Synchronous signal measurement for beam detection

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may use a measurement procedure to perform beam detection within an existing cell. The UE may perform a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block (SSB) to detect a first beam of a base station. The UE may determine a first timing offset for the first SSB based on the search procedure. The UE may estimate a second timing offset for a second SSB from the base station based on the first timing offset. The UE may perform a measurement procedure for a second SSB based on the second timing offset to detect a second beam of the base station. The UE may prune a pseudo beam based on a synchronization signal used for the measurement procedure.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 16 / 702,316, filed by ZHU et al. on December 3, 2019, entitled “SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL MEASUREMENT FOR BEAM DETECTION,” and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 775,698, filed by ZHU et al. on December 5, 2018, entitled “SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL MEASUREMENT FOR BEAM DETECTION,” each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Background Art

[0003] The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to synchronization signal measurements for beam detection.

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messages, broadcasts, etc. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems, which may be referred to as new radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ techniques such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include multiple base stations or network access nodes, each of which simultaneously supports communication for multiple communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0005] The UE may perform a search procedure to connect to a base station. The UE may monitor and measure synchronization signals from the base station. Once connected, the UE may also search for a new beam of the base station. However, conventional techniques for discovering a new beam of a connected cell may be improved. Summary of the invention

[0006] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices and apparatuses that support synchronization signal measurements for beam detection. In general, the technology enables a user equipment (UE) to employ a measurement procedure to detect a new beam. The UE and the base station can be configured for beamformed transmissions. The base station can periodically send a synchronization signal in a synchronization signal block (SSB), and the UE can monitor the synchronization signal and make measurements on it when connected to the cell. The SSB can include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0007] The UE may perform a search procedure to detect a new cell. As part of the search procedure, the UE may measure reference signals in the PSS, PBCH, and SSS of the SSB to receive accurate timing and synchronization information for the cell. Once connected to a cell, the UE may track the status and quality of its established beams using a measurement procedure that measures reference signals only in the SSS of the SSB. After detecting a new cell, the UE may still detect new beams in existing cells. Some UEs may perform a search procedure to detect new beams, but the search procedure may consume a lot of power at the UE.

[0008] The UE described herein may use a measurement procedure for beam detection. A measurement procedure using fewer synchronization signals may result in less power consumption at the UE. The UE may perform a search procedure to detect a first SSB from a base station. The UE may determine a first timing offset (TO) of the first SSB based on the search procedure, and use the first TO of the first SSB to estimate other TOs of other SSBs. The UE may perform a measurement procedure using TOs of other SSBs. In some cases, a beam detected by the measurement procedure may have a strong reference signal received power (RSRP). However, if the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the base station beam is weak, the base station beam may be subject to strong interference. A beam with a high RSRP but a low SNR may be referred to as a fake beam. Therefore, even if the effective beam has a weak signal, the UE may implement a technique to distinguish a pseudo beam from an effective beam. For example, the UE may prune a pseudo beam by measuring the SNR of the SSS of the measured SSB.

[0009] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include: performing a search procedure for a first SSB to detect a first beam of a base station; determining a first TO of the first SSB based on the search procedure; estimating a second TO of a second SSB from the base station based on the first TO; and performing a measurement procedure for a second SSB based on the second TO to detect a second beam of the base station.

[0010] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: perform a search procedure for a first SSB to detect a first beam of a base station; determine a first TO of the first SSB based on the search procedure; estimate a second TO of a second SSB from the base station based on the first TO; and perform a measurement procedure for a second SSB based on the second TO to detect a second beam of the base station.

[0011] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include components for performing the following operations: performing a search procedure for a first SSB to detect a first beam of a base station; determining a first TO of the first SSB based on the search procedure; estimating a second TO of a second SSB from the base station based on the first TO; and performing a measurement procedure for a second SSB based on the second TO to detect a second beam of the base station.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: perform a search procedure for a first SSB to detect a first beam of a base station; determine a first TO of the first SSB based on the search procedure; estimate a second TO of a second SSB from the base station based on the first TO; and perform a measurement procedure for a second SSB based on the second TO to detect a second beam of the base station.

[0013] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for identifying a subcarrier spacing associated with a first SSB, wherein a second TO may be estimated based on the subcarrier spacing.

[0014] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for updating an estimated second TO of a second SSB based on performing a measurement procedure for the second SSB.

[0015] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for estimating a third TO of a third SSB from a base station based on the first TO of the first SSB, an estimated second TO of the second SSB, and an SSB pattern, and performing a measurement procedure for the third SSB based on the third TO to detect a third beam of the base station.

[0016] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for performing a measurement procedure for a second SSB from a second base station based on the estimated second TO to detect a third beam of the second base station.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a search procedure for a first SSB may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining the RSRP of the first SSB based on the PSS, SSS, and PBCH of the first SSB.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing a measurement procedure for a second SSB may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining an RSRP of the second SSB based on an SSS of the second SSB.

[0019] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for selecting a second beam of the base station based on a measurement procedure for a second SSB.

[0020] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for selecting a beam for the UE based on a measurement procedure for a second SSB.

[0021] A method of wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include: receiving a SSB from a base station; performing measurements on the SSB as part of a beam detection procedure; determining whether the measurements on the SSB meet an SNR threshold; and managing a measurement database (MDB) based on the determination.

[0022] An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive a SSB from a base station; perform measurements on the SSB as part of a beam detection procedure; determine whether the measurements on the SSB meet an SNR threshold; and manage an MDB based on the determination.

[0023] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include means for: receiving a SSB from a base station; performing measurements on the SSB as part of a beam detection procedure; determining whether the measurements on the SSB meet an SNR threshold; and managing the MDB based on the determination.

[0024] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive a SSB from a base station; perform measurements for the SSB as part of a beam detection procedure; determine whether the measurements for the SSB meet an SNR threshold; and manage an MDB based on the determination.

[0025] In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, performing measurements for an SSB as part of a beam detection procedure may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining an RSRP of the SSB based on an SSS of the SSB.

[0026] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining that a measurement for an SSB exceeds an SNR threshold and that the MDB fails to include a value corresponding to the SSB, and based on the determination, storing the value corresponding to the SSB in the MDB.

[0027] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining that a measurement for an SSB exceeds an SNR threshold and that the MDB contains a value corresponding to the SSB, and updating the value corresponding to the SSB based on the determination.

[0028] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining that a measurement for an SSB does not exceed an SNR threshold and that the MDB fails to include a value corresponding to the SSB, and based on the determination, avoiding modifying the MDB.

[0029] Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may further include operations, features, components, or instructions for determining that a measurement for an SSB does not exceed an SNR threshold and that the MDB contains a value corresponding to the SSB, identifying a lower value between the value in the MDB and the measurement, and updating the MDB with the lower value based on the identification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3BCorresponding examples of search procedure configuration and measurement procedure configuration supporting synchronization signal measurement for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0033] Figure 4 An example of a process flow supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 An example of a process flow supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A block diagram of an apparatus supporting synchronization signal measurement for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 8 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 9 A diagram of a system including a device supporting synchronization signal measurement for beam detection is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figures 10 to 14 A flow chart is shown illustrating a method of supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The user equipment and the base station may be configured for beamformed transmission. The base station may periodically send a synchronization signal, which the UE may monitor and make measurements on when connected to the cell. The synchronization signal may be sent in a synchronization signal block (SSB). The SSB may be sent in an SSB burst, where each SSB of the burst is associated with a different beam. The SSB may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0040] The UE may perform a search procedure to detect a new cell. As part of the search procedure, the UE may measure reference signals in the PSS, PBCH, and SSS of the SSB to receive accurate timing and synchronization information for the cell. The UE may identify a strong beam pair with the base station and connect to the base station using that strong beam pair. Once connected to a cell, the UE may track the status and quality of its established beams using a measurement procedure that measures reference signals only in the SSS of the SSB.

