Synchronization Raster Signaling for Narrowband NR System Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G NR systems face challenges in operating in narrower bandwidths than the minimum designed bandwidth, as the global synchronization raster is not suitable for positioning synchronization signals, leading to failures in decoding system information in narrowband scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A new synchronization raster is defined for narrower bands, allowing synchronization signals to be positioned at specific frequency positions, and the network informs UEs of system information modifications through these positions, adapting transmission and reception processes to accommodate narrower bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the global synchronization raster is used for positioning synchronization signals, then the system operates with standard 5G NR bandwidth (5 MHz to 100 MHz for FR1, 50 MHz to 400 MHz for FR2), but the system cannot operate in narrower bandwidths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization raster into two distinct types: a global synchronization raster for standard bandwidth operation and a new synchronization raster specifically designed for narrowband operation. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate raster type based on the available bandwidth, enabling narrowband operation while maintaining reliability through the specialized new raster design with adjusted frequency spacing and positioning rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the synchronization raster including frequency spacing, absolute frequency positions, and raster offset values to create a new synchronization raster optimized for narrowband operation. These parameter changes enable the synchronization signal to be properly positioned within constrained bandwidths while maintaining the necessary timing and frequency synchronization for reliable system information decoding.
2Ease of operation
If the standard synchronization raster positions are used, then the transmission follows conventional 5G NR schemes, but UEs fail to decode system information in narrowband scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining and configuring the new synchronization raster with specific frequency positions and spacing before system information transmission begins. This pre-configuration ensures that when narrowband operation is required, the synchronization signal is already positioned at appropriate frequencies, allowing UEs to successfully decode system information without requiring complex real-time adjustments or additional signaling overhead during the transmission process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new synchronization raster is defined for narrower bands, then the system can operate in constrained bandwidths, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the new synchronization raster to serve multiple functions: it provides frequency synchronization, timing synchronization, and implicit bandwidth indication all through the same raster position and spacing parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms and complex management procedures, as the same synchronization infrastructure handles both standard and narrowband operations through selective application of the appropriate raster type.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of method and apparatus supporting narrowband system information modification indications based on synchronization raster positions. A terminal device may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to determine a first frequency position of a synchronization signal, and apply a first scheme to decode at least a part of system information received from a network, responsive to the determined first frequency position of the synchronization signal. The first frequency position is different from a second frequency position, and the first scheme is different from a second scheme which is applicable for decoding the part of the system information when the synchronization signal is at the second frequency position.