SS/PBCH Block Transmission in Unlicensed Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting and receiving signals in unlicensed bands, particularly due to challenges in channel access procedures and synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block transmission opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) and base station to receive and transmit SS/PBCH blocks in unlicensed bands by setting the subcarrier spacing (SCS) to 240 kHz, allowing SS/PBCH block candidates in both halves of a time window, and using channel access procedures to increase transmission opportunities even if the base station fails in channel access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the base station uses channel access procedures in unlicensed bands, then transmission opportunities can be increased, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to potential channel access failures
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary actions by transmitting SS/PBCH blocks in multiple candidate locations within a time window before actual data transmission. This allows the UE to acquire synchronization and system information in advance, ensuring that even if channel access fails later, the fundamental communication framework is already established. The multiple candidate locations provide redundancy to overcome channel access uncertainty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using different subcarrier spacing configurations (e.g., 240 kHz) for SS/PBCH blocks in unlicensed bands. This parameter adjustment optimizes the transmission characteristics for unlicensed band conditions, allowing faster synchronization and better coexistence with other systems like Wi-Fi, thereby increasing transmission opportunities while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If SS/PBCH block candidates are distributed in both halves of a time window, then synchronization reliability is improved, but time resource utilization deteriorates due to wider distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The time window is segmented into two halves, with SS/PBCH block candidates distributed in both the first half and the second half. This segmentation ensures that regardless of channel conditions or timing variations, the UE can find synchronization signals in either half of the window, significantly improving synchronization reliability while maintaining efficient resource utilization through structured distribution.
3Productivity
If subcarrier spacing is set to 240 kHz for SS/PBCH blocks, then transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using 240 kHz subcarrier spacing specifically for SS/PBCH blocks in unlicensed bands, while maintaining other parameter configurations that are compatible with existing systems. This localized optimization improves transmission efficiency for synchronization signals without compromising overall system compatibility, as other channels and signals can maintain their established configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to: a method comprising: a step for receiving a synchronization signal/public broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block within a plurality of SS/PBCH block candidates located on an unlicensed band; and a step for obtaining time synchronization on the basis of the SS/PBCH block, wherein on the basis of subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the SS/PBCH block being set to 240 kHz, the plurality of SS/PBCH block candidates are located in both a first half section and a second half section of a time window set for transmission of the SS/PBCH block; and a device therefor.