Initial cell search procedure

Description

1 / 22 INITIAL CELL SEARCH PROCEDURE FIELD

[0001] Several illustrative modalities generally refer to wireless networks and, more particularly, to access procedures in wireless networks. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless networks provide significant advantages for user mobility. A user's ability to remain connected while on the move provides advantages not only for the user but also provides greater efficiency and productivity for society as a whole. As user expectations regarding connection reliability, data speed, and device battery life become more demanding, wireless network technology must also keep pace with these expectations. Consequently, there is ongoing interest in improving wireless network technology. SUMMARY

[0003] According to aspects of the disclosure, a user equipment device includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment device to at least perform an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of synchronization signal block (SSB) inputs with a synchronization raster. The synchronization raster includes a cluster of three raster points positioned every 600 kHz.

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the synchronization raster points in each cluster may include frequency offsets from each other of 50 kHz, 150 kHz and / or 250 kHz, in addition to 600 kHz.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a range of synchronization raster points to be scanned may start at 120 kHz from an existing synchronization raster point to avoid overlapping with existing synchronization raster points valid for another existing channel bandwidth. Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, p. 30 / 51 2 / 22

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to scan through a first band of SSB input plurality, wherein a first band of synchronization raster points is provided by: (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), scan through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and scan through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz) kHz), where N values ​​are in the range of 1 to 2499, and M values ​​are 1, 3, and 5.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to scan through a second range of SSB input plurality, wherein a second range of synchronization raster points is provided by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and scan through a third range of SSB input plurality, wherein a third range of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and values ​​of M are 1, 3, and 5.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, for synchronization raster points in the first band of SSB input plurality, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may additionally cause the user equipment device to apply twenty non-punched physical resource block (PRB) allocations to a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, for synchronization raster points in the second or third track of the SSB input plurality, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may additionally cause the user equipment device to apply a plurality of PRB allocations to Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, page 31 / 51 3 / 22 one or more punch patterns.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to seek synchronization raster points that are 600 kHz and 120 kHz higher than the synchronization raster points in the first synchronization raster point band.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to: search the first synchronization raster point band for the SSB, determine whether the SSB is within the first synchronization raster point band, and search the second and third synchronization raster point bands based on the determination that the SSB is not located in the first band.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to fetch the first synchronization raster point band and the second and third synchronization raster point bands together in ascending order or descending order in a frequency domain.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, can additionally cause the user equipment apparatus to scan through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein, for the second band, the values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0014] According to aspects of the revelation, a method is presented in a Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, page 32 / 51 4 / 22 User equipment device. The method includes performing an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of SSB inputs with a synchronization raster. The synchronization raster includes a cluster of three synchronization raster points positioned every 600 kHz.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the synchronization raster points may include frequency offsets from each other of 50 kHz, 150 kHz and / or 250 kHz, in addition to 600 kHz.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a range of synchronization raster points to be scanned may start at 120 kHz from an existing synchronization raster point to avoid overlapping with existing synchronization raster points valid for another existing channel bandwidth.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the scanning may include scanning through a first band of SSB input plurality, wherein a first band of synchronization raster points is provided by (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz); and sweep through a third band of the plurality of SSB inputs, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein the values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the scanning may include scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz); and scanning through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein the values ​​of N are Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, p. 33 / 51 5 / 22 is in the range of 1 to 2499, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3, and 5.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the scanning may include scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein, for the second band, the values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0020] According to aspects of the disclosure, one or more instructions storing non-transient processor-readable means that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a user equipment device to perform an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes, in the case where the user equipment device supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, scanning through a plurality of SSB inputs with a synchronization raster scanning through a first band of the plurality of SSB inputs, wherein a first band of synchronization raster points is provided by (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0021] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the scanning may additionally include: scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz); and scanning through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein the values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the scanning may additionally include scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein, for the second band, the Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, p. 34 / 51 6 / 22 values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999, and the values ​​of M are 1, 3, and 5.

