NTN Beam Selection Using Wide SSBs and Narrow Data Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with aerial platforms like satellites, transmitting synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) using narrow beams is not feasible due to the large number required, and existing methods do not efficiently manage beam selection for initial access and subsequent communications.

Innovation Solution

Satellites transmit wide-area SSBs and narrow beams for data communication, using system information blocks to correlate SSBs with random access channel resources, selecting beams based on UE location and channel parameters, and allowing beam switching requests for efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If narrow beams are used for SSB transmissions in NTNs, then communication precision and targeting are improved, but the number of required SSB transmissions increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam targeting precisionVSAvoidnumber of SSB transmissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the beam selection process into two distinct phases: initial access using wide-area SSBs for broad coverage, and data communication using narrow beams for precise targeting. This segmentation allows the system to use different beam types for different purposes, reducing the total number of narrow beam SSB transmissions needed while maintaining communication precision when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by using wide-area SSBs during the initial access phase to establish connectivity and determine UE location before transitioning to narrow beam communications. This preliminary wide-area coverage enables the system to identify which UEs require narrow beam service and where to position them, thereby reducing the overall number of narrow beam transmissions needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If wide-area SSBs are used for initial access, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting wide-area SSBs only during initial access phases rather than continuously. Once UEs are connected and their locations are determined, the system transitions to using narrow beams for data communication, which consume less power for the same coverage effect. This periodic use of wide-area SSBs rather than continuous transmission reduces overall power consumption while maintaining necessary coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If narrow beams are used for data communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but beam selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbeam selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces location information as an intermediary that simplifies beam selection for narrow beams. Instead of directly selecting from many narrow beam options, the system uses UE location data (obtained during wide-area SSB initial access) to determine the appropriate narrow beam. This intermediary location information reduces the complexity of beam selection while maintaining the communication efficiency benefits of narrow beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by stationary object

If the number of SSB transmissions is reduced, then power consumption is decreased, but initial access reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinitial access reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the width and direction of SSB beams dynamically based on UE location information. During initial access, wide-area SSBs provide broad coverage for reliable detection. Once UEs are located, the system changes the beam parameters to narrow, targeted beams that consume less power while maintaining reliability for established connections. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures reliability during critical initial access while reducing power consumption afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260040366A1Beam selection techniques for wireless communications

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) using a relatively wide beam and data communications via relatively narrow beams. A transmitting satellite in a NTN may transmit system information blocks that correlate SSB or reference signal transmissions to particular random access channel (RACH) resources. The SIBs may indicate RACH resources associated with different user equipment (UE) locations that correspond to narrow beams, or may indicate RACH resources associated with different CSI-RS resources. A particular narrow beam may be selected based on a location of the UE and a RACH resource that is associated with that location. In cases where a beam is a moving beam, and the location associated with the RACH resource may be based on a reference time point and an ephemeris of the transmitting satellite.