Automatic Gain Control for SSB-Less Carriers in Inter-Band Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively implementing automatic gain control (AGC) for synchronization signal block (SSB)-less carriers during inter-band carrier aggregation, leading to inefficiencies in signal strength measurement and communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) and network node configuration for AGC symbols on SSB-less carriers, including receiving and transmitting configurations and activations, to enable accurate signal strength measurement in inter-band carrier aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SSB-less carriers are used in inter-band carrier aggregation, then carrier aggregation flexibility and network performance are improved, but AGC measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that enables AGC measurements on SSB-less carriers. The reference signal is transmitted on the SSB-less carrier and provides a known signal structure that the UE can measure to determine AGC settings, thereby resolving the measurement accuracy problem while maintaining the flexibility of SSB-less carrier operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs AGC measurements in advance using the reference signal before actual data transmission begins. By measuring the reference signal's power and determining appropriate AGC settings beforehand, the system prepares the receiver in advance for incoming signals on the SSB-less carrier, ensuring accurate measurement and reception without requiring SSBs
2Quantity of substance
If SSB-less carriers are configured, then system overhead is reduced, but signal strength measurement capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of signal strength measurement from the SSB structure and implements it separately through dedicated reference signals on SSB-less carriers. This separation allows the removal of SSB overhead while preserving measurement capability through the extracted reference signal mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signal serves as an intermediary that carries measurement information without requiring SSB transmission. This intermediary enables the system to maintain signal strength measurement capability while using SSB-less carriers, effectively decoupling the measurement function from the SSB structure
3Speed
If AGC measurements are performed without SSBs, then carrier activation speed is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs AGC measurements in advance using the reference signal before data transmission begins. By preparing the AGC settings beforehand through measurement of the reference signal, the system achieves fast carrier activation while maintaining measurement reliability through the use of a known reference signal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the UE measures the reference signal power, determines appropriate AGC settings, and uses this feedback to configure the receiver for incoming signals. This feedback loop ensures reliable measurements even without SSBs, as the reference signal provides a known baseline for AGC adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network node, a configuration of an automatic gain control (AGC) symbol for a synchronization signal block (SSB)-less carrier, wherein the SSB-less carrier and at least one carrier that transmits an SSB are included in a plurality of carriers for inter-band carrier aggregation. The UE may receive, from the network node, an indication of activation of the SSB-less carrier. The UE may measure signal strength on the SSB-less carrier in the AGC symbol for the SSB-less carrier in accordance with the configuration of the AGC for the SSB-less carrier. Numerous other aspects are described.