Synchronization Signal Parameter Encoding for Wireless Cell Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for wireless communication systems are inefficient in identifying system parameters associated with base stations, particularly during initial cell search, as they rely on blind decoding of cyclic prefixes and fail to differentiate between frame structure types, leading to increased complexity and overhead.

Innovation Solution

The use of synchronization signals, such as primary and secondary synchronization codes, to indicate base station parameters like frame structure type, duplexing technique, and cell type, by varying their relative locations and inclusion within the radio frame, allowing access terminals to identify these parameters without blind decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If blind decoding of cyclic prefixes is used to identify frame structure type, then system parameters can be identified, but device complexity and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure type identification accuracyVSAvoidterminal device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces synchronization signals (PSS/SSS) as an intermediary carrier to convey frame structure type information. Instead of directly analyzing cyclic prefixes, the base station embeds frame structure indicators within the synchronization signal sequences and positions, which the terminal then decodes. This intermediary approach simplifies terminal complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs preliminary encoding of frame structure type information into the synchronization signals before transmission. By pre-processing the information into recognizable signal patterns (different sequences, positions, or properties of PSS/SSS), the terminal receives already-processed data that requires minimal processing, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If blind decoding methods are employed for parameter identification, then system information can be obtained, but acquisition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem parameter information completenessVSAvoidinitial cell search time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station pre-encodes multiple system parameters (frame structure type, duplexing mode, cell type) into the synchronization signal patterns before transmission. The terminal receives these pre-packaged signals and can directly extract parameter information without performing time-consuming blind decoding trials, significantly reducing initial cell search time while maintaining complete information acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the encoding parameters of synchronization signals to carry additional system information. By varying sequence types, signal positions, or other signal properties based on frame structure type and other parameters, the system transmits multiple bits of information efficiently within the synchronization phase, reducing the time required for parameter acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If synchronization signals are used to indicate frame structure type, then parameter identification efficiency improves, but signal design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter identification efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization signal design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization signal design into distinct, standardized components with specific functions. Different aspects (sequence selection, signal position, waveform type) are segmented and assigned to represent different parameter categories. This modular segmentation makes the signal design systematic and manageable, improving identification efficiency while controlling design complexity through structured approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3605984B1Efficient system identification schemes for communication systems
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3605984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605984B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3605984B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate efficiently indicating parameter(s) associated with a base station utilizing synchronization signals in a wireless communication environment. For instance, relative locations of a PSC and a SSC in a radio frame can be a function of a parameter. Further, a PSC sequence utilized to generate PSCs can be selected based upon a parameter. Moreover, inclusion or exclusion of PSCs from a radio frame can be a function of a parameter. Additionally or alternatively, pseudo random sequence mappings (e.g., to cell IDs, tone locations) can be a function of a parameter. Example parameters can be whether the base station is part of a TDD or a FDD system, whether the radio frame employs FSi or FS2, whether the base station is associated with a macro or a femto cell, or whether the base station is associated with a unicast or a multicast system.