SSB Pattern Switching With PBCH Offset for Faster Cell Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing the number of Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN) raster points during initial cell search, leading to increased scan times for user equipment (UE) due to close GSCN spacing, which is not efficiently addressed by changing minimum downlink bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, or SSB bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple SSB patterns with configurable offsets between synchronization information (PSS/SSS) and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) within the SSB, allowing for SSB pattern switching to reduce the number of GSCN points scanned by the UE during initial cell search.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If close GSCN spacing is used to increase frequency resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but scan time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the GSCN raster points into multiple groups based on SSB pattern types. Instead of scanning all GSCN points sequentially, the UE is configured with a specific SSB pattern that defines a subset of relevant GSCN points. This segmentation allows the UE to focus scanning efforts only on the configured pattern's GSCN points, reducing the total number of points to scan while maintaining frequency measurement precision through proper pattern design.
Solution Approach 2:
The network performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining SSB patterns and their associated GSCN raster point groups before the UE begins scanning. The UE receives RRC configuration messages that specify which SSB pattern to use, effectively pre-filtering the set of GSCN points that need to be scanned. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the UE to evaluate all possible GSCN points, significantly reducing initial cell search time while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If minimum downlink bandwidth is increased to reduce GSCN points, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the minimum downlink bandwidth parameter, the patent changes the SSB pattern configuration parameters. The network configures different SSB patterns with varying time-frequency positions and associations with GSCN raster points. By modifying these pattern parameters rather than the fundamental bandwidth parameter, the system achieves faster cell search (improved productivity) without increasing device complexity or resource requirements. The UE simply adapts its scanning behavior based on the configured pattern.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SSB bandwidth is adjusted to optimize GSCN raster coverage, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic SSB pattern switching capability. The network can configure multiple SSB patterns with different bandwidths and frequency positions, and the UE can switch between patterns based on reception conditions. This dynamic approach improves frequency coverage adaptability because the system can adapt to different deployment scenarios without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances. The flexibility of switching patterns compensates for any positioning imprecision that might exist in fixed-bandwidth designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for wireless communication. For example, a network entity can detect synchronization information included in a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission, wherein the synchronization information is associated with a first center frequency corresponding to a configured frequency position of the SSB transmission, and wherein the synchronization information includes at least one of: a primary synchronization signal (PSS) or a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The network entity can determine a configured frequency offset from the synchronization information to a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) included in the SSB transmission, wherein the configured frequency offset is indicative of a second center frequency associated with the PBCH. The network entity can decode the PBCH based on the configured frequency offset.