PBCH Puncturing Patterns for Flexible SSB Bandwidth Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless networking technologies face challenges in efficiently handling synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions with varying transmission bandwidths, particularly in 5G NR networks, where legacy synchronization raster points do not support 3 MHz bandwidth channels, leading to incomplete utilization of radio resources and compatibility issues with 5 MHz channels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of PBCH puncturing patterns based on transmission bandwidth, where different puncturing patterns are determined based on the location of synchronization raster points within specific regions of the band, allowing for flexible use of 12, 13, 14, or 15 PRBs for 3 MHz channels and 20 PRBs for 5 MHz channels, ensuring compatibility and efficient resource utilization without additional signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy synchronization raster points are used for SSB transmissions, then compatibility with existing networks is maintained, but support for 3 MHz bandwidth channels is incomplete and radio resources are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically selecting different PBCH puncturing patterns based on the transmission bandwidth (3 MHz or 5 MHz) and synchronization raster point location. The system changes the puncturing pattern parameter according to the operating conditions, enabling flexible adaptation to various bandwidth configurations without requiring fundamental system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the PBCH puncturing pattern dynamic rather than fixed. The puncturing pattern is determined based on the transmission bandwidth and synchronization raster point location, allowing the system to adapt in real-time to different operational scenarios. This dynamic approach enables the system to handle both 3 MHz and 5 MHz bandwidth channels effectively.
2Productivity
If multiple transmission bandwidths are supported, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but receiver processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the PBCH reception process into distinct segments based on puncturing patterns. Different puncturing patterns are defined for different bandwidth configurations (3 MHz vs. 5 MHz), allowing the receiver to process each segment independently according to its specific requirements. This segmentation simplifies the overall processing by providing clear, discrete handling procedures for each bandwidth case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the receiver to autonomously determine the appropriate puncturing pattern based on the detected transmission bandwidth and synchronization raster point location. The receiver independently identifies the correct puncturing pattern without requiring additional signaling or complex external assistance, thereby managing its own processing complexity while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PBCH puncturing patterns are implemented, then compatibility with both 3 MHz and 5 MHz channels is enhanced, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the bandwidth and location information from the physical layer signals (SSB and PBCH) themselves rather than requiring separate signaling. The synchronization raster point location and transmission bandwidth are directly observable from the signal structure, allowing the receiver to determine the appropriate puncturing pattern without additional signaling overhead. This extraction approach maintains full channel compatibility while avoiding information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a user equipment apparatus that includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment apparatus at least to: perform an initial cell search of one or more cells on a network, including scanning for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions corresponding to synchronization raster points; receive an SSB transmission associated with a synchronization raster point and with a transmission bandwidth, where a size of the transmission bandwidth is based on location of the synchronization raster point in a band having at least a first region and a second region, and where the SSB transmission includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH); and determine a PBCH puncturing pattern for receiving the PBCH based on the size of the transmission bandwidth.