Variable Synchronization Signal Block Format for mmW Beam Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high carrier frequency networks like mmW, beam-finding processes are inefficient due to varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) among wireless devices, leading to spotty coverage and difficulties in establishing links, especially for devices with low SNR or analog beam-forming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple synchronization signal block formats with varying durations, where longer blocks are transmitted for disadvantaged devices and shorter blocks for those with better SNR, allowing for more frequent repetition of preferred beam directions and historical usage patterns to expedite synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single synchronization signal block format is used for all wireless devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but synchronization performance deteriorates for disadvantaged devices with low SNR or analog beam-forming capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization signal block transmission into multiple formats (first format with longer duration, second format with shorter duration) to serve different device categories. Disadvantaged devices receive the extended first format while advantaged devices receive the standard second format, allowing differentiated service without complicating the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting the first synchronization signal block format with longer duration specifically targeted at disadvantaged wireless devices in certain beam directions, while transmitting the second format with shorter duration to advantaged devices in other directions. This localized differentiation improves synchronization performance for specific device groups without affecting others.
2Productivity
If beam-finding is performed in the shortest possible time, then productivity is improved, but synchronization performance deteriorates for disadvantaged devices that need longer time to accumulate sufficient energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam-finding by adapting the synchronization signal block duration based on device category. The first format with longer duration is dynamically allocated to disadvantaged devices needing more time for energy accumulation, while the second format with shorter duration is allocated to advantaged devices that can synchronize quickly, thus optimizing both speed and reliability dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic transmission of synchronization signal blocks in different formats to accommodate different device requirements. By periodically alternating between first and second formats in different time periods and beam directions, the system ensures that disadvantaged devices receive extended signals when needed while maintaining overall high productivity through efficient use of transmission resources.
3Reliability
If longer synchronization signal blocks are transmitted to disadvantaged devices, then synchronization performance is improved, but loss of time increases for the overall network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different device categories (disadvantaged and advantaged) and applies different synchronization signal block formats to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to extend transmission duration only where necessary for disadvantaged devices without unnecessarily prolonging synchronization for advantaged devices, thus minimizing overall network time loss while improving performance for those who need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the duration parameter of synchronization signal blocks based on device category. The first format uses a longer duration parameter for disadvantaged devices to improve their synchronization performance, while the second format uses a shorter duration parameter for advantaged devices. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying extended transmission only where performance improvement is needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronization signal block formats are transmitted, then adaptability is improved to serve different device capabilities, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments synchronization signal transmission into distinct formats managed by the access node, where each format is optimized for specific device categories. The access node handles the complexity of managing multiple formats, while wireless devices simply need to identify and process their designated format type, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal synchronization signal block structure that can function in multiple formats (first and second formats) depending on the target device category. This multi-functional design allows a single synchronization mechanism to serve both disadvantaged and advantaged devices effectively, achieving high adaptability while maintaining a unified underlying structure that limits complexity growth.
Data Source
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AI summary
An access node, AN, may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device (WD). The AN can transmit a first synchronization signal block having a first format. The AN can also transmit a second synchronization signal block of a second format, the first synchronization signal block including a first format different from the format of the second synchronization signal block. The first synchronization signal block can include an extended primary synchronization signal block that can be used to synchronize disadvantaged user equipment (e.g., user equipment experiencing low signal-to-noise ratio).