Uplink Scrambling Sequence Segmentation for Random Access Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE uplink communications, user terminals cannot employ terminal-specific scrambling sequences or reference signals during the initial random access procedure, as they have not yet been assigned these, leading to challenges in randomizing interference and establishing uplink synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A method where user terminals use a general uplink scrambling sequence for initial random access messages, which are then switched to terminal-specific sequences after assignment, allowing for effective interference randomization and channel estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If user terminals use terminal-specific scrambling sequences during random access, then interference randomization performance is improved, but the system cannot establish uplink synchronization and assign terminal identifiers yet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference randomizationVSAvoiduplink synchronization establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scrambling sequence usage into two distinct phases: a first scrambling sequence used during the initial random access procedure before uplink synchronization is established, and a second terminal-specific scrambling sequence used after synchronization is achieved. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing interference randomization during random access without requiring terminal-specific identifiers yet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using a first scrambling sequence that is prepared and applied before terminal-specific scrambling sequences are assigned. This preliminary scrambling enables interference randomization during the random access phase, allowing the system to proceed with uplink synchronization establishment without waiting for terminal identifier assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If user terminals use general uplink scrambling sequence during random access, then interference randomization is enabled, but terminal-specific channel estimation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-cell interference randomizationVSAvoidchannel estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments channel estimation into two phases: during random access, the base station performs channel estimation using the first scrambling sequence; after uplink synchronization is established, the base station performs enhanced channel estimation using the second terminal-specific scrambling sequence. This segmentation enables both interference randomization during random access and precise channel estimation after synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static general scrambling sequence during random access to a dynamic terminal-specific scrambling sequence after synchronization. This dynamic switching enables the system to adapt its channel estimation capabilities based on the operational phase, improving measurement precision when needed while maintaining interference randomization when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If user terminals switch to terminal-specific scrambling sequences after random access, then uplink data transmission performance is improved, but scheduling flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink data transmission performanceVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission process into random access phase using first scrambling sequences and data transmission phase using second terminal-specific sequences. This segmentation allows the system to maintain scheduling flexibility during random access while achieving high performance during data transmission, as each phase can be optimized independently for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4277422B1Uplink scrambling during random access
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4277422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4277422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4277422B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method implemented in a user terminal (20) for performing a random access procedure is presented. The method comprises transmitting a first random access request message including a random access preamble to a radio base station (18) using a random access channel, RACH, radio resource and receiving a second random access response message from the radio base station (18). The second random access response message indicates a timing change, an identified radio resource of an uplink shared channel, UL-SCH, and a temporary user terminal identity. The method also comprises adjusting a timing at the user terminal (20) for transmitting signals to the radio base station (18) based on the timing change indicated in the second random access response message and, based on the adjusted timing, transmitting a third message to the radio base station (18) over the identified radio resource of the uplink shared channel. The third message includes a user terminal identity that was assigned to the user terminal before the random access procedure is scrambled using a cell-associated scrambling sequence that is not terminal-specific. Further still, the method comprises receiving a fourth contention resolution message from the radio base station (18) to complete the random access procedure.