Batch frequency scan

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for conducting wireless communication are described. A user equipment (UE) can identify one or more frequency bands to scan during a cell acquisition procedure. The UE can receive one or more air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth comprising a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands. The UE can process individual air signals. The UE can evaluate each of the corresponding plurality of channels in a corresponding batch for each individual air signal in the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. The UE can acquire a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding plurality of channels.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 100,443, entitled “BATCH-WISEFREQUENCY SCANNING”, filed November 20, 2020, by ANANDA et al., which has been assigned to its assignee. Technical Field

[0003] The following pertains to wireless communication, including batch-wise frequency scanning. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, and broadcasting. 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), LTE-A, or LTE-A Pro systems) and fifth-generation (5G) systems, which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems can employ technologies 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 Propagated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple access communication system may include one or more base stations or one or more network access nodes, each base station or node simultaneously supporting communication with multiple communication devices, which may be referred to as User Equipment (UE). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses supporting batch frequency scanning. Typically, the described technology provides scanning and detection performed by a narrowband user equipment (UE) on a batch basis. Specifically, instead of scanning a single channel at a time, multiple channels can be scanned simultaneously by the UE and then processed offline to reduce the total scan time. To do this, the UE can scan a wideband signal (a signal containing several narrowband channels). The UE can acquire the wideband signal and store the signal (e.g., individual subcarriers within a channel) in a buffer (e.g., buffer A). The UE can then process the signal in buffer A while retuning its RF components to acquire a different wideband signal (a signal containing several different narrowband channels). Thus, while the UE is processing a channel acquired through the first signal, the UE is also acquiring a second signal (which will be stored, for example, in buffer B). The evaluation of the different channels in the acquired signals occurs in parallel (batch). Therefore, the width of the acquired signal can correspond to K channels, where K is the maximum number of channels the UE can process in parallel. During processing, if the processing time is longer than the time it takes for the UE to acquire the signal, the RF components can be turned off to save power. Each channel can correspond to an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Channel Number (eARFCN).

[0006] A method for wireless communication at a UE is described. The method may include identifying that the UE will scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure, receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands, processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals, evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition, and acquiring a cell via the batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0007] An apparatus for wireless communication for 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 can be executed by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify that the UE wants to scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure; receive one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth including a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands; process individual air signals among the one or more air signals; evaluate each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition; and acquire a cell via the batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0008] Another apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is described. The apparatus may include components for identifying one or more frequency bands the UE will scan during a cell acquisition procedure, components for receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth including a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands, components for processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals, components for evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition, and components for acquiring a cell via the batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable medium is described, storing code for wireless communication for a UE. The code may include processor-executable instructions to instruct the UE, during a cell acquisition procedure, to scan one or more frequency bands, receive one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands, process individual air signals, evaluate each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals for cell acquisition, and acquire a cell via the batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0010] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving the one or more air signals may include operations, features, components or instructions for storing successively received air signals of the one or more air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation.

[0011] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and nontransitory computer-readable media described herein, processing a single air signal among the one or more air signals may include operations, features, components or instructions for processing a first air signal among the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal among the one or more air signals.

[0012] Examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for reducing the power of the UE's radio frequency components during at least a portion of the processing of a single air signal in one or more air signals.

[0013] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition may include operations, features, components or instructions for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch.

[0014] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, evaluating each of a plurality of corresponding channels for obtaining a cell may include operations, features, components, or instructions for scanning the narrowband master synchronization signal in each of the plurality of corresponding channels.

[0015] Examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure.

[0016] Examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, components, or instructions for terminating a cell acquisition procedure during evaluation based on successful cell detection without completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands.

[0017] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition may include operations, features, components or instructions for evaluating a single EARFCN within one or more of the air signals.

[0018] In some examples of the methods, apparatuses and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the UE may be a narrowband Internet of Things (IoT) device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1An example of a wireless communication system supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a wireless communication system supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 3 An example of a batch scan configuration supporting batch frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4 An example of a process supporting batch frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A block diagram of an apparatus supporting batch frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 A block diagram of a communication manager supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a system including a device supporting batch frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figures 9 to 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for supporting batch frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Cell acquisition for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) user equipment (UE) typically involves the UE scanning a range of frequencies to identify channels that support narrowband communication. Channels supporting narrowband communication can include narrowband (NB) synchronization signals (such as the NB Master Synchronization Signal (PSS)). If the UE can find and receive the NB PSS on a channel, the UE can conclude that the channel supports NB communication and thus establish a connection with the corresponding base station. However, the processing of scanning channels and detecting NB PSSs on channels (including scanning the channel, processing the signals detected on the channel, and retuning the UE's radio frequency (RF) components to prepare for scanning another channel) takes time. As the number of channels available for scanning in each frequency band continues to increase, an NB UE may need more than 30 minutes to complete a full frequency scan. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the efficiency of the scanning process (e.g., reduce time and power consumption) to support cell acquisition methods.