[0023] In some respects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some additional aspects are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless network between a network and a user equipment (UE) device, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of components of a user equipment device or network, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a Signal Synchronization Block (SSB), according to an illustrated aspect of the revelation;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flow diagram for a user equipment device operation, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an offset between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE apparatus for a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0030] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a table illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an offset between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE apparatus for a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0031] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a table illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the offset between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE apparatus for a bandwidth of 3 MHz, for a second band for a first exemplary embodiment, according to a Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, p. 35 / 51 7 / 22 illustrated aspect of the revelation;

[0032] FIGS. 8A and 8B are a table illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the offset between deflected synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE apparatus for a bandwidth of 3 MHz, for a third band for the first exemplary embodiment, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a physical transmission channel punching pattern (PBCH) for a frequency offset of 150 kHz between synchronization raster points and channel raster points, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a PBCH punch pattern for a frequency offset of -150 kHz between synchronization raster points and channel raster points, according to an illustrated aspect of the revelation;

[0035] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a PBCH punch pattern for a frequency shift of 270 kHz between synchronization raster points and channel raster points, according to an illustrated aspect of the revelation;

[0036] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a PBCH punch pattern for a frequency offset of -30 kHz between synchronization raster points and channel raster points, according to an illustrated aspect of the revelation; and

[0037] FIGS. 13A and 13B are a table illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the offset between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE apparatus for a bandwidth of 3 MHz, for a second band for a second exemplary embodiment, according to an illustrated aspect of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following detailed description, certain specific details are presented to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aspects revealed. In Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, page 36 / 51 8 / 22 However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that aspects can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the aspects.

[0039] Reference throughout this descriptive report to “one (1) aspect” or “one aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, occurrences of the expressions “in one (1) aspect” or “in one aspect” at various points throughout this descriptive report do not all necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0040] The modalities described in this disclosure may be implemented in wireless network devices, such as, without limitation, devices that utilize Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic broadband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G New Radio (5G NR), Advanced 5G and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), among other wireless network systems. The term “eLTE”, herein, denotes the evolution of LTE that connects to the 5G core. LTE is also known as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) or as evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN).

[0041] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to initial access procedures. Aspects of the present disclosure provide several advantages, including reducing initial cell search time.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless network between a network 100 and a user equipment (UE) device 150. Network 100, for example, Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, page 37 / 51 9 / 22 may include one or more network node devices 120, one or more servers 110, or other network devices 130 (e.g., test equipment (TE)). Examples of wireless network devices include, without limitation, devices implementing 5G NR and devices implementing Wi-Fi 6, among others. This disclosure describes embodiments related to 5G NR and embodiments involving aspects defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In relation to such embodiments, the network node device 120 may be a gNodeB (also known as gNB). However, it is contemplated that embodiments related to other wireless network technologies are encompassed within the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] In radio communications, a node can be implemented, at least partially, by a centralized unit, CU (e.g., server or host), which is operationally coupled to one or more distributed units, DUs (e.g., a radio head). In modalities, it is possible that node operations can be distributed among multiple centralized units (e.g., servers or hosts). In modalities, a network node in a 5G wireless network can be implemented based on a so-called CU-DU split. In modalities, a processing task can be performed in the CU or in the DU, and the exchange of responsibility between the CU and the DU can be configurable according to a particular implementation.

[0044] In continued reference to FIG. 1, in the example of a 5G NR network, the network 100 provides a cell, which defines a coverage area of ​​the network 100. As described above, the network 100 may include a gNB of the 5G NR network or may be any other device configured to control radio communication and manage radio resources within a cell. As used in this document, the term “resource” may refer to radio resources such as a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a sub-band, a frequency region, a subcarrier, a beam, etc. In modalities, the network node device 120 may be called a base station.

[0045] The EU 150 may include, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, laptops, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, an Internet of Things (IoT) device and / or a watch or other wearable device, Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pp. 38 / 51 10 / 22 among others. Network 100 can provide UE 150 with wireless access to other networks, such as the Internet. Wireless access may include downlink (DL) communication from network 100 to UE 150 and uplink (UL) communication from UE 150 to network 100. As used in this document, the terms “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer, respectively, to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources. There may be another UE in the cell, and each of them may be served by identical or different network node devices, such as network 100.

