Sync Raster Scanning for SS/PBCH Fit in Narrowband Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, the synchronization signal (SS) or physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks may exceed the minimum bandwidth in certain scenarios, leading to performance degradation or failure, especially in narrowband scenarios with less than 5 MHz available frequency domain resources.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining a sync raster (SR) by user equipment (UE) to connect with a base station, including scanning frequency points and adjusting the bandwidth of SS/PBCH blocks to fit within the minimum bandwidth, using methods such as redefining the SR, configuring fewer punctured resource blocks, and employing new SS/PBCH block structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the SS/PBCH block uses the original bandwidth configuration, then the synchronization signal can be transmitted with standard structure, but the block exceeds the minimum bandwidth in narrowband scenarios causing performance degradation or failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of wireless communicationVSAvoidadaptability to narrowband scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of SS/PBCH blocks to adapt to narrowband scenarios. Specifically, it configures the bandwidth of SS/PBCH blocks to be less than or equal to the minimum bandwidth (e.g., 3 MHz) in narrowband scenarios, rather than using the standard configuration. This parameter adjustment ensures the blocks fit within available frequency resources while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the SS/PBCH block structure to change based on scenario requirements. The system can dynamically adjust the bandwidth configuration of SS/PBCH blocks according to whether the scenario is narrowband or standard, making the communication system versatile across different frequency resource conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the SS/PBCH block bandwidth is reduced to fit narrowband scenarios, then the blocks fit within minimum bandwidth, but the original synchronization signal structure exceeds the minimum bandwidth and may be punctured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to narrowband scenariosVSAvoidprecision of signal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the bandwidth parameter of SS/PBCH blocks to match the minimum bandwidth in narrowband scenarios. This ensures the signal structure fits precisely within available resources without requiring puncturing, maintaining both adaptability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If resource blocks of SS/PBCH block are punctured to fit minimum bandwidth, then the blocks can be transmitted in narrowband scenarios, but performance degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to narrowband scenariosVSAvoidperformance of communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the bandwidth of SS/PBCH blocks to be less than or equal to the minimum bandwidth before transmission in narrowband scenarios. This prevents the need for puncturing during transmission, thereby avoiding performance degradation while maintaining adaptability to narrowband conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4349064B1Methods, devices, and systems for determining sync raster
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP4349064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4349064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4349064B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure describes methods, systems(100) and devices(200) for determining sync raster. One method includes determining, by a user equipment (UE)(110), a sync raster (SR) with a base station(118), wherein a first bandwidth of a synchronization signal or physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) block is larger than or equal to a minimum bandwidth in a narrowband, by: determining a frequency point of the SR(410); scanning the frequency point to obtain a scan result(420); and connecting with the base station(118) based on the scan result(430). Another method includes determining a SR with a base station(118), wherein a first bandwidth of a SS/PBCH block is smaller than or equal to a minimum bandwidth in a narrowband, by: determining a frequency point of the SR(510); scanning the frequency point to obtain a scan result(520); and connecting with the base station based(118) on the scan result(530).