[0028] The aspects of this disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communication systems. Generally, the described techniques provide scanning and detection performed by an NB UE on a batch basis. Specifically, instead of scanning a single channel at a time, multiple channels can be scanned simultaneously by the UE and then processed offline to reduce the total scanning time. To do this, the UE can scan a wideband signal (a signal containing several narrowband channels). The UE can acquire the wideband signal and store the signal (e.g., individual subcarriers within a channel) in a buffer (e.g., buffer A). The UE can then process the signal in buffer A while simultaneously retuning its RF components to acquire a different wideband signal (a signal containing several different narrowband channels). Thus, while the UE is processing a channel acquired through the first signal, the UE is also acquiring a second signal (which will be stored, for example, in buffer B). The evaluation of the different channels within the acquired signals occurs in parallel (batch). Therefore, the width of the acquired signal can correspond to K channels, where K is the maximum number of channels that the UE can process in parallel. During processing, if the processing time is longer than the time it takes for the UE to acquire the signal, the RF components can be turned off to save power. Each channel can correspond to an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Absolute Radio Channel Number (eARFCN).

[0029] The various aspects of the present invention will also be explained and described with reference to schematic diagrams of apparatus, systems and flowcharts relating to batch frequency scanning.

[0030] Figure 1 Examples of a wireless communication system 100 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more base stations 105, one or more UEs 115, and a core network 130. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may support enhanced broadband communication, ultra-reliable (e.g., mission-critical) communication, low-latency communication, communication with low-cost and low-complexity devices, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Base stations 105 can be distributed throughout a geographical area to form a wireless communication system 100, and can be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Base stations 105 and UE 115 can communicate wirelessly via one or more communication links 125. Each base station 105 can provide a coverage area 110, on which UE 115 and base station 105 can establish one or more communication links 125. Coverage area 110 can be an example of a geographical area where base stations 105 and UE 115 can support signal communication according to one or more radio access technologies.

[0032] UE 115 can be distributed throughout the coverage area 110 of the entire wireless communication system 100, and each UE 115 can be stationary, mobile, or both stationary and mobile at different times. UE 115 can be devices of different forms or with different capabilities. Figure 1 Some examples of UE 115 are shown in the image. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the UE 115 described herein can communicate with various types of devices (e.g., other UE 115s, base station 105, or network devices (e.g., core network nodes, relay devices, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, or other network devices)).

[0033] Base station 105 may communicate with core network 130, communicate with each other, or both. For example, base station 105 may interface with core network 130 via one or more backhaul links 120 (e.g., via S1, N2, N3, or other interfaces). Base station 105 may communicate with each other directly (e.g., directly between base stations 105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network 130) or both via backhaul links 120 (e.g., via X2, Xn, or other interfaces). In some examples, backhaul link 120 may be or may include one or more radio links.

[0034] One or more base stations 105 described herein may include, or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as, base transceiver station, radio base station, access point, radio transceiver, node B, e-node B (eNB), next-generation node B or giga-node B (one of which may be referred to as gNB), home node B, home e-node B, or other suitable terms.

[0035] UE 115 may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, handheld device, or subscriber device, or some other suitable term, wherein “device” may also be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, etc. UE 115 may also include or be referred to as a personal electronic device (such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, laptop computer, or personal computer). In some examples, UE 115 may include or be referred to as a wireless local loop (WLL) station, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, etc., which may be implemented in various objects (e.g., electrical appliances, or examples such as vehicles, meters, etc.).

[0036] The UE 115 described herein can communicate with various types of devices, such as other UEs 115 that can sometimes act as relays, as well as base stations 105 and network devices including macro eNBs or gNBs, small cell eNBs or gNBs, or relay base stations, etc. Figure 1 As shown.

[0037] UE 115 and base station 105 can wirelessly communicate with each other via one or more communication links 125 on one or more carriers. The term "carrier" can refer to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources with a defined physical layer structure used to support communication link 125. For example, a carrier for communication link 125 may include a portion of a radio spectrum band (e.g., a bandwidth portion (BWP)) that operates according to one or more physical layer channels of a given radio access technology (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). Each physical layer channel may carry acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals, system information), control signaling coordinating carrier operation, user data, or other signaling. Wireless communication system 100 can support communication with UE 115 using carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. UE 115 can be configured to have multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation can be used for frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) component carriers.

[0038] In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling to coordinate the operation of other carriers. A carrier may be associated with a frequency channel (e.g., eARFCN) and can be located according to a channel grid for discovery by UE 115. A carrier can operate in standalone mode (where initial acquisition and connection can be performed by UE 115 via a carrier) or in non-standalone mode (where a connection is anchored using different carriers (e.g., carriers of the same or different radio access technologies)).

