Synchronization Signal Block Timing Configuration for NR Access

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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 transmitted by network devices and indicating their timing information to terminal devices, which is essential for initial access and synchronization.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining information on SS blocks based on frequency range and subcarrier spacing, including parameters like maximum and minimum number of SS blocks, subcarrier spacing values, payload size, and periodicity, to facilitate accurate timing and detection by terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If detailed solutions are provided for configuring SS blocks and indicating timing information to terminal devices, then initial access and synchronization efficiency is improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial access and synchronization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting SS block configuration parameters (number of SS blocks, subcarrier spacing, payload size, periodicity) based on frequency range and subcarrier spacing values. This allows the system to optimize initial access efficiency for different deployment scenarios while maintaining manageable configuration complexity through standardized parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing different SS block configuration details for different frequency ranges (FR1, FR2, FR3). Each frequency range receives tailored configuration parameters appropriate to its characteristics, improving access efficiency locally while avoiding the need to complexify the entire system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the number of SS blocks is increased to improve detection accuracy and synchronization reliability, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting a configurable number of SS blocks (not necessarily all possible blocks) based on network conditions and device capabilities. The terminal device can detect synchronization information from a subset of SS blocks, reducing the time required while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy for successful access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through configurable SS block periodicity parameters. SS blocks are transmitted at regular intervals with adjustable periods, allowing terminal devices to perform periodic detection attempts. This balances detection reliability with time efficiency, as devices can skip periodic checks when conditions permit and perform them when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If SS block configuration is customized for different frequency ranges and subcarrier spacing values, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and configuration management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a unified SS block configuration framework that works across multiple frequency ranges (FR1, FR2, FR3) and subcarrier spacing values. A single configuration mechanism handles diverse scenarios by selecting from predefined parameter sets, providing broad adaptability without requiring separate complex configuration systems for each frequency range.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to adapt SS block configurations to different frequency ranges and subcarrier spacing values. By modifying key parameters (number of blocks, spacing, periodicity) based on the operating frequency range, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining a consistent configuration management approach across all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11212762B2Methods and apparatuses for synchronization signal transmission
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 NEC CORP
  • US11212762B2 patent drawing
  • US11212762B2 patent drawing
  • US11212762B2 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.