Enhanced NR-SS/PBCH Block Synchronization for 5G mmWave

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Solution Overview

Problem

The design of synchronization signals and PBCH blocks in 5G wireless communication systems faces challenges in supporting diversified network topologies and high propagation losses, particularly in mmWave bands, requiring enhanced radio resource management and mobility management frameworks that accommodate beamforming architectures and diverse frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an enhanced NR-SS/PBCH block design that includes multiple consecutive symbols transmitted using the same antenna port, incorporating primary and secondary synchronization signals, and enhanced PBCH components, to improve channel access opportunities and one-shot detection accuracy across various frequency bands and scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional synchronization signals and PBCH blocks are used in 5G systems, then the system can support basic communication requirements, but the performance deteriorates in mmWave bands with high propagation losses and diversified network topologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization performanceVSAvoidadaptability to diversified network topologies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the synchronization signal block structure flexible and configurable. The system can dynamically adjust the number of symbols, resource allocation, and transmission parameters based on the specific network topology and propagation conditions, allowing optimal performance across diverse scenarios including mmWave bands with high propagation losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying key parameters of the synchronization signal block such as the number of consecutive symbols (e.g., 2, 4, or 8 symbols), resource block allocation, and transmission power. These parameter adjustments enable the system to adapt to different propagation environments and network topologies, improving reliability in challenging mmWave conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If synchronization signals are transmitted with enhanced coverage to overcome high propagation losses, then the transmission distance increases, but the system complexity increases due to beamforming and multiple antenna requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidbeamforming architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the synchronization signal transmission into multiple consecutive symbols within a block structure. This segmentation allows the system to transmit enhanced coverage signals in a organized manner, where each symbol contributes to the overall coverage extension without requiring the entire system to be reconfigured, thus managing complexity while achieving extended transmission distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a synchronization signal block structure that can serve multiple functions: it provides synchronization, carries broadcast information, and enables beamforming operations. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to achieve enhanced coverage and extended transmission distance without adding separate dedicated structures, thereby controlling system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple consecutive symbols are used in the synchronization signal block, then the channel access opportunities increase, but the time required for synchronization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access rateVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by transmitting synchronization signal blocks at regular intervals with multiple consecutive symbols. This periodic transmission pattern increases channel access opportunities as UEs can detect the signal in any transmission instance, while the structured periodic nature allows UEs to efficiently search and synchronize without linearly increasing the time required, as they can stop upon successful detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3642977B1Method and apparatus for synchronization signals and PBCH block enhancement
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3642977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method of a user equipment (UE) for receiving signals in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises receiving an enhanced synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (eSS/PBCH) block comprising multiple consecutive symbols over downlink channels; determining resources in the downlink channels to receive the eSS/PBCH block from the BS; and determining the eSS/PBCH block comprising the multiple consecutive symbols based on the determined resources.