[0039] The communication link 125 shown in the wireless communication system 100 may include uplink transmission from UE 115 to base station 105, or downlink transmission from base station 105 to UE 115. The carrier may carry downlink communication or uplink communication (e.g., in FDD mode), or may be configured to carry both downlink and uplink communication (e.g., in TDD mode).

[0040] A carrier can be associated with a specific bandwidth of the radio spectrum, and in some examples, the carrier bandwidth can be referred to as the carrier or the “system bandwidth” of the wireless communication system 100. For example, the carrier bandwidth can be one of several defined bandwidths (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz) of a carrier for a particular radio access technology. Devices of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., base station 105, UE 115, or both) can have a hardware configuration that supports communication on a specific carrier bandwidth, or can be configured to support communication on one bandwidth of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may include base station 105 or UE 115 that support simultaneous communication via carriers associated with multiple carrier bandwidths. In some examples, each serving UE 115 can be configured to operate on a portion (e.g., a sub-band, BWP) or the entire carrier bandwidth.

[0041] The signal waveform transmitted on a carrier can consist of multiple subcarriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques (e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Discrete Fourier Transform Propagation OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM))). In a system employing MCM, a resource element can consist of one symbol period (e.g., the duration of a modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely proportional. The number of bits carried by each resource element can depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme, the decoding rate of the modulation scheme, or both). Therefore, the more resource elements the UE 115 receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate the UE 115 may achieve. Wireless communication resources can refer to a combination of radio frequency spectrum resources, temporal resources, and spatial resources (e.g., spatial layers or beams), and using multiple spatial layers can further increase the data rate or data integrity of communication with the UE 115.

[0042] One or more parameter sets (numerologies) of a carrier can be supported, where the parameter sets may include subcarrier spacing (Δf) and cyclic prefix. A carrier can be divided into one or more BWPs with the same or different parameter sets. In some examples, UE 115 can be configured to have multiple BWPs. In some examples, a single BWP of a carrier can be active at a given time, and UE 115 communication can be restricted to one or more active BWPs.

[0043] The time interval of base station 105 or UE 115 can be expressed as a multiple of a basic time unit, for example, the basic time unit can refer to T. s =1 / (Δf) max ·N f The sampling period is ) seconds, where Δf max This can represent the maximum supported subcarrier spacing, and N. f This can represent the maximum supported Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) size. The time interval of the communication resources can be organized according to radio frames, each with a specific duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)). Each radio frame can be identified by a System Frame Number (SFN) (e.g., ranging from 0 to 1023).

[0044] Each frame may include multiple consecutively numbered subframes or time slots, and each subframe or time slot may have the same duration. In some examples, a frame may be divided into (e.g., in the time domain) subframes, and each subframe may also be divided into several time slots. Alternatively, each frame may include a variable number of time slots, and the number of time slots may depend on the subcarrier spacing. Each time slot may include several symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix preceding each symbol period). In some wireless communication systems 100, time slots may also be divided into multiple mini-time slots containing one or more symbols. Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain one or more (e.g., N) mini-time slots. f Sampling period. The duration of the symbol period can depend on the subcarrier spacing or the operating frequency band.

[0045] A subframe, time slot, mini-slot, or symbol can be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., in the time domain) and can be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In some examples, the duration of the TTI (e.g., the number of symbol periods in the TTI) can be variable. Additionally or alternatively, the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communication system 100 can be dynamically selected (e.g., in a burst of shortened TTIs (sTTIs)).

[0046] Physical channels can be multiplexed on carriers using various techniques. Physical control channels and physical data channels can be multiplexed on downlink carriers, for example, using one or more of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. The control region (e.g., control resource set (CORESET)) of a physical control channel can be defined by several symbol periods and can span the system bandwidth or a subset of the system bandwidth across carriers. One or more control regions (e.g., CORESET) can be configured for a group of UEs 115. For example, one or more UEs 115 can monitor or search for control information in a control region based on one or more search space sets, and each search space set can include one or more control channel candidates in one or more aggregation levels arranged in a concatenated manner. The aggregation level of control channel candidates can refer to the number of control channel resources (e.g., control channel elements (CCE)) associated with coded information in a control information format with a given payload size. The search space set can include a common search space set configured to send control information to multiple UEs 115 and a UE-specific search space set for sending control information to a specific UE 115.

[0047] Each base station 105 may provide communication coverage via one or more cells (e.g., macro cells, small cells, hotspots, or other types of cells, or any combination thereof). The term "cell" may refer 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 neighboring cells (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCID), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCID), etc.). In some examples, a cell may also refer to a geographic coverage area 110 or a portion (e.g., a sector) on which a logical communication entity of geographic coverage area 110 operates. Depending on various factors (such as the capabilities of base station 105), such cells can range from smaller areas (e.g., structures, subsets of structures) to larger areas. For example, a cell may be or may include a building, a subset of buildings, or external space between or overlapping with geographic coverage areas 110, among other examples.

