Floating SMTC for Asynchronous SSB RRM Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In asynchronous wireless communication networks, such as new radio (NR), user equipment (UE) faces challenges in measuring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) from target cells due to unknown timing offsets, making it difficult to configure measurement gaps for radio resource management (RRM) measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a floating synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) and a corresponding floating measurement gap, which allows the UE to detect the SSB timing offset and report it to the base station, enabling the configuration of a normal SMTC and measurement gap for accurate RRM measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed measurement timing configuration is used for SSB-based RRM measurements, then the measurement process is simple and deterministic, but it cannot accommodate asynchronous networks where target cell timing is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic measurement timing configuration where the SMTC window timing is no longer fixed but can be adjusted based on detected timing offsets. The UE initially uses a default floating SMTC configuration, detects the timing offset of the target cell, and then the network reconfigures the SMTC window timing to align with the detected offset. This transforms the static measurement configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to asynchronous network conditions.
2Loss of information
If the UE performs blind detection of target cell SSB in asynchronous networks, then it can acquire timing information, but it increases the measurement time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the UE with a default floating SMTC window timing before the actual measurement. This preliminary configuration provides a starting point for the UE to begin measurements without waiting for timing offset detection. The UE performs blind detection within this pre-configured window, and once the timing offset is detected, the network reconfigures the SMTC window to optimize subsequent measurements, thereby reducing overall measurement time.
3Reliability
If the SMTC window timing is fixed relative to the serving cell, then the configuration is straightforward, but it cannot cover the target cell SSB when timing offsets are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameter of the SMTC window from a fixed value to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted based on detected timing offsets. Initially, the SMTC window timing is set to a default floating value that allows broad coverage. After the UE detects the target cell's timing offset, the network modifies the SMTC window timing parameter to align with the detected offset, thereby improving SSB detection reliability while maintaining configuration simplicity through automated adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for a floating synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) for SSB-based radio resource management (RRM) in asynchronous networks, such as new radio (NR). A base station (BS) determines a floating SMTC for measurement of a target cell and provides the floating SMTC to at least one user equipment (UE) in the serving cell, wherein the target cell and the serving cell are asynchronous. The BS determines a measurement gap that covers the floating SMTC. The UE monitors in the measurement gap for a SSB transmission of the target cell based on the floating SMTC.