Method for determining maximum timing variation based on subcarrier spacing and user equipment

Abstract

A method for determining maximum timing change (MTC) based on subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration for UE measurement and neighbor cell reporting in 5GS is provided. During the measurement procedure, the UE first checks whether the neighbor cell is detectable at least in a time period T identity and becomes undetectable in a time period less than or equal to 5 seconds, and then becomes detectable again. The UE then determines the MTC of the cell according to the SCS configuration of the cell. If the timing change of the cell is less than the MTC, the UE reports the measurement report in a first period (T1) after triggering the measurement event. Otherwise, if the timing change of the cell is greater than the MTC, the UE reports the event triggered measurement report in a second period (T2) after triggering the measurement event.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 256,656, entitled “Timing Change and NR mobility procedure,” filed October 18, 2021, pursuant to 35 USC §119, the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to wireless communication, and more specifically, to methods for enhancing mobility processes in 5G New Radio (NR) cellular communication networks. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication networks have grown exponentially over the years. Long-term evolution (LTE) systems offer high peak data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating costs due to simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also known as 4G systems, also provide seamless integration with legacy wireless networks such as GSM, CDMA, and the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In LTE systems, the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) consists of multiple evolved Node-Bs (eNodeB / eNB) that communicate with multiple mobile stations called user equipment (UEs). The 3rd generation partner project (3GPP) networks typically include a hybrid of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) committee has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for 5G new radio (NR) systems. In 5G NR, base stations are also called gNodeBs or gNBs.

[0005] 5G NR frequency bands are divided into two distinct frequency ranges. Frequency Range 1 (FR1) includes sub-6GHz bands, some of which are traditionally used in previous standards but have been expanded to cover potential new spectrum offerings from 410MHz to 7125MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) includes bands from 24.25GHz to 52.6GHz. Compared to the bands in FR1, the band range in FR2 is shorter but offers greater available bandwidth. For UEs in RRC idle mode mobility, cell selection is the process by which the UE selects a specific cell for initial registration after power-on, and cell reselection is the mechanism by which the UE changes cells after camping on a cell and entering idle mode. For UEs in RRC connected mode mobility, handover is the process by which the UE switches an ongoing session from the source gNB to a neighboring target gNB.

[0006] In 5G NR, processes such as handover to stronger neighboring cells require measuring the signal strength or signal quality matrix (RSRP or RSRQ) of the serving cell and neighboring cells. This requirement ensures the measurement process is performed appropriately to maintain radio link quality. In LTE, all eNodeBs continuously transmit a Cell-Specific Reference Signal (CRS), making it easy for mobile devices to measure the cell quality of neighboring cells. In 5G NR, the concept of CRS has been removed to reduce overhead and interference from reference signals from other cells. 5G NR introduces the use of the SS / PBCH Block (SSB) to measure cell signals. This block has a longer transmission period than CRS and consists of a Synchronization Signal (SS) and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH).

[0007] The network can configure the UE to perform measurements and reports based on the measurement configuration. In 5G NR, the measurement configuration provided by the network includes each measurement object, indicating the frequency and time location of the reference signal to be measured, as well as the subcarrier spacing (SCS). The network also configures the UE to report measurement results based on SSB and CSI-RS resources. Under R15 requirements, if a cell is at least within the standard-defined time period T... identitIt can be detected within y and becomes undetectable within a time period of ≤ 5 seconds, then becomes detectable again under the same spatial reception parameters, and triggers an event, provided that the time change to the cell does not exceed ±3200Tc. In this case, the measurement report delay triggered by the event does not include the synchronization time. Otherwise, the measurement report delay triggered by the event includes the synchronization time.