[0046] During cell search, the UE 150 acquires frequency and time synchronization with a cell and detects the cell's physical layer (PCI) cell ID. In the 5G NR example, each beam in a burst transmits beam information in what is referred to as a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) 300 (FIG. 3). For example, a network node 120, which may be a gNodeB, transmits an SSB 300 in each beam in a burst. In modes, the UE 150 may receive a burst for each of its receiving beams.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of exemplary components of an EU or network device is shown. The device includes an electronic storage 210, a processor 220, a memory 250, and a network interface 240. The various components can be communicatively coupled to each other. The processor 220 can be and may include any type of processor, such as a single-core central processing unit (CPU), a multi-core CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a System on a Chip (SoC), or any other type of processor. The memory 250 can be a volatile type of memory, for example, RAM, or a non-volatile type of memory, for example, NAND flash memory. The memory 250 includes computer-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 220 to make the device perform various operations, including the content mentioned above.

[0048] Electronic storage 210 can be and include any type of electronic storage used to store data, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and / or optical discs, among other types of storage. Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pp. 39 / 51 11 / 22 electronic. Electronic storage 210 stores software instructions for the device to perform its operations and stores data associated with those operations, such as data related to 5G NR standards, among other data. Network interface 240 can implement wireless network technologies such as 5G NR, Wi-Fi 6, and / or other wireless network technologies.

[0049] The components shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that an apparatus includes other components not illustrated and may include multiples of any of the illustrated components. These and other embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 3, the SSB 300 is shown. In the 5G NR example, the SSB 300 includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS) 302, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) 304, and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) 306. Synchronization signals may be used by the UE 150 for measurements of received reference signal power (RSRP) and received reference signal quality (RSRQ) and for acquiring frequency and time synchronization.

[0051] The UE 150 (FIG. 1) needs to decode PSS 302 and SSS 304 to decode time slot and physical cell ID information. SSB 300 is transmitted in four OFDM symbols on 240 subcarriers and in predefined bursts in the time domain on the configured PRBs. The burst periodicity in terms of time slots depends on which subcarrier spacing is configured. In 5G NR, based on the frequency band, a set of possible frequency locations where SSB 300 can be centered are defined; this is called the synchronization raster. The UE 150 searches for SSB in the synchronization raster, which is sparser than the channel raster.

[0052] The synchronization raster defines the set of frequency positions where SSB 300 can be located when explicit SSB position signaling is not present, thus defining the frequency positions that need to be searched by UE 150 for the initial cell search. To speed up cell search, the synchronization raster is designed in 5G NR to be sparser than the set of frequency positions where the carrier can be Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 40 / 51 12 / 22 centered, which is known as the channel raster. In frequency band 1 (FR1, defined as 410-7125 MHz), the channel raster typically has a spacing of 100 kHz, but the synchronization raster has a cluster of three raster points every 1.2 MHz, with the raster points in each cluster having frequency offsets of 50, 150, or 250 kHz plus multiples of 1.2 MHz, as calculated by the following equation: Raster synchronization points = N * 1200 kHz + M * 50 kHz, N ≠ {1:2499}, M ≠ {1,3,5}.

[0053] The synchronization channel raster spacing ΔFSC,Raster is constrained as follows: ΔFSC,Raster < BWConfig - BWPBCH + ΔFCH,Raster, where BWConfig (Tx BW configuration) is the width of the transmitted Resource Blocks, BWPBCH is the width of the PBCH, and ΔFCH,Raster is the channel raster spacing.

[0054] In modalities, in the case of fifteen PRBs with a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz and a channel raster spacing of 100 kHz being used for a bandwidth of 3 MHz with the principle of not modifying 12 PRBs for PSS and SSS (i.e., only PBCH is punctured), the synchronization raster point clusters need to be separated by < 15 * 180 - 12 * 180 + 100 = 640 kHz, to have at least one valid synchronization raster point for each 3 MHz channel raster point. The synchronization raster spacing will therefore need a new design for narrowband NR operation since 1.2 MHz is greater than the 640 kHz limit.

[0055] As will be described below in conjunction with a UE 400 operation to establish access with a network, in modalities, the synchronization raster can be defined as having a cluster of three raster points every 600 kHz (where 600 kHz is the largest integer multiple of SCS, as well as channel spacing in FR1 that is less than the 640 kHz limit), with the raster points in each cluster having frequency offsets of 50, 150, or 250 kHz in addition to multiples of 600 kHz. Furthermore, in modalities, to prevent a UE that does not support a 3 MHz channel bandwidth from accidentally decoding the punched PBCH of a 3 MHz cell (and thus causing a seek delay) Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 41 / 51 13 / 22 initial cell), the synchronization raster points of the present disclosure, which would overlap with the synchronization raster points defined in 5G NR 3GPP standards for other channel bandwidths, are each offset by 120 kHz (i.e., by the largest frequency offset that can still maintain the minimum guard band of 142.5 kHz at each edge of the 3 MHz channel width) for 3 MHz channel width deployment.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram is shown of an example of a UE 400 operation to establish access to a network.

