NTN Synchronization Signal Block Scheduling Across Frequency Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), face challenges in efficiently managing synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions due to interference among multiple beams and the need for frequent beam switching or cell handovers, which increase implementation complexity and latency.
Innovation Solution
SSB transmissions are organized in a time and frequency pattern with defined locations, allowing user equipment to determine and monitor additional SSBs based on a detected initial SSB, and incorporating time gaps for frequency retuning between different frequency intervals to minimize beam switching complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SSB transmissions are performed on the same frequency interval for all beams, then frequency retuning is not required, but beam switching complexity and latency increase due to frequent handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes SSB transmissions across multiple frequency intervals (frequency dimension) instead of confining all beams to a single frequency interval. This dimensional change allows different beams to operate on different frequencies, reducing the need for frequent beam switching and handovers, thereby lowering complexity and latency.
2Productivity
If SSB transmissions are distributed across different frequency intervals, then beam switching complexity is reduced, but frequency retuning is required between transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs frequency retuning in advance during the time gap between SSB transmissions, before the next transmission occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the frequency adjustment is completed beforehand, minimizing disruption to the transmission schedule and maintaining overall efficiency while managing the complexity of frequency switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time gaps are inserted between SSB transmissions for frequency retuning, then frequency switching is enabled, but transmission continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic SSB transmissions with regular time gaps between them. These periodic transmissions are structured to allow frequency retuning during the gaps, while maintaining a predictable pattern that enables the system to regain continuity after each gap. The periodic nature ensures that transmissions resume systematically, balancing frequency switching capability with transmission continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission in different frequency intervals. A method that may be performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving a first SSB from an entity in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) at a first time and frequency location. The method generally includes determining one or more time and frequency locations of one or more other SSBs from the entity in the NTN based on the first time and frequency location. The method generally includes monitoring for the one or more other SSBs at the determined one or more time and frequency locations.