[0008] For a higher SCS, the Cyclic Prefix (CP) length is shorter. If the timing change of the cell is greater than the CP, the UE needs to re-detect the cell timing. Therefore, the UE needs to consider the SCS configuration when determining the maximum timing change (MTC) of the measurement report. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A method for determining MTC based on SCS configuration is proposed for UE measurement and neighboring cell reporting in 5GS. During the measurement process, the UE first checks whether the neighboring cell is at least detectable within a time period of T identity and becomes undetectable within a time period of ≤ 5 seconds, and then the cell becomes detectable again. The UE determines the MTC of the cell according to the SCS configuration of the cell. The UE then compares the timing change of the cell with the determined MTC. If the timing change of the cell < MTC, the UE reports the measurement report within the first cycle (T1) after triggering the measurement event. Otherwise, if the timing change of the cell > MTC, the UE reports the event-triggered measurement report within the second cycle (T2) after the measurement event is triggered.

[0010] According to the method for determining the maximum timing change based on subcarrier spacing configuration provided by the present invention, it is possible to avoid inaccurate measurements of the UE in 5GS caused by a fixed maximum timing change.

[0011] Other embodiments and advantages are described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to define the present invention. The present invention is defined by the claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention, where the same numbers represent the same components.

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary 5G NR network supporting the UE mobility measurement process with MTC determined based on SCS configuration according to an aspect of the present invention is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of a wireless device (e.g., UE and gNB) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 3It is a message sequence stream between the UE, serving cell, and neighboring cells based on a novel aspect for UE measurement and reporting.

[0016] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the relationship between SSB SCS, SSB CP length, 3200Tc value, and MTC.

[0017] Figure 5 The illustration shows an embodiment of performing measurement and reporting using MTC based on SCS configuration determination in a novel aspect.

[0018] Figure 6 The illustration shows another embodiment of performing measurements and reporting using MTC determined based on SCS configuration in a novel aspect.

[0019] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for determining MTC based on SCS configuration for UE measurement and reporting, according to a novel aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 An exemplary 5G NR network 100 according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated, which supports a UE mobility measurement process with MTC determined based on SCS configuration. The 5G NR network 100 includes a UE 101 and multiple base stations including gNB 102 and gNB 103. UE 101 is communicatively connected to serving gNB 102, which provides radio access (e.g., 5G NR technology) using Radio Access Technology (RAT). UE 110 may be a smartphone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, tablet, etc. Alternatively, UE 110 may be a notebook (NB) or personal computer (PC) with a data card including a modem and radio transceiver inserted or installed to provide wireless communication capabilities.

[0022] The core 5G function receives all connection and session-related information and is responsible for connection and mobility management tasks. For UEs moving in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, cell selection is the process by which the UE selects a specific cell for initial registration after power-on, while cell reselection is the mechanism by which the UE changes cells while remaining in idle mode. For UEs moving in RRC connected mode, handover is the process by which the UE switches its ongoing session from the source gNB to a neighboring target gNB. Figure 1 In this process, gNB 102 is considered the optimal cell, providing communication coverage for the geographic coverage area, supporting communication with UE 101 via communication link / beam 110 within that area. Later, gNB 103 may become the optimal cell, providing communication coverage for the geographic coverage area, supporting communication with UE 101 via communication link / beam 120 within that area. For a handover to occur, UE 101 needs to measure the signal strength or signal quality matrix of the serving cell 110 and neighboring cells 120, i.e., the reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) based on the measurement configuration.

[0023] The network can configure the UE to perform measurements and reports based on a measurement configuration. In 5G NR, the measurement configuration provided by the network includes each measurement object, which may indicate the frequency and time location of the reference signal to be measured, as well as the SCS. In one embodiment, the SCS can also be determined based on the frequency band to be measured (e.g., some SCSs are applicable to specific frequency bands). In one embodiment, the time location is provided by the SMTC or an SSB configuration indicating the SSB location or the SSB to be measured. 5G NR introduces cell signal measurements using SSBs, which have a longer transmission period than CRS and consist of a Synchronization Signal (SS) and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The network can also configure the UE to report measurement results based on SSB and CSI-RS resources. During the measurement process, the UE is triggered by events to perform measurements and reports of neighboring cells. Event-triggered measurement reporting has a delay, defined as the duration from the event that triggers the measurement report to the point in time when the UE begins sending the measurement report to the network via the air interface.

