UE SSB Frequency Position Calculation Using Multiple Step Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting synchronization signals and physical broadcast channels, particularly at higher frequencies, leading to increased power consumption and complexity in cell searching operations due to the support of various subcarrier spacings, which are not always mandatory for user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves user equipment (UE) using multiple step sizes to calculate synchronization signal block (SSB) frequency positions, determining subcarrier spacing based on these calculations, and communicating effectively with cellular base stations that transmit synchronization signals according to periodic patterns with reserved symbols for beam switching, thereby optimizing SSB transmission and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subcarrier spacings are supported for SSB transmissions, then the system is more adaptable to different frequency ranges and communication scenarios, but the device complexity and power consumption increase due to the need to monitor multiple frequency positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SSB monitoring process by dividing different subcarrier spacing configurations into separate step sizes. Each step size corresponds to a specific subcarrier spacing (e.g., first step size for first subcarrier spacing, second step size for second subcarrier spacing), allowing the UE to handle each configuration independently rather than monitoring all possibilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing the network to indicate whether a second subcarrier spacing is actually present. The UE only performs the second step size calculation and monitors the corresponding frequency position when indicated, rather than always monitoring all possible subcarrier spacings. This reduces unnecessary monitoring actions while maintaining adaptability when needed.
2Reliability
If the UE monitors all possible subcarrier spacings for SSB, then no SSB transmissions are missed, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary monitoring of optional subcarrier spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the network provides indications to the UE about which subcarrier spacings are actually present. This feedback allows the UE to adjust its monitoring behavior dynamically, performing comprehensive monitoring when reliability is critical and reducing monitoring when optional subcarrier spacings are not in use, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SSB monitoring process dynamic by allowing the UE to switch between different monitoring configurations based on network indications. The UE can dynamically enable or disable monitoring of optional subcarrier spacings, adjusting its behavior in real-time based on actual network conditions rather than using a static, always-on monitoring approach.
3Ease of operation
If the UE uses a single step size for all subcarrier spacings, then the calculation process is simpler, but the frequency position accuracy decreases for optional subcarrier spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different step sizes for different subcarrier spacing configurations. Instead of using a uniform step size globally, the system selects specific step sizes tailored to each subcarrier spacing type (first step size for first subcarrier spacing, second step size for second subcarrier spacing), ensuring optimal frequency position accuracy for each local configuration while maintaining operational simplicity through the structured approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) may monitor a downlink frequency position to detect a synchronization block (SSB) from a cellular base station. When monitoring the downlink frequency position, the UE may be configured to use at least one step size in calculating a SSB frequency position. The UE may determine a subcarrier spacing (SCS) used by the cellular base station in response to monitoring the downlink frequency position, and the subcarrier spacing for one or more SSB transmissions may be determined at least in part based on the step size used in calculating the SSB frequency position. The UE may then utilize the determined subcarrier spacing of the one or more SSB transmissions in communicating with the cellular base station.