[0041] After detecting a new cell, the UE can still detect new beams in existing cells. Some UEs can perform a search procedure to detect new beams, but the search procedure may consume a lot of power at the UE. In addition, when the primary cell and the secondary cell schedule adjacent SSBs, if the primary cell and the secondary cell are not fully synchronized, the beam switching for the search procedure at the SSB boundary may suffer interference between adjacent SSBs in some cases.

[0042] Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption for beam detection and reduce the possibility of interference, the UE can use a measurement procedure for beam detection. A measurement procedure using fewer synchronization signals can result in less power consumption at the UE. When a measurement procedure is used based on a measurement procedure that spans fewer symbol periods than a search procedure, the possibility of interference symbol overlap may also be lower, which can result in greater tolerance for beam switching in adjacent SSBs.

[0043] The UE may perform a search procedure to detect a first SSB from a base station. The UE may determine a first timing offset (TO) of the first SSB based on the search procedure, and estimate other TOs of other SSBs using the first TO of the first SSB. The UE may perform a measurement procedure using the TOs of the other SSBs. The UE may estimate the other TOs based on a subcarrier spacing configuration or an SSB pattern.

[0044] In some cases, the beam detected by the measurement procedure may have a strong reference signal received power (RSRP). However, if the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the base station beam is weak, the base station beam may be subject to strong interference. A beam with a high RSRP but a low SNR may be called a pseudo beam. Therefore, even if the effective beam has a weak signal, the UE can implement a technique to distinguish a pseudo beam from an effective beam. The SSS used in the measurement procedure may contain some SNR information. The UE can delete the pseudo beam by measuring the SNR of the SSS of the SSB from the cell. The UE can check whether the SNR value meets the threshold and, based on the determination, determine whether to store the measurement of the SSB for the beam in the measurement database (MDB).

[0045] Certain aspects of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more advantages. The techniques may support improvements in system efficiency such that a device may avoid inefficiencies associated with using beams with low SNRs (e.g., pseudo beams) and instead prune beams with SNR values ​​below a threshold. The examples described herein may also allow a device to switch beams (e.g., receive beams) on a per SSB basis during beam detection, resulting in greater flexibility at the device. The techniques may also save modem power during beam scheduling based on using a search procedure and a measurement procedure at the device relative to a full search procedure.

[0046] Aspects of the present disclosure are first described in the context of wireless communication systems. Aspects of the present disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flow charts related to synchronization signal measurements for beam detection.

[0047] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system 100 supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless communication system 100 includes a base station 105, a UE 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced LTE (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a new radio (NR) network. In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communications, low-latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

[0048] The base station 105 can communicate wirelessly with the UE 115 via one or more base station antennas. The base station 105 described herein may include or may 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, an eNodeB (eNB), a next generation NodeB or a giga-NodeB (any of which may be referred to as a gNB), a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The wireless communication system 100 may include different types of base stations 105 (e.g., macro cell base stations or small cell base stations). The UE 115 described herein is capable of communicating with various types of base stations 105 and network devices, including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, etc.

[0049] Each base station 105 may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area 110 in which communications with various UEs 115 are supported. Each base station 105 may provide communications coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110 via a communications link 125, and the communications link 125 between the base station 105 and the UE 115 may utilize one or more carriers. The communications link 125 illustrated in the wireless communication system 100 may include an uplink transmission from the UE 115 to the base station 105, or a downlink transmission from the base station 105 to the UE 115. Downlink transmissions may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, and uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions.

[0050] The geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105 can be divided into sectors that constitute a portion of the geographic coverage area 110, and each sector can be associated with a cell. For example, each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, a hotspot, or other types of cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, the base station 105 can be mobile and thus provide communication coverage for a mobile geographic coverage area 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can overlap, and overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies can be supported by the same base station 105 or different base stations 105. The wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro or NR network, in which different types of base stations 105 provide coverage for each geographic coverage area 110.

[0051] The term "cell" refers to a logical communication entity used to communicate with base station 105 (e.g., via a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier used to distinguish adjacent cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID) operating via the same or different carriers). In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types that may provide access to different types of devices (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or other protocols). In some cases, the term "cell" may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area 110 (e.g., a sector) on which the logical entity operates.

[0052] UE 115 may be dispersed throughout the wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 may be fixed or mobile. UE 115 may also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable term, where "device" may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. UE 115 may also be a personal electronic device, such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, UE 115 may also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, etc., which may be implemented in various articles such as appliances, vehicles, meters, etc.

[0053] Some UEs 115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low-cost or low-complexity devices and may provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technology that allows devices to communicate with each other or with a base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from a device that integrates sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay the information to a central server or application that may utilize the information or present the information to a human interacting with the program or application. Some UEs 115 may be designed to collect information or implement automated behavior of a machine. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

[0054] Some UEs 115 may be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception but not simultaneous transmission and reception). In some examples, half-duplex communication may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power saving techniques for UE 115 include entering a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaged in active communication, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., in accordance with narrowband communication). In some cases, UE 115 may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., mission critical functions), and the wireless communication system 100 may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communication for these functions.

[0055] In some cases, UE 115 is also able to communicate directly with other UE 115 (e.g., using point-to-point (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocols). One or more UEs in the group of UEs 115 utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105. Other UEs 115 in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of the base station 105, or may be unable to receive transmissions from the base station 105 for other reasons. In some cases, the group of UEs 115 communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, in which each UE 115 transmits to each other UE 115 in the group. In some cases, the base station 105 facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication is performed between UEs 115 without the involvement of the base station 105.

[0056] The base stations 105 may communicate with the core network 130 and with each other. For example, the base stations 105 may interface with the core network 130 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). The base stations 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between the base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via the core network 130) via a backhaul link 134 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces).

[0057] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may manage non-access stratum (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UE 115 served by a base station 105 associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be transmitted through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW may be connected to the IP services of the network operator. The operator's IP services may include access to the Internet, Intranet, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or Packet Switched (PS) streaming services.

[0058] At least some network devices, such as base stations 105, may include subcomponents, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANCs). Each access network entity may communicate with UE 115 through multiple other access network transport entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit / receive points (TRPs). In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity or base station 105 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or merged into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0059] The wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Typically, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is referred to as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelengths range from about 1 decimeter to 1 meter long. Buildings and environmental features may block or redirect UHF waves. However, the waves can penetrate the structure sufficiently to enable a macro cell to provide service to a UE 115 located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter ranges (e.g., less than 100 kilometers) compared to transmission using smaller frequencies and longer waves in the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHZ.

[0060] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the Super High Frequency (SHF) region using the 3 GHz to 30 GHz frequency band (also referred to as the centimeter frequency band). The SHF region includes frequency bands such as the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band, which may be used by devices that can tolerate interference from other users.

[0061] The wireless communication system 100 may also operate in the extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also referred to as the millimeter wave band. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the various devices may be even smaller and more closely spaced than the UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the UE 115. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may suffer from greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range effects compared to SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein may be employed between transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the designated use of frequency bands spanning these frequency regions may vary from country to country or regulatory agency.

