PBCH Demodulation Reference Signal for Network Parameter Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in New Radio (NR) technology, there is a need for wireless terminals to quickly and reliably obtain and measure reference signals to perform beam/cell measurement and identification, as delays in this process can impact handover performance and UE power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The technology generates and uses a demodulation reference signal for the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) that conveys additional information beyond demodulation, allowing wireless terminals to determine parameters of the radio access network, such as cell identity and timing information, facilitating efficient cell selection and handover processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless terminals use traditional synchronization signals (PSS/SSS) for cell identification and timing synchronization, then basic synchronization and cell ID detection can be achieved, but additional network parameters cannot be conveyed, requiring separate signaling and increasing overall signaling overhead and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the PBCH demodulation reference signal to serve dual purposes: (1) providing reference signal functionality for PBCH demodulation, and (2) conveying network parameter information such as cell identity and timing information. This allows a single signal to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate signaling mechanisms and reducing the time required for wireless terminals to obtain network parameters
2Reliability
If separate reference signals and synchronization signals are used for different purposes, then specific functions (demodulation, synchronization, identification) can be performed reliably, but the overall system complexity increases and more signaling resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PBCH demodulation reference signal with network parameter information conveyance into a single integrated signal structure. The network parameters are embedded within the reference signal sequence or properties, allowing wireless terminals to extract both demodulation reference and network parameter information from the same signal reception, thereby reducing system complexity and signaling resource consumption while maintaining functional reliability
3Loss of information
If multiple signaling messages are transmitted to convey all necessary network parameters, then complete information can be provided to wireless terminals, but handover performance deteriorates due to increased processing time and UE power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the PBCH demodulation reference signal to universally convey multiple network parameters including cell identity and timing information within a single signal transmission. This multi-functional approach allows wireless terminals to obtain all necessary network parameter information from one signal reception event, significantly reducing the number of processing operations required, lowering UE power consumption during initial access and handover procedures, while maintaining complete information delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A node of a radio access network comprises processor circuitry (30) and transmitter circuitry (34). The processor circuitry (30) generates a synchronization signal block comprising a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) and a demodulation reference signal for the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) from which demodulation reference signal a parameter of the radio access network can be determined. The transmitter circuitry transmits the synchronization signal block and the demodulation reference signal over a radio interface (24).