Subcarrier Offset Synchronization for Wideband NR Resource Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing New Radio (NR) communication system lacks a detailed synchronization method for supporting wideband operation, which is essential for meeting the requirements of 5G communication standards, particularly in enabling wideband operation with a bandwidth exceeding 100 MHz and accommodating various numerologies and service scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and transmitting a synchronization signal block with a subcarrier offset value, allowing user devices to determine the resource block grid and map reference signals, control channels, or data channels based on this offset, enabling accurate synchronization and resource allocation for wideband operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wideband operation with bandwidth exceeding 100 MHz is implemented in NR system, then the system bandwidth capacity is improved, but the synchronization method complexity increases due to lack of detailed synchronization definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a subcarrier offset value as an intermediary parameter transmitted through PBCH to bridge the synchronization signal block and the resource block grid. This intermediary enables accurate frequency domain synchronization in wideband operations without requiring complex synchronization procedures, thereby resolving the contradiction between expanded bandwidth and synchronization complexity.
2Measurement precision
If subcarrier offset value is transmitted through PBCH, then the frequency domain synchronization precision is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing PBCH structure to serve multiple functions: conveying system information and simultaneously transmitting the subcarrier offset value for frequency synchronization. By embedding the offset value within the PBCH payload using a reserved bit or field, the system achieves precise frequency domain synchronization without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels, thus minimizing additional overhead.
3Manufacturing precision
If resource block grid is determined based on subcarrier offset and SS block frequency location, then the resource allocation accuracy is improved, but the calculation complexity at user device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the resource block grid by the user device immediately after receiving and decoding the PBCH containing the subcarrier offset value. By calculating the RB grid position based on the known SS block frequency location and the received offset value in advance, the user device prepares synchronization parameters before actual data reception, thereby achieving accurate resource allocation while managing computational complexity through staged processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for using an offset between a synchronization signal block and a resource block grid. The method may include receiving, by a user device, a synchronization signal (SS) block comprising a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), determining, from the PBCH, a value of a subcarrier offset between the SS block and an RB grid, determining, based on the value of the subcarrier offset and a frequency location of the SS block, the RB grid, and decoding, based on the determined RB grid, one or more of a reference signal, a control channel, or a data channel.