[0062] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 can utilize licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum bands. For example, the wireless communication system 100 can use license assisted access (LAA), LTE unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in unlicensed bands such as the 5GHz ISM band. When operating in an unlicensed radio spectrum band, wireless devices such as base stations 105 and UE 115 can use a listen-before-talk (LBT) process to ensure that the channel is clear before sending data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands can be based on a combination of carrier aggregation configurations and component carriers operating in licensed bands (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, point-to-point transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum can be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

[0063] In some examples, the base station 105 or the UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may use a certain transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., a base station 105) and a receiving device (e.g., a UE 115), wherein the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communication may improve spectral efficiency by adopting multipath signal propagation by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. Multiple signals may be transmitted, for example, by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, multiple signals may be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as an independent spatial stream and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO technology includes single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) in which multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

[0064] Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station 105 or a UE 115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array so that signals propagating in a particular direction relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. Adjustments to signals transmitted via antenna elements may include the transmitting device or the receiving device applying certain amplitude and phase offsets to the signals carried via each antenna element associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each antenna element may be defined by a set of beamforming weights associated with a particular direction (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting device or the receiving device, or relative to some other direction).

[0065] In one example, the base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to perform beamforming operations for directional communication with the UE 115. For example, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by the base station 105 in different directions, which may include signals transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different transmission directions. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station 105 or a receiving device such as the UE 115) the beam direction for subsequent transmission and / or reception by the base station 105.

[0066] Base station 105 may transmit some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with a receiving device such as UE 115). In some examples, a beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in part on signals transmitted in different beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions, and UE 115 may report to base station 105 an indication of the signals it received at the highest signal quality, or at other acceptable signal qualities. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted by base station 105 in one or more directions, UE 115 may employ similar techniques to transmit signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., to identify a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by UE 115), or to transmit signals in a single direction (e.g., to transmit data to a receiving device).

[0067] When receiving various signals such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals from the base station 105, a receiving device (e.g., UE 115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams. For example, the receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing the received signal according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to the signal received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, or by processing the received signal according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to the signal received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, any of which is referred to as "listening" according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples, the receiving device may receive along a single beam direction using a single receive beam (e.g., when receiving a data signal). A single receive beam may be aligned in a beam direction based at least in part on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio, or other acceptable signal quality based at least in part on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0068] In some cases, the antennas of a base station 105 or a UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays that may support MIMO operations, or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station 105 may be located at different geographic locations. A base station 105 may have an antenna array with multiple rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station 105 may use to support beamforming for communications with a UE 115. Likewise, a UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

[0069] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 can be a packet-based network that operates according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, the communication on the bearer or packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer can be based on IP. The radio link control (RLC) layer can perform packet segmentation and reorganization to communicate through logical channels. The medium access control (MAC) layer can perform priority processing and multiplex logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layer can also use hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer can provide the establishment, configuration and maintenance of the RRC connection between the UE 115 and the base station 105 or the core network 130 that supports the radio bearer for user plane data. At the physical layer, the transport channel can be mapped to the physical channel.

[0070] In some cases, UE 115 and base station 105 can support retransmission of data to increase the possibility of successfully receiving data. HARQ feedback is a technique that increases the possibility of correctly receiving data through communication link 125. HARQ can include a combination of error detection (e.g., using cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC) and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ can improve the throughput of the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some cases, a wireless device can support HARQ feedback for the same time slot, where the device can provide HARQ feedback for data received in previous symbols in the time slot in a specific time slot. In other cases, the device can provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent time slot or according to some other time intervals.

[0071] Time intervals in LTE or NR may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may be referred to as T s =1 / 30,720,000 second sampling period. The time intervals of the communication resources may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame period may be denoted as T f =307,200T s . A radio frame may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may contain 10 subframes, numbered 0 to 9, and each subframe may have a duration of 1 millisecond. A subframe may be further divided into 2 slots, each of which has a duration of 0.5 milliseconds, and each slot may contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix preceding each symbol period). In addition to the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain 2048 sampling periods. In some cases, a subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of a shortened TTI (sTTI) or in a selected component carrier using sTTI).

[0072] In some wireless communication systems, a time slot may be further divided into multiple micro-slots containing one or more symbols. In some cases, a micro-slot or a symbol of a micro-slot may be the smallest unit of scheduling. For example, the duration of each symbol may vary depending on the subcarrier spacing or the frequency band of operation. In addition, some wireless communication systems may implement time slot aggregation, in which multiple time slots or micro-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between UE 115 and base station 105.

[0073] The term "carrier" refers to a set of radio spectrum resources with a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications on the communication link 125. For example, a carrier of the communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band that operates according to a physical layer channel for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a predefined frequency channel (e.g., an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN)) and may be located according to a channel raster for discovery by a UE 115. A carrier may be a downlink or uplink (e.g., in FDD mode), or may be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in TDD mode). In some examples, a signal waveform transmitted on a carrier may be composed of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

[0074] The organization structure of the carrier can be different for different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). For example, communications on a carrier can be organized based on TTIs or time slots, each of which can include user data and control information or signaling to support decoding of the user data. A carrier can also include dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling to coordinate the operation of the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier can also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers.

[0075] Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using a time division multiplexing (TDM) technique, a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) technique, or a hybrid TDM-FDM technique. In some examples, control information sent in a physical control channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region or common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

[0076] A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as the "system bandwidth" of the carrier or wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a plurality of predetermined bandwidths of a carrier for a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each serviced UE 115 may be configured to operate on part or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs 115 may be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type associated with a predefined portion or range (e.g., a set of subcarriers or RBs) within a carrier (e.g., an "in-band" deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

[0077] In a system using MCM technology, a resource element may consist of a symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and a subcarrier, where the symbol period and the subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Therefore, the more resource elements received by UE 115 and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate of UE 115. In a MIMO system, wireless communication resources may refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, time resources, and space resources (e.g., space layers), and the use of multiple space layers may further increase the data rate of communication with UE 115.

[0078] A device (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) of wireless communication system 100 may have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a specific carrier bandwidth, or may be configured to support communication on one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, wireless communication system 100 may include base station 105 and / or UE 115 that supports simultaneous communication via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidths.

[0079] The wireless communication system 100 may support communication with the UE 115 on multiple cells or carriers, a feature that may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. Depending on the carrier aggregation configuration, the UE 115 may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

[0080] In some cases, the wireless communication system 100 can utilize an enhanced component carrier (eCC). An eCC can be characterized by one or more characteristics, including a wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, a shorter symbol duration, a shorter TTI duration, or a modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC can be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul links). An eCC can also be configured for use in an unlicensed spectrum or a shared spectrum (e.g., allowing more than one operator to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by a wide carrier bandwidth can include one or more segments that can be utilized by a UE 115 that is unable to monitor the entire carrier bandwidth or is otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to save power).

[0081] In some cases, an eCC may use a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include using a reduced symbol duration compared to the symbol duration of other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with an increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device utilizing an eCC (e.g., a UE 115 or a base station 105) may transmit a wideband signal (e.g., based on a frequency channel or carrier bandwidth of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) at a reduced symbol duration (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in an eCC may consist of one or more symbol periods. In some cases, the TTI duration (i.e., the number of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

[0082] The wireless communication system 100 may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, as well as other spectrum bands. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow eCC to be used across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may improve spectrum utilization and spectrum efficiency, particularly through dynamic vertical (e.g., in the frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., in the time domain) resource sharing.

[0083] UE 115 may perform a search procedure to detect a new cell. As part of the search procedure, UE 115 may measure reference signals in the PSS, PBCH, and SSS of an SSB to receive accurate timing and synchronization information for the cell. Once connected to the cell, UE 115 may still detect new beams for the cell. UE 115 may use a measurement procedure for beam detection. The measurement procedure may use fewer synchronization signals than the search procedure. For example, the measurement procedure may use only the SSS of an SSB instead of the PSS, PBCH, and SSS. UE 115 may determine a first TO of a first SSB based on the search procedure, and use the first TO of the first SSB to estimate other TOs of other SSBs. UE 115 may perform a measurement procedure using the TOs of other SSBs.

