SSB Indication Scheme for 5G NR Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR systems face challenges in supporting a large number of SSB beams and candidate SSB positions, particularly in frequency ranges above 52.6 GHz, due to higher phase noise, propagation loss, and regulatory requirements, which limits beamforming flexibility and increases signaling overhead.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of advanced SSB indication schemes, including hybrid implicit and explicit indication methods, and the use of supplemental SSB index signals, CSI-RS, and extended DMRS structures to support up to 64 SSB beams and candidate SSB positions, optimizing beamforming and reducing signaling overhead across different frequency ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Q configuration tables with different granularities are used to support beamforming, then beamforming flexibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming flexibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of Q configuration tables based on frequency range and beamforming requirements. The system can switch between different Q tables (Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3) with varying granularities, allowing adaptive optimization of beamforming flexibility while controlling signaling overhead by selecting the appropriate table for each operational scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter Q (maximum number of SSB beams) based on different operating conditions. By defining multiple Q configuration tables with different granularity levels and selecting appropriate tables based on frequency range and channel conditions, the system optimizes beamforming performance while managing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If higher granularity Q tables are used for beamforming, then beamforming precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different Q table granularities to different frequency ranges and operational scenarios. Higher granularity Q tables (Q1, Q2, Q3) are used where precise beamforming is required, while coarser tables are used in other scenarios, optimizing the balance between beamforming precision and signaling overhead for each local context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple candidate SSB positions are supported for beamforming, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the candidate SSB positions into multiple groups or tables, allowing the system to indicate specific candidate positions through compact indexing mechanisms. This segmentation enables support for multiple candidate SSB positions while managing device complexity through structured organization and efficient indication methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If Q is indicated using multiple signaling mechanisms (PBCH, RMSI, PDCCH, PDSCH), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindication flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal Q indication framework where the same Q configuration tables can be indicated through multiple signaling mechanisms (PBCH, RMSI, PDCCH, PDSCH). This multi-functional approach allows flexible Q indication adaptability while using unified table structures to manage processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230327723A1Synchronization signal block scheme and acquisition

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) management for new radio may be achieved through indication of a maximum number of beams for beamforming and/or through mechanisms for handling plural candidate SSBs. For example, a User Equipment (UE) may search a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and/or a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) to decode a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload comprising and indication of a maximum number of beams (Q) supporting beamforming, e.g., in new radio unlicensed spectrum, and determine, based the indicator, Quasi Co-Located (QCL) Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs). Similarly, a UE may determine, from the PBCH payload, a primary DeModulation Reference Signal (DMRS) from which the UE may determine selection bits for an SSB. The UE may also determine, based a frequency range in use, to perform a secondary detection and based on the secondary detection, alter selection bits for accessing the SSB index.