SSB Short Control Signaling for Deterministic 60 GHz Downlink

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Solution Overview

Problem

In unlicensed 60 GHz spectrum, existing technologies face challenges in managing synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions due to limitations on duty cycle and the need for listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures, which can lead to uncertainty and inefficiency in critical control signaling.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves dividing downlink transmissions into two or more groups, where certain signals are transmitted as short control signals (SCS) without LBT, while others require successful LBT, based on predefined patterns or configurations, ensuring fair distribution of SCS allowance across beams and maintaining deterministic transmission times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SSB transmissions are performed using listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure in unlicensed spectrum, then channel access compliance is achieved, but transmission uncertainty and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access complianceVSAvoidtransmission uncertainty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments SSB transmissions into two distinct groups: those transmitted without LBT (using SCS allowance) and those transmitted with LBT. This segmentation allows critical synchronization signals to bypass LBT delays while maintaining regulatory compliance for other transmissions, thereby reducing transmission uncertainty without sacrificing channel access compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter state by introducing a binary classification (SCS vs. LBT) based on signal type and timing. By dynamically selecting the transmission mode based on whether the signal belongs to the first or second group, the system optimizes between compliance and latency for different transmission scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If duty cycle limits are enforced on SSB transmissions in unlicensed spectrum, then spectral sharing fairness is maintained, but transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral sharing fairnessVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides transmissions into groups that can utilize SCS allowance versus those requiring LBT, enabling more transmissions to occur without duty cycle constraints. This segmentation allows the system to maintain spectral sharing fairness through regulated LBT transmissions while improving overall efficiency by allowing critical signals to transmit without duty cycle limitations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic transmission mode selection based on signal characteristics and timing. By adaptively choosing between SCS and LBT modes, the system can optimize transmission efficiency for time-critical signals while maintaining fairness through LBT for other transmissions, thereby dynamically balancing efficiency and fairness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If all signals are transmitted as short control signals without channel sensing, then transmission latency is reduced, but duty cycle limits are exceeded and spectral sharing fairness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission latencyVSAvoidspectral sharing fairness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission qualities to different signal types: critical synchronization signals receive the high-priority SCS treatment without LBT, while other transmissions use standard LBT procedures. This local differentiation allows latency reduction for essential signals without compromising overall spectral sharing fairness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter based on signal priority and type, creating a differentiated transmission framework. By adjusting the LBT requirement parameter according to whether the signal belongs to the first or second group, the system achieves low latency for critical signals while maintaining fairness through regulated transmission of other signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4316105B1Short control signaling for SSB transmissions
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4316105B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4316105B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4316105B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Certain example embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for control short control signal (SCS) in downlink. For example, certain embodiments may provide for a method examining whether a signal to be transmitted by a network element belongs to a first group or to another group based on a transmission time instance of the signal, a beam or beams of the signal, a beam index or beam indices of the signal and/or a type of the signal; determining an allowance of time or resources of a time period for one or more short control signals; determining whether to transmit the signal as one or more short control signals based on the group the signal belongs to and on the allowance; and transmitting the signal either as one or more short control signals, or as a signal subject to listen before talk procedure.