Beamformed New Radio Synchronization Using Universal SYNC Burst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synchronization methods in beamforming cellular communications networks face challenges in providing a common synchronization solution for both single and multi-beam systems, particularly in supporting TDD and FDD operations, and ensuring efficient synchronization across various numerologies and bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) processor is configured to receive a SYNC burst set, perform beam sweeps, and determine synchronization parameters, including SYNC signal type, beam sweep order, ACK resource configuration, and beam hopping pattern, to support single, multi-beam, and partial multi-beam operation modes, using PSS, SSS timing, frequency differences, and cyclic beam shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common SYNC channel is provided for single and multi-beam systems, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to support multiple operation modes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SYNC channel structure that can operate in multiple modes (single-beam, multi-beam, partial multi-beam) by configuring different parameters such as beam sweep types, beam sweep orders, and beam hopping patterns. This allows the same physical channel to serve different functional requirements without requiring separate dedicated channels for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the SYNC channel behavior based on operational requirements by adjusting parameters including beam sweep configuration, beam hopping patterns, and association with SSB bursts. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to optimize performance for different scenarios (TDD/FDD, various numerologies, different bandwidths) while maintaining a single unified channel structure.
2Measurement precision
If beam sweeps are performed for receiving SYNC burst set, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases due to the need to sweep through multiple beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial beam sweeps where the WTRU performs beam sweeping only on a subset of beams rather than all available beams. The beam sweep configuration can be adjusted to sweep through all beams, a portion of beams, or specific predetermined beams, allowing the system to achieve sufficient synchronization accuracy with reduced time expenditure by performing only the necessary beam measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses beam hopping patterns that leverage previously identified beam pairings from earlier synchronization procedures. Once initial beam pairing is established, subsequent SYNC operations can focus on refined measurements within already-identified promising beams, reducing the overall time required for achieving high-precision synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam sweep types and orders are supported, then adaptability to different scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases due to configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by controlling the set of allowable parameter values for beam sweep configurations. Specific parameters such as beam sweep type (type 1, type 2, type 3), beam sweep order, and beam hopping patterns have defined enumerated values that the WTRU must support. This standardized parameter approach enables adaptability across different scenarios while constraining the configuration space to manageable levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If SYNC operations support TDD and FDD with mixed numerologies, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by varying timing and frequency characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beam sweep and measurement configurations optimized for specific numerologies and duplexing modes. The system can configure separate beam sweep parameters, timing advance values, and frequency offset compensation settings for TDD versus FDD operations, and for different numerologies (e.g., 15 kHz versus 30 kHz subcarrier spacing). This localized optimization for each operational context maintains high measurement precision despite the diversity of supported modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, procedures, and instrumentalities are disclosed for synchronization in beamformed systems such as new Radio (NR). A common SYNC channel may be provided for single and multi-beam systems. A SYNC burst structure may be provided for beam-based systems. Procedures enabling or supporting single and multi-beam deployment may provide, for example, a common SYNC for TDD and FDD, a common SYNC for mixed numerologies, SYNC for larger bandwidth and SYNC transmission and reception for single and multiple TRPs.