[0024] Generally, if the timing of neighboring cells being measured varies significantly, the UE needs to perform a cell search before SSB measurement. In this case, the measurement report delay can be expressed as T. identityThis can include information used for 1) cell search (T) PSS / SSS_sync ), 2) SSB measurement (T SSB_measurement_period ), and 3) SSB index decoding (T SSB_time_index (If SBI reading is required) the time. On the other hand, if the timing changes of neighboring cells are small, the UE does not need to perform cell search before SSB measurement, and the measurement report delay can be T. SSB_measurement_period The MTC of a cell is a parameter that can be used to determine the required delay for event-triggered measurement reporting.

[0025] Under the current 3GPP R15 requirements, if a cell is at least in time period T identity If a cell is detectable within a given timeframe, it becomes undetectable for ≤5 seconds. Then, if the cell becomes detectable again under the same spatial reception parameters and triggers an event, the measurement report delay for the event triggering should not include cell search / synchronization time and should be less than T. SSB_measurement_period Otherwise, the event-triggered measurement report delay includes cell search / synchronization time and should be less than T. identity However, for higher SCS, the CP length is shorter. If the timing variation is greater than the CP length, the UE needs to detect cell timing by performing cell search and synchronization before performing SSB measurement. Therefore, a fixed MTC = ±3200Tc value may be too large.

[0026] Based on a novel aspect, a method for determining the MTC for UE measurement and reporting in 5GS based on SCS configuration is proposed. During measurement procedure 130, UE 101 first checks whether neighboring cells have been in use for at least the time period T. identity The cell is detectable for ≤5 seconds, becomes undetectable, and then becomes detectable again, triggering an event for measurement reporting. UE 101 determines the cell's MTC based on the cell's SCS configuration. UE 101 then compares the cell's timing change with the determined MTC. If the cell's timing change is <= MTC, UE 101 will trigger a measurement after a timeout of T. SSB_measurement_period The event triggers a measurement report within the first cycle, T1. Otherwise, if the cell's timing change is greater than MTC, UE 101 will trigger the measurement event less than T1. identity( The second cycle, T2), reports events triggering measurements. Note that there are two types of same-frequency T... identity With or without SSB index (SBI) readings:

[0027] T identity_intra_without_index =(T PSS / SSS_sync_intra +TSSB_measurement_period_intra )millisecond

[0028] T identity_intra_with_index =(T PSS / SSS_sync_intra +T SSB_measurement_period_intra +T SSB_time_index_intra )millisecond

[0029] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of a wireless device (e.g., UE 201 and gNB 211) according to an embodiment of the present invention in a 5G NR network 200 is illustrated. gNB 211 has an antenna 215 that transmits and receives radio signals. An RF transceiver module 214 coupled to the antenna 215 receives RF signals from the antenna 215, converts them into baseband signals, and sends the baseband signals to a processor 213. The RF transceiver 214 also converts baseband signals received from the processor 213, converts them into RF signals, and sends them to the antenna 215. The processor 213 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to perform functions in gNB 211. A memory 212, including volatile computer-readable storage media and non-volatile computer-readable storage media, stores program instructions and data 220 to control the operation of gNB 211. Figure 2 In the example, gNB 211 also includes a protocol stack 280 and a set of control function modules and circuits 290. Protocol stack 280 may include a Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) layer for communicating with AMF / SMF / MME entities connected to the core network, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer for higher-layer configuration and control, a Packet Data Convergence Protocol / Radio Link Control (PDCP / RLC) layer, a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and a Physical (PHY) layer. In one example, control function modules and circuits 290 include configuration circuitry 291 for configuring measurement reports and activity sets for the UE, and handover processing circuitry 292 for sending cell handover information to the UE upon handover decision.

