Wireless communication devices, related methods and memory.

Abstract

This refers to methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication. In order to exchange data over a given wireless communication network, a wireless device may first perform a cell acquisition procedure (e.g., to determine cell-specific information such as timing and frequency offsets, bandwidth, control channel shaping, etc.). In some systems, aspects of timing information may be transmitted with scrambling codes applied to a key information block (MIB). Physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payloads, including MIB transmissions, may be jointly encoded with synchronization signal indices. Thus, bursts of MIB transmissions can be decoded without blind decoding while maintaining the error protection and low latency that may be necessary to obtain fundamental system information in the MIB.

Description

1 / 82 Wireless communication devices, related methods and memory. CROSS-REFERENCES

[001] This Patent Application claims priority to International Patent Application no. PCT / CN2017 / 072721 by Wei et al., entitled “BROADCAST CHANNEL ENCODING AND DECODING,” filed on January 26, 2017, assigned to the same assignee as the present document. FUNDAMENTALS

[002] The following refers generally to wireless communications and, more specifically, to the encoding and decoding of broadcast channels.

[003] Wireless communication systems are widely implemented to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and so on. These systems can be multiple access systems with the ability to support communication with multiple users sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a New Radio (NR) system).

[004] A wireless multiple access communication system may include multiple base stations or access network nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, of Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, page 13 / 23 2 / 82 another mode, known as user equipment (UE). Multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that allows different wireless devices to communicate at a municipal, national, regional, and even global level. An exemplary telecommunications standard is LTE. LTE is designed to improve spectral efficiency, reduce costs, enhance services, make use of new spectrum, and better integrate with other open standards. LTE can use OFDMA in downlink (DL), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) in uplink (UL), and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology.

[005] Before exchanging data in the wireless communication system, a UE may participate in a cell acquisition procedure (e.g., in order to determine relevant information about the base station or access network node such as symbol timing, control channel formatting, system bandwidth, etc.). The cell acquisition procedure may include the transmission of a synchronization signal block (SS), which may refer to a combination of synchronization signals and a main information block (MIB). Some cell acquisition procedures may use scrambling codes for MIB transmission to mitigate interference and implicitly carry timing information. A UE may blindly decode the scrambled MIB to determine the cell acquisition information. However, blind decoding may be impractical in certain scenarios (e.g., it may introduce intolerable latency, Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 8 / 120 3 / 82 consume energy, etc.). Improved techniques for encoding and decoding broadcast channels may be desired. SUMMARY

[006] The techniques described refer to methods, systems, devices, or apparatus that support broadcast channel encoding and decoding. In general, the techniques described provide joint encoding of a payload comprising a set of physical broadcast channel information bits (PBCH) with a set of information bits representing a synchronization signal block index (SS). The jointly encoded information sets can be transmitted in an output vector. A decoding device can receive the transmission and, in some cases, use smooth combination to facilitate decoding of the PBCH payload or the SS block index, or both.

[007] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include identifying a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits, determining a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block, jointly encoding the PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits, and transmitting a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded set of PBCH information bits and the first set of information bits using features of the first synchronization signal block.

[008] A device for communication is described. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 9 / 120 4 / 82 wireless. The apparatus may include means for identifying a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits, means for determining a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block, means for jointly encoding the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set, and means for transmitting a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded set of PBCH information bits and the first information bit set using resources from the first synchronization signal block.

[009] Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in memory. The instructions may be operable to induce the processor to identify a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits, determine a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block, jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits, and transmit a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits using resources from the first synchronization signal block.

[0010] A non-transient computer-readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transient computer-readable medium may include operable instructions to induce a processor to Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 10 / 120 5 / 82 identify a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits, determine a first set of information bits representing an index of a first synchronization signal block, jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits, and transmit a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits using resources from the first synchronization signal block.

[0011] A wireless communication method is described. The method may include receiving a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits, determining a parent codeblock length for the first codeword, identifying, based at least in part on the determined parent codeblock length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representative of a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and decoding the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations.

[0012] An apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include means for receiving a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits, means for determining a parent codeblock length for the first codeword, means for identifying, based at least in part on the determined parent codeblock length, a or Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 11 / 120 6 / 82 plus bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and means to decode the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations.

[0013] Another apparatus for wireless communication is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in memory. The instructions may be operable to induce the processor to receive a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits, determine a mother codeblock length for the first codeword, identify, based at least in part on the determined mother codeblock length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and decode the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations.

[0014] A non-transient computer-readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transient computer-readable medium may include operable instructions to induce a processor to receive a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits, determine a mother codeblock length for the first codeword, identify, based at least in part on Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 12 / 120 7 / 82 ​​determined mother code block length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and decode the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system for wireless communication that supports encoding and decoding of broadcast channels according to the aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a device that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to the aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a PBCH burst that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with the aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate encoding schemes that support broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with the aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a decoding scheme that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates an example of an encoding scheme that supports encoding and Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 13 / 120 8 / 82 decoding of broadcast channels in accordance with the aspects of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a decoding scheme that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a process flow that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with the aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figures 10 to 12 show block diagrams of a device or devices supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 13 illustrates a block diagram of a system, including a device (e.g., a UE), that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of a system, including a device (e.g., a base station), that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figures 15 to 18 illustrate methods for encoding and decoding broadcast channels according to the aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Physical broadcast channel payloads (PBCH), including fundamental system information transmitted in a main information block (MIB), Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 14 / 120 9 / 82 can be jointly encoded with synchronization signal indices. Bursts of these jointly encoded PBCH transmissions can be decoded without the detrimental effects of blind decoding and without significant loss of error protection or significant increases in latency. Polar coding can be employed to jointly encode information that includes PBCH payload and synchronization signal indices.

[0028] As an example, a wireless device may first complete a cell acquisition procedure in order to exchange data over a wireless communication network. This procedure may allow the wireless device to determine relevant information about the cell. A wireless device may perform multiple cell acquisition procedures in series or in parallel (for example, in order to determine the best available cell). Examples of relevant information for a given cell include timing and frequency offsets, bandwidth, control channel formats, etc.

[0029] In some cases, a wireless device may not be able to successfully receive, or transmit, data to the cell host (for example, which may be a base station, an access network node, or some other coordinating entity) without first participating in the cell acquisition procedure. The cell acquisition procedure may include the exchange of one or more synchronization signals as well as a MIB. Because the MIB contains information fundamental to communication with the cell, the cell host may broadcast the MIB. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 15 / 120 10 / 82 (for example, via a physical broadcast channel (PBCH)). Although primarily referenced in this disclosure as applying to an initial acquisition procedure, the MIB may also contain information relevant to wireless devices that have already acquired the network (for example, updates in control channel formatting).

[0030] One function of the MIB can be to transmit timing information to the cell. In some conventional systems, this timing information can be transmitted through some combination of explicit information in the MIB (e.g., the eight most significant bits of a system frame number (SFN)), and implicit information used to transmit the MIB (e.g., a scrambling code used to indicate the remaining bits of the SFN). As an example, in order to reduce overhead in these conventional systems, a MIB can be generated periodically and transmitted multiple times (e.g., using one of multiple scrambling codes). A wireless device may be able to determine relevant timing information from blindly decoding the MIB using any of the possible scrambling codes for that cell.When the number of scrambling codes is relatively low (for example, on the order of 4 scrambling codes), blind decoding can be efficient. However, as the number of potential scrambling codes increases (for example, because MIB is transmitted more frequently), blind decoding can become impractical. Correspondingly, aspects of the present disclosure may provide alternative techniques for... Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 16 / 120 11 / 82 transmit this information more efficiently.

[0031] The aspects of disclosure introduced earlier will be described below in the context of a wireless communication system. Encoders, decoders, physical resource structures, and exemplary schemes for broadcast channel encoding and decoding are then described. The aspects of disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to broadcast channel encoding and decoding.

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 includes base stations 105, UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be an LTE, LTE-Advanced, new radio (NR), or 5G network.

[0033] In NR or 5G networks, base stations 105 may include access nodes (ANs), central units (CUs), and / or distributed units (DUs). AN may be an example of a new radio base station (NR BS), a new radio node B (NR NB), a network node (NN), or similar. A CU may be an example of a central node (CN), an access node controller (ANC), or similar. Each of the DUs may be an example of an edge node (EN), an edge unit (EU), a radio head (RH), a smart radio head (SRH), a transmit / receive point (TRP), or similar.

[0034] UEs 115, base stations 105, and others Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 17 / 120 12 / 82 devices in the 100 wireless communication system may have low-latency encoders that output codeword bits for transmission before loading all input bits. A UE 115, a base station 105, or both, may include a coding component 140 (e.g., an encoder, decoder, etc.) as described in more detail below. In some cases, the 100 wireless communication system may support advanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (i.e., critical) communications, low-latency communications, and low-cost communications and low-complexity devices. The 100 wireless communication system may also support polar coding for a PBCH.

[0035] Base stations 105 can communicate wirelessly with UEs 115 through one or more base station antennas. Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage to a respective geographic coverage area 110. The communication links 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 can include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE 115 to a base station 105, or downlink (DL) transmissions from a base station 105 to a UE 115. Information and control data can be multiplexed onto an uplink channel or a downlink channel, according to various techniques. Information and control data can be multiplexed onto a downlink channel, for example, using time-division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, the control information transmitted during a Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 18 / 120 13 / 82 The transmission time interval (TTI) of a downlink channel can be distributed among different control regions in a cascading manner (e.g., between a common control region and one or more UE-specific control regions).