[0057] The disclosed technology provides the benefit of reducing the initial cell seek time for UEs 150 that support 3 MHz and 5 MHz channel width in at least any specified 3GPP operating bands with 3 MHz bandwidth, such as 5G NR channel bands n100, n8, n26 and n28. It should be noted that the reduction in initial cell seek time could be more significant for NR bands n8, n26 and n28, which are much wider in the frequency domain and thus have many more channel raster points.

[0058] In block 402, the UE operation involves performing an initial cell search to identify one or more cells in a wireless network. Performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of SSB entries with a synchronization raster.

[0059] In block 404, for UE devices that support a 5 MHz channel bandwidth (or either a 3 MHz or 5 MHz channel bandwidth), UE operation involves scanning through a first band of SSB inputs using a first band of synchronization raster points. The first band of synchronization raster points is given by: (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), where values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and values ​​of M can be 1, 3, or 5 for each synchronization raster point. In aspects, for synchronization raster points in the first band of the plurality of SSB inputs, UE operation 150 involves applying twenty non-punched PRB allocations (240 subcarriers) for a PBCH detection.

[0060] In some respects, in the case where UE 150 supports a bandwidth of Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 42 / 51 14 / 22 3 MHz channel (or either a 3 MHz channel bandwidth or a 5 MHz channel bandwidth), UE operation involves seeking synchronization raster points that are 600 kHz and / or 120 kHz higher than the synchronization raster points in the first synchronization raster point band.

[0061] In block 406, the UE operation involves scanning through a second range of SSB inputs using a second range of synchronization raster points. The second range of synchronization raster points can be given by: X + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), where values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and values ​​of M can be 1, 3, or 5 for each synchronization raster point. In modes, X can be a value such as 300 kHz or 600 kHz; however, other values ​​for X are contemplated. For example, the second range of synchronization raster points can be given by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz).

[0062] In aspects, the second range of synchronization raster points can be given by: Y + (N * X) + (M * 50 kHz), where values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999 and values ​​of M can be 1, 3, or 5 for each synchronization raster point. In modalities, X can be a value such as 600 kHz, and Y can be a value such as 120 kHz. Other values ​​for X and Y are contemplated. For example, the second range of synchronization raster points can be given by: 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz). For example, the range of synchronization raster points to be scanned can start at 120 kHz from an existing synchronization raster point, to avoid overlapping with existing synchronization raster points valid for a channel bandwidth different from a channel bandwidth supported by UE 150.

[0063] In block 408, the UE operation involves sweeping through a third band of SSB inputs using a third band of synchronization raster points. The third band of synchronization raster points is given by: Y + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), where values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and happens to be 1, 3, or 5 for each synchronization raster point. In modes, Y can be a value such as 120 kHz, although other frequency values ​​for Y are contemplated.

[0064] In some respects, in the case where the UE 150 supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the UE operation involves Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 43 / 51 15 / 22 First, search the first range of synchronization raster points. Then, the UE operation involves determining if an SSB is located in the first range of synchronization raster points. Next, the UE operation involves searching the second and third ranges of synchronization raster points based on the determination that the SSB is not located in the first range.

[0065] In some respects, in the case where UE 150 supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, UE operation involves fetching the first range of synchronization raster points and the second and third ranges of synchronization raster points together in ascending or descending order in a frequency domain.

[0066] In aspects, for synchronization raster points in the second or third band of the SSB input plurality, the UE operation involves applying a plurality of PRB allocations to one or more punch patterns, which will be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 9-12.

[0067] In some respects, the UE 150 can camp in the identified cell. “Cam in” is the UE device state in which the UE device remains in a cell and is ready to start a potential dedicated service or to receive an ongoing broadcast service.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a table that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an offset between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE device for a 5 MHz channel bandwidth for 5G n100 NR band. Although n100 band is used as an example, other bands such as n8, n26 and n28 are contemplated.

