SSB Candidate Location Mapping for Massive MIMO Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In massive MIMO applications, the cell-level signal coverage is insufficient due to the use of beam sweeping for synchronization signals, which hinders downlink performance as the number of antenna arrays increases.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for synchronization signal transmission that involves detecting and determining corresponding candidate locations for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to enhance coverage, including quasi co-location relationships and frequency domain offsets, and performing PBCH detection or RSRP measurements based on these SSBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam sweeping is used for synchronization signal transmission in massive MIMO systems, then directional transmission performance is improved, but cell-level signal coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal transmission into two distinct parts: beam sweeping for directional coverage and non-beam sweeping for omnidirectional coverage. The base station transmits synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) using both beam sweeping methods and non-beam sweeping methods simultaneously, allowing terminals to select from multiple candidate locations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining directional performance through beam sweeping while expanding overall coverage through non-beam sweeping transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to synchronization signal transmission by adding non-beam sweeping candidate locations alongside traditional beam sweeping candidate locations. Terminals are configured to detect SSBs from multiple dimensions - both directional beam locations and omnidirectional non-beam locations. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to maintain the benefits of beam sweeping while overcoming its coverage limitations.
2Productivity
If the number of antenna arrays is increased to improve transmission performance, then capacity and coverage capability are enhanced, but cell-level signal coverage deteriorates due to beam sweeping limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal candidate locations into two categories: those obtained through beam sweeping and those obtained through non-beam sweeping. By configuring terminals to monitor both types of candidate locations, the system can utilize large numbers of antenna arrays to achieve high transmission performance through beamforming while simultaneously improving cell-level coverage through non-directional transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the synchronization signal transmission system universal by enabling it to function in both beam sweeping mode and non-beam sweeping mode. The base station can transmit SSBs using multiple methods simultaneously, and terminals can select from multiple candidate locations regardless of whether they were obtained through beam sweeping or not. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different transmission scenarios while maintaining both high performance and wide coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a synchronization signal transmission method and an apparatus. The method includes: A network device sends a first synchronization signal block SSB at a first candidate location, and sends a second SSB at a second candidate location, where there is a correspondence between the first candidate location and the second candidate location; a terminal obtains, through detection, the first SSB at the first candidate location; the terminal determines the second candidate location based on the first candidate location, and obtains, through detection, the second SSB at the second candidate location; and the terminal performs physical broadcast channel PBCH detection or reference signal received power RSRP measurement based on the first SSB and/or the second SSB.