Synchronization Signal Block Puncturing for Narrow Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications systems face challenges in accommodating synchronization signal blocks within insufficiently wide frequency bands, particularly in narrow bandwidth scenarios such as those encountered in 5G NR deployments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting synchronization signal blocks within specified frequency bands and determining if the band is too narrow. In response, the system identifies physical resource blocks at one end of the synchronization signal block to be punctured, allowing the signal to fit within the available bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the synchronization signal block is transmitted in a narrow frequency band, then the system can operate in bandwidth-constrained environments, but the frequency band is not sufficiently wide to accommodate the synchronization signal block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth adaptabilityVSAvoidsignal block accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal block is divided into multiple physical resource blocks in the frequency domain. By segmenting the signal block, the system can transmit it across available narrow bandwidth resources while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the complete signal block for synchronization purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of physical resource block allocation dynamically based on the available bandwidth. When the frequency band is narrow, the network configures fewer physical resource blocks for the synchronization signal block transmission, adapting the signal structure to match the constrained spectral resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If physical resource blocks are punctured to fit the synchronization signal block in narrow bandwidth, then the signal can be transmitted within available spectrum, but some physical resource blocks are lost or removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission feasibilityVSAvoidphysical resource blocks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Physical resource blocks that cannot be accommodated in the narrow frequency band are extracted or removed from the synchronization signal block transmission. This puncturing approach allows the remaining in-band resource blocks to carry the essential synchronization information while excluding out-of-band blocks that would cause transmission failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports narrow bandwidth operations, then it can deploy in bandwidth-constrained environments, but the original synchronization signal block structure cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenarrow bandwidth supportVSAvoidsignal block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal block structure is made dynamic rather than fixed. The network can configure different numbers of physical resource blocks for the synchronization signal block based on the available bandwidth, allowing the same signal block type to adapt its resource allocation and maintain functionality across diverse bandwidth conditions from narrow to wide spectra.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250184034A1Determining puncturing assumption for the synchronization and physical broadcast channel

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Techniques of determining punctured PRBs for an SSB include determining a puncturing to be applied to an incoming SSB if the SSB falls out of band or upon a minimum guard band of the band. In some implementations, when there is a specified total puncturing, the UE performs puncturing on resources at the opposite end of the SSB.