[0069] The 502 synchronization raster points illustrated for each channel raster point are the only valid synchronization raster points, as their offset (from the channel raster point) must be a multiple of the 15 kHz SCS, and the minimum guard band of 242.5 kHz must be maintained on each edge of the 5 MHz channel bandwidth, meaning the absolute value of the offset ^FSC.Raster) must be < (5 - 3.6) / 2 - 0.2425 = 0.4575 MHz.

[0070] With reference to FIGS. 6A-8B, displacements between raster points of Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pp. 44 / 51 16 / 22 synchronization and channel raster points are shown for a 3 MHz channel bandwidth for 5G n100 NR band. Although n100 band is used as an example, any other bands specified with a 3 MHz channel bandwidth, such as n8, n26, and n28, are contemplated.

[0071] In embodiments, for a synchronization raster that has a cluster of three raster points every 1.2 MHz, used for a 3 MHz channel bandwidth with 90% spectrum utilization (fifteen PRBs), the offsets between each synchronization raster point and pair of channel raster points are given in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which show the valid synchronization raster points 602. It can be seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B that there is no valid synchronization raster point for more than half (15 / 27) of the channel raster points, considering that the offset must be a multiple of the 15 kHz SCS and the minimum guard band of 142.5 kHz must be maintained on each edge of the 3 MHz channel bandwidth. Therefore, the absolute value of the offset ^FSC.Raster) must be < (3 - 2.16) / 2 - 0.1425 = 0.2775 MHz.

[0072] In embodiments, for a synchronization raster that has a cluster of three raster positions every 600 kHz, used for a 3 MHz channel bandwidth with approximately 90% spectrum utilization (15 PRBs), the offsets between each new and offset synchronization raster point (i.e., existing ones that are not repeated) and pair of channel raster points are given in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B, respectively, with valid synchronization raster points highlighted in green. It can be seen in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B that there is a valid synchronization raster point 702, 802, for each of the 15 channel raster points that do not have a valid synchronization raster point in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0073] Most (i.e., 12 out of 15) of the valid synchronization raster points in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are mapped to two channel raster points, each with a different offset between the synchronization raster point and the channel raster point. Therefore, two PBCH punch patterns for a given SSB Tx BW configuration can be defined for each synchronization raster point, one PBCH punch pattern for each of the channel raster points to fit the 12 PSS / SSS of PRBs within the channel bandwidth of Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 45 / 51 17 / 22 MHz. PBCH punch patterns for the 270 kHz, 150 kHz, -30 kHz, and -150 kHz offsets between the sync raster point and channel raster point are shown in FIGS. 9-12 below. Generally, only one or two PBCH punch patterns are relevant for a given sync raster point.

[0074] FIGS 9-12 are diagrams illustrating exemplary modalities of PBCH 920, 1020, 1120, and 1220 punching patterns, for various frequency shifts between synchronization raster points 904 and channel raster points 902. Box 910 represents a bandwidth of fifteen PRB. Punching at the receiver is the discarding of the punched PBCH subcarriers upon receiving or detecting PBCH. Correspondingly, punching at the transmitter is not generating or canceling the transmitted PBCH signal on the punched subcarriers. It should be noted that PSS 302 and SSS 304 are not discarded by the PBCH 920 punch pattern. Punch patterns are generally determined by the actual channel deployment of the 100 network. For example, if there is high interference at -150 kHz offset, then a 150 kHz offset punch pattern may be chosen.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 9, the PBCH 920 punch pattern is shown for a frequency offset of 150 kHz between synchronization raster points 904 and channel raster points 902. FIG. 10 illustrates the PBCH 1020 punch pattern for a frequency offset of -150 kHz between synchronization raster points 904 and channel raster points 902. FIG. 11 illustrates the PBCH 1120 punch pattern for a frequency offset of 270 kHz between synchronization raster points 904 and channel raster points 902. With reference to FIG. 12, the PBCH 1220 punch pattern is shown for a frequency offset of -30 kHz between synchronization raster points 904 and channel raster points 902.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a table is shown illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the displacement between each of the synchronization raster points and the channel raster points used by the UE device for a Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 46 / 51 18 / 22 3 MHz bandwidth for 5G n100 NR band, for a second exemplary band. Although the n100 band is used as an example, other bands such as n8, n26 and / or n28 are contemplated.

