Wireless Synchronization Signaling for Beamformed High-Frequency Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of higher frequencies in wireless communication systems introduces challenges related to physical properties and timing, particularly with ubiquitous beamforming, which complicates synchronization signaling.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of improved synchronization signaling methods, including primary and secondary synchronization signals (PSS and SSS) transmitted in blocks across multiple allocation units, utilizing transmission diversity and structured sequences to enhance signal quality and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If higher frequencies are used for wireless communication, then large bandwidths can be utilized, but physical properties and timing become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsynchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal is divided into multiple parts transmitted across different allocation units. The first synchronization signal spans multiple first allocation units while the second synchronization signal spans multiple second allocation units, creating a segmented structure that improves reliability at high frequencies by distributing the synchronization information across multiple time-frequency resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends synchronization signaling into the time dimension by spanning multiple allocation units rather than confining it to a single allocation unit. This multi-allocation unit approach adds a time dimension to the synchronization signal structure, providing redundancy and improved correlation performance necessary for reliable synchronization at millimeter wave frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If beamforming is used with small beams, then directional communication is achieved, but synchronization becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamforming capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits synchronization signals before actual data communication begins. By providing synchronization information in advance through dedicated synchronization signals that span multiple allocation units, the system prepares the receiving device for subsequent beamformed communication, simplifying the overall process despite the complexity of small beam operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization signal acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver in beamforming systems. This dedicated signaling mechanism facilitates the establishment of timing and frequency reference before directional beam communication begins, mediating the complex interaction between transmitter and receiver in millimeter wave systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If synchronization signaling is transmitted periodically, then timing reference is provided, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple synchronization signals (first and second synchronization signals) into a unified transmission structure where both signals span multiple allocation units within the same synchronisation time interval. This merging approach provides comprehensive timing and frequency reference information while efficiently utilizing time-frequency resources, reducing overall signaling overhead compared to separate transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4226546B1Synchronisation signaling for wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4226546B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4226546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4226546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is disclosed a method of operating a transmitting radio node (100) in a wireless communication network, the method comprising transmitting first synchronisation signaling comprising one or more first pairs of allocation units carrying broadcast signaling, and transmitting second synchronisation signaling comprising one or more second pairs of allocation units carrying broadcast signaling, wherein broadcast signaling carried on first and second pairs of allocation units are cross-wise associated. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.