[0084] In some cases, the beam detected by the measurement procedure may have a strong RSRP. However, if the SNR of the base station beam is weak, the base station beam may be subject to strong interference. A beam with a high RSRP but a low SNR may be referred to as a pseudo beam. Therefore, even if the effective beam has a weak signal, the UE 115 may implement a technique to distinguish the pseudo beam from the effective beam. For example, the UE 115 may delete the pseudo beam by measuring the SNR of the SSS of the measured SSB.

[0085] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication system 200 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 200 can include a UE 115-a and a base station 105-a, which can be respective examples of the UE 115 and the base station 105 described herein.

[0086] The base station 105-a may periodically transmit a synchronization signal that the UE 115-a may use when connected to a cell. The synchronization signal may be transmitted in an SSB 235 including a PSS 220, a PBCH 225, and an SSS 230. In some cases, the UE 115-a may perform a search procedure to detect a new cell. The UE 115-a may measure reference signals for the search procedure in the PSS 220, the PBCH 225, and the SSS 230 to receive accurate timing and synchronization information for the cell. The UE 115-a may select a UE beam 210 to receive the SSB 235 and perform a search procedure. In some cases, the UE 115-a may perform a measurement procedure to track the signal strength of an existing cell. The measurement procedure may measure only the SSS 230 of the SSB 235. The UE 115-a may also select a UE beam 210 to perform a measurement procedure.

[0087] In some cases, the UE 115-a and the base station 105-a may be configured for beamforming communications. The UE 115 configured for beamforming communications may also detect a new base station beam 205. In some wireless communication systems, the UE 115 may detect a new base station beam 205 based on a search procedure and measuring the PSS 220, PBCH 225, and SSS 230 of the SSB 235. Each SSB 235 may be associated with a different base station beam 205 or transmitted on a different base station beam. For example, by performing a search procedure for the SSB 235-a, the UE 115 may determine the beam quality of the base station beam 205-a associated with the SSB 235-a. However, the search procedure may consume a lot of power at the UE 115. In some cases, if the cells are not synchronized, interference between the SSBs 235 from different cells may interfere with the search procedure at the UE 115. In some cases, this may occur if two unsynchronized cells (such as a primary cell and a secondary cell) schedule two adjacent SSBs 235. In some cases, when beam switching is performed at the search procedure boundary, there may be an overlap between two adjacent unsynchronized SSBs 235, which may cause interference. Based on the use of three of the four signals in the SSB 235, the search procedure may have a large window to prevent interference from overlapping SSBs 235, where the three signals used may be PSS 220, PBCH 225, and SSS 230.

[0088] In order to reduce power consumption for beam detection, the UE 115-a and other UEs 115 described herein may perform a measurement procedure to detect a new base station beam 205. In some cases, since the measurement procedure can measure one synchronization signal (e.g., SSS 230) of the SSB 235, the measurement procedure can use less power than a search procedure (where the search procedure measures three). When using the measurement procedure, the possibility of symbol overlap may also be lower because the measurement procedure can span one symbol period instead of three symbol periods of the search procedure (e.g., where each signal of the SSB 235 may span one symbol period). In some cases, the measurement procedure can be used for beam detection in a cell that has been detected, for example, by a search procedure. The techniques described herein can be applied to wireless communications and mmW communications below 6 GHz (sub-6 GHz). Sub-6 SSB can operate in the sub-6 GHz band, and mmW SSB can operate in the millimeter wave band.

[0089] UE 115-a may perform a search procedure to detect SSB 235-a from base station 105-a, which may be a new cell. A pair of cells and SSBs may be represented by an ordered pair (cell, SSB). In some cases, the value of SSB 235 in the ordered pair may be based on the SSB index of SSB 235. For example, base station 105-a may be referred to as cell a, and SSB 235-a may be the first SSB of an SSB burst set (e.g., SSB 0). A pair of base station 105-a and SSB 235-a may be represented by (a, 0). Other cells may be represented by other letters, where other beams may be represented by other numbers. For example, a subsequent SSB from the same cell (e.g., SSB 235-b) may be represented by (a, 1), and the first SSB of the second cell may be represented by (b, 0).

[0090] UE 115-a may determine the TO of a cell and an SSB pair. For example, UE 115-a may identify the TO of SSB 235-a from base station 105-a based on performing a search procedure for SSB 235-a. In some cases, the TO may be based on a timing advance of a signal detected by the search procedure. UE 115-a may use the first TO determined by the search procedure to estimate the TO of the remaining SSBs 235 configured in the same cell. For example, UE 115-a may estimate the TO of SSB 235-b and SSB 235-c based on the TO of SSB 235-a. UE 115-a may use the TO of the remaining SSBs 235 to perform measurement procedures for other SSBs 235.

[0091] In some cases, the UE 115-a may determine the TO of other SSBs 235 based on one or more of the subcarrier spacing configuration or the SSB pattern. For example, some subcarrier spacing configurations may include two SSBs 235 per time slot. In such a configuration, the UE 115-a may determine the TO of (a, 0) by a search procedure, add the duration of the time slot, and identify an estimated TO of a third SSB 235 (a, 2) (e.g., SSB 235-c). The TO may then be determined based on the starting position of the second SSB 235 (e.g., SSB 235-b) being between (a, 0) and (a, 2). Therefore, the estimated TO of (a, 1) may be equal to (TO of (a, 0) + TO of (a, 2)) / 2, or equal to half the sum of the TO of (a, 0) and the estimated TO of (a, 2). After each measurement procedure performed by the UE 115-a for the SSB 235, the UE 115-a may update the corresponding estimated TO for the SSB 235. Updating the TO after the measurement procedure may improve the estimation accuracy of the TO. The process may be flexible enough to enable the UE 115-a to use the measurement procedure to detect other SSBs 235 in a newly detected cell by switching beams.

[0092] In some cases, the base station beam 205 detected by the measurement procedure may have a strong RSRP. However, if the base station beam 205 has a weak signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) or SNR, this may mean that the base station beam 205 is subject to strong interference. A base station beam 205 with a high RSRP but a low SINR may be referred to as a pseudo beam. In some cases, the UE 115 using the search procedure may use information from multiple reference signals to eliminate pseudo beams. However, since the UE 115 may not be able to rely on the PBCH to screen out pseudo beams, the UE 115 using the measurement procedure may not be able to tell that the base station beam 205 is a pseudo beam. Therefore, even in an environment that is difficult to distinguish, such as an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel, the UE 115 can still implement techniques to distinguish pseudo beams from valid weak beams.

[0093] UE 115-a may implement SINR pruning techniques to avoid selecting a pseudo beam when using a measurement procedure for beam detection. SSS 230 that may be used by UE 115-a in a measurement procedure may include some SINR information. The pruning mechanism may include measuring the SINR of the SSS 230 contained in the SSB 235 from a cell (e.g., corresponding to the cell / SSB 235 pair represented by (cell, SSB)). In some cases, the SINR measurement may be referred to as SSS_SINR. UE 115-a may check whether the SINR measurement meets a threshold and manage MDB 215 based on the determination.

[0094] In some cases, the SINR measurement may meet a threshold. If the SINR does meet the threshold, the UE 115-a may check whether the (cell, SSB) pair is already in the MDB 215. For example, if SSB 235-b has a SINR greater than the threshold, the UE 115-a may check whether SSB 235-a from the base station 105-a is in the MDB 215. If not, the UE 115-a may store the (cell, SSB) pair in the MDB 215. For example, if the corresponding SINR measurement value exceeds the threshold and the MDB 215 does not already include a value for SSB 235-b from the base station 105-a, the UE 115-a may store the RSRP measurement of SSB 235-b from the base station 105-a in the MDB 215. If the (cell, SSB) pair is already in MDB 215, UE 115-a may update one or more of the RSRP, reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or SINR measurement values ​​for the (cell, SSB) pair in MDB 215. For example, if the SINR of SSB 235-b exceeds a threshold and MDB 215 already has a value of RSRP for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a, UE 115-a may update the RSRP value for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a in MDB 215. In some cases, UE 115-a may update or store one or more of the RSRP measurement and the RSRQ measurement or the SINR measurement in MDB 215 based on the SINR measurement exceeding the threshold.

