Reference Signal Set Coordination for 5G NR Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple sets of reference signals for synchronization and beam management, particularly in scenarios requiring ultra-low latency and broad bandwidth, with unclear methods for utilizing on-demand SSBs for time/frequency synchronization and L1/L3 measurements.

Innovation Solution

A user equipment (UE) is equipped to receive and process multiple sets of reference signals, determining trigger timing and quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships to facilitate efficient synchronization and beam management, utilizing both sets of reference signals for various functions, including on-demand SSBs for enhanced synchronization and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sets of reference signals are used for synchronization and beam management, then synchronization accuracy and beam management efficiency are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments reference signals into multiple distinct sets (first set and second set of reference signals), each serving specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to improve synchronization accuracy by using multiple specialized reference signal sets rather than a single general-purpose set, while managing complexity through organized functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships that enable reference signals from different sets to be used for multiple functions including synchronization, beam management, and measurements. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve performance across multiple operations while avoiding the need to create entirely separate signal sets for each function.

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

2Loss of time

If on-demand SSBs are used for time/frequency synchronization and measurements, then latency is reduced and resource efficiency is improved, but uncertainty in trigger timing and QCL relationships increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidtiming uncertainty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes QCL relationships between reference signal sets in advance, before actual synchronization operations occur. This preliminary configuration of spatial and temporal relationships allows on-demand SSBs to be triggered quickly without introducing timing uncertainty, as the QCL parameters are pre-determined and stored for immediate use when synchronization is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple reference signal sets are processed simultaneously, then broad bandwidth operations are enabled, but processing overhead and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing approaches to different reference signal sets based on their specific characteristics and QCL relationships. Instead of uniformly processing all reference signals with the same overhead, the system tailors processing to local requirements, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining broad bandwidth capabilities through selective, optimized processing of each signal set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4693997A1User equipment and base station using sets of reference signals
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP4693997A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4693997A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4693997A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a user equipment comprising the following. A receiverreceives at least a first and a second set of reference signals. A processing circuitry determines at least one of a trigger timing information of the second set of reference signals and a quasi co-location, QCL, relation between the first and the second set of reference signals.The processing circuit performs a function using reference signals from one or both sets of reference signals, based on at least one of the trigger timing information and the QCL relation between the first and second set of reference signals.