Initial Access Signal Transmission in Dense Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing solution for transmitting and detecting synchronization signals in communication systems is not applicable to large coverage areas in future communication systems due to the increasing number of Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) and beams, which complicates the initial access procedure for User Equipment (UE).

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transmitting an initial access signal using a synchronization signal block with multiple components occupying different time-frequency resources, where identification information is determined and used to transmit initial access signals over specific time-frequency resources, and the UE searches for these signals to reduce recognition complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple narrow beams are deployed to cover large areas in high frequency bands, then coverage area is improved, but the number of TRPs and beams increases dramatically, making initial access signal recognition complex for UE

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinitial access signal recognition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal is segmented into multiple components (PSS, SSS, and additional synchronization signals) that are transmitted in different time-frequency resources. Each component carries partial identification information, and the UE can recognize the cell by detecting these segmented components separately, reducing the overall recognition complexity despite the large number of beams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces additional time-frequency dimensions for signal transmission. Synchronization signals are transmitted not only in different frequency bands but also in different time slots and resource blocks. This multi-dimensional approach allows the UE to identify cells through combinations of detected signals across multiple dimensions, reducing the complexity of recognizing signals from numerous beams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the UE searches all possible central frequencies at 100 KHz precision to detect PSS/SSS, then accurate cell detection is achieved, but the search complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentral frequency detection precisionVSAvoidinitial access time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits synchronization signals in predetermined time-frequency resources with known structures. The UE can perform rapid correlation detection on these pre-arranged signals without needing to exhaustively search all possible frequencies, thereby reducing access time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different cells use distinct synchronization signal sequences and patterns (analogous to different colors) that are easily distinguishable. The UE can quickly identify the correct cell by matching the detected signal pattern against known sequences, reducing the time needed for frequency search and cell identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If each cell transmits independent PSS/SSS signals, then cell identification is simplified, but the signal structure becomes rigid and cannot adapt to dense network deployments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell identification simplicityVSAvoidnetwork deployment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal block is designed as a universal structure that can function in both traditional LTE deployments and future dense high-frequency networks. It includes multiple components (PSS, SSS, and additional synchronization signals) that can be activated or configured based on deployment scenarios, providing both simplicity for identification and adaptability for different network densities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration options for synchronization signal transmission, including variable time-frequency resource allocation and adjustable signal components. This allows the system to adapt to different network densities and deployment scenarios while maintaining a consistent basic framework for cell identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230337115A1Method and apparatus for transmitting initial access signal

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for transmitting an initial access signal, thus solving the existing problem wherein transmitting and detecting of synchronization signals cannot be applied to large-scale network coverage of a future communication system. The method comprises: determining at least one to-be-transmitted identification information of a synchronization block, the synchronization block comprising at least two components for transmitting an initial access signal, and different components occupying different time-frequency resources of the synchronization block; determining an initial access signal transmitted by each component in the synchronization block according to the identification information; and determining a time-frequency resource occupied by each component in the synchronization block and transmitting the initial access signal of the component on the time-frequency resource occupied by each component.