UE Synchronization with SSB-less Carriers via DCI Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing user equipment (UE) with synchronization-signal-block-less (SSB-less) carriers, leading to increased latency and communication overhead due to the absence of synchronization signals on non-anchor carriers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where a network node transmits downlink control information (DCI) indicative of synchronization information to UE, allowing communication via SSB-less carriers by providing a time window based on expected reception times and margin values, facilitating cross-carrier scheduling and reducing the need for synchronization signals on non-anchor carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are transmitted on all carriers including non-anchor carriers, then UE synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments carriers into anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers, with only anchor carriers transmitting synchronization signals. This segmentation allows UEs to synchronize using anchor carrier signals while reducing overall synchronization signal overhead in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor carriers serve multiple functions: they provide synchronization signals for UE synchronization, carry system information, and enable cross-carrier scheduling for non-anchor carriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate synchronization mechanisms on each carrier.
2Reliability
If synchronization signals are transmitted on all carriers including non-anchor carriers, then UE synchronization reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments carriers into anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers, with only anchor carriers transmitting synchronization signals. This segmentation allows UEs to synchronize using anchor carrier signals while reducing overall synchronization signal overhead in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
UEs autonomously identify anchor carriers through pre-configuration or autonomous detection and use these carriers for synchronization purposes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for network-wide synchronization signal transmission on all carriers.
3Productivity
If cross-carrier scheduling is implemented for SSB-less carriers, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Anchor carriers act as intermediaries that provide synchronization references for non-anchor carriers. The DCI transmissions on anchor carriers contain timing information that serves as a mediator to synchronize UE reception on SSB-less carriers without requiring direct synchronization signals on those carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization on anchor carriers before enabling communication on non-anchor carriers. UEs first acquire timing and frequency synchronization from anchor carrier SSBs, then use this pre-established synchronization basis for cross-carrier scheduling on SSB-less carriers.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a network node associated with a first carrier, a downlink control information (DCI) transmission indicative of synchronization information corresponding to a second carrier, wherein the second carrier comprises a synchronization-signal-block-less (SSB-less) carrier. The UE may communicate via the second carrier based on the synchronization information. Numerous other aspects are described.