NR Synchronization Signal Measurement Time Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE networks, the conventional techniques for cell identification and synchronization in NR networks face challenges due to varying signal bandwidth, frequency shifts, and changes in beamforming configurations, leading to degraded measurement performance and potential errors in channel properties and receiver tuning.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to dynamically determine the measurement time (Tss) based on parameters such as numerology, periodicity, bandwidth, and antenna configuration of synchronization signals, allowing for flexible configuration of signals for wireless device synchronization and improved cell and beam identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional LTE techniques for cell identification and synchronization are used in NR networks, then device compatibility is maintained, but measurement performance degrades due to varying signal bandwidth, frequency shifts, and beamforming configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement performanceVSAvoidsignal configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement time (Tss) flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The measurement time is dynamically determined based on multiple parameters including numerology, periodicity, bandwidth, and antenna configuration characteristics. This allows the system to adapt measurement timing to varying signal conditions in NR networks, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable measurements and adapting to flexible signal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize measurement performance: numerology (subcarrier spacing), periodicity of synchronization signals, bandwidth, and antenna configuration characteristics. By adjusting these parameters based on actual network conditions, the system achieves both reliable measurements and adaptability to different NR configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If fixed measurement time is used for synchronization signal measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but accuracy of synchronization and cell identification decreases under varying signal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time determination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the wireless device obtain and store configuration parameters (numerology, periodicity, bandwidth, antenna characteristics) before performing measurements. The measurement time is determined based on these pre-obtained parameters, which allows accurate synchronization while organizing the complexity into manageable preparatory steps rather than real-time complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses disposable/temporary measurement time configurations that are determined fresh for each measurement scenario based on current signal parameters. Rather than implementing a permanently complex adaptive system, the solution calculates appropriate measurement times on-demand using relatively simple parameter-based formulas, achieving high precision without permanent system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If dynamic beamforming configurations are applied to synchronization signals, then coverage and signal quality improve, but cell identification reliability decreases due to frequency shifts and bandwidth variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcell identification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by having the wireless device measure the actual characteristics of received synchronization signals (numerology, periodicity, bandwidth, antenna configuration) and use these measured values to determine the appropriate measurement time. This closed-loop approach ensures that even with dynamic beamforming causing frequency shifts and bandwidth variations, the measurement timing is adapted to maintain reliable cell identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by determining measurement time specifically tailored to local signal conditions (individual synchronization signal characteristics) rather than using a universal fixed timing. Each synchronization signal measurement is adapted to its specific bandwidth, frequency, and antenna configuration, maintaining cell identification reliability despite varying beamforming configurations across different signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11224024B2Methods for controlling UE synchronization and cell identification in NR

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A wireless device is configured for use in a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, the wireless device is configured to obtain various transmission parameters associated with one or more synchronization signals (SS)-transmitted by a network node during a first time period and a second time period and determine one or more antenna configuration characteristics C of the network node operable to transmit the SS. The wireless device is further configured to determine a time Tss associated with a measurement of the SS based on the obtained parameters and the determined antenna configuration characteristics C.