Reduced Bandwidth SSB and CORESET Configuration for 5G NR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G New Radio (NR) systems face limitations in supporting user equipment (UE) with reduced bandwidth due to the minimum bandwidth requirements for core sets and synchronization signals, making it difficult to deploy NR carriers in smaller spectrum allocations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring network nodes and user equipment to operate with reduced bandwidth by using SSB structures with 12-RB bandwidth, PDCCH transmission in CORESET #0 for bandwidths less than 24 RBs, and transmitting master information blocks using two different structures, allowing for flexible CORESET #0 sizes and extended durations, enabling NR operation in smaller spectrum allocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard NR SSB structure with 20 RBs and CORESET #0 with 24 RBs is used, then system reliability and synchronization performance are maintained, but bandwidth reduction for low-complexity UEs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of SSB from the standard 20 RBs to a reduced 12 RBs, and adjusts CORESET #0 bandwidth to 16 RBs. This parameter modification enables low-complexity UE operation while maintaining system functionality through adapted resource allocation and PDCCH candidate restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation by allowing the network to configure reduced bandwidth parameters for specific UEs capable of 12 RB operation. The system dynamically adjusts SSB and CORESET #0 configurations based on UE capabilities, enabling flexible deployment across different complexity levels.
2Device complexity
If SSB bandwidth is reduced to 12 RBs, then spectrum efficiency and UE complexity are reduced, but existing NR protocols and structures become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NR system into two operational modes: standard mode with 20 RB SSB and reduced mode with 12 RB SSB. This segmentation allows the system to support both legacy and reduced-complexity UEs simultaneously, with the network directing different UEs to appropriate modes based on their capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration mechanism where the network node provides specific configuration information to guide UEs in reduced bandwidth mode. This intermediary layer adapts standard protocols for reduced bandwidth operation, maintaining compatibility while enabling new functionality.
3Device complexity
If CORESET #0 bandwidth is reduced to 16 RBs, then bandwidth flexibility is improved, but PDCCH candidate coverage and scheduling reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by restricting PDCCH candidate monitoring to only those candidates that fit within the reduced 16 RB CORESET #0 bandwidth. Instead of attempting to support all standard PDCCH candidates, the system selectively monitors a subset that is compatible with the reduced bandwidth configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node configured to, and/or comprising a radio interface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to transmit a synchronization block mapped to four OFDM symbols in the time domain and 144 contiguous subcarriers in the frequency domain is provided. Optionally, a first of the four OFDM symbol is used by a primary synchronization signal, PSS. Optionally, a third of the four OFDM symbols is used by a secondary synchronization signal, SSS. Optionally, a second and a fourth of the OFDM symbols are used by a Physical Broadcast Channel, PBCH, in 12 contiguous resource blocks, RBs. Optionally, within each of the resource block RB in an OFDM symbol used by PBCH, there are 12 resource elements, and, optionally, 3 of the 12 resource elements are used for a downlink modulation reference signal, DMRS.