Synchronization Signal Beam Association with Reference Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, especially those operating at millimeter wave frequencies, the association between synchronization signal (SS) beams and reference signal (RS) beams is complex, leading to increased power consumption, latency, and complexity for user equipment (UE) in finding suitable receive beams.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves associating specific mmW communication beams used for transmitting synchronization signals with those used for transmitting reference signals, establishing a quasi co-location (QCL) relationship between the two, allowing the UE to efficiently identify and receive reference signals based on the synchronization signal beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UE independently identifies and tests multiple beams for both SS and RS transmissions, then beam selection accuracy is improved, but power consumption and processing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs beam association and QCL configuration in advance before actual data transmission. By pre-establishing the relationship between SS beams and RS beams through signaling (e.g., TCI states), the UE can directly use the pre-configured beam associations rather than performing independent beam identification and testing for each signal type, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate beam selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces QCL (quasi co-location) relationships as an intermediary concept that links SS beams and RS beams. The base station uses signaling to indicate QCL relationships between different reference signals and synchronization signals, allowing the UE to infer suitable receive beams for RS based on the already-identified SS beams, thus avoiding redundant beam searching and reducing power consumption
2Reliability
If the UE performs comprehensive beam identification and testing for all signal types, then communication reliability is improved, but latency increases due to complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The base station configures beam associations and QCL relationships in advance through signaling before actual communication occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the UE to quickly determine appropriate beams for RS reception based on previously identified SS beams, maintaining communication reliability while significantly reducing the time required for beam identification and testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the concept of copying beam configurations from SS to RS. The UE copies the beam identification results from synchronization signal reception to reference signal reception by using the QCL-indicated associations. Instead of independently identifying beams for each signal type, the UE reuses the SS beam identification results through the QCL relationship, reducing latency while ensuring reliable communication
3Measurement precision
If the system uses separate beam identification processes for SS and RS, then signal processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam identification processes for SS and RS by establishing QCL relationships between them. The base station configures associations that allow the UE to use the same beam identification results for both SS and RS, combining what were previously separate processes into a unified approach that maintains signal processing accuracy while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The QCL configuration mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it establishes beam associations, indicates spatial relationships, and enables beam reuse across different signal types. This universal configuration approach allows the same beam identification infrastructure to serve both SS and RS processing needs, reducing device complexity while maintaining processing accuracy
4Adaptability or versatility
If the base station transmits SS and RS on different beam sets without association, then transmission flexibility is improved, but UE acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs beam association configuration in advance through signaling (e.g., TCI state configurations) before actual SS and RS transmissions. By pre-establishing which RS beam sets are associated with which SS beams, the system maintains transmission flexibility while enabling the UE to quickly acquire appropriate beams using the pre-configured associations, thereby reducing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signaling feedback from the base station to the UE to convey beam association information. The base station provides feedback through QCL indications that tell the UE which beams are associated, allowing the UE to make informed beam selection decisions without extensive searching. This feedback mechanism maintains flexibility in beam assignment while dramatically reducing UE acquisition time
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Beams used for synchronization signals may be associated with beams used for reference signals. For example, a base station may identify a first set of millimeter wave (mmW) communication beams to transmit a synchronization signal. The base station may transmit the synchronization signal and identify a second set of mmW communication beams to transmit a reference signal, where the second set of mmW communication beams may be associated with the first set of beams. For instance, the first set and second set of mmW communication beams may be the same or similar. The base station may then transmit the reference signal on the second set of mmW communication beams. A user equipment may in turn identify the first and second sets of beams as being associated, and receive the reference signal on the second set of mmW communication beams.