5G-Based Positioning

Opportunity  

The fifth generation of mobile technology (5G) is designed to provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). According to IMT-2020, 5G is expected to perform ten to hundred times better in terms of peak data rate, latency and connection density. The ubiquity of the communication network also adds significant value for positioning services—even in some GNSS-denied or constrained environments, such as indoors and urban canyons. The fundamental positioning techniques of cellular networks include trilateration, triangulation, proximity, scene analysis and hybrid methods. Among these, time of arrival (TOA)-based trilateration is commonly used from 2G to 5G. 

Positioning reference signal (PRS) was first defined in long-term evolution (LTE) for TOA measurement as pilot signals. 5G NR PRS has flexible configurations and patterns, which differ from those of LTE or other pilot signals adopted in OFDM systems. There is a requirement for a proper timing recovery solution for 5G standard-compliant pilot signals, such as 5G NR PRS, to obtain accurate timing estimates. 

Technology  

This technology provides a communication apparatus and a method for generating accuracy-improved carrier phase measurements and velocity estimations. The method includes receiving a 5G-compliant signal modulated on a 5G carrier wave, continuously tracking phase changes in the 5G carrier wave, and extracting one or more 5G-compliant reference signals from the 5G-compliant signal. The method further includes generating pilot symbols in response to the 5G-compliant reference signals and generating carrier phase measurements and velocity estimations based on the pilot symbols. 

Applications & Advantages  

Main application areas include mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communications and enhanced positioning services in 5G commercial networks. 

Advantages: 

• Suitable for generalised pilot signal patterns, including 5G NR DL PRS. 
• Can be integrated directly with current 5G NR commercial networks. 
• The positioning process complies with 3GPP 5G standards. 
• Provides accurate localisation with 1–5 metre precision.