Synchronization Signal Block Transmission Timing Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In New Radio Access (NR), there is a lack of detailed solutions for configuring synchronization signal (SS) blocks transmission and indicating timing information to terminal devices, which complicates initial access and synchronization processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining and transmitting SS blocks based on frequency range and subcarrier spacing, using predefined information that includes timing and configuration details such as subcarrier spacing values, payload size, and DMRS sequences, to facilitate synchronization and initial access in terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detailed configuration solutions for SS blocks transmission are provided for different frequency ranges and subcarrier spacing values, then the synchronization process becomes more complex, but the reliability and precision of initial access improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of initial accessVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining different SS block transmission configurations based on frequency range and subcarrier spacing values. Specifically, it establishes that for frequency range 1 with 15 kHz subcarrier spacing, SS blocks are transmitted in specific slots, while for frequency range 2 with 30 kHz subcarrier spacing, different slot configurations are used. This parameter-based approach ensures reliable initial access for different network conditions without creating a single complex configuration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing customized SS block transmission configurations for different frequency ranges and subcarrier spacing values rather than a universal configuration. Each frequency range and subcarrier spacing combination has its own optimized timing and slot allocation, allowing the system to adapt locally to specific network conditions while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the number of SS blocks transmitted is increased for different frequency ranges, then the coverage and reliability of synchronization improves, but the time required for terminal device detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of synchronizationVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the timing and slot configurations for SS block transmissions in the network device. The network device determines in advance which slots will contain SS blocks based on frequency range and subcarrier spacing, and this information is provided to terminal devices. This allows terminal devices to efficiently search only predefined time windows rather than scanning all possible time slots, reducing detection time while maintaining reliable synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the SS block transmission into specific time slots and frequency ranges, organizing multiple SS blocks into structured bursts. By dividing the transmission into discrete, pre-configured slots with clear timing relationships, the system enables terminal devices to efficiently detect synchronization signals without having to process continuous or randomly distributed transmissions, thus reducing detection time while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If SS block transmission configurations are customized for different frequency ranges and subcarrier spacing values, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different frequency rangesVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes to achieve adaptability by linking SS block transmission configurations directly to frequency range and subcarrier spacing parameters. The network device determines transmission slots based on these parameters, and terminal devices use the same parameters to identify the correct time windows for detection. This parameter-driven approach provides systematic adaptability across different frequency ranges while avoiding arbitrary or complex configuration rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11856540B2Methods and apparatuses for synchronization signal transmission
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 NEC CORP
  • US11856540B2 patent drawing
  • US11856540B2 patent drawing
  • US11856540B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and an apparatuses for synchronization signal (SS) transmission. In example embodiments, a method implemented in a network device is provided. According to the method, information on a plurality of SS blocks to be transmitted by the network device is determined based on at least one of a frequency range and a value of subcarrier spacing. The information at least in part indicates timing for transmitting the plurality of SS blocks The plurality of SS blocks are transmitted to at least one terminal device based on the determined information.