Enhanced Synchronization Signal for IoT Cell Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communications networks face challenges in efficiently supporting a wide range of devices with varying data traffic profiles, particularly for low complexity devices like those in IoT, which experience long discontinuous reception cycles, leading to synchronization issues and battery drain due to the time-consuming process of re-acquiring cell identifiers using conventional synchronization signals.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an enhanced synchronization signal with a different periodicity, formed from a set of detectable sequences such as Zadoff-Chu and PN sequences, to efficiently identify cell identifiers and other signaling indications, allowing for faster re-synchronization and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional synchronization signals are used for re-synchronization, then cell identifiers can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and causes battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell identifier detection process by introducing a two-stage synchronization signal structure: a first synchronization signal for initial cell search and a second synchronization signal for rapid re-synchronization. This segmentation allows devices to use the shorter second signal for periodic re-synchronization without sacrificing the accuracy provided by the first signal during initial connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the periodicity parameter of synchronization signals based on device state. The second synchronization signal is transmitted with a shorter periodicity specifically optimized for re-synchronization scenarios, allowing devices to quickly regain synchronization with the network without waiting for the longer periodicity of conventional signals.
2Measurement precision
If conventional synchronization signals are used for re-synchronization, then cell identifiers can be identified, but battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal functionality into two distinct types: first synchronization signals for initial cell acquisition and second synchronization signals for periodic re-synchronization. This segmentation enables low-complexity devices to use the more efficient second signal for routine re-synchronization, reducing battery consumption while maintaining detection accuracy through the structured sequence design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second synchronization signal acts as a lightweight, optimized alternative for re-synchronization purposes. It uses shorter sequences with specific mathematical properties that enable rapid correlation-based detection, effectively serving as a 'disposable' solution for frequent re-synchronization events without the overhead of full conventional synchronization procedures.
3Speed
If synchronization signals are transmitted frequently, then re-synchronization speed is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the periodicity parameter of the second synchronization signal to be shorter than conventional signals, enabling faster re-synchronization. This parameter change is specifically applied to the re-synchronization signal type, allowing the network to optimize transmission frequency for this specific function without increasing overall system overhead excessively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments synchronization signal transmission into different types with different periodicities. The second synchronization signal uses a shorter periodicity optimized for re-synchronization, while the first synchronization signal maintains conventional periodicity. This segmentation allows the network to increase re-synchronization speed without proportionally increasing total signal overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a communications device to transmit data to or to receive data from a wireless communications network comprises detecting a first synchronisation signal at the communications device received via a wireless access interface of a cell of the wireless communications network, the first synchronisation signal being transmitted with a first periodicity with respect to a time divided structure of the wireless access interface, the first synchronisation signal being configured to carry an indication of an identifier of the cell, generating a first estimate of the cell identifier carried by the first synchronisation signal, and configuring a transmitter of the communications device to transmit data to the wireless communications network and configuring a receiver of the communications device to receive data from the wireless communications network based on the first estimated cell identifier.