RIS Synchronization Signal Blocks for Reliable Initial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting both legacy UEs and RIS-enabled UEs during initial access procedures due to obstructed paths and the need for differentiated synchronization signal block transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two synchronization raster grids and two types of synchronization signal blocks, one for legacy UEs and another for RIS-enabled UEs, allowing UEs to identify and receive signals based on their capabilities and the presence of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single synchronization raster grid is used for all UEs, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates for RIS-enabled UEs due to obstructed paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single synchronization raster grid into two separate grids: a first synchronization raster grid for legacy UEs and a second synchronization raster grid for RIS-enabled UEs. This segmentation allows each grid to be optimized for its specific UE type, with the second grid providing frequency positions specifically designed for RIS-assisted transmission, thereby improving initial access reliability for RIS-enabled UEs without unnecessarily increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If differentiated SSB transmission methods are implemented for legacy and RIS-enabled UEs, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting different types of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) with distinct characteristics tailored to specific UE types. The first type of SSB is optimized for legacy UEs using direct transmission, while the second type of SSB is optimized for RIS-enabled UEs with specific frequency positions and transmission parameters suited for RIS-assisted paths. This localized optimization improves reliability for each UE category while managing system complexity through targeted differentiation rather than universal complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two types of synchronization signal blocks are transmitted, then adaptability to different UE capabilities is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential confusion in signal identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses signal type differentiation analogous to color changes, where the first type of SSB and the second type of SSB have distinct identifiable characteristics (such as different frequency positions, time resources, or signal structures) that allow UEs to easily identify which signal type they should receive based on their capabilities. This clear differentiation prevents information loss and confusion while maintaining high adaptability to different UE types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective initial access procedures for both types of UEs, enhancing communication reliability and coverage by adapting signal transmission methods to UE capabilities and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting one or more synchronization signal blocks via one or more reconfigurable intelligent surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Generally, the described techniques provide for performing initial access procedures including transmitting or receiving synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) based on a capability of a user equipment (UE) to use reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). In some examples, a network device may transmit SSBs using two synchronization raster grids. For example, the network device may transmit SSBs on a first synchronization raster grid for UEs that do not support RISs and on a second synchronization raster grid for UEs that support RISs. In some examples, a network device may transmit different types of SSBs. For example, a network device may transmit a first type of SSB for UEs that do not support RISs and a second type of SSB for UEs that support RISs. A UE may search for and receive SSBs according to a capability of the UE.