[0030] Similarly, UE 201 has a memory 202, a processor 203, and an RF transceiver module 204. The RF transceiver 204 is coupled to an antenna 405, receives RF signals from the antenna 205, converts them into baseband signals, and transmits them to the processor 203. The RF transceiver 204 also converts baseband signals received from the processor 203 into RF signals and transmits them to the antenna 205. The processor 203 processes the received baseband signals (e.g., including SCell / PSCell add / activate commands) and invokes various functional modules and circuits to execute features in UE 201. The memory 202 includes volatile computer-readable storage media and non-volatile computer-readable storage media, storing data and program instructions 210 to be executed by the processor 203 to control the operation of UE 201. For example, suitable processors include dedicated processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, controllers, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and other types of integrated circuits (ICs) and / or state machines. Software-associated processors can be used to implement and configure the features of UE 201.

[0031] UE 201 also includes a protocol stack 260 and a set of control function modules and circuits 270. Protocol stack 260 may include a NAS layer for communicating with AMF / SMF / MME entities connected to the core network, an RRC layer for higher-level configuration and control, a PDCP / RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer. Control function modules and circuits 270 may be implemented and configured through software, firmware, hardware, and / or combinations thereof. Control function modules and circuits 270 cooperate with each other when executed by processor 203 via program instructions contained in memory 202 to allow UE 201 to perform implementations and functional tasks and features within the network. In one example, control function modules and circuits 270 include configuration circuitry 271 for obtaining measurement and reporting configuration information, measurement circuitry 272 for performing measurements and reporting measurement results, and synchronization / handover processing circuitry 273 for performing cell search, synchronization, and handover procedures based on configuration received from the network.

[0032] Figure 3This is a message sequence stream between the UE, serving cell, and neighboring cells for UE measurement and reporting, based on a novel aspect. In step 311, UE 301 sends and receives data with the source base station in the source cell. In step 312, UE 301 receives serving cell and neighboring cell measurement and reporting configuration from the serving gNB. The measurement configuration includes information for UE 301 to perform cell search / cell detection and measurement on the serving cell and neighboring cells (step 321). Some neighboring cells are detectable and some are undetectable. Only when at least one SSB measured from the cell being configured is a T as defined in the 3GPP standard... identity intra without inde x or T identity intra with inde A cell is only detectable if it remains detectable within a certain time period (x).

[0033] In step 331, UE 301 determines whether neighboring cells have met certain conditions for event-triggered measurement reporting. UE 301 also determines cell timing changes and cell MTC. In one example, if a cell has at least T identity intra without index or T identity intra with index The cell is detectable for a period of time, then becomes undetectable for a period of time ≤5 seconds, and then becomes detectable again with the same spatial reception parameters, thus satisfying the conditions for triggering a measurement report event.

[0034] In step 341, UE 301 performs cell search (if necessary) and SSB measurement, and reports the measurement results to the serving gNB. Event-triggered measurement reporting has a delay, which should be less than a predetermined time period. Normally, the delay for event-triggered measurement reporting of cells measured without L3 filtering should be less than T. identity intra without inde x or T identity intra with index However, if the cell meets the above conditions, the delay in the event-triggered measurement report should be less than T. SSB_measurement_period_intra (For example, the first cycle T1), provided that the timing change to the cell does not exceed the MTC, and the measurement gap is not yet available and L3 filtering is not used. Otherwise, the even-numbered trigger measurement report delay for the cell should be less than T. identityintra without index or T identity intra with index (For example, the second period T2), provided that the timing change to the cell is greater than the cell's MTC (351). According to a novel aspect, the cell's MTC is determined based on the cell's SCS configuration. In a preferred embodiment, MTC = ±(3200 / 2) μ Tc, where μ is the SCS configuration of the cell.