[0036] UEs 115 can be dispersed through the wireless communication system 100, as shown, and each UE 115 can be stationary or mobile. A UE 115 may also be called a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or any other suitable terminology.A UE 115 can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet, a laptop, a cordless phone, a personal electronic device, a portable device, a personal computer, a wireless local circuit station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, an appliance, an automobile, or similar.

[0037] In some cases, a UE 115 can also communicate directly with other UEs (for example, using a point-to-point (P2P), mesh network, or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 19 / 120 14 / 82 A group of UEs 115 using D2D communications may be within the coverage area 110 of a cell. Other UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the cell's coverage area 110 or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station 105. In some cases, groups of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communications may use a one-to-many (1:M) system where each UE 115 transmits to every other UE 115 in the group. In some cases, a base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out independently (e.g., without a base station 105).

[0038] Some UEs 115, such as devices MTC, IoT, or IoE can be low-complexity or low-cost devices that provide automated machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. M2M or MTC can refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with each other or with a base station without human intervention. For example, M2M or MTC can refer to communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay that information to a central server or application program that can use the information or present the information to humans interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or enable automated machine behavior. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, monitoring of... Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 20 / 120 15 / 82 equipment, health monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological events, fleet management and tracking, remote security detection, physical access control and transaction-based business billing.

[0039] Base stations 105 can communicate with the main network 130 and with each other. For example, base stations 105 can interface with the main network 130 via backhaul links 132 (e.g., S1, etc.). Base stations 105 can communicate with each other via backhaul links 134 (e.g., X2, etc.) directly or indirectly (e.g., via the main network 130). Base stations 105 can perform radio configuration and programming for communication with UEs 115, or they can operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown). In some instances, base stations 105 may be macro cells, small cells, access points, or similar. Base stations 105 may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs) 105.

[0040] A base station 105 can be connected via an S1 interface to the main network 130. The main network can be an evolved packet core (EPC), which can include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one server communication port (S-GW), and at least one packet data network communication port (P-GW). The MME 162 can be the control node that processes signaling between UEs 115 and the EPC. All user internet protocol (IP) packets can be transferred through the S-GW, which can be properly connected to the P-GW. The P-GW can provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The P-GW can be connected to IP services of Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 21 / 120 16 / 82 network operators. IP services from 420 operators may include the Internet, Intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and a Packet-Switched Continuous Transmission Service (PSS).

[0041] The main network 130 can provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, IP connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some of the network devices, such as the base station 105, may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity can communicate with multiple UEs 115 through several other network transmission entities, each of which can be an example of a smart radio head or a transmit / receive point (TRP). In some configurations, several functions of each access network entity or base station 105 can be distributed across multiple network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station 105).

[0042] The 100 wireless communications system can operate in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) region using frequency bands from 700 MHz to 2,600 MHz (2.6 GHz), although in some cases WLAN networks may use frequencies as high as 4 GHz. This region may also be known as the decimeter band, since the wavelengths are in the range of approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. In some cases, the 100 wireless communications system may also utilize Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 22 / 120 17 / 82 extremely high frequency (EHF) portions of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz). This region may also be known as the millimeter band, since the wavelengths are in the range of approximately one millimeter to one centimeter in length.

[0043] A base station 105 can use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE 115. Beamforming can be used in conjunction with UHF or EHF bands; additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can employ beamforming with other frequency bands. Beamforming (which may also be called spatial filtering or directional transmission) is a signal processing technique that can be used in a transmitter (e.g., a base station 105) to shape and / or steer a total antenna beam toward a target receiver (e.g., a UE 115). This can be achieved by combining elements in an antenna array such that signals transmitted at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

[0044] Multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use a transmission scheme between a transmitter (e.g., a base station) and a receiver (e.g., a UE), where both the transmitter and receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Some portions of the wireless communications system 100 may use beamforming. For example, base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that base station 105 can Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 23 / 120 18 / 82 is used for beamforming in its communication with the UE 115. Signals can be transmitted multiple times in different directions (i.e., each transmission can be beamformed differently). An mmW receiver (e.g., a UE 115) can attempt multiple beamforming (e.g., antenna subarrays) while receiving the synchronization signals.

[0045] In some cases, the antennas of a 105 base station or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support beamforming or MIMO operation. One or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be placed in an antenna array, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with a 105 base station may be located in various geographical locations. A 105 base station may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE 115.

[0046] In some cases, the 100 wireless communications system may be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. At the user plane, communications at the carrier or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may, in some cases, perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate across logical channels. A Medium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer may also Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 24 / 120 19 / 82 uses Hybrid Automatic Repeat Requests (HARQs) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to enhance link efficiency. At the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer can provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE 115 and a base station 105 or main network 130 that supports radio carriers for user plane data. At the Physical (PHY) layer, transport channels can be mapped to physical channels.

[0047] The 100 wireless communications system can support multi-cell or carrier operation, a feature that can be called carrier aggregation (CA) or multi-carrier operation. A carrier can also be called a component carrier (CC), a layer, a channel, etc. The terms carrier, “component carrier”, cell, and channel can be used interchangeably in this document. A UE 115 can be configured with multiple downlink CCs and one or more uplink CCs for carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation can be used with both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0048] In some cases, the 100 wireless communications system may utilize advanced component carriers (eCCs). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including: wider bandwidth, shorter symbol duration, shorter TTIs, and modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a connectivity configuration. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 25 / 120 20 / 82 dual (e.g., when multiple server cells have a suboptimal return transport channel link). An eCC can also be configured for use in unlicensed or shared spectrum (e.g., when more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). A broadband characterized eCC may include one or more segments that can be used by UEs 115 that do not have the capacity to monitor the entire bandwidth or prefer to use a limited bandwidth (e.g., to conserve energy).

[0049] In some cases, the 100 wireless communications system may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, the 100 wireless communications system may employ radio access technology or Licensed LTE Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or Unlicensed LTE (LTE U) NR technology in an unlicensed band, such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as 105 base stations and 115 UEs may employ a “listen-before-talk” (LBT) procedure to ensure the channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may rely on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band.Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, or both. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on FDD, TDD, or a combination of both. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 26 / 120 21 / 82 both.

[0050] A UE 115 attempting to access a wireless network can perform an initial cell search by detecting a primary synchronization signal (PSS) from a 105 base station. The PSS can enable partition timing (or symbol) synchronization and can indicate a PHY layer identity value (e.g., it can indicate a cell identity within a group). The UE 115 can then receive a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The SSS can enable radio frame synchronization (e.g., frame timing) and provide a cell identity value, which can be combined with the cell identity within the group to identify the cell. The SSS can also enable detection of a duplexing mode and a cyclic prefix length. Some systems, such as TDD systems, can transmit an SSS but not a PSS.

[0051] After receiving the PSS and / or SSS, UE 115 may receive a Main Information Block (MIB), which may be transmitted on a PBCH. The MIB may contain system bandwidth information, an SFN (e.g., the 8 most significant bits of the 10-bit SFN), a Physical HARQ Indicator Channel Configuration (PHICH), a series of transmit antennas on base station 105, or any other pertinent acquisition information. The acquisition information contained in the MIB may alternatively be referred to herein as the PBCH payload.

[0052] In some cases, PBCH can be designed to support low-latency decoding capability and reliable reception to edge users. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 27 / 120 22 / 82 cell. As an example, each MIB in an LTE system is generated with a 40-ms periodicity (e.g., the PHY layer receives a new MIB to encode every 40-ms). Each newly generated MIB includes an updated SFN. Other components of the PBCH payload can be additionally updated (e.g., PHY configuration, downlink bandwidth, etc.). The MIB can be encoded at a very low rate and repeated four times (e.g., once every 10-ms frame) during the 40-ms period (e.g., using a 1 / 48 code rate for a 40-ms TTI). This design can provide strong error protection. Each of the four repeated transmissions can be self-decoded (for example, so that when the signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) is relatively high, the UE 115 can decode the MIB correctly without necessarily receiving all four repeated transmissions).Additionally, transmissions can be smoothly combined (for example, so that when the SINR is relatively low, UE 115 can smoothly combine each transmission with those already received until successful MIB decoding is achieved). That is, due to the fact that each MIB can be transmitted four times (once per 10-ms frame) before another MIB is generated, the four transmissions of the same MIB can contain the same information (e.g., the same PBCH payload) and can therefore be smoothly combined.

[0053] TTI timing of 40-ms for each MIB in PBCH may not be explicitly indicated to UE 115 (for example, it may instead be implicitly indicated). Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 28 / 120 23 / 82 determined from a scrambling sequence, which is reset every 40 ms). Correspondingly, UE 115 can blindly decode the PBCH (i.e., UE 115 can blindly process the PBCH using all possible ways in which base station 105 may have handled the information) in order to determine the desired timing information. That is, UE 115 can initially determine the timing within the 40 ms TTI by performing four separate decodings of the PBCH using each of the four possible scrambling sequences and checking the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for each decoding.

