Chip Talk > MLE Brings Precision to Synchronization with 5G Sidelink at 6G Conference
Published July 11, 2025
As the 6G landscape begins to take shape, innovation stands at the forefront of technological progress. A diverse array of experts, industries, and thought leaders gathered this year at the Berlin 6G Conference, a significant event under the aegis of the 6G Platform Germany. The event, held between July 1-3, 2025, featured pivotal discussions around the future of telecommunications. One of the most noteworthy presentations was by Missing Link Electronics (MLE), which showcased a novel approach to time synchronization using 5G technology.
Time synchronization remains a critical challenge in fields that rely heavily on precise data timing and coordination, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial automation. Conventional methods, notably the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), are often deemed insufficient in environments where connectivity is unreliable or obstructed, such as urban canyons or underground tunnels. This creates a necessity for a new approach that ensures accuracy and reliability in all settings.
At the Berlin 6G Conference, MLE presented a groundbreaking solution: enabling Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based time-of-day synchronization through 5G sidelink. This innovative method leverages the application layer for time synchronization and aligns PTP messages with the 5G PHY layer frame timing to achieve highly accurate time stamping. This approach promises microsecond-level synchronization accuracy without requiring additional modifications to the forthcoming 6G standards.
In collaboration with Fraunhofer HHI, MLE has developed a proof-of-concept demonstrator. Their experimental results have shown promising prospects for precision, highlighting the robustness of PTP over 5G sidelink source.
The potential implications of successful PTP synchronization over 5G are vast. It can revolutionize fields like autonomous transport and IoT, where real-time data integrity is paramount. By overcoming GNSS limitations, this method opens the door to advancements that can lead to smarter and more efficient systems in urbanized and challenging environments. Moreover, the fact that this solution does not require new modifications aligns well with the gradual and seamless transition to new technological standards.
MLE's presentation underscores the excitement and potential that 6G holds. As 5G continues to be deployed globally, 6G promises even more significant enhancements in connectivity and data handling capacities. Solutions like MLE's, focusing on leveraging existing technologies for evolving needs, play a vital role in shaping the 6G narrative.
For companies looking to stay at the cutting edge, it is not just about faster speeds—it's about facilitating new use cases that were previously unimaginable and unachievable. As the telecommunications industry pushes forward, these innovative approaches will undoubtedly form the bedrock of future technological advancements.
Join the world's most advanced semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to discover IP, meet vendors and manage your IP workflow!
No credit card or payment details required.
Join the world's most advanced AI-powered semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to advertise and discover semiconductor IP, keep up-to-date with the latest semiconductor news and more!
Plus we'll send you our free weekly report on the semiconductor industry and the latest IP launches!
