Synchronization Signal Block Segmentation for Narrowband Terminal Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Narrowband terminals in wireless communications systems cannot receive configuration information from access network devices due to the large frequency bandwidth required by conventional synchronization signal blocks, leading to communication failures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a first synchronization signal block with a broader frequency bandwidth for broadband terminals and a second synchronization signal block with a narrower frequency bandwidth for narrowband terminals, allowing both types to receive configuration information by adjusting the frequency and time domain resource intervals and sequences of synchronization signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the access network device sends a conventional synchronization signal block with a broad frequency bandwidth to ensure configuration information can be received by broadband terminals, then broadband terminals can obtain configuration information, but narrowband terminals cannot receive the broadcast message due to their limited frequency bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different terminal typesVSAvoidconfiguration information reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the synchronization signal block into two separate types: a first synchronization signal block with broad frequency bandwidth for broadband terminals, and a second synchronization signal block with narrow frequency bandwidth for narrowband terminals. This segmentation allows each terminal type to receive appropriately matched signal blocks, resolving the contradiction between broadband compatibility and narrowband accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different frequency bandwidth characteristics to different synchronization signal blocks based on the specific needs of different terminal types. The first synchronization signal block uses broad frequency bandwidth optimized for broadband terminals, while the second uses narrow frequency bandwidth optimized for narrowband terminals, allowing each to operate in its optimal performance zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If the broadcast message occupies a large frequency bandwidth to carry complete configuration information, then all necessary configuration parameters can be transmitted, but narrowband terminals with limited frequency bandwidth cannot receive the message

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information completenessVSAvoidaccessibility to narrowband terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration information transmission by creating two versions of synchronization signal blocks with different frequency bandwidths. The first block carries complete configuration information for broadband terminals, while the second block provides the necessary configuration information in a narrowband format accessible to narrowband terminals, ensuring both groups can obtain required information without loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency bandwidth parameter of the synchronization signal block to match the capabilities of different terminal types. By adjusting this key parameter, the system ensures that configuration information can be transmitted in a format that narrowband terminals can receive and process, while maintaining completeness of the information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the system uses a single synchronization signal block format, then system complexity is reduced, but both broadband and narrowband terminals cannot simultaneously obtain configuration information reliably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information acquisition reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization signal block structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the synchronization signal block structure into two distinct formats, which initially appears to increase complexity. However, this segmentation enables reliable configuration information acquisition for both broadband and narrowband terminals simultaneously, with each terminal type processing only its designated format, thereby distributing the complexity management across different terminal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal synchronization signal block system that serves multiple terminal types through the first and second synchronization signal blocks. The system maintains multi-functionality by allowing broadband terminals to process the first block while narrowband terminals process the second block, achieving universal compatibility without requiring each terminal to handle all format variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of information

If narrowband terminals attempt to receive the broad bandwidth broadcast message, then they might obtain complete configuration information, but their limited frequency bandwidth prevents successful reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information completenessVSAvoidreception capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing a specifically optimized second synchronization signal block with narrow frequency bandwidth that matches the reception capabilities of narrowband terminals. This localized optimization ensures that narrowband terminals can easily receive and process configuration information without attempting to handle broad bandwidth signals beyond their operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency bandwidth parameter of the synchronization signal block to align with the reception capabilities of narrowband terminals. This parameter adjustment ensures that the configuration information is transmitted at a bandwidth level that narrowband terminals can successfully receive and process, eliminating the mismatch between transmission capacity and reception capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3905729B1Communication method, apparatus, and device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3905729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3905729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3905729B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This application provides a communications method, apparatus, and device. The method includes: A terminal device receives a second synchronization signal block sent by an access network device. The terminal device obtains a broadcast message based on the second synchronization signal block, where a frequency bandwidth of a broadcast message in the first synchronization signal block is greater than a frequency bandwidth of the broadcast message in the second synchronization signal block, and the first synchronization signal block corresponds to the access network device. Therefore, reliability of communication between the terminal device and the access network device is improved.