Multi-Beam Random Access Channel Configuration for 5G Signaling Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing PRACH configuration mode in LTE is inefficient for 5G high-band systems with multi-beam operation, leading to increased signaling overhead and reduced system efficiency due to the need for separate PRACH configuration for each beam.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining time-frequency resources of the random access channel by associating synchronization signal blocks with random access occasions, allowing terminals to quickly acquire configuration information and reduce signaling overhead, enabling efficient operation in multi-beam 5G systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate PRACH configuration is provided for each beam in multi-beam operation, then random access capability is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access capabilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by providing a single PRACH configuration that can be shared across multiple beams in multi-beam operation. Instead of configuring separate PRACH parameters for each beam, the base station transmits one common PRACH configuration that all beams can use, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining random access capability across all beams through beam-specific resource indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If detailed PRACH configuration information is transmitted for each beam, then random access precision is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverandom access precisionVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the PRACH configuration into two parts: common configuration parameters that are shared across all beams, and beam-specific resource indication that identifies which time-frequency resources correspond to which beams. This segmentation maintains precision by providing beam-specific resource mapping while improving efficiency by sharing common parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If LTE-style PRACH configuration mode is used in 5G high-band systems, then compatibility is improved, but system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing a dynamic indication mechanism where the base station can indicate which time-frequency resources correspond to specific beams through dynamic signaling. This allows the system to adapt to multi-beam operation requirements while maintaining the basic LTE PRACH configuration structure, achieving both compatibility and improved performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3636035B1Base station, terminal, random access preamble detection method and random access channel configuration method
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3636035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3636035B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3636035B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Disclosed are a base station and a random access preamble sequence detection method thereof, and a terminal and a random access channel configuration method thereof.