NR Synchronization Signal Configuration for Flexible Numerologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless communication systems, such as LTE/LTE-Advanced, require a new synchronization signal design to support flexible frame structures for next-generation wireless communication systems like NR, which demands efficient multiplexing of radio resource units based on different numerologies to meet diverse usage scenarios like eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC, but lack a suitable technique for configuring and transmitting synchronization signals in NR systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring and transmitting synchronization signals in NR systems, involving the allocation of synchronization signals on additional bands and configuring them in a flexible manner to support various numerologies, including TDM and FDM schemes, to enhance synchronization acquisition and reduce complexity, with the base station generating bandwidth parts and signaling configuration information to user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new synchronization signal design is implemented to support flexible frame structures in NR systems, then adaptability to diverse usage scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic synchronization signal configurations where the base station can adaptively select different numerologies (subcarrier spacings, cyclic prefix lengths) and transmission patterns based on current network conditions and usage scenario requirements. This allows the system to dynamically adjust between LTE-compatible modes and NR-specific modes, providing adaptability without requiring completely separate hardware for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal synchronization signal framework that can serve multiple purposes: initial cell search, synchronization maintenance, and support for both TDD and FDD operations. The same base station infrastructure handles both legacy LTE synchronization signals and new NR synchronization signals, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are allocated on additional bands with flexible numerologies, then synchronization acquisition quality is improved, but signal overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal transmission across multiple frequency bands and time resources. Instead of using a single high-power synchronization signal, the system divides synchronization information into multiple smaller signals transmitted on different bands with different numerologies. This segmentation improves acquisition quality by providing multiple opportunities for successful detection while reducing the overhead of any single signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by transmitting synchronization signals with varying numerologies (different subcarrier spacings, different cyclic prefix configurations) across additional bands. This allows the system to optimize synchronization acquisition for different channel conditions and device capabilities while managing overall signal overhead through selective transmission only when needed.
3Productivity
If flexible frame structures with different numerologies are implemented, then productivity for diverse usage scenarios is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring synchronization signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the base station transmit synchronization signals with multiple possible numerologies before actual data transmission begins. User equipment can perform initial synchronization and detect the appropriate numerology in advance, preparing the receiver settings before high-speed data transmission starts. This preliminary detection phase simplifies subsequent measurement and tracking even as productivity increases through flexible numerology selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and a device for configuring and transmitting a synchronization signal in an NR system. The method includes configuring one or more synchronization signals to be transmitted within an entire bandwidth, and transmitting the configured one or more synchronization signals through the entire bandwidth.