[0048] Macro cells typically cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and can allow unrestricted access to UE 115 with a service subscription from a network provider supporting the macro cell. In contrast, small cells can be associated with a lower-power base station 105 and can operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells can provide unrestricted access to UE 115 with a service subscription from a network provider, or restricted access to UE 115 associated with a small cell (e.g., UE 115 in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), UE 115 associated with a user in a home or office). Base station 105 can support one or more cells and can also use one or more component carriers to support communication on one or more cells.

[0049] In some examples, a carrier can support multiple cells, and different cells can be configured based on different protocol types that can provide access to different types of devices (e.g., MTC, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)).

[0050] In some examples, base station 105 may be mobile, and thus provide communication coverage for mobile geographic coverage areas 110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas 110 may be supported by the same base station 105. In other examples, overlapping geographic coverage areas 110 associated with different technologies may be supported by different base stations 105. Wireless communication system 100 may include, for example, a heterogeneous network, in which different types of base stations 105 use the same or different radio access technologies to provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas 110.

[0051] The wireless communication system 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, base stations 105 can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations 105 can be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, base stations 105 can have different frame timing, and in some examples, transmissions from different base stations 105 can be time-disaligned. The techniques described herein can be used for both synchronous and asynchronous operation.

[0052] Some UE 115 devices (such as MTC or IoT devices) can be low-cost or low-complexity devices and can provide automated communication between machines (e.g., via machine-to-machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC can refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with each other or with base station 105 without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC can include communication from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay such information to a central server or application, which utilizes the information or presents it to humans interacting with the application. Some UE 115 devices can be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines or other devices. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, health monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based commercial toll collection.

[0053] Some UE 115s can be configured to operate in power-saving modes, such as half-duplex communication (e.g., supporting unidirectional communication via transmit or receive, but not simultaneous transmit and receive). In some examples, half-duplex communication can be performed at reduced peak rates. Other power-saving techniques for UE 115s include entering a power-saving deep sleep mode when not engaged in active communication, operating on limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communication), or a combination of these techniques. For example, some UE 115s can be configured to operate using a narrowband protocol type associated with a defined portion or range (e.g., subcarriers or resource block (RB) set) within a carrier, within a carrier's guard band, or outside a carrier.

[0054] Wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable communication or low-latency communication, or various combinations thereof. For example, wireless communication system 100 can be configured to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) or mission-critical communication. UE 115 can be designed to support ultra-reliable, low-latency, or mission-critical functions (e.g., mission-critical functions). Ultra-reliable communication can include private or group communication and can be supported by one or more mission-critical services, such as mission-critical push calling (MCPTT), mission-critical video (MCVideo), or mission-critical data (MCData). Support for mission-critical functions can include service prioritization, and mission-critical services can be used for public safety or general commercial applications. The terms ultra-reliable, low-latency, mission-critical, and ultra-reliable low-latency are used interchangeably herein.

[0055] In some examples, UE 115 may also be able to communicate directly with other UE 115 on a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 135 (e.g., using a point-to-point (P2P) or D2D protocol). One or more UE 115s utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105. Other UE 115s in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area 110 of base station 105, or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from base station 105. In some examples, the group of UE 115s communicating via D2D may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each UE 115 sends to every other UE 115 in the group. In some examples, base station 105 facilitates resource scheduling for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication occurs between UE 115s without involving base station 105.

[0056] In some systems, the D2D communication link 135 may be an example of a communication channel (such as a sidelink communication channel) between vehicles (e.g., UE 115). In some examples, vehicles may communicate using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, or some combination thereof. Vehicles may signal information relating to traffic conditions, signal control, weather, safety, emergencies, or any other information related to the V2X system. In some examples, vehicles in a V2X system may communicate with roadside infrastructure (e.g., roadside units), or communicate with the network via vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, or with both, via one or more network nodes (e.g., base station 105).

[0057] Core network 130 can provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. Core network 130 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), and can include at least one control plane entity (e.g., a Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)) for managing access and mobility, and at least one user plane entity (e.g., a Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), or User Plane Function (UPF)) for routing data packets or interconnecting with external networks. The control plane entity can manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management of UE 115 served by base station 105 associated with core network 130. User IP packets can be transmitted through the user plane entity, which can provide IP address allocation and other functions. The user plane entity can connect to one or more network operator IP services 150. IP services 150 can include access to the Internet, intranets, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or packet-switched streaming services.

[0058] Some network devices (such as base station 105) may include sub-components (such as access network entity 140, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC)). Each access network entity 140 may communicate with UE 115 through one or more other access network transport entities 145, which may be referred to as a radio headend, smart radio headend, or transmit / receive point (TRP). Each access network transport entity 145 may include one or more antenna panels. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity 140 or base station 105 may be distributed or combined across various network devices (e.g., radio headends and ANCs) into a single network device (e.g., base station 105).