[0035] Figure 4 This explains the relationship between SSB SCS, SSB CP length, 3200Tc value, and MTC. 5G NR supports different sets of parameters (e.g., cyclic prefix and subcarrier spacing). Figure 4 Figure 410 shows different SCS and SSB CP values, ranging from 15kHz to 240kHz. During neighboring cell measurements, if the cell timing change is less than the CP length (i.e., MTC), the UE does not need to detect cell timing before performing SSB measurements; otherwise, the UE needs to re-detect cell timing. The maximum timing change can be defined as less than the CP length to ensure that the UE does not need to perform cell search and synchronization before performing SSB measurements. It can be seen that the higher the SCS, the shorter the corresponding CP length. Therefore, when determining the MTC of a cell, the UE does not need to define MTC = ±3200Tc as a fixed value, but needs to consider the cell's SCS configuration.

[0036] exist Figure 4 In one example, in a preferred embodiment, the MTC of a neighboring cell is determined based on its corresponding SCS configuration: MTC = ±(3200 / 2) μ Tc, where Tc is the sampling rate, and μ corresponds to the SCS configuration, where μ = 0 for SCS = 15kHz; μ = 1 for SCS = 30kHz; μ = 2 for SCS = 60kHz; μ = 3 for SCS = 120kHz; and μ = 4 for SCS = 240kHz. Therefore, for SCS = 15kHz, MTC = ±3200 / 2 μ Tc = ±3200Tc; for SCS = 30kHz, MTC = ±3200 / 2 μ Tc = ±1600Tc; for SCS = 60kHz, MTC = ±3200 / 2 μ Tc = ±800Tc; for SCS = 120kHz, MTC = ±3200 / 2 μ Tc = ±400Tc; for SCS = 240kHz, MTC = ±3200 / 2 μTc = ±200Tc. Note that Tc is the sampling time at a sampling rate of 480 * 4.096 MHz, where Tc = 1 / (480 * 1000 * 4096) = 0.509 ns. Tc is the basic time unit defined in the 3GPP standard specification.

[0037] Figure 5 The illustration depicts an embodiment of performing measurement and reporting using MTC determined based on SCS configuration in a novel aspect. The UE is configured to perform measurement and reporting on neighboring cells. In step 501, the UE checks whether the neighboring cells meet at least the T defined in the standard. identityintra withoutindex or T identityintra withindex The cell is detectable for a period of time, and becomes undetectable for a period of time ≤5 seconds. Then, the cell becomes detectable again with the same spatial reception parameters, triggering an event where the UE reports the measurement results to the network. In step 502, the UE, based on the SCS configuration of the neighboring cell, for example, MTC = ±(3200 / 2... μ In step 503, the UE compares the timing changes of neighboring cells with the determined MTC value and checks whether the timing changes of neighboring cells are less than the MTC. Note that cell timing can be obtained from the received cell SSB timing of the DL frame. The UE can deduce the timing changes of neighboring cells based on the received timing of the neighboring cell's SSB timing.

[0038] If the answer to step 503 is yes, the UE proceeds to step 504. After triggering the measurement event, the UE performs cell measurement and reports a time interval less than the first duration T1 = T. SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD The event triggers a measurement report, in which T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD The time for the SSB measurement period is less than T1, meaning the measurement report delay is less than T1. In other words, the UE does not need to perform cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells because the timing changes of neighboring cells are less than MTC (e.g., less than the cell's CP length). Note that this applies to cells that were already detectable, became undetectable, and then became detectable again (step 501).

[0039] If the answer to step 503 is negative, the UE proceeds to step 505. After the measurement event is triggered, the UE performs PSS / SSS cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells, performs cell measurement, and reports a duration less than the second time interval T2 = T. IDENTITY The event triggers a measurement report, T IDENTITY It is the duration of cell identification, including T1(T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD ) plus PSS / SSS synchronization time (T PSS / SSS_syncThis is to ensure that the UE detects cell timing, i.e., the measurement report delay is less than T2. ​​In other words, the UE needs to perform cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells before cell measurement, because the timing variation of neighboring cells is greater than MTC (e.g., greater than the cell's CP length). Note that the event-triggered measurement report delay is defined as the time between the event that triggers the measurement report and the time when the UE begins sending the measurement report to the network via the air interface.