[0054] In some cases, the four possible scrambling sequences may be based on a cell identity, which can be successively determined from the reception of the PSS and SSS. Because the four scrambling sequences can occur in a known repetition order, they can be used to implicitly transmit timing information within the 40-ms TTI (e.g., a first scrambling sequence can be associated with a first 10-ms frame of the 40-ms TTI, a second scrambling sequence can be associated with a second 10-ms frame of the 40-ms TTI, etc.). Correspondingly, the 40-ms periodicity of the PBCH can enable UE 115 to collect the two remaining bits of the SFN (e.g., the two least significant bits).

[0055] As described earlier, smooth combination of PBCH payload with respect to multiple radio frames can also be applied to improve decoding performance. As an example, UE 115 Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 29 / 120 24 / 82 may initially attempt to decode the PBCH payload from a single radio frame (e.g., from a first synchronization signal (SS) block). If decoding fails for all four possible scrambling codes, the PBCH payload from the first SS block may be smoothly combined with the PBCH payload received in the next SS block, etc. In some cases, an SS block as described herein may refer to a combination of synchronization signals (e.g., PSS and SSS) and the MIB within a given time interval.

[0056] However, in some cases, blind PBCH decoding may not be feasible. As an example, base station 105 in an NR system may transmit NR-PBCH signals in bursts comprising more than four SS blocks (e.g., a given MIB may be transmitted more than four times so that more than four scrambling codes are needed to distinguish the transmissions). Correspondingly, a UE 115 detecting NR-PBCH in any of the multiple SS blocks may employ alternative techniques to determine the SS block index and subframe timing limit. That is, while the number of SS blocks in a single PBCH burst in an LTE system may be restricted to 4, the number of SS blocks in an NR-PBCH burst may be greater than 4 (e.g., 8, 12, 16, etc.).

[0057] Although the four possible scrambling codes in the LTE system can implicitly transmit system timing information, the use of scrambling codes in an NR system Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 30 / 120 25 / 82 to transmit similar timing information can be costly (e.g., in terms of complexity and / or latency) because of the increased number of possibilities in the SS block index for NR-PBCH decoding. That is, while a UE 115 might be able to blindly decode a PBCH using any of the four possible scrambling sequences in an LTE system, the complexity, latency, power consumption, etc., of this blind decoding can increase substantially for the use of, for example, 16 scrambling codes in an NR system. Therefore, timing information implicitly transmitted using scrambling codes in an LTE system can be transmitted more efficiently explicitly in an NR system.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, in an NR system, base station 105 can apply beam scanning through a burst of PBCHs, so that a UE 115 may not be able to receive successive SS blocks. Therefore, a design that allows the UE 115 to combine a payload of PBCHs from multiple non-continuous SS blocks can enable better decoding performance. The techniques supporting this design will be described in this document.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a device 200 for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 200 can be any device in a wireless communication system 100 that performs an encoding or decoding operation. The device 200 can be, for example, a UE 115 or base station 105 as Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 31 / 120 26 / 82 described in Figure 1. Furthermore, the encoder / decoder 210 can be an example of the encoding component 140 as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0060] As shown, device 200 may include a memory 205, an encoder / decoder 210, and a transmitter / receiver 215. Bus 220 may connect memory 205 to the encoder / decoder 210, and bus 225 may connect the encoder / decoder 210 to the transmitter / receiver 215. In some cases, device 200 may have data stored in memory 205 to be transmitted to another device, such as UE 115 or base station 105. To initiate the transmission process, device 200 may retrieve (e.g., from memory 205) the data for transmission. The data may include a series of information bits provided from memory 205 to the encoder / decoder 210 via bus 220. The number of information bits may be represented as a 'K' value as shown.The 210 encoder / decoder can encode a number of information bits and output a codeword having a length N that can be different from or equal to K. The bits that are not allocated as information bits (i.e., NK bits) can be parity bits or freeze bits. Parity bits can be used in parity-checking (PC) polar coding techniques, and freeze bits can be bits of a given value (0, 1, etc.) known to both the encoder and the decoder (i.e., the encoder encodes information bits in a transmitter and the decoder decodes the received codeword in a receiver). Furthermore, from the perspective of the receiving device... Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 32 / 120 27 / 82 the device 200 can receive encoded data (e.g., a code word) through the transmitter / receiver 215, and decode the encoded data using encoder / decoder 210 to obtain the transmitted data.

[0061] In some examples, the method for encoding data transmissions by the 210 encoder / decoder may involve generating a polar code of length N and dimension 'K' (corresponding to the number of information bits). A polar code is an example of a linear block error correction code and is the first encoding technique likely to achieve channel capacity and can be used to increase the probability of a successful transmission. During encoding, an encoder may include multiple channel instances (e.g., encoding branches) that are loaded with a bit to be encoded. The bits to be encoded may include information bits and non-information bits. Reliability metrics can be calculated based on bit locations of the 210 encoder / decoder. For example, the probability that a given bit location will be successfully decoded can be calculated.This probability can be referred to as reliability and can be associated with the bit location. In some cases, bit locations can be classified based on determined reliability metrics (e.g., in order to decrease or increase reliability), and all or a portion of the bit locations are assigned to a given bit type (e.g., parity bit, information bit, freeze bit, etc.) for a given dimension. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 33 / 120 28 / 82 K, the most reliable bit locations plus K are assigned as information bits, and the remaining bits can be frozen bits or parity bits.

[0062] The 210 encoder / decoder can use a number of encoding techniques to encode the data for transmission such as linear block encoding, polar encoding, PC polar encoding, Reed-Muller (RM) encoding, RM polar encoding, and similar techniques, which can introduce redundancy in the encoded output. This redundancy can increase the overall probability that the number of information bits will be successfully decoded upon reception.

[0063] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a PBCH 300 burst for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The PBCH 300 burst includes multiple SS 305 blocks, each comprising PBCH 310 blocks and PSS / SSS 315 blocks. The PBCH 300 burst may span 40 ms, or some other suitable duration (e.g., 80 ms), and may contain more than 4 (e.g., 6, 8, 12) SS blocks. 305. Although shown as having two PSS / SSS 315 blocks between two PBCH 310 blocks, any suitable configuration may be employed according to the present disclosure (for example, there may be only one 310 block, the PBCH 310 blocks may alternatively be located between the PSS / SSS 315 blocks, some combination thereof, etc.). Correspondingly, Figure 3 is included for illustrative purposes only and without limiting the scope.

[0064] In aspects of the present disclosure, the PBCH payload and SS block index may be Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 34 / 120 29 / 82 jointly encoded. In this example, the same PBCH payload (e.g., which may contain CRC bits) can be repeated in multiple SS blocks (e.g., all) 305 within the PBCH burst 300. Different SS block indices (e.g., which may optionally include parity check bits) can be transmitted in separate SS blocks 305 (e.g., SS block 305-a and SS block 305-b may have different SS block indices). Optional parity checking for the SS block index can facilitate error detection of the decoded SS block index. Due to the fact that the PBCH payload can be the same across different SS blocks 305, a receiving decoder (not shown) may be able to smoothly combine the PBCH payload from multiple SS blocks 305 within the PBCH burst 300.However, because each SS 305 block can be associated with a separate SS block index, a straightforward smooth combination of received logarithmic likelihood ratios (LLRs) may not be applicable to the entire SS 305 block. Because the SS block index can transmit important fine timing information (e.g., timing information within the PBCH 300 burst duration), additional measures can be taken to increase the probability of successful SS block index transmission. In an example described with reference to Figure 4, the PBCH payload (with the CRC bits) and the SS block index can be assigned to different bit channel locations (e.g., using a polar encoder) so that the SS block index can be transmitted over the most reliable bit channels. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 35 / 120 30 / 82

[0065] As discussed earlier, the PBCH 300 burst can be employed in a communication system that employs beam scanning such that a decoding device may not receive all SS 305 blocks in the PBCH 300 burst. Additionally or alternatively, the attenuation of high-frequency signals may inhibit the decoding device from receiving a transmission (e.g., even if the transmission is directed to the decoding device). As an example, a decoder might receive an SS 305-ae 305-b block without receiving any of the SS 305 blocks in between. Correspondingly, the decoder may need to be able to decode the relevant information from the SS 305 block without relying on receiving every SS 305 block in the PBCH 300 burst.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a 400 encoding scheme for broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 400 encoding scheme can be implemented by a 405 encoder, which can be an example of the 210 encoder / decoder described with reference to Figure 2. Aspects of the 400 encoding scheme are described with reference to a polar encoding scheme for simplicity. However, other encoding schemes where different bit locations are associated with different degrees of reliability may additionally or alternatively be used without diverging from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] As illustrated, the 405 encoder can receive a first set of information bits. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 36 / 120 31 / 82 representing a block index of SS 410 and a second set of information bits comprising a payload of PBCH 415. The two sets of information bits can be separately processed for at least a portion of their respective paths through the 405 encoder. Referring first to the SS 410 block index, the bits can optionally be appended with one or more parity bits. In some cases, a single parity bit can be used to indicate whether the binary representation of the SS 410 block index has an even or odd number of '1' bits. An optional parity check for the SS block index in the decoder can be used to improve error detection. In the following description, the SS 410 block index may refer to the information bits or it may refer to both the information bits and the parity bits, depending on whether the optional process of including parity bits is performed.Subsequently, and regardless of whether parity bits have been added, the SS 410 block index can be assigned to a bit location set I1. As an example, in the case where the SS 410 block index is represented by J bits (e.g., J information bits, J1 information bits, and 1 parity bit, etc.), I1 can be the binary indices in descending order [NJ, N-(J-1), ..., N-2, N-1] where N is the length of a parent codeword (e.g., which can be a power of two). In this example, I1 therefore contains the most reliable J bit channels. I1 and the SS 410 block index can then serve as inputs to a multiplexer.