[0059] Wireless communication system 100 can operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. The region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is generally referred to as the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band because the wavelength is approximately one decimeter to one meter long. UHF waves can be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features, but the wave can penetrate structures sufficiently to allow macrocells to provide service to UE 115 located indoors. Compared to transmissions using smaller frequencies and longer waves in the lower frequencies (HF) or very high frequencies (VHF) portions of the spectrum below 300 MHz, UHF wave transmission can be associated with smaller antennas and shorter distances (e.g., less than 100 km).

[0060] The wireless communication system 100 can also operate in the Super High Frequency (SHF) region using a frequency band of 3 GHz to 30 GHz (also known as the centimeter-level band), or in the Extreme High Frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz) (also known as the millimeter-level band). In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 can support millimeter-wave (mmW) communication between the UE 115 and the base station 105, and the EHF antennas of the corresponding devices can be smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some examples, this can facilitate the use of antenna arrays within the device. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter distances compared to SHF or UHF transmissions. The techniques disclosed herein can be used across transmissions using one or more different frequency regions, and the designated use of frequency bands across these frequency regions may vary by country or regulatory body.

[0061] Wireless communication system 100 can utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communication system 100 can employ licensed assisted access (LAA), LTE-unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology bands in unlicensed bands (e.g., the 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band). When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, devices such as base station 105 and UE 115 can employ carrier sensing to detect and avoid collisions. In some examples, operation in unlicensed bands can be based on a carrier aggregation configuration (e.g., LAA) combined with component carriers operating in licensed bands. Operation in unlicensed spectrum can include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, P2P transmissions, or D2D transmissions, or other examples.

[0062] Base station 105 or UE 115 may be equipped with multiple antennas that can be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, or beamforming. The antennas of base station 105 or UE 115 may be located within one or more antenna arrays or antenna panels that can support MIMO operation or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may coexist in an antenna assembly (e.g., an antenna tower). In some examples, the antennas or antenna arrays associated with base station 105 may be located in different geographical locations. Base station 105 may have an antenna array with several rows and columns of antenna ports, which base station 105 can use to support beamforming for communication with UE 115. Similarly, UE 115 may have one or more antenna arrays that can support various MIMO or beamforming operations. Additionally or alternatively, antenna panels may support radio frequency beamforming of signals transmitted via antenna ports.

[0063] Base station 105 or UE 115 can use MIMO communication to utilize multipath signal propagation and improve spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers. This technique is known as spatial multiplexing. For example, multiple signals can be transmitted by a transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Similarly, multiple signals can be received by a receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals can be referred to as a separate spatial stream and can carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams (e.g., different codewords). Different spatial layers can be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) (where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device) and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) (where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices).

[0064] Beamforming, also known as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique used at transmitting or receiving devices (e.g., base station 105, UE 115) to shape or guide antenna beams (e.g., transmit beams, receive beams) along a spatial path between the transmitting and receiving devices. Beamforming can be achieved by combining signals transmitted via antenna elements of an antenna array, such that some signals propagating in a specific azimuth relative to the antenna array experience constructive interference, while other signals experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals transmitted via antenna elements can include the transmitting or receiving device applying amplitude shift, phase shift, or both to the signals carried via the antenna elements associated with that device. The adjustment associated with each of the antenna elements can be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a specific azimuth (e.g., relative to the antenna array of the transmitting or receiving device, or relative to some other azimuth).

[0065] Base station 105 or UE 115 may use beam sweeping technology as part of beamforming operations. For example, base station 105 may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays (e.g., antenna panels) for beamforming operations to facilitate directional communication with UE 115. Some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted multiple times by base station 105 in different directions. For example, base station 105 may transmit signals 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 transmitting device (e.g., base station 105) or the receiving device (e.g., UE 115)) the beam direction for later transmission or reception by base station 105.

[0066] Some signals (e.g., data signals associated with a specific receiving device) may be transmitted by base station 105 in a single beam direction (e.g., the direction associated with the receiving device, such as UE 115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmission along a single beam direction may be determined based on signals transmitted in one or more beam directions. For example, UE 115 may receive one or more signals transmitted by base station 105 in different directions and may report to base station 105 an indication of the signal received by UE 115 having the highest signal quality or other acceptable signal quality.

[0067] In some examples, transmissions performed by devices (e.g., base station 105 or UE 115) may use multiple beam directions, and the devices may use a combination of digital pre-decoding or radio frequency beamforming to generate a combined beam for transmission (e.g., from base station 105 to UE 115). UE 115 may report feedback indicating pre-decoding weights for one or more beam directions, and this feedback may correspond to a configured number across the system bandwidth or one or more sub-bands. Base station 105 may transmit reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)), which may be pre-decoded or undecoded. UE 115 may provide feedback for beam selection, which may be a pre-decoded matrix indicator (PMI) or codebook-based feedback (e.g., multi-panel type codebook, linear combination type codebook, port selection type codebook). 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 beam directions 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).

