Initial Access Signaling With Variable SSBs Under Control Frame Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, particularly in higher frequency bands, the transmission of synchronization signals (SSBs) can exceed the 10% control frame transmission limit, leading to encumbrance of control frame transmissions, especially for 120 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS), due to the larger portion of symbols per slot allocated to SSBs, and this issue is exacerbated by listen-before-talk (LBT) requirements in certain scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Techniques are introduced to vary the number of SSBs transmitted by base stations, indicating whether a discovery burst transmission window (DBTW) is enabled or disabled, along with LBT status and band type, using existing information elements (IEs) and parameters, to optimize SSB transmission and ensure compliance with control frame transmission limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of SSBs is increased to improve synchronization coverage, then synchronization reliability is improved, but control frame transmission limit is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of SSB transmission parameters including varying the number of SSBs transmitted, adjusting subcarrier spacing (120 kHz, 240 kHz, 480 kHz, or 960 kHz), and modifying time domain positions based on channel conditions and network configuration. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize synchronization reliability while adapting to control frame transmission constraints in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters to resolve the contradiction: subcarrier spacing (SCS) is varied across different values, the number of SSBs is adjusted dynamically, and time domain positions are reconfigured. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain adequate synchronization coverage while ensuring control frame transmissions remain within the 10% limit.
2Area of stationary object
If SSB transmission occupies larger portion of symbols per slot, then synchronization coverage is improved, but control frame transmission is encumbered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal transmission into multiple configurable components: different subcarrier spacing options (120, 240, 480, 960 kHz), variable numbers of SSBs, and adjustable time domain positions. This segmentation allows the system to distribute synchronization coverage across multiple parameters rather than concentrating resources in a single dimension, thereby reducing control frame transmission encumbrance while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain dimensionality through variable subcarrier spacing (120-960 kHz) and time domain dimensionality through adjustable SSB positions and periodicities. By expanding synchronization coverage across multiple dimensions rather than increasing symbol occupation in a single dimension, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while keeping control frame transmission within acceptable limits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If LBT requirements are applied in certain scenarios, then spectrum etiquette is improved, but SSB transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by performing LBT procedures before SSB transmission and pre-configuring uplink timing advance values. The base station determines appropriate timing advance values in advance based on measured uplink timing, and UEs are prepared with pre-configured parameters including SSB periodicity and time domain positions. This preliminary preparation reduces the impact of LBT delays on overall transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the base station autonomously determines LBT status and adjusts SSB transmission accordingly, and UEs autonomously select appropriate uplink timing based on received timing advance values. This self-service approach minimizes the need for additional signaling and manual configuration, thereby maintaining transmission efficiency despite LBT requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein may enable base stations and user equipment (UEs) to implement initial access related signaling that may vary the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) transmitted by a base station to better ensure that control frame transmissions (e.g., 120 kilohertz (kHz) subcarrier spacing (SCS) transmissions) are not overly encumbered by SSBs. A base station may indicate whether a discovery burst transmission window (DBTW) is enabled or disabled, whether listen-before-talk (LBT) is enabled or disabled, and whether transmissions correspond to a licensed band, unlicensed band, or combination thereof. The base station may also indicate a number of candidate SSBs per DBTW and/or which SSBs/SSB groups are active (e.g., actually transmitted) per discovery burst (DB).