[0068] The bits of information that comprise the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 37 / 120 32 / 82 PBCH 415 payloads can be initially CRC encoded. Subsequently, the PBCH 415 payload (e.g., which at this point may refer to the information bits and the CRC bits) can be assigned to a bit location set I2. I1 and I2 can be different. I2 can be determined from the K most reliable bit channels after removing the bit location set I1 and any punched bits P. That is, due to the relatively low encoding rate, block punching can be employed to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted. As an example, if the length of the codeword (e.g., vector) to be transmitted is M bits, P can include the NM least reliable bit locations in binary indices in ascending order [0, 1, ..., P-2, P-1]. In some cases, one or more sets of bits (e.g., parity check frozen bits (PF) or frozen bits (F)) may also be identified. Frozen bits may be bits with a value known to both the encoder and the decoder, and parity check frozen bits may additionally facilitate error detection in the decoder. I2, F, and PF together with the PBCH 415 payload can then be loaded into the multiplexer.

[0069] The output bit sequence from the multiplexer can be fed into a polar encoder (e.g., an Arikan encoder), which can encode the bit sequence based on I1, I2, F, and PF. After encoding, the bit sequence can be punched according to P (e.g., to generate the desired length M 420 codeword for transmission). In some cases, the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 38 / 120 33 / 82 perforation can occur in the polar encoder. The perforated codeword 420 can be subsequently scrambled by a cell-specific scrambling sequence initialized at the start of each PBCH burst. Thus, scrambling can still be used, for example, to mitigate inter-cell interference. In this example, since the same scrambling sequence can be used for all SS blocks in a PBCH burst, this may not significantly increase decoding complexity, but it can help randomize inter-cell interference and improve decoding capability. Alternative techniques for mitigating inter-cell interference may be used in addition to or instead of scrambling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a 500 encoding scheme for broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 500 encoding scheme can be implemented by an encoder, which can be an example of the 210 encoder / decoder described with reference to Figure 2. The 500 encoding scheme can support decoding based on a single SS block (e.g., decoding without smoothly combining multiple SS blocks). Correspondingly, the 500 encoding scheme can be employed in a system in which each received SS block is self-decoding (e.g., as described earlier with reference to Figure 1).

[0071] The 500 encoding scheme may include Bk 505 (for example, the K-length information bit vector representing the PBCH payload with the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 39 / 120 34 / 82 bits of attached CRC). Additionally, the 500 encoding scheme may include cm0j 510 and cm1j 515 (e.g., the J-length information bit vectors representing the SS block index for the corresponding SS blocks). Each of these components can be loaded into an encoder (e.g., a 520-a, 520b polar encoder) in order to generate the 525 and 530 codewords for the first and second SS blocks, respectively. As illustrated, each of the 525 and 530 codewords is an N-bit length codeword. However, as discussed earlier, punching can be performed on the N-bit codeword to generate an M-bit codeword (M < N). Codewords 525 and 530 can represent continuous codewords (for example, codewords that are transmitted sequentially in time) or they can represent non-contiguous codewords (for example, in the case of beam scanning by the transmitter).Although the 500 encoding scheme illustrates two codewords being used to transmit the same PBCH payload (e.g., which may alternatively be referred to as Bk 505), more than two codewords (e.g., three, four, etc. codewords) may be transmitted according to the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a 600 decoding scheme for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 600 decoding scheme can be implemented by a decoder, which can be an example of a 210 encoder / decoder as described with reference to Figure 2. The 600 decoding scheme Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 40 / 120 35 / 82 can support decoding based on a single SS block (e.g., decoding without smoothly combining multiple SS blocks). Correspondingly, the 600 decoding scheme can be employed in a system where each received SS block is self-decoding (e.g., as described earlier with reference to Figures 1 and 5). As an example, a 600 decoding scheme can be used to decode the transmitted codeword 525 and / or codeword 530 from Figure 5.

[0073] In the decoder, one or more LLRs can be computed for the M-bit codeword (e.g., to estimate various channel conditions). 605-a LLRs can serve as an input to the CRC-assisted successive cancellation list (CA-SCL) decoder 620. In some cases, the 620 decoder can set the LLRs of any punched bits to zero. The CA-SCL 620 decoder can attempt to decode the K bits of the PBCH payload (e.g., including the CRC bits). If the CRC passes, the decoded 625 PBCH payload can be used as freeze bits to decode the J-bit SS block index using the 615 decoder. The 615 decoder can receive 605-b LLRs as input (e.g., which may be equal to the 605-a LLRs). The 615 decoder can be a successive cancellation list (SCL) decoder, a maximum likelihood (ML) decoder, or some other suitable decoder.The decoded PBCH payload 625 and the decoded SS block index 630 can then be used to determine the relevant cell acquisition information. Although described separately, the CA-SCL decoder 620 and the decoder 615 can... Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 41 / 120 36 / 82 share components.

[0074] Figure 7 illustrates another example of a 700 encoding scheme for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 700 encoding scheme can be implemented by an encoder, which can be an example of the 210 encoder / decoder described with reference to Figure 2. The 700 encoding scheme can support decoding based on combining multiple SS blocks (e.g., using soft combination). Although the 700 encoding scheme illustrates two codewords being used to transmit the same PBCH payload (e.g., Bk 705), more than two codewords (e.g., three, four, etc. codewords) can be transmitted according to the present disclosure. Due to the fact that each SS block (i.e., each respective codeword 730 and 735) contains the same PBCH payload (i.e., Bk 705) with different block indices, multiple received SS blocks can be combined in the decoder to improve system performance.

[0075] The 700 encoding scheme is similar to the 500 encoding scheme in Figure 5 except that the 700 encoding scheme includes an additional encoding in order to convert cm0j 710 and cm1j 715 (for example, the bit vectors of length J representing the SS block indices to the corresponding SS blocks) to um0j 710 and um1j 720 using an exclusive OR (XOR) operation. In the example described in Figure 7, cm0j 710 and um0j 710 can be the same vectors. However, while cm1j 715 represents the absolute SS block index, um1j 720 Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 42 / 120 37 / 82 represents the differential block index (e.g., the amount by which the SS block index for codeword 735 differs from the SS block index for codeword 730 or some other suitable reference). Other examples are also contemplated. In the present example, Bk 705 and umüj 710 are loaded into the polar encoder 725-a to generate the first codeword 730. Only the differential index umij 720 is loaded into the polar encoder 725-b (e.g., which may be the same as or different from the polar encoder 725-a). The output 740 of the polar encoder 725-b can undergo XOR with the first codeword 730 to generate the second codeword 735.Alternatively, Bk 705 and the differential indices um0j 710 and umij 720 can be encoded to generate a longer codeword (e.g., length 2N), and portions of the longer codeword (e.g., the bottom and top of the codeword) can represent the codeword for each corresponding SS block.

[0076] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an 800 decoding scheme for broadcast channel encoding and decoding, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 800 decoding scheme can be implemented by a decoder, which can be an example of a 210 encoder / decoder as described with reference to Figure 2. The 800 decoding scheme can support decoding based on combining multiple SS blocks (e.g., using soft combination). That is, due to the fact that each SS block can contain the same PBCH payload with different block indices, multiple received SS blocks (e.g., which may be words) Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 43 / 120 38 / 82 short codes of length X) can be combined and decoded as a longer codeword (e.g., a codeword of length 2X, 4X, etc.). In some examples, a parent codeword of length 2m+x can be obtained by recursively combining several shorter codewords of length 2m. Decoding the parent codeword may not yield the absolute SS block index, but it may provide information related to the differential index that can be transformed into the absolute SS block index as described below.

[0077] In the example described in Figure 8, codewords 805, 810, 815, and 820 are transmissions associated with their respective SS blocks in a given PBCH burst (e.g., PBCH burst 300 as described with reference to Figure 3). Although four codewords are illustrated, any suitable number of codewords can be employed using the techniques described herein. Additionally, codewords can be contiguous (e.g., they can be transmitted sequentially) or non-contiguous. The 800 decoding scheme can incorporate aspects of the 600 decoding scheme described with reference to Figure 6. As an example, the 800 decoding scheme can include a CA-SCL decoder to decode the PBCH payload (e.g., Bk 825).In the present example, the performance of the CA-SCL decoder can be increased by combining the PBCH payload from multiple 805, 810, 815 and / or 820 codewords (e.g., decoding as progressively longer codewords until the CRC is passed). That is, a smooth combination gain can be achieved. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 44 / 120 39 / 82 can be achieved to decode the PBCH information bit payload by combining multiple received SS blocks (e.g., codewords 805, 810, 815, and / or 820). After combining, the longest codeword may contain a significant number of frozen bits, which can be used to simplify decoding so that the increase in complexity on the decoder side is not substantial.