[0068] When receiving various signals (such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) from base station 105, a receiving device (e.g., directional listening) can attempt multiple receiving configurations (e.g., directional listening). For example, the receiving device can attempt multiple receiving directions by: receiving via different antenna subarrays; processing the received signal according to different antenna subarrays; receiving according to different sets of receiving beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array (e.g., different sets of directional listening weights); or processing the received signal according to different sets of receiving beamforming weights applied to signals received at multiple antenna elements of the antenna array, wherein any of these different receiving configurations or receiving directions can be referred to as "listening". In some examples, the receiving device can use a single receiving configuration to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving data signals). The single receiving configuration can be aligned with a beam direction determined based on listening according to different receiving configuration directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have the highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), or other acceptable signal quality based on listening according to multiple beam directions).

[0069] Wireless communication system 100 can be a packet-based network operating according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communication at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer can be IP-based. The Radio Link Control (RLC) layer can perform packet segmentation and reassembly for communication over logical channels. The Media Access Control (MAC) layer can perform priority processing and multiplexing of logical channels to transport channels. The MAC layer can also use error detection techniques, error correction techniques, or both, to support MAC layer retransmissions, thereby improving link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer can provide the establishment, configuration, and maintenance of RRC connections between UE 115 and base station 105 or the core network 130 supporting user plane data radio bearers. At the physical layer, transport channels can be mapped to physical channels.

[0070] UE 115 and base station 105 can support data retransmission to increase the likelihood of successful data reception. Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is a technique to improve the likelihood of correct data reception over 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 throughput at the MAC layer under poor radio conditions (e.g., low signal-to-noise ratio conditions). In some examples, the device can support same-slot HARQ feedback, where the device can provide HARQ feedback for data received in the previous symbol in a specific time slot. In other cases, the device can provide HARQ feedback in subsequent time slots or according to some other time intervals.

[0071] UE 115 can identify that it needs to scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure. UE 115 can receive one or more over-the-air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth, the corresponding bandwidth including a plurality of corresponding channels (e.g., eARFCN) from the frequency bands. UE 115 can process individual over-the-air signals. UE 115 evaluates each of the corresponding plurality of channels in a corresponding batch for each individual over-the-air signal for cell acquisition. UE 115 can acquire a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding plurality of channels.

[0072] Figure 2An example of a wireless communication system 200 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Wireless communication system 200 may implement various aspects of wireless communication system 100. Wireless communication system 200 may include UE 205, base station 210, base station 215, and / or base station 220, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described herein. In some aspects, UE 205 may be an example of an NB-IoT UE, although the technology is not limited to NB-IoT communication.

[0073] UE 205 can perform cell acquisition procedures (e.g., upon initial power-on, when cell service is activated / reactivated, etc.) by scanning signals in one or more frequency bands (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, tracking signals, system information signals, etc.). Typically, these frequency bands may correspond to a set of air signals with corresponding bandwidths. In some aspects, the air signals may have bandwidths including multiple corresponding channels 225 (e.g., eARFCNs) from the respective frequency bands. For example, UE 205 can typically detect the presence of a cell (e.g., base station 210, base station 215, and / or base station 220) by scanning signals from each cell. For example, UE 205 can be configured with a maximum coupling loss (MCL) threshold of 164 dB (e.g., a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) below -10 dB), which UE 205 can use to determine whether a cell can be established with it (e.g., whether it is a suitable candidate base station). In some aspects, the local oscillator implemented at UE 205 may sometimes have a high initial frequency error rate (e.g., parts per million (ppm)), which may initially affect the scanning operation. For example, UE 205 can use an autocorrelation-based method to detect synchronization signals (e.g., narrowband PSS) during cell acquisition procedures.

[0074] In some respects, the number of channels (e.g., eARFCNs) that UE 205 needs to scan to identify a subset of supported frequency bands can depend on the frequency band being scanned. In some wireless communication systems, UE 205 can perform a cell acquisition procedure by scanning / processing each channel 225 one by one. For example, UE 205 will scan for signals in channel 225 (e.g., eARFCN N-3). This will involve UE 205 performing signal acquisition on that channel 225. UE 205 will then attempt to perform cell acquisition on that channel 225 to determine if a suitable candidate base station is available (e.g., using an autocorrelation-based method to detect a narrowband PSS based on MCL). UE 205 will then determine if a suitable candidate base station exists. If so, UE 205 will perform a cell connection procedure to establish a radio connection with the candidate base station. If not, UE 205 will move to the next channel 225 (e.g., eARFCN N-2) and repeat this procedure until a suitable candidate base station is detected. In some respects, the number of channels 225 (e.g., eARFCN) within the frequency band may correspond to, but is not limited to, the following Table 1:

[0075]

[0076] Table 1

[0077] In some aspects, UE 205 may spend up to 500 ms scanning each channel 225 (e.g., each eARFCN within the same and / or other frequency bands). Therefore, assuming a scan time of 500 ms per channel, completing a scan of all eARFCNs could take up to 32 minutes. Of course, in many, if not all, cases, this time may not be acceptable for cell acquisition. For example, spending up to 32 minutes scanning air signals would consume significant power, leading to unacceptable latency issues, and so on.

