Wireless Node Synchronization Using Frequency Domain Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In emerging cellular communication systems like 5G New Radio (NR), the existing synchronization methods face challenges such as variable network configurations, potential inaccuracies in time and frequency offsets, and interference from beam-formed signals, which can hinder efficient initial access and signal measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wireless node that collects and transforms signal samples into the frequency domain to form hypotheses for time and frequency offsets, allowing for synchronization without relying on specially designed synchronization signals, thereby reducing processing load and achieving coarse synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy synchronization methods using PSS and SSS signals are used, then time and frequency synchronization can be achieved, but the processing complexity increases and the method is not adaptable to diverse 5G network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using existing reference signals (such as CSI-RS or SRS) for multiple purposes - both for their original functions (channel state information, sounding) and for time-frequency synchronization. This eliminates the need for separate synchronization signals and makes the system adaptable to diverse 5G configurations without increasing processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling reference signals to serve themselves for synchronization purposes. The same reference signals that carry other information (channel state, sounding data) are also used for time and frequency offset estimation, reducing overall system complexity and improving adaptability
2Productivity
If beam-formed signals are used in 5G networks, then network capacity and coverage are improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses correlation-based hypothesis testing as an intermediary mechanism to achieve synchronization. By forming multiple hypotheses for time and frequency offsets and correlating received signals with these hypotheses, the system can accurately determine synchronization parameters even in the presence of beam-formed signal interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing correlation operations with a subset of hypotheses rather than exhaustively testing all possible offsets. This allows synchronization to be achieved with reduced computational effort while maintaining accuracy despite beam-formed interference
3Device complexity
If coarse synchronization is achieved using frequency domain correlation, then processing load is reduced, but synchronization precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from time-domain to frequency-domain processing for synchronization. By collecting signal samples, transforming them to the frequency domain, and performing correlation operations there, the system reduces processing load while maintaining precision through the mathematical equivalence of correlation operations in different domains
Data Source
AI summary
A method is performed by a wireless node in a wireless communication network for receiving a reference signal. The method includes collecting a first set of samples of the received signal in time domain, transforming the first set of samples into frequency domain, forming a plurality of hypotheses including a set of hypotheses for time offset of the received signal and/or a set of hypotheses for frequency offset of the received signal, correlating the frequency domain samples of the received signal with at least a subset of the plurality of hypotheses, and selecting a hypothesis based on the correlation, wherein the selected hypothesis corresponds to a synchronisation of the received signal such that the synchronisation is achieved. A wireless communication device, a network node, and computer programs for implementing the method are also described.