Sync Raster Scanning for Narrowband SS/PBCH Alignment
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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 where frequency domain resources are limited, such as in railway applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a sync raster (SR) by user equipment (UE) to connect with a base station, including scanning for frequency points to ensure the bandwidth of synchronization signals or PBCH blocks aligns with or is smaller than the minimum bandwidth, using methods such as blind detection and extended scanning to optimize signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SS/PBCH block uses the original bandwidth configuration, then the synchronization signal can be transmitted with standard parameters, but the block exceeds the minimum bandwidth in narrowband scenarios causing performance degradation or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the SS/PBCH block to adapt to narrowband scenarios. Specifically, it configures the SS/PBCH block bandwidth to be less than or equal to the minimum bandwidth (e.g., 3 MHz) when operating in narrowband modes, ensuring the signal fits within available frequency resources while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth configuration for SS/PBCH blocks based on operating mode. The system can switch between standard bandwidth configurations and reduced bandwidth configurations depending on whether it operates in wideband or narrowband mode, making the system adaptable to different deployment scenarios including railway applications
2Reliability
If the SS/PBCH block bandwidth is reduced to fit narrowband constraints, then the signal can be transmitted within available resources, but the original synchronization signal structure may not be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the bandwidth parameter of the SS/PBCH block to match narrowband constraints while maintaining the essential synchronization functionality. By setting the bandwidth to ≤ minimum bandwidth (e.g., 3 MHz), it ensures reliable transmission within available resources without sacrificing the core synchronization purpose
3Reliability
If the UE scans multiple frequency points to find suitable sync raster, then the connection can be established with proper bandwidth alignment, but the initial access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the sync raster frequency point before actual synchronization signal scanning. The UE first identifies the appropriate sync raster frequency based on narrowband parameters, then scans only at this predetermined frequency point, avoiding unnecessary scans at incompatible frequencies and reducing initial access time while ensuring bandwidth alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods, systems and devices for determining sync raster. One method includes determining, by a user equipment (UE), a sync raster (SR) with a base station, 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; scanning the frequency point to obtain a scan result; and connecting with the base station based on the scan result. Another method includes determining a SR with a base station, 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; scanning the frequency point to obtain a scan result; and connecting with the base station based on the scan result.