[0095] In other cases, the SINR measurement may not meet the threshold. In these cases, UE 115-a may check whether the (cell, SSB) pair is in MDB 215. If the (cell, SSB) set is in MDB 215, UE 115-a may update one or more of the RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR measurement values ​​for the (cell, SSB) pair in MDB 215. For example, UE 115-a may update MDB 215 based on the lower value between the most recent RSRP measurement and the RSRP measurement stored in MDB 215. If the (cell, SSB) pair is not in the database, UE 115-a may ignore the (cell, SSB 235) pair and may not store the (cell, SSB 235) set in MDB 215.

[0096] In an example, UE 115-a may perform a measurement procedure on SSB 235-b from base station 105-a. The RSRP of SSB 235-b may be strong, but the SINR associated with SSB 235-b may not exceed the SINR threshold. UE 115-a may check whether MDB 215 includes a value for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a. If the MDB does include a value, UE 115-a may check which RSRP value is lower between the stored RSRP and the most recently measured RSRP. UE 115-a may store the lower of the RSRP values ​​in MDB 215. For example, if the most recently measured RSRP value is lower, UE 115-a may replace the RSRP value for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a in MDB 215 with the most recently measured RSRP. If the stored value is higher, UE 115-a may not change the RSRP value for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a in MDB 215. If the SINR associated with SSB 235-b from base station 105-a is below the threshold and no RSRP value for SSB 235-b from base station 105-a is stored in MDB 215, UE 115-a may ignore the most recent measurement for the SSB and not update MDB 215.

[0097] In some cases, UE 115-a may instead start the puncturing mechanism by measuring the SNR, and may thereafter use a similar puncturing mechanism with SNR measurements (e.g., SSS_SNR) instead of SINR measurements.

[0098] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Respective examples of a search procedure configuration 300 and a measurement procedure configuration 301 that support synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In some examples, the search procedure configuration 300 and the measurement procedure configuration 301 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100.

[0099] The search procedure configuration 300 may illustrate signals used for a search procedure. The SSB 320 may include a PSS 305, first and second PBCHs 310, and an SSS 315. For example, an SSB 320-a may include a PSS 305-a, a PBCH 310-a, an SSS 315-a, and a PBCH 310-b. An SSB 320-b may include a PSS 305-b, a PBCH 310-c, an SSS 315-b, and a PBCH 310-d. The search procedure may measure reference signals included in the SSB 320 to check cell quality and acquire time and frequency synchronization with the cell. The UE 115 may perform a search procedure for the SSB 320 using the PSS 305, one PBCH 310, and the SSS 315.

[0100] The search procedure may use a lot of power. In some cases, if the cells are not synchronized, interference between SSBs 320 from different cells may interfere with the search procedure at the UE 115. In some cases, if two unsynchronized cells schedule two adjacent SSBs 320, interference may occur. Based on the search procedure using three of the four signals in the SSB 320, the search procedure may have a larger window to prevent interference from overlapping SSBs 320. When beam switching is done at the search procedure boundary, there may be overlap between two adjacent non-synchronized SSBs 320.

[0101] The measurement procedure configuration 301 may illustrate signals for a measurement procedure. The SSB 320-c may include the PSS 305-c, the PBCH 310-e, the SSS 315-c, and the PBCH 310-f. The SSB 320-d may include the PSS 305-d, the PBCH 310-g, the SSS 315-d, and the PBCH 310-h. The UE 115 may perform a measurement procedure using the SSS 315 of the SSB 320. For example, the UE 115 may perform a measurement procedure for the SSB 320-c using the SSS 315-c, and the UE 115 may perform a measurement procedure for the SSB 320-d using the SSS 315-d.

[0102] The UE 115 may use a measurement procedure to track existing beams and detect new beams using the techniques described herein. Based on using one-third of the signals, the measurement procedure may use less power than the search procedure. Additionally, the measurement procedure may cause less interference when switching at the measurement procedure boundary. For example, based on the measurement procedure using one of the four signals in the SSB 320 instead of the three signals used by the search procedure, there may be less overlap between two adjacent non-synchronized SSBs 320.

[0103] Figure 4 An example of a process flow 400 that supports synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the process flow 400 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. The process flow 400 can include a UE 115-a and a base station 105-a, which can be respective examples of a UE 115 and a base station 105 described herein.

[0104] At 405, the base station 105-b may send a first SSB to the UE 115-b. In some cases, the first SSB may include a PSS, an SSS, and two PBCH signals. The UE 115-b may perform a search procedure for the first SSB at 410 to detect the first beam of the base station 105-a. The first SSB may correspond to the first beam of the base station 105-b. In some cases, performing the search procedure may include determining the RSRP of the first SSB based on the PSS, SSS, and PBCH of the SSB. For example, the UE 115-b may use three of the four signals contained in the SSB for the search procedure. In some cases, the cell (e.g., the base station 105-b) and the first SSB may be represented as a set (cell, SSB number). For example, the first SSB from the base station 105-b may be represented by (a, 0), where the base station 105-a is cell a and the first SSB may be SSB 0.

[0105] At 415, UE 115-b may determine a first TO of the first SSB based on the search procedure. The TO of the first SSB may be represented as (a, 0) and may be determined by adding the duration of the time slot and identifying an estimated TO of a third SSB, which may be represented as (a, 2).

[0106] At 420, UE 115-b may estimate a second TO of a second SSB from base station 105-b based on the first TO. In some cases, UE 115-b may identify a subcarrier spacing associated with the SSB, and the second TO may be based on the subcarrier spacing. In some cases, UE 115-b may estimate a third TO for a third SSB from the base station based on the first TO of the first SSB, the estimated TO of the second SSB, and the SSB pattern. For example, the estimated TO of the second SSB may be (a, 2). If there are two SSBs per time slot, the TO of the second SSB may be estimated by adding the duration of the time slot to the TO of (a, 0). The third SSB may be represented as (a, 1) and may be between the first SSB and the second SSB in the SSB burst set. The estimated TO of (a, 1) may be equal to (TO of (a, 0) + TO of (a, 2)) / 2, or equal to half the sum of the TO of (a, 0) and the estimated TO of (a, 2).

[0107] At 425, the base station 105-b may send a second SSB based on the SSB periodicity. In some cases, the second SSB may be sent in a subsequent SSB burst set. For example, after the SSB burst set including the first SSB sent at 405, the second SSB may be sent in an SSB burst set of 20 ms or a multiple of 20 ms. At 430, the UE 115-b may perform a measurement procedure for the second SSB based on the second TO to detect the second beam of the base station 105-b. Performing the measurement procedure for the second SSB may include determining the RSRP of the second SSB based on the SSS of the second SSB. In some cases, the UE 115-b may perform a measurement procedure on SSB n in an existing cell (e.g., not detected by the search procedure) based on the estimated TO of SSB n in the existing cell. For example, UE 115-b may perform a measurement procedure for a second SSB (e.g., an SSB having an SSB index of the second SSB received from base station 105-b at 425) from a second base station 105 (not shown) based on the estimated second TO to detect a third beam of the second base station 105.

[0108] After each measurement procedure performed by UE 115, UE 115 may update the estimated second TO for the second SSB based on performing the measurement procedure for the second SSB. Updating the TO after each measurement procedure may improve the estimation accuracy of the TO. UE 115 may use the measurement procedure to detect other SSBs in a newly detected cell by switching beams.

