SS/PBCH Block Index Extension for Multi-Beam Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing synchronization signal block transmissions for a high number of beams, leading to increased delay for user equipment (UE) to access the network due to limited SS/PBCH block index ranges and conventional beam identification methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves increasing the range of SS/PBCH block index values by using a set of bits, DMRS sequences, scrambling sequences, and interleaving associated with the PBCH, and transmitting spatially separated SS/PBCH blocks simultaneously to support multiple beams, allowing for more efficient beam identification and reduced access delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional beam identification methods are used with limited SS/PBCH block index ranges, then the system complexity remains manageable, but the network access delay increases for UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the SS/PBCH block index range from conventional 4 bits (0-15) to 8 bits (0-255), adding a dimensional expansion to the indexing system. This allows unique identification of up to 256 beams instead of limited to 16, directly reducing network access delay while maintaining systematic beam identification through the extended index space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 8-bit SS/PBCH block index into multiple fields including beam identification bits, frequency threshold indication bits, and other control bits. This segmentation allows the system to handle the increased complexity of 256 beams by organizing the index information into manageable segments that can be processed efficiently
2Quantity of substance
If the number of SS/PBCH block index values is increased to support more beams, then more beams can be uniquely identified, but the complexity of beam management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended 8-bit SS/PBCH block index serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies beams (up to 256), indicates frequency thresholds (sub-6 GHz or above), and provides synchronization information. This multi-functionality allows the system to support a large number of beams without proportionally increasing management complexity, as a single index structure handles multiple tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of SS/PBCH block index from 4 bits to 8 bits, fundamentally altering the capacity of the system to identify beams. This parameter change enables support for 256 beams while using the same fundamental indexing mechanism, avoiding the need for entirely new management protocols
3Productivity
If spatially separated SS/PBCH blocks are transmitted simultaneously for multiple beams, then network access efficiency improves, but the transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic transmission of SS/PBCH blocks across different beams with spatial separation, allowing simultaneous transmissions that improve network access efficiency. The periodic structure provides regular synchronization opportunities for UEs while managing transmission complexity through predictable timing patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial dimension by transmitting SS/PBCH blocks simultaneously on different spatial paths or antenna elements. This spatial separation allows multiple beams to be transmitted concurrently without interfering with each other, improving productivity while the spatial dimension naturally manages the complexity of simultaneous transmissions
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may determine a synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block index, associated with an SS/PBCH block, based at least in part on a set of bits included in a payload of a PBCH of the SS/PBCH block, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence included in the PBCH, a scrambling sequence associated with the PBCH, or an interleaving associated with the PBCH. Numerous other aspects are described.