[0078] Once the CRC is passed, the PBCH payload (e.g., Bk 825) can serve as freeze bits while the decoder attempts to determine the SS block index information. As discussed earlier with reference to Figure 7, in some cases (e.g., for a longer codeword) the SS block index is encoded as a differential index (e.g., instead of an absolute index). Correspondingly, the decoder can decode differential block indices 830, 835, 840, and 845 from codewords 805, 810, 815 and 820, respectively (for example, or some combination of these code words). These differential block indices can be subsequently converted into absolute block indices 830, 850, 855, and 860, respectively (for example, using a Hadamard transform or some other suitable technique). In the present example, the differential block index 830 and the absolute block index 830 can be represented by the same vector. An exemplary scheme for determining a respective absolute block index (for example, cm2j) from one or more differential block indices (for example, um0j and um2j) is illustrated in the exemplary equations below (for example, where O represents an XOR operation to Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 45 / 120 40 / 82 to be performed in the respective bit sequences): CmOj ~ UrrAj Cjíi.IJ LtatO j O Umlj Cnt2 J “ Uiíii'j Θ Um2.j Ciji.Ij:—UirsO.f O Um j O IliiiPJ O Ifenij tilC.

[0079] Because the combined SS blocks in these examples cannot be contiguous, the decoder can adaptively determine the SS blocks to combine (e.g., based on the quality of the received LLRs as described above). Furthermore, in the case where the decoder is able to determine the difference between any SS block indices (e.g., based on the reception time of the SS blocks), the difference can be used as an additional parity check to verify the decoded SS block index (e.g., either the differential index or the absolute index). As an example, if the difference between the codeword indices 805 and 810 is two (i.e., there was a transmitted SS block between them that the decoder did not detect, ignored because of low LLR, etc.).The last two bits of the 835 differential block index can be known as '10'. If the decoded differential block index differs (i.e., is not '10'), an error can be detected. If the difference between the 805 and 810 codeword indices is four, the last three bits of the 835 differential block index are '100,' etc.

[0080] Alternatively, some portion of the differential block index bits may be used. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 46 / 120 41 / 82 as frozen bits (for example, since they can be derived based on knowledge of the relative SS block difference). As an example, the last bit of the differential block index can be derived based on whether the difference between the two associated SS block indices is even (or odd). In some cases, a decoder can switch (e.g., dynamically, semi-statically, etc.) between single-block and multi-block decoding schemes.

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a 900 process flow for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel. The 900 process flow may include a 905 decoder and a 910 encoder, each of which may be an example of the 210 encoder / decoder described with reference to Figure 2. In some cases, the 905 decoder may be located in, or otherwise associated with, a UE 115 as described with reference to Figure 1. Similarly, the 910 encoder may be located in, or otherwise associated with, a 105 base station as described with reference to Figure 1. In some examples, a UE 115 may include an encoder and a decoder to facilitate D2D communication, for example.

[0082] In 915, the 910 encoder can identify a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits (e.g., a PBCH payload). As described earlier with reference to Figure 1, the PBCH payload can contain a variety of information relevant to the cell acquisition procedure. As an example, the PBCH information bit set might comprise a 10-bit SFN.

[0083] In 920, the 910 encoder can Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 47 / 120 42 / 82 determine a first set of information bits representing an index of a first SS block. As an example, the first set of information bits might comprise 4 bits representing the SS block.

[0084] In 925, the 910 encoder can jointly encode the PBCH payload and the first set of information bits representing the first SS block. In some exemplary embodiments, the jointly encoded PBCH payload and SS block index can be scrambled based at least in part on a cell-specific scrambling sequence. In some cases, joint encoding comprises allocating bits of the PBCH payload and bits of the SS block index to respective bit locations of a 910 encoder based at least in part on a reliability metric associated with the bit locations of the 910 encoder (e.g., each bit location of the 910 encoder may have an associated reliability metric).In some embodiments, allocating the bits may comprise identifying a first set of trusted bit locations of the 910 encoder based at least in part on reliability metrics and allocating the first set of information bits (i.e., the SS block index) to the respective bit locations of the first set of trusted bit locations. In some cases, allocating the bits may additionally or alternatively comprise a second set of trusted bit locations (e.g., which are separate from the first set of trusted bit locations) of the 910 encoder based at least in part on reliability metrics and allocating the PBCH payload to the respective bit locations of the second set. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 48 / 120 43 / 82 reliable bit locations. In some respects, the second set of reliable bit locations may have lower reliability than the first set of reliable bit locations.

[0085] In some embodiments, joint encoding may comprise identifying a set of punch locations in the 910 encoder and allocating the PBCH payload and SS block index to bit locations in the 910 encoder that are different from the bit locations in the punch location set. In some cases, the punch location set comprises a contiguous bit location set. In some exemplary embodiments, the PBCH information bit set (e.g., the PBCH payload) comprises a CRC bit set. In some cases, the first information bit set (e.g., the SS block index) further comprises a parity check bit set. In some cases, the PBCH payload and the SS block index are joint encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation or a PC polar encoding operation.

[0086] In 930, the 910 encoder can transmit the jointly encoded information as a first output vector (e.g., a first codeword). In some cases, the first codeword may comprise the scrambled jointly encoded information.

[0087] In 935, the 905 decoder can determine a parent code block length for the first codeword.

[0088] In 940, the 905 decoder can identify, based at least in part on the length of Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 49 / 120 44 / 82 determined parent code block, one or more bit locations corresponding to the PBCH payload, and an SS block index. In some cases, identifying the one or more bit locations may be based at least in part on a reliability metric associated with the first codeword.

[0089] In 945, the 905 decoder can decode the first codeword based on the identified bit locations. In some instances, decoding may involve decoding the PBCH payload based on one or more identified bit locations and decoding the SS block index based at least in part on the decoded PBCH payload. In some cases, decoding the SS block index may involve designating the decoded PBCH payload as frozen bits. In some cases, the PBCH payload comprises CRC bits and decoding the PBCH payload involves performing a CRC.

[0090] In some cases, as described above, multiple codewords may be combined (e.g., softly combined) in order to improve the performance of the 905 decoder. Correspondingly, in 950, 955, 960, and 965, the 910 encoder may repeat 915, 920, 925, and 930, respectively. In aspects of the present disclosure, the two sets of encoding processes may differ only in the SS block index determined in 920 and 955 so that the PBCH payloads of the first and second codewords are identical (e.g., the 910 encoder may perform only 915 without necessarily performing 950).

[0091] In 955, the 910 encoder can identify a second set of information bits. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 50 / 120 45 / 82 represents an index of a second SS block (for example, a second SS block index). In some cases, the second SS block index is different from the first SS block index.

[0092] In 960, the 910 encoder can jointly encode the PBCH payload and the second SS block index. In some cases, the jointly encoded information can be scrambled using the same cell-specific scrambling sequence as the first codeword.

[0093] In 965, the 910 encoder can transmit a second output vector (e.g., a second codeword) comprising the jointly encoded information. In some cases, the first output vector in 930 and the second output vector in 965 can be transmitted using first and second beamforming parameters, respectively (e.g., so that the first and second beamforming parameters are different).

[0094] In 970, the 905 decoder can combine the first and second codewords to construct a long codeword (for example, it can smoothly combine the two codewords as described earlier). In some examples, combining the first and second codewords involves concatenating the first codeword as a first part of the long codeword and the second codeword as a second part of the long codeword. In 975, the decoder can decode the PBCH payload, first SS bit index, and second SS bit index based on the codeword. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 51 / 120 46 / 82 combined. In some cases, decoding the combined codeword may involve determining a second parent codeblock length (e.g., for the first and second combined codewords) and decoding the combined codewords based at least in part on the second determined parent codeblock length and the identified bit locations. In some cases, the 905 decoder may apply a Hadamard transform to the first and second decoded sets of information bits to decode the first SS index block or the second SS index block.

[0095] Although only two codewords are illustrated, it should be understood in light of the present disclosure that any suitable number of codewords can be combined in order to improve the performance of the 905 decoder without significantly increasing complexity.

[0096] Figure 10 shows a block diagram 1000 of a wireless device 1005 that supports PCRS configuration reporting and signaling according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 1005 may be an example of aspects of a UE 115 or a base station 105, as described with reference to Figure 1. The wireless device 1005 may include the receiver 1010, encoding manager 1015, and transmitter 1020. The wireless device 1005 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., through one or more buses).

[0097] Receiver 1010 can receive information such as packets, user data, or control information. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 52 / 120 47 / 82 associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to broadcast channel encoding and decoding, etc.). The information can be passed to other components of the device. The 1010 receiver can be an example of aspects of the 1335 transceiver described with reference to Figure 13.

[0098] The 1015 encoding manager can identify a payload that includes a set of PBCH information bits, determine a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block, and jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits.

[0099] Additionally or alternatively, the coding manager 1015 can, in combination with the receiver 1010, receive a first codeword that includes a first set of jointly encoded bits, determine a mother codeblock length for the first codeword, identify, based on the determined mother codeblock length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representative of a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and decode the first codeword based on one or more identified bit locations. The beamforming manager 1015 can be an example of aspects of the beamforming manager 1315 described with reference to Figure 13.

[00100] The 1015 encoding manager and / or Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 53 / 120 48 / 82 at least some of its various subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of the 1015 encoding manager and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be performed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in this disclosure.The 1015 encoding manager and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be physically located in multiple places, including being distributed so that portions of functions are implemented in different physical locations by one or more physical devices.

