NB-IoT Carrier Allocation for Faster System Information Signaling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NB-IoT systems face issues with reduced resources on the anchor carrier, delayed reception of downlink control information, and increased power consumption due to the requirement of transmitting synchronization and public signals on a single carrier.

Innovation Solution

Transmit synchronization signals and part of the public signals on separate anchor and non-anchor carriers, with the anchor carrier indicating the frequency location of the non-anchor carrier, allowing for improved resource utilization and reduced reception delay and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate circuits are used to achieve different signal functions (transmit, reflect, cancel), then signal functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines transmit, reflect, and cancel signal functions into a single circuit by using a single signal source that sequentially generates different signal types. The system merges multiple circuit functions into one integrated architecture, eliminating the need for separate circuits while maintaining full functionality through time-division multiplexing and phase control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different signal types (transmit signals, reflect signals, cancel signals) from one signal source. The circuit achieves multi-functionality through configurable phase shifts and amplitude adjustments, allowing one circuit to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate circuits are used for different signal types, then signal quality is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging multiple circuit implementations into a single circuit design. This consolidation decreases the number of components, interconnections, and assembly steps required, directly lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining signal quality through careful phase and amplitude control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple circuits operate simultaneously, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by sequentially generating different signal types (transmit, reflect, cancel) from a single signal source over time. Instead of having multiple circuits operate simultaneously, the system cycles through different signal functions in time-division multiplexed fashion, reducing peak power consumption while maintaining overall transmission efficiency through proper timing and phase management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3653004B1Base station, system and methods for transmitting a signal

Publication Date: 2026.04.29

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A

AI summary

A system and method for transmitting a signal are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system and method are configured to perform: transmitting one or more synchronization signals using an anchor carrier with a first frequency location; and transmitting a system information block using a non-anchor carrier with a second frequency location that is different from the first frequency location.