. If the delay changes
by more than one bit period, the timing advance shall be advanced or retarded 1 and the new value signalled to the MS.
Restricting the change in timing advance to 1 bit period at a time gives the simplest implementation of the BTS.
However the BTS may use a larger change than this but great care must then be used in the BTS design.
5.6.2 For packet switched channels
The BTS shall perform the continuous update timing advance mechanism for all MS working in packet transfer mode
for which an PTCCH subchannel is assigned, except for MS class A in dedicated mode. Therefore the BTS shall
monitor the delay of the access bursts sent by the MS on PTCCH and respond with timing advance values for all MS
performing the procedure on that PDCH. These timing advance values shall be sent via a downlink signalling message
on PTCCH.
The BTS shall update the timing advance values in the next downlink signalling message following the access burst.
The BTS may also monitor the delay of the normal bursts and access bursts sent by the MS on PDTCH and PACCH.
Whenever an updating of TA is needed, the BTS may send the new TA value in a power control/timing advance
message (see GSM 04.60).
For MS class A in dedicated mode the BTS shall follow the procedure described in subclause 5.6.1.
5.6.3 Delay assessment error
For circuit and packed switched channels the delay shall be assessed in such a way that the assessment error (due to
noise and interference) is less than 1/2 bit periods for stationary MS. For MS moving at a speed up to 500 km/h the
additional error shall be less then 1/4 bit period.
The control loop for the timing advance shall be implemented in such a way that it will cope wi
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