[00101] In some instances, the 1015 encoding manager and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be a separate and distinct component according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In other instances, the 1015 encoding manager and / or at least some of its various subcomponents may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including, without limitation, an I / O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 54 / 120 49 / 82

[00102] The 1020 transmitter can transmit signals generated by other components of the device. The 1020 transmitter can transmit a first output vector that includes the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using features of the first synchronization signal block. In some examples, the 1020 transmitter can be placed with a 1010 receiver in a transceiver module. For example, the 1020 transmitter can be an example of aspects of the 1335 transceiver described with reference to Figure 13. The 1020 transmitter may include a single antenna, or it may include an array of antennas.

[00103] Figure 11 shows a block diagram 1100 of a wireless device 1105 supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device 1105 may be an example of aspects of a wireless device 1005 or a UE 115 or a base station 105 as described with reference to Figures 1 and 10. The wireless device 1105 may include the receiver 1110, encoding manager 1115 and the transmitter 1120. The wireless device 1105 may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other (e.g., through one or more buses).

[00104] Receiver 1110 can receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to broadcast channel encoding and decoding, etc.). The information can be passed to Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 55 / 120 50 / 82 other device components. Receiver 1110 may be an example of aspects of transceiver 1335 described with reference to Figure 13.

[00105] The 1115 encoding manager may also include a payload component 1125, index component 1130, encoder 1135, output transmitter 1140, codeword receiver 1145, length component 1150, location component 1155, or decoder 1160, or any combination thereof. Whether a device includes some or all of the components described in Figure 11 may depend on whether the 1115 encoding manager is an aspect of a UE or a base station. The 1115 encoding manager may be an example of aspects of the 1315 encoding manager described with reference to Figure 13.

[00106] Payload component 1125 can identify a payload that includes a set of PBCH information bits. In some cases, the PBCH information bit set includes a set of CRC bits.

[00107] The component with index 1130 can determine a first set of information bits representing an index of a first synchronization signal block, and identify a second set of information bits representing an index of a second synchronization signal block. In some cases, the index of the second synchronization signal block is different from the index of the first synchronization signal block. In some cases, the first set of information bits also includes a set of parity check bits.

[00108] The 1135 encoder can jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 56 / 120 51 / 82 first set of information bits, allocate the first set of information bits to the respective bit locations of the first set of reliable bit locations, jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the second set of information bits, allocate the PBCH information bit set and the first set of information bits to bit locations of the encoder 1135 different from the bit locations of the punch location set, and allocate the PBCH information bit set to the respective bit locations of the second set of reliable bit locations, where the second set of reliable bit locations and the first set of reliable bit locations are different.

[00109] In some cases, the first codeword is encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation or a parity-check polar encoding operation. In some cases, joint encoding includes allocating bits from the PBCH information bit set and bits from the first information bit set to respective bit locations of an 1135 encoder based on a reliability metric associated with 1135 encoder bit locations. In some cases, allocation includes identifying a first set of reliable 1135 encoder bit locations based on the reliability metric. In some cases, allocation includes identifying a second set of reliable 1135 encoder bit locations based on the reliability metric. In some examples, the second set of reliable bit locations has lower reliability than the first set of reliable bit locations. In some examples, Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 57 / 120 52 / 82 joint encoding involves identifying a set of punch locations in an 1135 encoder. In some examples, the set of punch locations includes a set of continuous bit locations. The PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set can be jointly encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation or a parity-check polar encoding operation.

[00110] The 1140 output transmitter can transmit a first output vector that includes the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using features of the first synchronization signal block, and can transmit a second output vector that includes the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set using features of the second synchronization signal block. In some cases, the first output vector is transmitted with first beamforming parameters and the second output vector is transmitted with second beamforming parameters different from the first beamforming parameters.

[00111] The codeword receiver 1145 can receive a first codeword that includes a first set of jointly encoded bits, and receive a second codeword that includes a second set of jointly encoded bits corresponding to the PBCH information bit set and a second information bit set representing a second index of a second synchronization signal block.

[00112] The 1150 length component can Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 58 / 120 53 / 82 determine a parent code block length for the first codeword.

[00113] The 1155 location component can identify, based on the determined mother code block length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and identify the one or more bit locations based on a reliability metric associated with the first codeword.

[00114] The 1160 decoder can decode the first codeword based on one or more identified bit locations, decode the first information bit set based on the decoded PBCH information bit set, decode the PBCH information bit set, the first information bit set, and the second information bit set based on the first and second codewords combined, and decode the first and second codewords combined based on the second determined parent codeblock length and one or more identified bit locations. In some cases, decoding the first codeword includes decoding the PBCH information bit set based on one or more identified bit locations.In some cases, decoding the first set of information bits includes designating the decoded PBCH information bit set as frozen bits for decoding the first set of information bits.

[00115] Decoding the bit set of Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 59 / 120 54 / 82 PBCH information, from the first set of information bits, and the second set of information bits may include determining a second mother code block length for the first and second codewords combined. In some examples, the PBCH information bit set includes a set of CRC bits, and the decoding of the PBCH information bit set is based on a CRC. The first set of information bits may include a set of parity check bits.

[00116] Transmitter 1120 can transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, transmitter 1120 can be placed with a receiver 1110 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 1120 can be an example of aspects of transceiver 1335 described with reference to Figure 13. Transmitter 1120 may include a single antenna, or it may include an array of antennas.

[00117] Figure 12 shows a block diagram 1200 of a coding manager 1215 supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The beamforming manager 1215 may be an example of aspects of a beamforming manager 1015, a beamforming manager 1115, or a beamforming manager 1315 described with reference to Figures 10, 11, and 13. The coding manager 1215 may include the payload component 1220, the index component 1225, the encoder 1230, the output transmitter 1235, the codeword receiver 1240, the length component 1245, the location component 1250, the decoder 1255, the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, pages 60 / 120 55 / 82 scrambling component 1260, combination component 1265, or transform component 1270, or any combination thereof. Each of these modules can communicate, directly or indirectly, with each other (for example, through one or more buses).

[00118] Payload component 1220 can identify a payload that includes a set of PBCH information bits. In some cases, the PBCH information bit set includes a set of CRC bits.

[00119] The component with index 1225 can determine a first set of information bits representing an index of a first synchronization signal block, and identify a second set of information bits representing an index of a second synchronization signal block. In some cases, the index of the second synchronization signal block is different from the index of the first synchronization signal block. In some cases, the first set of information bits also includes a set of parity check bits.

[00120] The 1230 encoder can jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set, allocate the first information bit set to the respective bit locations of the first set of trusted bit locations, jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set, allocate the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set to bit locations of the 1230 encoder different from the bit locations of the punch location set, and allocate the information bit set of Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 61 / 120 56 / 82 PBCH to the respective bit locations of the second set of trusted bit locations, where the second set of trusted bit locations and the first set of trusted bit locations are different.

[00121] In some cases, the first codeword is encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation or a parity-check polar encoding operation. In some cases, the joint encoding includes allocating bits from the PBCH information bit set and bits from the first information bit set to respective bit locations of a 1230 encoder based on a reliability metric associated with the 1230 encoder bit locations. In some cases, the allocation includes identifying a first set of reliable 1230 encoder bit locations based on the reliability metric. In some cases, the allocation includes identifying a second set of reliable 1230 encoder bit locations based on the reliability metric. In some cases, the second set of reliable bit locations has lower reliability than the first set of reliable bit locations.

[00122] In some examples, joint encoding includes identifying a set of punch locations in a 1230 encoder. In some cases, the set of punch locations includes a set of continuous bit locations. In some cases, the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set are jointly encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation or a parity-check polar encoding operation. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 62 / 120 57 / 82

[00123] The 1235 output transmitter can transmit a first output vector that includes the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using features of the first synchronization signal block, and transmit a second output vector that includes the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set using features of the second synchronization signal block. In some cases, the first output vector is transmitted with first beamforming parameters and the second output vector is transmitted with second beamforming parameters different from the first beamforming parameters.

[00124] The 1240 codeword receiver can receive a first codeword that includes a first set of jointly encoded bits, and receive a second codeword that includes a second set of jointly encoded bits corresponding to the PBCH information bit set and a second information bit set representing a second index of a second synchronization signal block.

[00125] The component of length 1245 can determine a parent code block length for the first codeword.

[00126] The 1250 location component can identify, based on the determined mother code block length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block, and Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 63 / 120 58 / 82 identify one or more bit locations based on a reliability metric associated with the first codeword.

[00127] The 1255 decoder can decode the first codeword based on one or more identified bit locations, decode the first set of information bits based on the decoded PBCH information bit set, decode the PBCH information bit set, the first set of information bits, and the second set of information bits based on the first and second codewords combined, and decode the first and second codewords combined based on the second determined parent code block length and one or more identified bit locations.

[00128] In some examples, decoding the first codeword includes decoding the PBCH information bit set based on one or more identified bit locations. In some cases, decoding the first information bit set includes: designating the decoded PBCH information bit set as frozen bits to decode the first information bit set. In some cases, decoding the PBCH information bit set, the first information bit set, and the second information bit set includes: determining a second parent codeblock length for the first and second codewords combined. In some cases, the PBCH information bit set includes a set of CRC bits, and the decoding of the PBCH information bit set is based on a CRC. In some cases, the first information bit set includes a Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 64 / 120 59 / 82 parity check bit set.

[00129] The 1260 scrambling component can scramble the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set based on a specific scrambling sequence, where the first output vector includes the jointly encoded scrambled PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set, and scramble the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set based on the cell-specific scrambling sequence, where the second output vector includes the jointly encoded scrambled PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set.