[0109] Figure 5An example of a process flow 500 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In some examples, the process flow 500 can implement aspects of the wireless communication system 100. The process flow 500 can include a base station 105-c and a UE 115-c, which can be respective examples of the base station 105 and the UE 115 described herein. The process flow 500 can also include an MDB 502, which can be Figure 2 An example of MDB 215 as described in .

[0110] At 505, the UE 115-c may receive an SSB from the base station 105-c. At 510, as part of a beam detection procedure, the UE 115-c may perform measurements for the SSB. In some cases, a beam detected by the measurement procedure may have a strong RSRP. However, if the SINR of the beam is weak, it may mean that the beam is subject to strong interference. A beam with a high RSRP but a low SINR may be referred to as a pseudo-beam. In some cases, the search procedure may use information from multiple reference signals to eliminate pseudo-beams. Therefore, the UE 115-c may implement SINR reduction techniques to avoid selecting a pseudo-beam during the measurement procedure.

[0111] The SSS may still contain some SINR information. In some cases, the pseudo-beam elimination technique may include measuring the SINR of the SSS of the SSB received from the cell (e.g., base station 105-c). In some cases, the SINR measurement may be referred to as SSS_SINR. UE 115-c may determine at 515 whether the measurement for the SSB meets the SINR threshold, and at 520, determine whether MDB 502 includes a value for the SSB. UE 115-c may manage the MDB accordingly based on the determination.

[0112] In some cases, the UE 115-c may determine at 515 that the measurement for the SSB satisfies the SINR threshold and may determine at 520 that the MDB 502 fails to include a value corresponding to the SSB. At 535, the UE 115-c may store the value corresponding to the SSB in the MDB 502 based on the determination. The value updated by the UE 115-c in the MDB 502 may be one or more of the RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR of the SSB.

[0113] In some cases, the UE 115-c may determine, at 515, that the measurement for the SSB satisfies the SINR threshold and determine, at 520, that the MDB 502 includes a value corresponding to the SSB. At 535, the UE 115-c may update, based on the determination, the value corresponding to the SSB in the MDB 502. The value updated by the UE 115-c in the MDB 502 may be one or more of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR.

[0114] In some cases, the UE 115-c may also determine, at 515, that the measurement for the SSB does not satisfy the SINR threshold, and determine, at 520, that the MDB 502 does include a value corresponding to the SSB. The UE 115-c may identify a lower value between the value in the MDB 502 and the measurement. The UE 115-c may retrieve the measurement stored in the MDB 502 at 525 and compare the measurement at 530. At 535, the UE 115-c may update the value in the MDB 502 corresponding to the SSB based at least in part on determining the lower value between the measurements. The value updated in the database by the UE 115-c may be one or more of RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR.

[0115] In some cases, the UE 115-c may determine at 515 that the measurement for the SSB does not satisfy the SINR threshold and determine at 520 that the MDB 502 does not include a value corresponding to the SSB. If the measurement for the SSB does not satisfy the SINR threshold and the MDB 502 does not include a value corresponding to the SSB, the UE 115-c may avoid modifying the MDB 502.

[0116] In other cases, the UE 115 may instead start the puncturing mechanism by measuring the SNR, and may thereafter continue the same puncturing mechanism with SNR measurements (e.g., SSS_SNR) instead of SINR measurements.

[0117] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 605 may be an example of aspects of the UE 115 as described herein. The device 605 may include a receiver 610, a communication manager 615, and a transmitter 620. The device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0118] The receiver 610 may 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 synchronization signal measurements for beam detection, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 605. The receiver 610 may be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 920 are described. The receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0119] The communication manager 615 may perform a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station, determine a first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block based on the search procedure, estimate a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset, and perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect a second beam of the base station. The communication manager 615 may also receive a synchronization signal block from the base station, perform measurements on the synchronization signal block as part of a beam detection procedure, determine whether the measurements on the synchronization signal block meet a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and manage a measurement database based on the determination. The communication manager 615 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 910 described herein.

[0120] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents may be implemented in hardware, in code (software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 615 or its 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 the present disclosure.

[0121] The communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be physically located in a variety of locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functionality are implemented by one or more physical components at different physical locations. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be separate and distinct components. In some examples, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the communication manager 615 or its subcomponents can be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to input / output (I / O) components, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof.

[0122] Transmitter 620 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 605. In some examples, transmitter 620 can be co-located with receiver 610 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 620 can be a reference Fig. 9Examples of aspects of the transceiver 920 are described. The transmitter 620 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0123] The communication manager 615 as described herein may be implemented to achieve one or more potential advantages. One embodiment may allow the UE 115 to save power and increase battery life by using a combination of a search procedure and a measurement procedure instead of a full search procedure. Another embodiment may allow the UE 115 to prune beams with low SNR values ​​so that the UE 115 can avoid the inefficiencies associated with using beams with low SNR values.

[0124] Based on the technique of performing efficient communication using a combination of a search procedure and a measurement procedure in addition to using a beam having an SNR value above a threshold, a processor of the UE 115 (e.g., controlling the receiver 610, the transmitter 620, or the transceiver 920, as shown in reference Fig. 9 The described) can improve system efficiency and reduce unnecessary processing at UE 115.

[0125] Figure 7 A block diagram 700 of a device 705 supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 705 may be an example of aspects of the device 605 or UE 115 as described herein. The device 705 may include a receiver 710, a communication manager 715, and a transmitter 760. The device 705 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0126] The receiver 710 may 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 synchronization signal measurements for beam detection, etc.). The information may be passed to other components of the device 705. The receiver 710 may be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 920 are described. The receiver 710 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0127] The communication manager 715 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 615 as described herein. The communication manager 715 can include a search program component 720, a timing offset determination component 725, a timing offset estimation component 730, a measurement program component 735, an SSB reception component 740, a measurement component 745, a threshold component 750, and a measurement database management component 755. The communication manager 715 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 910 described herein.

[0128] The search procedure component 720 may perform a search procedure for the first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of the base station. The timing offset determination component 725 may determine a first timing offset for the first synchronization signal block based on the search procedure. The timing offset estimation component 730 may estimate a second timing offset for a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset. The measurement procedure component 735 may perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect a second beam of the base station.

[0129] The SSB receiving component 740 can receive a synchronization signal block from a base station. As part of a beam detection procedure, the measuring component 745 can perform measurements on the synchronization signal block. The threshold component 750 can determine whether the measurement on the synchronization signal block meets a signal-to-noise ratio threshold. The measurement database management component 755 can manage the measurement database based on the determination.

[0130] Transmitter 760 can transmit signals generated by other components of device 705. In some examples, transmitter 760 can be co-located with receiver 710 in a transceiver module. For example, transmitter 760 can be a reference Fig. 9 Examples of aspects of the transceiver 920 are described. The transmitter 760 may utilize a single antenna or a group of antennas.

[0131] Figure 8 A block diagram 800 of a communication manager 805 supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The communication manager 805 can be an example of aspects of the communication manager 615, the communication manager 715, or the communication manager 910 described herein. The communication manager 805 can include a search program component 810, a timing offset determination component 815, a timing offset estimation component 820, a measurement program component 825, a subcarrier spacing identification component 830, a beam selection component 835, an SSB reception component 840, a measurement component 845, a threshold component 850, and a measurement database management component 855. Each of these modules can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0132] The search program component 810 can perform a search procedure for the first synchronization signal block to detect the first beam of the base station. In some examples, the search program component 810 can determine the RSRP of the first synchronization signal block based on the primary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal, and the physical broadcast channel of the first synchronization signal block. The timing offset determination component 815 can determine the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block based on the search procedure.

[0133] The timing offset estimation component 820 can estimate a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset. In some examples, the timing offset estimation component 820 can update the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block based on performing a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block. In some examples, the timing offset estimation component 820 can estimate a third timing offset of a third synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block, the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block, and the synchronization signal block pattern.