[0078] In the context of narrowband IoT communication, this issue may be even more prevalent. That is, the deployment of narrowband IoT devices has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase in the commercial market. Typically, narrowband IoT devices can support communication in frequency bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 31, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 85. The narrowband IoT grid can be 100kHz, while for some channels 225, the bandwidth can be 180kHz. In some aspects, for example, when configured as a narrowband IoT device, UE 205 can be configured to scan each eARFCN for channel acquisition. As more frequency bands are added to be scanned for channel acquisition, this may cause UE 205 to spend more time performing scans—resulting in more power consumption, latency, etc.

[0079] Therefore, the aspects of the described technology provide a more efficient offline batch processing solution for scanning operations during cell acquisition. For example, UE 205 can identify or otherwise determine that it will perform a cell acquisition procedure. For example, UE 205 can be initially powered on, cell service can be started / restarted at UE 205, etc. Therefore, UE 205 can perform a cell acquisition procedure in order to connect to a base station. Therefore, UE 205 can identify or otherwise determine that it will scan one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure. For example, UE 205 can monitor signals (e.g., air signals) from any nearby base stations to determine (e.g., based on MCL 164dB) whether there is a base station within range of UE 205 that can provide radio service. For example, UE 205 can monitor air signals from base stations 210, 215, and / or 220. In some aspects, UE 205 can monitor any broadcast signals, synchronization signals, reference signals, etc., to detect the presence of suitable candidate base stations. For example, UE 205 can monitor synchronization signals such as PSS and / or secondary synchronization signals (SSS).

[0080] In some aspects, each of the air signals received by UE 205 may have a corresponding bandwidth, which includes multiple corresponding channels 225 from a frequency band. For example, UE 205 may be configured to have multiple (e.g., one or more) frequency bands (e.g., depending on the frequency range supported by UE 205 for communication, such as frequency range 1 (FR1), frequency range 2 (FR2), etc.), which it can scan to determine whether suitable candidate base stations are available. Each frequency band may include multiple channels 225 (e.g., eARFCN), each channel 225 having its own bandwidth (which may be the same as or different from other channels 225). More specifically, each channel 225 may correspond to a code or index value specifying a pair (or more than one pair) of reference frequencies (e.g., carrier / subcarrier frequencies) for wireless communication within that channel 225. UE 205 may scan these reference / carrier frequencies to detect the presence of available candidate base stations and / or quantify available candidate base stations. Thus, UE 205 may receive air signals from base station 210, base station 215, and / or base station 220.

[0081] However, UE 205 can perform offline batch processing of air signals to determine the availability of candidate base stations, rather than processing each channel 225 individually before moving to the next channel 225. For example, UE 205 can be a multi-mode UE. Multi-mode UEs can typically have the capability to support offline batch processing. For example, UE 205 can be configured to have radio frequency (RF) capabilities that support capturing wide signal bandwidths (e.g., UE 205 can be able to monitor / receive in multiple channels 225 simultaneously). In another example, UE 205 can be configured to have sufficient memory (e.g., buffers) available to store a larger number of air signal samples. In yet another example, UE 205 can be configured to have multi-processing capabilities. For example, UE 205 can be configured to support the simultaneous processing of multiple narrowband signals.

[0082] Therefore, UE 205 can monitor and receive air signals. The air signals can have corresponding bandwidths comprising multiple channels 225. That is, UE 205 can monitor and receive air signals from multiple channels 225 (e.g., from multiple eARFCNs). Therefore, UE 205 can perform air signal acquisition, where the bandwidth of the signal comprises K eARFCNs, where K is a positive integer value. Figure 2 In the non-limiting example shown, K can be four (4), meaning that UE 205 can monitor and receive air signals from channels 225 corresponding to eARFCN N-3 to N. When monitoring air signals, UE 205 can monitor a wider bandwidth than otherwise associated with the K channels 225, for example, to account for any oscillator errors, ensure that the K channels 225 are covered, etc. UE 205 can monitor and receive air signals during a time window established for signal acquisition to support detection performance thresholds. The captured air signals can be stored offline by UE 205. For example, UE 205 can store continuously received air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation. For example, UE 205 can store air signals from all K channels 225 in a first buffer, and / or can store individual air signals from each or some of the K channels 225 in separate buffers.

[0083] In some aspects, UE 205 can process individual air signals offline. For example, it can process previously captured air samples for K eARFCNs. This can include UE 205 processing a first air signal while monitoring and receiving a second air signal. That is, UE 205 can process air signals by identifying various metrics associated with the received air signals (such as received power level, interference level, etc.), where each air signal corresponds to K channels 225. Receiving / processing air signals can also include UE 205 storing the air signals in a buffer.

