Terminal Synchronization Using Mixed Subcarrier Spacing in NR

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Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio (NR) communication systems, the specification of subcarrier spacing for efficient communication between base station apparatus and terminal apparatus has not been adequately addressed, hindering effective communication.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus and base station apparatus are designed to utilize a first and second synchronization signal with individual subcarrier spacings, along with Non-Zero Power - Channel State Information-Reference Signals (NZP-CSI-RS), to detect physical cell identity and enhance synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcarrier spacings are introduced for NR communication, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing multiple subcarrier spacing configurations (e.g., 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz) to adapt to different communication scenarios. The base station can select appropriate subcarrier spacing based on channel conditions, service requirements, and terminal capabilities, thereby achieving communication flexibility without permanently increasing device complexity through selective parameter usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication system by dividing terminals into different categories based on their subcarrier spacing detection and processing capabilities. This allows complex multi-subcarrier spacing operations to be performed only by capable terminals, while simpler terminals use standard configurations, thus managing device complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subcarrier spacings are introduced for NR communication, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring synchronization signals and reference signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting and measuring
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the base station transmit synchronization signals and reference signals with predetermined subcarrier spacing configurations before actual data communication. Terminals can perform cell search, synchronization, and channel estimation using these pre-configured signals, making the detection process more straightforward even when multiple subcarrier spacings are supported.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses synchronization signals and reference signals as intermediaries to bridge the gap between multiple subcarrier spacing configurations and terminal detection capabilities. These signals serve as common reference points that terminals can detect regardless of the data channel's subcarrier spacing, simplifying the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If synchronization signals and reference signals are transmitted with different subcarrier spacings, then communication efficiency is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different subcarrier spacings to be used for different signal types and different time-frequency resources. For example, synchronization signals may use one subcarrier spacing while data channels use another, optimized for their specific requirements. This localized optimization improves communication efficiency without requiring uniform complex resource allocation across all signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the base station can flexibly assign different subcarrier spacings to different signals and terminals based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize communication efficiency for each transmission while managing resource allocation complexity through adaptive rather than static configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3927072B1Terminal apparatus, communication method, and integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SHARP KK
  • EP3927072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3927072B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

A terminal apparatus includes, a reception unit configured to receive a first synchronization signal and a second synchronization signal with a first subcarrier spacing, and receive a Non-Zero Power - Channel State Information-Reference Signal, NZP-CSI-RS, with a second subcarrier spacing, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing being configured individually, a detection unit configured to detect a physical cell identity based on the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal are signals for a first synchronization, and the NZP- CSI-RS is a signal for a second synchronization.