Reference Signal Configuration for Flexible Spectrum Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inflexibility in cell detection and spectrum sharing due to rigid synchronization signal locations and bandwidth restrictions, limiting the ability to support new radio access technologies and legacy standards in a progressive migration.

Innovation Solution

A multilevel approach for receiving reference signals, including flexible configuration of synchronization signal locations and bandwidths, allows for dynamic coexistence between new and legacy standards by employing higher layer signaling for measurement configurations that include frequency location, carrier frequency, and maximum allowed measurement bandwidth, enabling cell detection and flexible numerology configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If synchronization signals are transmitted within the center 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs) of a transmission channel bandwidth, then it makes it easier to locate and identify the synchronization signals, but restricting the location of the synchronization signals in a predetermined way makes the system less flexible in terms of introducing a new type of service and employing different forms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifficulty of locating and identifying synchronization signalsVSAvoidflexibility in introducing new service types and forms

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the synchronization signal location configurable rather than fixed. The network can dynamically adjust the frequency location of synchronization signals within the transmission channel bandwidth according to different service requirements and numerology configurations, allowing the system to adapt between easy detection and service flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of synchronization signal frequency location from a fixed value (center 6 PRBs) to a configurable parameter that can be adjusted based on service type and numerology. This allows the system to optimize between detection ease and service diversity by modifying the location parameter according to specific needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If synchronization signals are transmitted within the center 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs), then it makes it easier to locate and identify the synchronization signals, but this restriction makes the system less flexible in terms of avoiding strong interference to primary and secondary synchronization signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifficulty of locating synchronization signalsVSAvoidprotection against strong interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of synchronization signal frequency location to avoid interference. When strong interference is detected or predicted in the center 6 PRBs, the network can dynamically relocate the synchronization signals to alternative frequency positions that are less susceptible to interference while maintaining detectability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the frequency location parameter of synchronization signals from a fixed center position to a flexible parameter that can be changed based on interference conditions. This allows the system to optimize both detection ease and interference avoidance by adjusting the location parameter according to the radio environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If synchronization signals are transmitted within the center 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs), then it makes it easier to locate and identify the synchronization signals, but this makes the system less flexible in terms of enabling shared spectrum access with other radio access technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifficulty of locating synchronization signalsVSAvoidflexibility in shared spectrum access

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the synchronization signal frequency location to be adaptively configured based on the radio access technology and service type. This allows different RATs to share the spectrum by allocating synchronization signals to different frequency positions within the transmission channel bandwidth, reducing conflicts and improving coexistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances universality by creating a flexible synchronization signal configuration that can serve multiple purposes: easy detection for legacy services, interference avoidance for reliable operation, and shared spectrum access for multiple RATs. The configurable frequency location parameter enables the system to adapt to different service requirements and technology combinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10530544B2Method and apparatus for receiving reference signals in support of flexible radio communication

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus include receiving a measurement configuration by higher layer signaling, where the higher layer signaling is above the physical layer. The measurement configuration includes at least information of frequency location of synchronization signals, a carrier frequency, and a maximum allowed measurement bandwidth. A measurement reference signal is then received based on the received measurement configuration, and a measurement based on the received measurement reference signal is performed.