Non-Anchor Carrier Synchronization for NB-IoT Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In NB-IoT, there is a need for synchronization signals on non-anchor carriers to facilitate non-anchor carrier measurements, channel estimation, and system information tracking, as existing technologies do not support synchronization signal transmission on these carriers.
Innovation Solution
Transmission of synchronization signals on non-anchor carriers is enabled through carrier configurations, where the non-anchor carriers are associated with a carrier index, virtual ID, and timing offsets, and the signals are generated using random sequences or Zadoff-Chu sequences, with specific mapping methods to ensure accurate detection and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization signals are transmitted only on anchor carriers, then the system structure remains simple and existing technologies are maintained, but non-anchor carrier measurements, channel estimation, and system information tracking cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrier system into anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers, with each type having specific functions. Anchor carriers maintain traditional synchronization signal transmission, while non-anchor carriers are segmented to support additional data transmission functions while receiving enhanced synchronization capabilities through the described methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables non-anchor carriers to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they can transmit data (PDSCH/PUSCH) while also carrying synchronization signals for measurement, channel estimation, and system information tracking. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making non-anchor carriers versatile without compromising the simple structure of anchor carriers.
2Measurement precision
If additional synchronization signals are transmitted on non-anchor carriers, then measurement accuracy and channel estimation improve, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring non-anchor carriers with synchronization signal parameters through RRC signaling before actual transmission. The carrier configuration includes timing offsets, frequency offsets, and sequence initialization information, allowing UEs to prepare for accurate measurements and channel estimation in advance without real-time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces carrier configuration messages and RRC signaling as intermediaries that carry synchronization signal parameters from the network to the UE. This intermediary mechanism systematically manages the complexity by providing a standardized interface for configuring non-anchor carriers, reducing the burden on both network and UE implementation.
3Productivity
If non-anchor carriers support PDSCH and PUSCH transmission, then spectral efficiency improves, but the need for synchronization and system information tracking increases system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of data transmission and synchronization on non-anchor carriers by allowing PDSCH/PUSCH transmission while simultaneously supporting synchronization signal transmission. This combining approach enables non-anchor carriers to achieve high spectral efficiency through data transmission while maintaining reliable synchronization capabilities through the integrated synchronization signal support.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for transmitting synchronization signal in non-anchor carrier are disclosed. A method comprises transmitting a carrier configuration on an anchor carrier; and transmitting a synchronization signal in a non-anchor carrier based on the carrier configuration.