[0040] Figure 6 The illustration depicts another embodiment of performing measurements and reporting using MTC determined based on SCS configuration in a novel aspect. The UE is configured to perform measurements and reporting on neighboring cells. In step 601, the UE determines the measurements and reports based on the SCS configuration of the neighboring cells, for example, MTC = ±(3200 / 2). μ )Tc, determine the MTC of neighboring cells. In step 602, the UE compares the timing changes of neighboring cells with the determined MTC value and checks whether the timing changes of neighboring cells are less than MTC(1). The UE also checks whether the cell has at least the T defined in the standard. identity intra without index or T identity intra with index The time period is detectable and becomes undetectable within a time period of ≤5 seconds. Then the cell becomes detectable again with the same spatial reception parameters and triggers an event in which the UE reports the measurement results to the network (2).

[0041] If the answer to both questions in step 602 is yes, the UE proceeds to step 603. The UE performs cell measurements after the measurement event and reports a time interval less than the first duration Tl = T. SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD The event triggers a measurement report, in which T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD This is the duration of the SSB measurement period, meaning the measurement report delay is less than T1. In other words, the UE does not need to perform cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells because the timing variation of neighboring cells is less than MTC (e.g., less than the cell's CP length). If the answer to at least one question in step 602 is negative, the UE proceeds to step 604. After triggering the measurement event, the UE performs PSS / SSS cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells, performs cell measurement, and reports a timeout less than the second duration T2 = T. IDENTITY Event-triggered measurement report, where T IDENTITY It is the duration of cell identification, including T1(T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD ) plus PSS / SSS synchronization time (T PSS / SSS_syncThis is to enable the UE to detect cell timing, i.e., the measurement report delay is less than T2. ​​In other words, the UE needs to perform cell search and synchronization with neighboring cells before cell measurement, because the timing variation of neighboring cells is greater than MTC (e.g., greater than the CP length of the cell).

[0042] For measurements between adjacent cells in the same frequency range, Tl = (T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD ) is T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD_INTRA If SBI reading and reporting are required, then T2 = T. IDENTITY For T IDENTITY_INTRA_WITH_INDEX If SBI reading and reporting are not required, then T2 = T. IDENTITY For T IDENTITY_INTRA_WITHOUT_INDEX For inter-frequency neighboring cell measurements, T1 = (T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD ) is T SSB_MEASUREMENT_PERIOD_INTER If SBI reading and reporting are required, then T2 = T. IDENTITY For T IDENTITY_INTER_WITH_INDEX If SBI reading and reporting are not required, then T2 = T. IDENTITY For T IDENTITY_INTER_WITHOUT_INDEX .

[0043] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method for determining MTC based on an SCS configuration for UE measurement and reporting according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In step 701, the UE receives a configuration in the serving cell of the mobile communication network, wherein the configuration includes SSB measurement and reporting information for neighboring cells. In step 702, the UE determines a condition for neighboring cells, wherein a neighboring cell has been detectable, then becomes undetectable, and then becomes detectable again, wherein satisfying this condition triggers an event for the UE to perform a measurement report. In step 703, the UE determines the MTC of the neighboring cells based on the SCS configuration of the neighboring cells. In step 704, the UE performs SSB measurements on the neighboring cells based on the configuration, wherein when the timing change of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to the MTC, the measurement report delay is less than a first duration; otherwise, when the timing change of the neighboring cell is greater than the MTC, the measurement report delay is less than a second duration.

