Synchronization Signal Block Waveform Selection for 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly for the 5G New Radio (NR) standard, the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of millimeter wave transmissions increases at higher frequencies, necessitating the use of multiple waveforms to balance PAPR and system complexity, with existing designs not effectively supporting dual or multiple waveform configurations for synchronization signal blocks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves configuring synchronization signal blocks to selectively use either OFDM or low-PAPR waveforms like DFT-S-OFDM for transmission, allowing for alternating patterns or fixed periodicity in waveform usage to optimize coverage and complexity, with mechanisms such as frequency band indication or waveform-specific fields within synchronization signals to determine the type of waveform used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If OFDM is used for millimeter wave transmissions, then data transmission capacity is improved, but peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidpeak-to-average power ratio (PAPR)
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms based on transmission conditions. The gNodeB determines waveform type through higher layer signaling and UE capability indication, allowing adaptive switching to optimize PAPR performance while maintaining data transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the waveform parameter from fixed OFDM to configurable selection between OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM. This parameter change enables the system to adjust the peak-to-average power ratio characteristic based on transmission requirements, resolving the contradiction between capacity and PAPR.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple waveforms are supported, then adaptability to different transmission conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform selection flexibilityVSAvoidtransceiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle both OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM waveforms. The same transceiver hardware and processing logic can accommodate different waveform types through configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transceivers for each waveform and thus managing complexity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary waveform determination through higher layer signaling and UE capability indication before actual data transmission. This advance configuration allows the transceiver to be pre-configured for the selected waveform, reducing real-time processing complexity and enabling smoother waveform switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If DFT-S-OFDM is used, then peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is reduced, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak-to-average power ratio (PAPR)VSAvoidwaveform implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between OFDM and DFT-S-OFDM based on transmission conditions and UE capability. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to select the more appropriate waveform, using DFT-S-OFDM when low PAPR is critical and OFDM when implementation simplicity is preferred, thus managing the complexity trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces waveform type as a configurable parameter that can be changed based on transmission requirements. By making the waveform selection flexible rather than fixed, the system can optimize PAPR performance when needed while falling back to simpler OFDM implementation when complexity is a concern, effectively managing the implementation complexity challenge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3607713B1Synchronization signaling supporting multiple waveforms
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3607713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3607713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to synchronization signaling supporting multiple waveforms. A synchronization signal block (SSB) is configurable for transmission using either at least a first waveform or a second waveform, where the first waveform has higher peak to average power ratio (PAPR) characteristics such as OFDM and the second waveform has lower PAPR characteristics, such as DFT-S-OFDM. The SSB is transmitted selectively using either the first waveform or the second waveform for transmission of the SSB. Furthermore, the characteristics of the transmission such as a predetermined pattern of the first and second waveform transmissions may be utilized to communicate to a receiver the type of waveform being used. In this manner, SSB transmissions may take advantage of respective advantages afforded by each type of waveform, particularly when using higher frequency transmissions above 40 GHz in wireless communication systems.