SSB Burst Mapping for Near-Field and Far-Field Beam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy synchronization signal block (SSB)-random access channel (RACH) beam association methods fail to account for the different radiating patterns in near-field and far-field regions of large antenna arrays, leading to inefficiencies in beam management for future wireless communication systems like 6G.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring separate SSB bursts and resource mappings for near-field and far-field regions, providing additional information about beam types and quasi-co-location relationships to enable effective beam scheduling and switching, especially for massive and extreme large-scale MIMO systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy SSB-RACH beam association methods are used, then system compatibility is maintained, but beam management efficiency deteriorates in near-field and far-field regions of large antenna arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSB burst configuration into separate near-field and far-field configurations. Each configuration includes region-specific parameters such as different beam sweeping patterns, beamforming vectors, and resource element mappings tailored to the characteristics of each region, thereby improving beam management efficiency without overwhelming complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension distinction by configuring separate SSB bursts for near-field and far-field regions. This dimensional separation allows the system to account for different propagation characteristics and beamforming requirements in each region, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through structured region-specific parameters
2Reliability
If separate SSB bursts are configured for near-field and far-field regions, then beam management efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a unified SSB burst configuration structure that can serve both near-field and far-field regions. The configuration includes universal parameters such as subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length, and resource block allocation that remain consistent across regions, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining region-specific optimization through selective parameter customization
3Reliability
If region-specific beam configurations are implemented, then initial access reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring region-specific beamforming parameters such as beam sweeping patterns and beamforming vectors that are optimized for the propagation characteristics of each region. The near-field configuration uses parameters suited for spherical wavefronts while the far-field configuration uses parameters optimized for planar wavefronts, improving initial access reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of region-specific SSB burst parameters before actual beam management operations. The configuration includes pre-defined beam sweeping patterns, resource element mappings, and beamforming vectors that are prepared in advance for both near-field and far-field regions, reducing real-time processing complexity while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to transmitting a configuration that indicates a mapping between a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission to a random-access channel occasion (RO), where the mapping is according to whether the SSB transmission is for a near-field region associated with an antenna array or for a far-field region associated with the antenna array. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to transmitting a plurality of SSB bursts based at least in part on the configuration, where the plurality of SSB bursts comprises a first SSB burst and a second SSB burst, the first SSB burst comprising a first set of SSBs associated with a first set of beams for the near-field region, and the second SSB burst comprising a second set of SSBs associated with a second set of beams for the far-field region.