[0077] The offsets between each synchronization raster point (of the second band) and channel raster point pair are given in FIGS. 13A and 13B, which show the valid synchronization raster points 1302. FIGS. 13A and 13B show that there is one valid synchronization raster point for each channel raster point in n100 band for a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz. It can also be observed that only two PBCH punch patterns are needed, since the synchronization raster point / channel raster point offsets are limited to offsets of 270 kHz and -30 kHz.

[0078] Additional forms of this disclosure include the following examples.

[0079] Example 1. A user equipment device comprising:

[0080] means to perform an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of SSB entries with a synchronization raster, and

[0081] wherein the synchronization raster includes a cluster of three synchronization raster points positioned every 600 kHz.

[0082] Example 2. The apparatus of Example 1, in which the synchronization raster points in each cluster include frequency offsets from each other of at least one of 50 kHz, 150 kHz or 250 kHz, in addition to the 600 kHz.

[0083] Example 3. The apparatus of any of the preceding Examples, wherein a range of synchronization raster points to be scanned starts at 120 kHz from an existing synchronization raster point to avoid overlapping with existing synchronization raster points valid for another existing channel bandwidth.

[0084] Example 4. The apparatus of any of the preceding Examples, wherein, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, additionally comprises means for sweeping through a first band of the plurality of SSB inputs, in Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pp. 47 / 51 19 / 22 that a first range of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0085] (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz),

[0086] sweep through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0087] 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and

[0088] sweep through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0089] 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz),

[0090] where the values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and

[0091] where the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0092] Example 5. The apparatus of Example 1, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, additionally comprises means for scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0093] 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and

[0094] sweep through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0095] 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz),

[0096] where the values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and

[0097] where the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

[0098] Example 6. The apparatus of Example 5, wherein, for synchronization raster points in the first band of SSB input plurality, further comprises means for applying twenty non-punched allocations of physical resource block for a physical broadcast channel detection.

[0099] Example 7. The apparatus of Example 5, wherein, for synchronization raster points in the second or third band of the plurality of SSB inputs, further comprises means for applying a plurality of PRB allocations to one or more punch patterns.

[0100] Example 8. The device of any of the previous Examples, in which, in Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 48 / 51 20 / 22 case where the user equipment device supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, it additionally comprises means for:

[0101] search for synchronization raster points that are 600 kHz and 120 kHz higher than the synchronization raster points in the first synchronization raster point band.

[0102] Example 9. The apparatus of any of the preceding Examples, wherein, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, additionally comprises means for:

[0103] search for the first range of synchronization raster points for the SSB;

[0104] determine if the SSB is within the first range of synchronization raster points; and

[0105] search the second and third ranges of synchronization raster points based on the determination that the SSB is not located in the first range.

[0106] Example 10. The apparatus of any of the preceding Examples, wherein, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, additionally comprises means for:

[0107] search the first synchronization raster point band and the second and third synchronization raster point bands together in ascending order or descending order in a frequency domain.

[0108] Example 11. The apparatus of any of the preceding Examples, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, additionally comprises means for:

[0109] sweep through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by:

[0110] 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz),

[0111] where, for the second range, the values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999, and

[0112] where the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5. Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pp. 49 / 51 21 / 22

[0113] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure and may be incorporated in various ways. For example, although certain embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein may be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. Specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in a variety of ways in virtually any appropriate detailed framework. Similar reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0114] The expressions “in one aspect”, “in aspects”, “in several aspects”, “in some aspects” or “in other aspects” can each refer to one or more of the aspects that are the same or different according to this revelation. The expression “a plurality of” can refer to two or more.

[0115] The expressions “in one modality”, “in modalities”, “in several modalities”, “in some modalities” or “in other modalities” may each refer to one or more of the modalities that are the same or different according to the present disclosure. An expression in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B) or (A and B)”. An expression in the form “at least one of A, B or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B and C)”.