[0134] The measurement procedure component 825 may perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect the second beam of the base station. In some examples, the measurement procedure component 825 may perform a measurement procedure for the third synchronization signal block based on the third timing offset to detect the third beam of the base station. In some examples, the measurement procedure component 825 may determine the RSRP of the second synchronization signal block based on the secondary synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal block.

[0135] The measurement procedure component 825 can perform a measurement procedure on a second synchronization signal block from the second base station based on the estimated second timing offset to detect a third beam of the second base station.

[0136] The SSB receiving component 840 can receive a synchronization signal block from a base station. As part of a beam detection procedure, the measuring component 845 can perform measurements on the synchronization signal block. In some examples, the measuring component 845 can determine the RSRP of the synchronization signal block based on the secondary synchronization signal of the synchronization signal block.

[0137] Threshold component 850 can determine whether the measurement for the synchronization signal block meets the signal-to-noise ratio threshold. In some examples, threshold component 850 can determine that the measurement for the synchronization signal block exceeds the signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and the measurement database does not include a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. In some examples, threshold component 850 can determine that the measurement for the synchronization signal block exceeds the signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and the measurement database includes a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block.

[0138] In some examples, threshold component 850 can determine that measurements for a synchronization signal block do not exceed a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and the measurement database does not include a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. In some examples, threshold component 850 can determine that measurements for a synchronization signal block do not exceed a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and the measurement database includes a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block.

[0139] The measurement database management component 855 can manage the measurement database based on the determination. In some examples, the measurement database management component 855 can store the value corresponding to the synchronization signal block in the measurement database based on determining that the measurement for the synchronization signal block exceeds the signal-to-noise ratio threshold and the measurement database does not include the value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. In some examples, the measurement database management component 855 can update the value corresponding to the synchronization signal block based on determining that the measurement for the synchronization signal block exceeds the signal-to-noise ratio threshold and the measurement database includes the value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. In some examples, the measurement database management component 855 can avoid modifying the measurement database based on determining that the measurement for the synchronization signal block does not exceed the signal-to-noise ratio threshold and the measurement database does not include the value corresponding to the synchronization signal.

[0140] In some examples, the measurement database management component 855 can identify a lower value between the value in the measurement database and the measurement. In some examples, the measurement database management component 855 can update the measurement database with the lower value based on the identification.

[0141] The subcarrier spacing identification component 830 can identify a subcarrier spacing associated with the first synchronization signal block, wherein the second timing offset is estimated based on the subcarrier spacing. The beam selection component 835 can select a second beam of the base station based on a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block. In some examples, the beam selection component 835 can select a beam of the UE based on a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

[0142] Fig. 9 A diagram of a system 900 including a device 905 supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The device 905 may be an example of or include components of a device 605, a device 705, or a UE 115 as described herein. The device 905 may include components for two-way voice and data communications, including components for sending and receiving communications, including a communication manager 910, an I / O controller 915, a transceiver 920, an antenna 925, a memory 930, and a processor 940. These components may be electronically connected via one or more buses (e.g., bus 945).

[0143] The communication manager 910 may perform a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station, determine a first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block based on the search procedure, estimate a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset, and perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect a second beam of the base station. The communication manager 910 may also receive a synchronization signal block from the base station, perform measurements on the synchronization signal block as part of a beam detection procedure, determine whether the measurements on the synchronization signal block meet a signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and manage a measurement database based on the determination.

[0144] I / O controller 915 can manage input and output signals for device 905. I / O controller 915 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 905. In some cases, I / O controller 915 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I / O controller 915 can utilize a variety of communication protocols such as TCP, HTTP, and HTTPS. , or other known operating systems. In other cases, I / O controller 915 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I / O controller 915 may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with device 905 via I / O controller 915 or via hardware components controlled by I / O controller 915.

[0145] As described above, the transceiver 920 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired or wireless links. For example, the transceiver 920 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 920 can also include a modem to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and demodulate packets received from the antenna.

[0146] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna 925. However, in some cases, the device may have more than one antenna 925 that is capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously.

[0147] The memory 930 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 930 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 935, which includes instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 930 may contain, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS), which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0148] The processor 940 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, 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 processor 940 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 940. The processor 940 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 930) to cause the device 905 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support synchronization signal measurement for beam detection).

[0149] The code 935 may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions for supporting wireless communications. The code 935 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code 935 may not be directly executed by the processor 940, but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein.

[0150] Based on using a combination of the search procedure and the measurement procedure, the processor 940 of the UE 115 can receive SSBs (e.g., adjacent SSBs from two different cells) more efficiently. In addition, the processor 940 of the UE 115 can switch beams (e.g., receive beams) on a per-SSB basis during beam detection, so that the UE 115 can have greater flexibility in its beam selection. In some examples, the greater flexibility at the UE 115 can allow the UE 115 to allocate its processing power more efficiently. In addition, the processor 940 of the UE 115 can prune beams having SNR values ​​below a threshold, thereby saving processing power that might otherwise be used for such beams.

[0151] Fig.10 1 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1000 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1000 may be performed by a communication manager, as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0152] At 1005, the UE may perform a search procedure for the first synchronization signal block to detect the first beam of the base station. The operations of 1005 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1005 may be performed by a search procedure component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0153] At 1010, the UE may determine a first timing offset for a first synchronization signal block based on a search procedure. The operations of 1010 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1010 may be performed by a timing offset determination component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0154] At 1015, the UE may estimate a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset. The operations of 1015 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1015 may be performed by a timing offset estimation component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0155] At 1020, the UE may perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect the second beam of the base station. The operations of 1020 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1020 may be performed by a measurement procedure component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0156] Fig.11 1 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1100 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1100 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1100 may be performed by a communication manager, as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0157] At 1105, the UE may perform a search procedure for the first synchronization signal block to detect the first beam of the base station. The operations of 1105 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1105 may be performed by a search procedure component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0158] At 1110, the UE may determine a first timing offset for a first synchronization signal block based on a search procedure. The operations of 1110 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1110 may be performed by a timing offset determination component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0159] At 1115, the UE may estimate a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based on the first timing offset. The operations of 1115 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1115 may be performed by a timing offset estimation component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0160] At 1120, the UE may perform a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block based on the second timing offset to detect the second beam of the base station. The operations of 1120 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1120 may be performed by a measurement procedure component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0161] At 1125, the UE may update the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block based on performing a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block. The operations of 1125 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1125 may be performed by a timing offset estimation component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0162] Fig.12 1 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1200 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1200 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1200 may be performed by a communication manager, as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0163] At 1205, the UE may receive a synchronization signal block from a base station. The operations of 1205 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1205 may be performed by an SSB receiving component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0164] At 1210, as part of a beam detection procedure, the UE may perform measurements on a synchronization signal block. The operations of 1210 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1210 may be performed by a measurement component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0165] At 1215, the UE may determine whether the measurement for the synchronization signal block satisfies the signal-to-noise ratio threshold. The operations of 1215 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1215 may be performed by a threshold component, such as reference Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0166] At 1220, the UE may manage the measurement database based on the determination. The operations of 1220 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1220 may be performed by a measurement database management component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0167] Fig.13 1 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1300 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1300 may be implemented by a UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1300 may be performed by a communication manager, as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0168] At 1305, the UE may receive a synchronization signal block from a base station. The operations of 1305 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1305 may be performed by an SSB receiving component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0169] At 1310, as part of a beam detection procedure, the UE may perform measurements on a synchronization signal block. The operations of 1310 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1310 may be performed by a measurement component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0170] At 1315, the UE may determine whether the measurement for the synchronization signal block satisfies the signal-to-noise ratio threshold. The operations of 1315 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1315 may be performed by a threshold component, such as reference Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0171] The UE may manage the measurement database based on the determination. For example, at 1320, the UE may determine that the measurement for the synchronization signal block exceeds the signal-to-noise ratio threshold and the measurement database does not include a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. The operations of 1320 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1320 may be performed by a threshold component, such as reference 1320. Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0172] At 1325, the UE may store the value corresponding to the synchronization signal block in a measurement database based on the determination. The operations of 1325 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1325 may be performed by a measurement database management component, such as reference Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0173] Fig.14 1400 for supporting synchronization signal measurements for beam detection according to aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 1400 may be implemented by the UE 115 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 1400 may be performed by a communication manager, as described in reference to Figures 6 to 9 In some examples, the UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0174] At 1405, the UE may receive a synchronization signal block from a base station. The operations of 1405 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be performed by an SSB receiving component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0175] At 1410, as part of a beam detection procedure, the UE may perform measurements on a synchronization signal block. The operations of 1410 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1410 may be performed by a measurement component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0176] At 1415, the UE may determine whether the measurement for the synchronization signal block satisfies the signal-to-noise ratio threshold. The operations of 1415 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed by a threshold component, such as reference Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0177] The UE may manage a measurement database based on the determination. For example, at 1420, the UE may determine that the measurement for the synchronization signal block does not exceed the signal-to-noise ratio threshold, and the measurement database includes a value corresponding to the synchronization signal block. The operations of 1420 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1420 may be performed by a threshold component, such as reference Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0178] At 1425, the UE may identify a lower value between the value in the measurement database and the measurement. The operations of 1425 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1425 may be performed by a measurement database management component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0179] At 1430, the UE may update the measurement database with a lower value based on the identification. The operations of 1430 may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1430 may be performed by a measurement database management component, such as with reference to Figures 6 to 9 described.