[0044] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, the invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, various modifications, alterations, and combinations of the features of the described embodiments can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the maximum timing variation based on subcarrier spacing configuration, comprising: The user equipment (UE) receives configuration in the serving cell of the mobile communication network, wherein the configuration includes synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement and reporting information for neighboring cells; The conditions for determining neighboring cells are defined, wherein the neighboring cells have been detectable and then become undetectable and then become detectable again, wherein the UE triggers an event to report a measurement when the conditions are met. The maximum timing variation (MTC) of the adjacent cells is determined based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of the adjacent cells; as well as SSB measurements are performed on the neighboring cells based on the configuration, wherein when the timing change of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to the MTC, the measurement report delay is less than a first duration; otherwise, when the timing change of the neighboring cell is greater than the MTC, the measurement report delay is less than a second duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The UE derives the timing changes of the neighboring cells from the SSBs of the neighboring cells it receives.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MTC of the neighboring cell is less than the cyclic prefix (CP) length of the neighboring cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The MTC of the adjacent cell is equal to 3200 / 2. μ Tc, where Tc is the sampling rate, and μ corresponds to the SCS configuration.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, For SCS = 15kHz, μ = 0; for SCS = 30kHz, μ = 1; for SCS = 60kHz, μ = 2; for SCS = 120kHz, μ = 3; and for SCS = 240kHz, μ = 4.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cell is detectable only if it remains detectable during an identification period that includes the SSB measurement cycle plus the synchronization time.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement report delay is the time from when the measurement report is triggered to when the UE is sending the measurement report.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first duration includes the time used for SSB measurement.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second duration is equal to the identification time, which includes the SSB measurement period plus the synchronization time.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first duration and the second duration also include time for SSB index decoding.

11. A user equipment (UE) for determining the maximum timing variation based on subcarrier spacing configuration, comprising: The receiver receives a configuration in the serving cell of the mobile communication network, wherein the configuration includes synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement and reporting information for neighboring cells; A control circuit determines the conditions for neighboring cells, wherein the neighboring cells are detectable and become undetectable and then become detectable again, wherein the conditions trigger an event for the UE to perform a measurement report, wherein the UE also determines the maximum timing variation (MTC) of the neighboring cells based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration of the neighboring cells; The measurement circuit performs SSB measurements on the neighboring cells based on the configuration. as well as The transmitter, when the timing change of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to the MTC, sends a measurement report with a delay of less than a first duration; otherwise, when the timing change of the neighboring cell is greater than the MTC, the measurement report delay is less than a second duration.

12. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The UE derives the timing changes of the neighboring cells from the SSBs of the neighboring cells it receives.

13. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The MTC of the neighboring cell is less than the cyclic prefix (CP) length of the neighboring cell.

14. The UE according to claim 13, characterized in that, The MTC of the adjacent cell is equal to 3200 / 2. μ Tc, where Tc is the sampling rate, and μ corresponds to the SCS configuration.

15. The UE according to claim 14, characterized in that, For SCS = 15kHz, μ = 0; for SCS = 30kHz, μ = 1; for SCS = 60kHz, μ = 2; for SCS = 120kHz, μ = 3; and for SCS = 240kHz, μ = 4.

16. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, A cell is detectable only if it remains detectable during an identification period that includes the SSB measurement cycle plus the synchronization time.

17. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The measurement report delay is the time from when the measurement report is triggered to when the UE is sending the measurement report.

18. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first duration includes the time used for SSB measurement.

19. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second duration is equal to the identification time, which includes the SSB measurement period plus the synchronization time.

20. The UE according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first duration and the second duration also include time for SSB index decoding.

21. A user equipment for determining the maximum timing variation based on subcarrier spacing configuration, comprising: A processor, coupled to a memory and a transceiver, wherein the memory stores program instructions and data, which, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

22. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions and data, which, when executed by a processor of a user equipment that determines a maximum timing variation based on a subcarrier spacing configuration, cause the user equipment to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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