Lean SSB Design for Reduced Capability UE Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing reduced capability user equipment (UEs) due to computational burdens and limitations in synchronization signal design, particularly in supporting devices with reduced bandwidth and computational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lean synchronization signal block (SSB) design that includes either a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), transmitted within a narrow bandwidth part (NBWP), allowing for reduced bandwidth usage and enabling beam management and time-frequency tracking for reduced capability UEs while maintaining compatibility with full capability devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional SSB including PSS, SSS, and PBCH is transmitted, then full system information can be provided to UEs, but reduced capability UEs experience high computational burden and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal block into a lean SSB containing only essential synchronization signals (PSS/SSS) for reduced capability UEs, while full SSBs with complete system information (including PBCH) continue to be transmitted for full capability devices. This segmentation allows reduced capability UEs to operate with lower computational complexity while full capability UEs retain access to complete system information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different SSB configurations to different UE types: reduced capability UEs receive lean SSBs with minimal processing requirements, while full capability UEs receive conventional SSBs with complete information. This localized optimization ensures each UE type receives appropriately tailored signal quality without unnecessary overhead.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a lean SSB with reduced bandwidth is transmitted, then reduced capability UEs can operate with lower power consumption, but full capability devices may experience compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the lean SSB to serve multiple functions: it provides synchronization and basic system information for reduced capability UEs while maintaining compatibility with full capability devices through standardized signal structures. The lean SSB can be detected and processed by both UE types, ensuring broad adaptability across different device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the essential synchronization signals (PSS/SSS) in the lean SSB without the full PBCH content, which is sufficient for reduced capability UEs to establish basic connectivity and perform beam management. Full capability devices can still function using these partial signals while having access to additional information through other channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional synchronization procedures are used, then all UEs can establish connections, but reduced capability UEs face limitations in beam management and time-frequency tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management functionality by implementing beam sweeping specifically for lean SSB transmissions. This allows reduced capability UEs to perform beam management and time-frequency tracking using the simplified lean SSB structure, while full capability UEs continue to use conventional SSB-based beam management, ensuring both UE types achieve precise beam alignment appropriate to their capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may establish a connection with a base station based at least in part on a synchronization signal block from the base station, wherein the synchronization signal block comprises at least a first synchronization signal. The UE may identify a configuration for a transmission pattern for the first synchronization signal to be transmitted by the base station. The UE may receive one or more instances of the first synchronization signal according to the transmission pattern for the first synchronization signal. The UE may modify the established connection with the base station based at least in part on the received one or more instances of the first synchronization signal.