[0180] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more methods may be combined.

[0181] The techniques described herein can be used in 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 (SC-FDMA), and other systems. A CDMA system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 versions are commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A TDMA system can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

[0182] OFDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro are versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned herein as well as other systems and radio technologies. Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for example purposes and the terminology of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein may be applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR applications.

[0183] A macro cell typically covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. Small cells may be associated with base stations with lower power than macro cells, and small cells may operate in the same or different frequency bands (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) as macro cells. According to various examples, small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells. A pico cell, for example, may cover a smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions to a network provider. A femto cell may also cover a smaller geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access to UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in a home, etc.). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells and may also support communications using one or more component carriers.

[0184] One or more wireless communication systems described herein 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 aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0185] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the specification may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0186] The various illustrative logic blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed with 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 herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0187] The functions described herein 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 on or transmitted by a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination of these. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0188] Computer-readable media include non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any media that is conducive to transferring a computer program from one place to another.Non-transitory storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special computer.By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage device, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code component, the desired program code component adopts the form of instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a general or special computer or a general or special processor.In addition, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media.For example, if the 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 technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) can be included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0189] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one of..." or "one or more of...") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, listing 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). Moreover, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0190] In the drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a dash and a second reference number to distinguish between similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number or other subsequent reference numbers.

[0191] The description set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describes exemplary configurations and does not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "superior to other examples." For the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques, the detailed description includes specific details. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the examples.

[0192] The description herein is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: performing a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station; determining a first timing offset for the first synchronization signal block based at least in part on the search procedure; estimating a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset; as well as Based at least in part on the second timing offset, a measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block to detect a second beam of the base station.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A subcarrier spacing associated with the first synchronization signal block is identified, wherein the second timing offset is estimated based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block is updated based at least in part on performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: estimating a third timing offset of a third synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block, the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block, and a synchronization signal block pattern; as well as Based at least in part on the third timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed for the third synchronization signal block to detect a third beam of the base station.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base station is a first base station, further comprising: Based at least in part on the estimated second timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block from a second base station to detect a third beam of the second base station.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing the search procedure for the first synchronization signal block further comprises: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the first synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and a physical broadcast channel of the first synchronization signal block.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block further comprises: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the second synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a secondary synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal block.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A second beam of the base station is selected based at least in part on a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A beam for the UE is selected based at least in part on the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: means for performing a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station; means for determining a first timing offset of said first synchronization signal block based at least in part on said search procedure; means for estimating a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset; as well as Means for performing a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block to detect a second beam of the base station based at least in part on the second timing offset.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: means for identifying a subcarrier spacing associated with the first synchronization signal block, wherein the second timing offset is estimated based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: Means for updating an estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block based at least in part on performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: means for estimating a third timing offset of a third synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block, the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block, and a synchronization signal block pattern; as well as Means for performing the measurement procedure for the third synchronization signal block to detect a third beam of the base station based at least in part on the third timing offset.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the base station is a first base station, the apparatus further comprising: Means for performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block from a second base station based at least in part on the estimated second timing offset to detect a third beam of the second base station.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for performing the search procedure for the first synchronization signal block further comprises: Means for determining a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the first synchronization signal block based at least in part on a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and a physical broadcast channel of the first synchronization signal block.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block further comprises: Means for determining a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the second synchronization signal block based at least in part on a secondary synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal block.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: Means for selecting the second beam of the base station based at least in part on the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: Means for selecting a beam for the UE based at least in part on the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

19. A computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor at a user equipment (UE), cause the processor to: performing a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station; determining a first timing offset for the first synchronization signal block based at least in part on the search procedure; estimating a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset; as well as Based at least in part on the second timing offset, a measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block to detect a second beam of the base station.

20. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: A subcarrier spacing associated with the first synchronization signal block is identified, wherein the second timing offset is estimated based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing.

21. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: An estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block is updated based at least in part on performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

22. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: estimating a third timing offset of a third synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block, the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block, and a synchronization signal block pattern; and Based at least in part on the third timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed for the third synchronization signal block to detect a third beam of the base station.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the base station is a first base station, the instructions further causing the processor to: Based at least in part on the estimated second timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block from a second base station to detect a third beam of the second base station.

24. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions for performing the search procedure for the first synchronization signal block are further executable by the processor to cause the processor to: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the first synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and a physical broadcast channel of the first synchronization signal block.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions for performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block are further executable by the processor to cause the processor to: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the second synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a secondary synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal block.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: A second beam of the base station is selected based at least in part on a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: A beam for the UE is selected based at least in part on the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor; as well as Instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to: performing a search procedure for a first synchronization signal block to detect a first beam of a base station; determining a first timing offset for the first synchronization signal block based at least in part on the search procedure; estimating a second timing offset of a second synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset; as well as Based at least in part on the second timing offset, a measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block to detect a second beam of the base station.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the device to: A subcarrier spacing associated with the first synchronization signal block is identified, wherein the second timing offset is estimated based at least in part on the subcarrier spacing.

30. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the device to: An estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block is updated based at least in part on performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

31. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the device to: estimating a third timing offset of a third synchronization signal block from the base station based at least in part on the first timing offset of the first synchronization signal block, the estimated second timing offset of the second synchronization signal block, and a synchronization signal block pattern; and Based at least in part on the third timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed for the third synchronization signal block to detect a third beam of the base station.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the base station is a first base station, the instructions further being executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the estimated second timing offset, the measurement procedure is performed on the second synchronization signal block from a second base station to detect a third beam of the second base station.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the instructions for performing the search procedure for the first synchronization signal block are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the first synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and a physical broadcast channel of the first synchronization signal block.

34. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the instructions for performing the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A reference signal received power (RSRP) of the second synchronization signal block is determined based at least in part on a secondary synchronization signal of the second synchronization signal block.

35. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the device to: A second beam of the base station is selected based at least in part on a measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

36. The device of claim 28, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the device to: A beam for the UE is selected based at least in part on the measurement procedure for the second synchronization signal block.

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