UE Beam Scan Optimization Using SSB Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in expediting UE beam scans and improving system access and mobility in beam-based communication scenarios, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR) networks, due to the inefficiencies in selecting optimal beam pair links for communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a user equipment (UE) performs beam scans by utilizing two or more symbols of a synchronization signal block (SSB) to obtain beam quality metrics using secondary synchronization signals and physical broadcast control channel (PBCH)-based beam reference signals, allowing for the selection of optimal transmit and receive beams for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional UE beam scan methods are used, then beam quality metrics can be obtained, but the beam scan process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing beam quality metric measurements on multiple receive beams using the same transmit beam and SSB resources in advance. The UE measures beam quality metrics for multiple receive beams (e.g., beams 112-a, 112-b, 112-c) during the same SSB transmission, rather than sequentially testing different transmit beams. This pre-measurement approach allows the UE to identify the best receive beam before actual communication, significantly reducing the time required for beam scanning and improving overall beam selection efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beam reference signals are used for beam scanning, then more comprehensive beam quality assessment is achieved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the same transmit beam and SSB resources serve multiple measurement functions simultaneously. A single transmit beam configuration is used to measure beam quality metrics across multiple receive beams, and the same SSB transmission provides reference signals for assessing the performance of different receive beams. This multi-functional use of resources achieves comprehensive beam quality assessment without proportionally increasing resource consumption or energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device can expedite beam scans for beam management. The wireless communication device can perform a beam scan using a first beam reference signal of a synchronization signal block (SSB) and a second beam reference signal associated with a physical broadcast control channel (PBCH) of the SSB. For each synchronization signal block (SSB) index (e.g., transmit beam) monitored by the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device can obtain a respective beam quality metric on each of two or more respective receive beams using at least the first and second beam reference signals. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.