[00130] The combination component 1265 can combine the first codeword and the second codeword.

[00131] The 1270 transform component can apply a Hadamard transform to the first and second decoded sets of information bits to decode the first index or the second index.

[00132] Figure 13 shows a diagram of a 1300 system that includes a 1305 device, which may be a UE, supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The 1305 device may be an example of, or include, the components of a 1005 wireless device, a 1105 wireless device, or a 115 UE as described above, for example, with reference to Figures 1, 10, and 11. The 1305 device Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 65 / 120 60 / 82 may include components for bidirectional voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communication, including UE encoding manager 1315, processor 1320, memory 1325, software 1330, transceiver 1335, antenna 1340, and I / O controller 1345. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1310). Device 1305 may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations 105.

[00133] The 1320 processor may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the 1320 processor may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the 1320 processor. The 1320 processor may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding).

[00134] Memory 1325 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 1325 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software 1330, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described in this document. In some cases, the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 66 / 120 61 / 82 1325 memory may contain, among other things, a basic input / output system (BIOS) that can control basic hardware and / or software operation such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[00135] Software 1330 may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding. Software 1330 may be stored on non-temporary computer-readable media such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, Software 1330 may not be directly executable by the processor, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[00136] The 1335 transceiver can communicate bidirectionally, through one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the 1335 transceiver can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The 1335 transceiver can also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission and to demodulate the packets received from the antennas.

[00137] In some cases, the wireless device may include a single 1340 antenna. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one 1340 antenna, which may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

[00138] The I / O controller 1345 can manage the input and output signals of the device 1305. The Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 67 / 120 The 62 / 82 I / O controller 1345 can also manage peripherals not integrated into the 1305 device. In some cases, the 1345 I / O controller may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the 1345 I / O controller may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the 1345 I / O controller may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or similar device. In some cases, the 1345 I / O controller may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the 1305 device through the 1345 I / O controller or through hardware components controlled by the 1345 I / O controller.

[00139] Figure 14 shows a diagram of a 1400 system that includes a 1405 device that supports broadcast channel encoding and decoding according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The 1405 device may be an example of, or include, the wireless device components 1105, 1205, or a base station 105 as described above, for example, with reference to Figures 1, 11, and 12. The 1405 device may include components for bidirectional voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communication, including base station encoding manager 1415, processor 1420, memory 1425, software 1430, transceiver 1435, antenna 1440, network communication manager 1445, and base station communication manager 1450. These components may be in Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 68 / 120 63 / 82 Electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus 1410). Device 1405 can communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs 115.

[00140] The 1420 processor may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a PSD, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the 1420 processor may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the 1420 processor. The 1420 processor may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting broadcast channel encoding and decoding).

[00141] 1425 memory may include RAM and ROM. 1425 memory may store computer-readable, computer-executable 1430 software, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described in this document. In some cases, 1425 memory may contain, among other things, a BIOS that may control basic hardware and / or software operation such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[00142] Software 1430 may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support channel encoding and decoding. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 69 / 120 64 / 82 broadcasting. The 1430 software can be stored on non-temporary computer-readable media such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the 1430 software may not be directly executable by the processor, but it can cause a computer (for example, when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described in this document.

[00143] The 1435 transceiver can communicate bidirectionally, through one or more antennas, wired or wireless links, as described above. For example, the 1435 transceiver can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The 1435 transceiver can also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission and to demodulate the packets received from the antennas.

[00144] In some cases, the wireless device may include a single 1440 antenna. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one 1440 antenna, which may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

[00145] The 1445 network communication manager can manage communication with the main network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the 1445 network communication manager can manage data communication transfer to client devices, such as one or more 115 UEs.

[00146] The 1450 base station communication manager can manage communication with another 105 base station, and may include a controller or scheduler for Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, pp. 70 / 120 65 / 82 control communication with UE 115 in cooperation with other base stations 105. For example, the base station 1450 communication manager can coordinate the scheduling of transmissions to UE 115 for various interference mitigation techniques, such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the base station 1450 communication manager can provide an X2 interface within an LTE / LTE-A or NR wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations 105.

[00147] Figure 15 shows a flowchart illustrating a 1500 method for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the 1500 method can be implemented by a UE 115 or base station 105 or their components as described in this document. For example, the operations of the 1500 method can be performed by a UE encoding manager as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In some examples, a UE 115 or base station 105 can execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 or base station 105 can perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

[00148] In block 1505, UE 115, or base station 105, can identify a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits. Block 1505 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 71 / 120 66 / 82 examples, aspects of the 1505 block operations can be performed by a payload component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00149] In block 1510, UE 115, or base station 105 can determine a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block. The 1510 block operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of the 1510 block operations can be performed by an index component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00150] In block 1515, UE 115, or base station 105, can jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set. Block 1515 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1515 operations can be performed by an encoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00151] In block 1520, UE 115, or base station 105 can transmit a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using resources from the first synchronization signal block. The 1520 block operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of the 1520 block operations can be performed by an output transmitter as described with reference to Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 72 / 120 67 / 82 Figures 10 to 12.

[00152] Figure 16 shows a flowchart illustrating a 1600 method for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the 1600 method can be implemented by a UE 115 or base station 105 or their components as described in this document. For example, the operations of the 1600 method can be performed by a UE encoding manager as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In some examples, a UE 115 or base station 105 can execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 or base station 105 can perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

[00153] In block 1605, UE 115, or base station 105, can identify a payload comprising a set of PBCH information bits. Block 1605 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1605 operations can be performed by a payload component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00154] In block 1610, UE 115, or base station 105, can determine a first set of information bits representing an index of a first synchronization signal block. The operations of block 1610 can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, the Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 73 / 120 68 / 82 aspects of the operations of block 1610 can be performed by an index component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00155] In block 1615, UE 115, or base station 105, can jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set. Block 1615 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1615 operations can be performed by an encoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00156] In block 1620, UE 115, or base station 105, can transmit a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using first synchronization signal block resources. Block 1620 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1620 operations can be performed by an output transmitter as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00157] In block 1625, UE 115, or base station 105, can identify a second set of information bits representing an index of a second synchronization signal block. Block 1630 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1630 operations can be performed by an encoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 74 / 120 69 / 82

[00158] In block 1630, UE 115, or base station 105, can jointly encode the PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set. Block 1630 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1630 operations can be performed by an encoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00159] In block 1635, UE 115, or base station 105, can transmit a second output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the second information bit set using second synchronization signal block features. Block 1635 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1635 operations can be performed by an output transmitter as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00160] Figure 17 shows a flowchart that includes a 1700 method for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the 1700 method can be implemented by a UE 115 or base station 105 or their components as described in this document. For example, the operations of the 1700 method can be performed by a UE encoding manager as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In some examples, a UE 115 or base station 105 can execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additional or Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 75 / 120 Alternatively, the UE 115 or base station 105 can perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

[00161] In block 1705, UE 115, or base station 105, can receive a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits. Block 1705 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1705 operations can be performed by a codeword receiver as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00162] In block 1710, UE 115, or base station 105, can determine a parent code block length for the first codeword. Block 1710 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1710 operations can be performed by a length component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00163] In block 1715, UE 115, or base station 105, can identify, based at least in part on the determined mothercode block length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block. Block 1715 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1715 operations can be performed by a location component as follows: Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 76 / 120 71 / 82 described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00164] In block 1720, UE 115, or base station 105, can decode the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations. Block 1720 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1720 operations can be performed by a decoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00165] Figure 18 shows a flowchart illustrating an 1800 method for encoding and decoding a broadcast channel according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the 1800 method can be implemented by a UE 115 or base station 105 or their components as described in this document. For example, the operations of the 1800 method can be performed by a UE encoding manager as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In some examples, a UE 115 or base station 105 can execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 115 or base station 105 can perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

[00166] In block 1805, UE 115, or base station 105, can receive a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits. Block 1805 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block operations Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 77 / 120 72 / 82 1805 can be performed by a code-word receiver as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00167] In block 1810, UE 115, or base station 105, can determine a parent code block length for the first codeword. Block 1810 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1810 operations can be performed by a length component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00168] In block 1815, UE 115, or base station 105, can identify, based at least in part on the determined mothercode block length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of PBCH information bits and a first set of information bits representing a first index of a first synchronization signal block. Block 1815 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1815 operations can be performed by a location component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00169] In block 1820, UE 115, or base station 105, can decode the first codeword based at least in part on one or more identified bit locations. Block 1820 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1820 operations can be performed by a decoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, pp. 78 / 120 73 / 82

[00170] In block 1825, UE 115, or base station 105, can receive a second codeword comprising a second set of jointly encoded bits corresponding to the PBCH information bit set and a second set of information bits representing a second index of a second synchronization signal block. Block 1825 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1825 operations can be performed by a codeword receiver as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00171] In block 1830, UE 115, or base station 105, can combine the first codeword and the second codeword. Block 1830 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1830 operations can be performed by a combination component as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[00172] In block 1835, UE 115, or base station 105, can decode the PBCH information bit set, the first information bit set, and the second information bit set based on the first and second codewords combined. Block 1835 operations can be performed according to the methods described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In certain examples, aspects of block 1835 operations can be performed by a decoder as described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 79 / 120 74 / 82

[00173] It should be noted that the methods described above describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified so that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects of two or more of the methods may be combined.

