NTN Sounding Reference Signals for Beam Timing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beam management and synchronization in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) due to high propagation delays and mobility, leading to suboptimal performance and reliability in signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
Implementing advanced beam management techniques, including codebook and non-codebook based uplink transmission methods, to enhance synchronization and beam alignment in NTN environments, utilizing sounding reference signals (SRS) for accurate channel estimation and beam selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam management techniques are used in non-terrestrial networks, then device complexity is reduced, but signal transmission quality and reliability deteriorate due to unique propagation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments beam management into distinct phases including beam pairing procedures where downlink beam pairing reference signals (DL-BPRS) and uplink beam pairing reference signals (UL-BPRS) are separately defined and processed. This segmentation allows independent optimization of downlink and uplink beam management, improving signal quality while managing complexity through structured separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary beam pairing procedures before actual data transmission, where beams are pre-established and paired between satellite and user equipment. This preliminary action includes transmitting reference signals and establishing beam relationships in advance, ensuring optimal signal quality is achieved before communication begins, while the complexity is managed through standardized pre-configured procedures.
2Reliability
If advanced beam management techniques are implemented, then signal quality and reliability improve, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous beam pairing procedures where reference signals are transmitted continuously to maintain beam alignment between moving satellite and user equipment. This continuity ensures communication reliability is maintained during satellite movement and orbital changes, while processing time is optimized through continuous operation rather than periodic re-establishment of beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where user equipment measures reference signal received power (RSRP) of beam pairing reference signals and reports measurements back to the network. This feedback enables dynamic beam adjustment and selection, improving communication reliability through adaptive beam management, while processing time is reduced through automated feedback loops that eliminate manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam pairing procedures are implemented for satellite communication, then user equipment mobility handling improves, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines universal beam pairing reference signals that can be used across different satellite types, orbital positions, and user equipment configurations. The DL-BPRS and UL-BPRS are designed as multi-functional signals that serve both beam alignment and mobility management purposes, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate specialized signals for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam pairing procedures that automatically adapt to changing satellite-user equipment geometry as satellites move in orbit. The beam pairing reference signals and associated measurement procedures are designed to dynamically adjust beam directions and selections based on real-time propagation conditions, improving mobility handling while reducing configuration complexity through automated adaptation rather than static pre-configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include receiving, by a wireless device, a first message that includes one or more first non-terrestrial network (NTN) configuration parameters corresponding to a first NTN node of a cell; one or more second NTN configuration parameters corresponding to a second NTN node of the cell; and two or more NTN configurations parameters of NTN neighbor cells. The method can also include receiving a second message comprising configurations parameters of at least one sounding reference signal (SRS) resource of the cell. The method can further include transmitting, via the first NTN node and the at least one SRS resource of the cell, a first SRS transmission based on a first timing advance (TA) value of the wireless device. The first TA value can be determined based on the one or more first NTN configuration parameters.