5G NR Timing Advance Distance Calculator
Estimate UE-to-gNodeB distance, one-way propagation delay, round-trip propagation delay, and timing advance resolution using the 3GPP 5G NR Timing Advance equations defined in TS 38.213.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
NTA = TA × 16 × (64 / 2^μ), Round-trip Delay = NTA × Tc, One-way Delay = (Round-trip Delay) / 2, Distance = One-way Delay × cThis formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for 5g nr timing advance distance calculator.
Overview
Use this 5G NR Timing Advance (TA) calculator to estimate the physical distance between a User Equipment (UE) and the serving gNodeB, propagation delay, and timing advance resolution according to 3GPP TS 38.213.
Input Guide
Enter Timing Advance (TA), Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) exactly in the units shown by this 5g nr timing advance distance. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Timing Advance (TA).
- Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) — use kHz.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated 5g nr timing advance distance values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The 5G NR Timing Advance Distance uses NTA = TA × 16 × (64 / 2^μ), Round-trip Delay = NTA × Tc, One-way Delay = (Round-trip Delay) / 2, Distance = One-way Delay × c. Supply Timing Advance (TA), Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) (kHz) in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this 5g nr design or analysis.
Design Notes
Timing Advance compensates for uplink propagation delay so that transmissions from UEs at different distances arrive synchronously at the gNodeB. The timing advance resolution becomes finer as Sub-Carrier Spacing (SCS) increases.
Build and Tuning Notes
The NR basic time unit is Tc = 1 / (480 kHz × 4096) ≈ 0.508626 ns. During Random Access Response (RAR), the Timing Advance command ranges from 0 to 3846. Dynamic Timing Advance updates are later provided through MAC Control Elements (MAC CE).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Timing Advance in 5G NR?
Timing Advance is a command sent by the gNodeB that instructs the UE to transmit earlier, compensating for radio propagation delay so uplink signals from all users arrive time-aligned.
Why does Sub-Carrier Spacing affect Timing Advance?
The Timing Advance resolution scales with NR numerology. Higher Sub-Carrier Spacing results in smaller timing advance steps, allowing finer distance adjustments.
What is the difference between RAR and MAC CE Timing Advance?
Random Access Response (RAR) provides the initial Timing Advance value (0–3846). MAC Control Element (MAC CE) commands subsequently adjust the current Timing Advance during normal operation to maintain uplink synchronization.
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.