SS/PBCH Frequency Location Indication for Faster 5G Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient SS/PBCH block frequency location indication in advanced wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, to facilitate accurate synchronization and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A base station and user equipment are configured to generate and receive synchronization signals and physical broadcast channels (SS/PBCH blocks) using predefined synchronization rasters, determining frequency locations based on global synchronization channel numbers (GSCN) to transmit and receive SS/PBCH blocks with or without associated physical downlink control channels (PDCCH), enabling accurate configuration and decoding of remaining minimum system information (RMSI).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SS/PBCH blocks are transmitted at multiple frequency locations with or without associated PDCCH, then the system can support more flexible RMSI scheduling and broader frequency coverage, but the complexity of indicating frequency locations and configuring synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency location indication is segmented into two parts: a first field indicating a first frequency location and a second field indicating a second frequency location. This segmentation allows the system to indicate multiple frequency locations separately, reducing the complexity of indicating all locations simultaneously while maintaining flexibility in RMSI scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary fields (first field and second field) that mediate between the SS/PBCH block configuration and the actual frequency locations. These intermediary fields simplify the indication process by breaking down the complex frequency location information into manageable components that can be systematically processed by the UE.
2Reliability
If the UE blindly searches all possible SS/PBCH block frequency locations, then the UE can ensure complete coverage of all possible transmissions, but the time required for initial cell selection and synchronization increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary action by pre-configuring and indicating the frequency locations of SS/PBCH blocks in the MIB. This preliminary indication allows the UE to skip the blind search process and directly access the correct frequency locations, significantly reducing initial cell selection time while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network provides frequency location information back to the UE through the MIB. This feedback loop eliminates the need for time-consuming blind search by providing the UE with accurate frequency location information directly, thus reducing initial cell selection time while ensuring reliable frequency detection.
3Loss of information
If the PBCH payload is extended to include frequency location information for all SS/PBCH blocks, then the UE receives complete frequency location information, but the PBCH decoding time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency location information is segmented into multiple fields (first field for first frequency location, second field for second frequency location) within the PBCH payload. This segmentation allows the information to be transmitted in a structured manner that balances completeness with decoding efficiency, avoiding the need for a single large unstructured data block.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fields within the PBCH payload are assigned different levels of detail appropriate to their specific purposes. The first and second fields provide targeted frequency location information for specific SS/PBCH blocks, optimizing the information density and reducing unnecessary data transmission compared to a uniform approach.
4Reliability
If the network transmits SS/PBCH blocks at all possible frequency locations, then the system maximizes frequency coverage and robustness, but the overall system overhead and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration where the network can flexibly indicate which frequency locations should be used for SS/PBCH block transmission based on current system conditions. This dynamic approach allows the network to optimize frequency coverage while minimizing overhead by only activating necessary frequency locations rather than all possible locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A UE in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE comprises a transceiver configured to receive, from a BS, a SS/PBCH block including the PBCH using a first frequency location (GSCN-Current) over downlink channels, GSCN-Current being based on a set of predefined synchronization rasters that is determined by a global synchronization channel number (GSCN). The UE further comprises a processor operably connected to the transceiver, the processor configured to determine the SS/PBCH block, identify content of a PBCH included in the determined SS/PBCH block, determine a configuration for at least one of the SS/PBCH block that is associated with a PDCCH including scheduling information for RMSI on the GSCN-Current or the SS/PBCH block that is not associated with the PDCCH including the scheduling information for the RMSI on the GSCN-Current.