[0116] Any of the methods, programs, algorithms, or codes described in this document may be converted into, or expressed in, a programming language or computer program. The terms “programming language” and “computer program,” as used in this document, each include any language used to specify instructions for a computer, and include (but are not limited to) the following languages ​​and their derivatives: Assembler, Basic, Batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, metalanguages ​​that themselves specify programs, and Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, pages 50 / 51 22 / 22 all computer languages ​​of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or later generations. Also included are databases and other data schemas, and any other metalanguages. No distinction is made between languages ​​that are interpreted, compiled, or that use both compiled and interpreted approaches. No distinction is made between compiled source versions of a program. Thus, a reference to a program, where the programming language can exist in more than one state (such as source, compiled, object, or linked), is a reference to any and all of these states. A reference to a program can encompass the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[0117] Although aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to them, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the technique allows and that the descriptive report be read in the same way. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will conceive other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto. Petition 870260068058, dated 09 / 07 / 2026, p. 51 / 51

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. User equipment apparatus characterized by comprising: means for performing an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of synchronization signal block inputs, SSB, with a synchronization raster, and wherein the synchronization raster includes a cluster of three synchronization raster points positioned every 600 kHz.

2. User equipment device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the synchronization raster points in each cluster include frequency offsets of at least one of 50 kHz, 150 kHz or 250 kHz.

3. User equipment apparatus, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a range of synchronization raster points to be scanned starts at 120 kHz from an existing synchronization raster point to avoid overlapping with existing synchronization raster points valid for another existing channel bandwidth.

4. User equipment apparatus, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the user equipment further comprises: means for scanning through a first band of SSB input plurality, wherein a first band of synchronization raster points is provided by: (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and scanning through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: Petition 870250072351, of 15 / 08 / 2025, page.77 / 202 2 / 5 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), where values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and where values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

5. User equipment apparatus, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the user equipment further comprises: means for scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), and scanning through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and wherein values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

6. User equipment apparatus, according to claim 4, characterized in that, for synchronization raster points in the first band of SSB input plurality, the user equipment further comprises: means for applying twenty non-punched allocations of physical resource block, PRB, for a physical broadcast channel detection, PBCH.

7. User equipment apparatus, according to claim 5, characterized in that, for synchronization raster points in the second or third band of the plurality of SSB inputs, the user equipment further comprises: means for applying a plurality of PRB allocations to one or more punch patterns.

8. User equipment apparatus, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the user equipment further comprises: means for seeking synchronization raster points that are 600 kHz and 120 kHz higher than the synchronization raster points in a first synchronization raster point band.

9. User equipment apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the user equipment further comprises: means for searching the first synchronization raster point band for the SSB; means for determining whether the SSB is within the first synchronization raster point band; and means for searching the second and third synchronization raster point bands based on the determination that the SSB is not located in the first band.

10. User equipment apparatus, according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the user equipment additionally comprises: means for seeking the first synchronization raster point band and the second and third synchronization raster point bands together in ascending order or descending order in a frequency domain.

11. User equipment apparatus, according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz, the user equipment additionally comprises: means for sweeping through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 600 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein, for the second band, values ​​of N are in the range of 2 to 4999, and Petition 870250072351, dated 15 / 08 / 2025, page 79 / 202 4 / 5 wherein the values ​​of M are 1, 3 and 5.

12. Method in a user equipment device, the method being characterized by comprising: performing an initial cell search of one or more cells in a network, wherein performing the initial cell search includes scanning through a plurality of synchronization signal block inputs, SSB, with a synchronization raster, and wherein the synchronization raster includes a cluster of three synchronization raster points positioned every 600 kHz.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the synchronization raster points include frequency offsets of at least one of 50 kHz, 150 kHz or 250 kHz.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, in the case where the user equipment apparatus supports a channel bandwidth of 3 MHz and a channel bandwidth of 5 MHz, the scanning includes: scanning through a first band of SSB input plurality, wherein a first band of synchronization raster points is provided by: (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), scanning through a second band of SSB input plurality, wherein a second band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 600 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), scanning through a third band of SSB input plurality, wherein a third band of synchronization raster points is provided by: 120 kHz + (N * 1200 kHz) + (M * 50 kHz), wherein values ​​of N are in the range of 1 to 2499, and where the values ​​of M are 1, 3, and 5.

15. One or more instructions characterized by storing non-transient, processor-readable means that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a user equipment device to: perform a home cell search of one or more cells in a network, Petition 870250072351, dated 08 / 15 / 2025, p. 80 / 202 5 / 5 wherein performing the home cell search includes scanning through a plurality of sync signal block, SSB, inputs with a sync raster; and wherein the sync raster includes a cluster of three sync raster points positioned every 600 kHz. Petition 870250072351, dated 08 / 15 / 2025, p. 81 / 202

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