[00174] The techniques described in this document can be used for various wireless communication systems such as code-division multiple access (CDMA), time-division multiple access (TDMA), frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), single-carrier frequency-division multiple access (SCFDMA), and other systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A code-division multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 encompasses the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. Versions of IS-2000 may commonly be referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High-Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants.A time-division multiple access (TDMA) system can implement a radio technology such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

[00175] An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system can implement a radio technology such as Mobile Ultra Wideband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical Engineers and Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, pages 80 / 120 75 / 82 Electronics (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Long-Term Evolution 3GPP (LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A) are versions of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, NR, and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described in this document can be used for the radio systems and technologies mentioned above, as well as other radio systems and technologies.Although aspects of an LTE or NR system may be described for illustrative purposes, and the terminology LTE or NR may be used throughout the description, the techniques described in this document are applicable beyond LTE applications.

[00176] In LTE / LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term evolved B node (eNB) can generally be used to describe base stations. The wireless communication system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A or NR network in which different types of evolved B nodes (eNBs) provide coverage for various geographic regions. For example, each eNB, gNB, or base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other cell types. The term "cell" can be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 81 / 120 76 / 82 coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on the context.

[00177] Base stations may include, or be referred to by those skilled in the art as, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNb), home NodeB, a home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for a base station may be divided into sectors that constitute only a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communication system or systems described herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs described herein may be capable of communicating with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

[00178] A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by EUs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell is a lower-power base station compared to a macro cell, which may operate in the same frequency bands or in different frequency bands (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small area. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 82 / 120 77 / 82 geographically and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographical area (e.g., a residence) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the residence, and similar). An eNB for a macro cell may be called a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be called a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a residential eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple cells (e.g., two, three, four, and similar) (e.g., component carriers).

[00179] The wireless communication system or systems described in this document may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, base stations may have similar frame timing and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, base stations may have different frame timing and transmissions from different base stations may not be approximately time-aligned. The techniques described in this document may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[00180] The downlink transmissions described in this document may also be called forward link transmissions, while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described in this document includes, for example, the system of Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, p. 83 / 120 78 / 82 Wireless communications 100 of Figure 1 may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal consisting of multiple subcarriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies).

[00181] The description presented in this document, together with the attached drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" used in this document means "serves as an example, instance, or illustration" and is not preferred or advantageous in relation to other examples. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the techniques described. These techniques, however, can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts from the examples described.

[00182] In the attached figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. In addition, several components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes between similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the descriptive report, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

[00183] The information and symbols described in this document may be represented using any Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 84 / 120 79 / 82 one among a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the description above may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[00184] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure in this document may be implemented or implemented with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate logic or transistor, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in this document. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[00185] The functions described in this document may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 85 / 120 80 / 82 code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and claims appended hereto. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations thereof. Resources implementing functions may also be physically located in multiple locations, including being distributed so that portions of functions are implemented in different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or,” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by a phrase such as “at least one or one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).Also, as used in this document, the phrase “based on” should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on either condition A or condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used in this document, the expression “based on” should be interpreted in the same way as the expression “based at least in part on”.

[00186] Non-temporary computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, which include any media that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 86 / 120 81 / 82 Non-temporary media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and without limitation, non-temporary computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disc storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-temporary medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code media in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Similarly, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of media. Disk and floppy disk, as used in this document, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where floppy disks reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of these are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[00187] The description in this document is Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 87 / 120 82 / 82 is provided to enable one skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be applied within the broader scope consistent with the innovative principles and features disclosed herein. Petition 870190069049, dated 07 / 22 / 2019, page 88 / 120

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Method for wireless communication comprising: identifying (1505, 1605) a payload comprising a set of physical broadcast channel, PBCH, information bits; determining (1510, 1610) a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block; jointly encoding (1515, 1615) the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set;and transmit (1520, 1620) a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using features of the first synchronization signal block, characterized in that jointly encoding (1515, 1615) comprises allocating bits from the PBCH information bit set and bits from the first information bit set to the respective bit locations of an encoder based, at least in part, on a reliability metric associated with the encoder bit locations.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: identifying (1625) a second set of information bits representative of an index of a second synchronization signal block; jointly encoding (1630) the PBCH information bit set and the second set of information bits; and transmitting (1635) a second output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the second set of information bits using resources of the second synchronization signal block. Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, p. 14 / 23 2 / 7 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: scrambling the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set based, at least in part, on a cell-specific scrambling sequence, wherein the first output vector comprises the jointly encoded scrambled PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set.

4. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that: the first output vector is transmitted with first beamforming parameters and the second output vector is transmitted with second beamforming parameters different from the first beamforming parameters; or the index of the second synchronization signal block is different from the index of the first synchronization signal block.

5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that allocation comprises: identifying a first set of most reliable bit locations of the encoder based, at least in part, on the reliability metric; and allocating the first set of information bits to respective bit locations of the first set of most reliable bit locations.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that allocating comprises: identifying a second set of trusted encoder bit locations based, at least in part, on the reliability metric; and allocating the PBCH information bit set to respective bit locations of the second set of trusted bit locations, wherein the second set of trusted bit locations comprises the remaining most trusted encoder bit locations after allocating the first information bit set to the respective bit locations of the first set of most trusted bit locations.

7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that: the PBCH information bit set comprises a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bit set; or the first information bit set additionally comprises a parity check bit set; or the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set are jointly encoded using at least one polar encoding operation.

8. Method for wireless communication comprising: receiving (1705, 1805) a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits; determining (1710, 1810) a parent codeblock length for the first codeword; identifying (1715, 1815), based at least in part on the determined parent codeblock length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of physical broadcast channel information bits, PBCH, and a first set of information bits representative of a first index of a first synchronization signal block; and decode (1720, 1820) the first codeword based, at least in part, on one or more identified bit locations, characterized in that identifying (1715,1815) one or more bit locations is based, at least in part, on a reliability metric Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, p.16 / 23 4 / 7 associated with the bit locations of an encoder in the first codeword.

9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that decoding the first codeword comprises: decoding the PBCH information bit set based, at least in part, on one or more identified bit locations; and decoding the first information bit set based, at least in part, on the decoded PBCH information bit set.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that decoding the first set of information bits comprises: designating the decoded PBCH information bit set as frozen bits for decoding the first set of information bits.

11. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving (1825) a second codeword comprising a second jointly encoded bit set corresponding to the PBCH information bit set and a second information bit set representing a second index of a second synchronization signal block; combining (1830) the first codeword and the second codeword; and decoding (1835) the PBCH information bit set, the first information bit set and the second information bit set based on the first and second combined codewords.

12. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that: the PBCH information bit set comprises a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bit set, and decoding the PBCH information bit set is based on a CRC; or Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, page 17 / 23 5 / 7 the first information bit set comprises a parity check bit set; or the first codeword is encoded using at least one of a polar encoding operation.

13. A method, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the PBCH information bit set comprises a main information block, MIB.

14. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the PBCH information set comprises a number of system frames, SFN.

15. Wireless communication apparatus comprising: means for identifying (1505, 1605) a payload comprising a set of physical broadcast channel information bits, PBCH; means for determining (1510, 1610) a first set of information bits representative of an index of a first synchronization signal block; means for jointly encoding (1515, 1615) the PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set;and means for transmitting (1520, 1620) a first output vector comprising the jointly encoded PBCH information bit set and the first information bit set using resources from the first synchronization signal block, characterized in that the means for jointly encoding (1515, 1615) comprise means for allocating bits from the PBCH information bit set and bits from the first information bit set to the respective bit locations of an encoder based, at least in part, on a reliability metric associated with the encoder bit locations. Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, p. 18 / 23 6 / 7; 16. Apparatus, according to claim 15, characterized in that the allocation means comprise: means for identifying a first set of most reliable bit locations of the encoder based, at least in part, on the reliability metric; and means for allocating the first set of information bits to respective bit locations of the first set of most reliable bit locations.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the allocating means comprise: means for identifying a second set of reliable encoder bit locations based, at least in part, on the reliability metric; and means for allocating the PBCH information bit set to respective bit locations of the second set of reliable bit locations, wherein the second set of reliable bit locations comprises the remaining most reliable encoder bit locations after allocating the first information bit set to the respective bit locations of the first most reliable bit location set.

18. Wireless communication apparatus comprising: means for receiving (1705, 1805) a first codeword comprising a first set of jointly encoded bits; means for determining (1710, 1810) a mother codeblock length for the first codeword; means for identifying (1715, 1815), based at least in part on the determined mother codeblock length, one or more bit locations corresponding to a set of physical broadcast channel information bits, PBCH, and a first set of information bits representative of a first index of a first synchronization signal block; and means for decoding (1720, 1820) the first codeword based on, Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, p.19 / 23 7 / 7 at least in part, in one or more identified bit locations, characterized in that the means for identifying (1715,1815) one or more bit locations are based, at least in part, on a reliability metric associated with the bit locations of a first codeword encoder.

19. Device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the PBCH information bit set comprises a main information block, MIB.

20. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the PBCH information set comprises a system frame number, SFN.

21. Memory characterized in that it comprises instructions stored therein which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 14. Petition 870250045927, dated 03 / 06 / 2025, pp. 20 / 23

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