[0084] In some aspects, UE 205 can evaluate each of the K channels 225 on a batch basis and offline for cell acquisition. For example, UE 205 can use an autocorrelation-based evaluation method based on MCL to determine whether base station 210, base station 215, and / or base station 220 are suitable candidate base stations. UE 205 can evaluate each of the K channels 225 in parallel as a batch. For example, UE 205 can scan the narrowband PSS in each of the K channels 225 to detect the presence of suitable candidate base stations. UE 205 can evaluate the individual eARFCN corresponding to the K channels 225. If UE 205 successfully detects a cell (e.g., a suitable candidate base station) based on the evaluation, UE 205 can terminate the cell acquisition procedure without completing a full frequency scan of the frequency band. If not, UE 205 can complete a full frequency scan of each frequency band during the cell acquisition procedure. That is, UE 205 can continue scanning the K channels 225, storing the air signals in a buffer, and performing offline processing of the K channels 225 until at least one suitable candidate base station is detected. In some respects, UE 205 can reduce power consumption to various RF and / or other components during the processing / evaluation phase to save power. That is, radio frequency components can consume a significant portion of the UE's power. Disabling RF components can save UE 205 considerable power when more time is spent processing / evaluating received over-the-air signals.

[0085] Furthermore, processing / evaluating the received air signals corresponding to K channels 225 can save considerable time. That is, collecting samples of K channels 225, storing these samples in a buffer, and performing offline processing of the K channels 225 according to the described technique can save considerable time in the cell acquisition procedure. For example, setting K to 4 can result in a reduction of approximately 75% in the time associated with the cell acquisition scanning procedure. This can significantly reduce the time associated with the cell acquisition procedure and save significant UE power. Using the batch evaluation of K channels 225, based on signal evaluation, UE 205 can acquire a cell and establish a connection with base station 210, base station 215, or base station 220. UE 205 can use this connection to perform wireless communication.

[0086] Figure 3 An example of a bulk scan configuration 300 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. The bulk scan configuration 300 may implement various aspects of wireless communication systems 100 and / or 200. Various aspects of the bulk scan configuration 300 may be implemented by a UE, which may be an example of the corresponding device described herein.

[0087] As discussed above, aspects of the described technology enable the UE to perform offline, batch processing on airborne signals (e.g., eARFCN) having bandwidths spanning multiple channels 305. For example, the UE may identify or otherwise determine that a cell acquisition procedure should be performed by the UE. This may include the UE scanning one or more frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, etc.) during the cell acquisition procedure. For example, the UE may identify the frequency bands it supports for communication and then identify the channels 305 (e.g., eARFCN) associated with each frequency band. Each channel 305 may correspond to one or more reference frequencies (e.g., carrier / carrier frequency set).

[0088] According to the described technology, the UE can identify or otherwise select K channels 305 for scanning. K may correspond to the number of channels 305 (e.g., eARFCNs) that the UE will scan individually, in batches, or uniformly during the scanning procedure. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, K can be set to four, and the UE can begin by scanning K channels 305 corresponding to eARFCN N-3, N-2, N-1, and N. The UE can scan a wider bandwidth than K channels 305 to improve reception. Therefore, the UE can receive one or more air signals, each with a bandwidth including multiple channels 305 from the frequency band. The UE can process individual air signals and evaluate each channel in a batch of air signals for cell acquisition.

[0089] In some aspects, this can include the UE performing signal capture 310, where the UE receives over-the-air signals. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the UE can set K to four, instructing the UE to monitor and receive air signals corresponding to four channels (e.g., four eARFCNs corresponding to N-3, N-2, N-1, and N). The UE can store samples (e.g., air signals) in one or more buffers. For example, the UE can store continuously received air signals in different buffers for offline processing and evaluation.

[0090] In some aspects, K can be configured for the UE using various configuration signaling methods, such as RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI, higher-layer signaling, etc. In other aspects, K can be selected autonomously by the UE or identified in other ways, for example, without coordination with the network and / or without network configuration. In still other aspects, K can be based on the UE's capabilities, such as the number of buffers, processors, etc., that the UE possesses.

[0091] The UE can then rotate and filter 315 samples (e.g., received air signals). For example, the UE can perform phase / frequency adjustment of the air signals, filter spurious and / or noise frequencies, etc. During signal acquisition 310 and / or rotation and filtering 315, the UE can identify the received signal power level of each received air signal. Rotation and filtering 315 can be performed offline. That is, rotation and filtering 315 can be performed after the UE has received and stored the air signals.

[0092] The UE can then perform cell acquisition 320 to evaluate each of the channels 305. The UE can evaluate channel 305 in a corresponding batch for each air signal in the air signals. That is, the UE can use an offline processor that accesses a buffer used to store samples to evaluate the air signals corresponding to channels 305 associated as a batch with eARFCNs N-3, N-2, N-1, and N. In some aspects, this can include the UE comparing the received signal strength of the received air signals with the MCL or any other threshold to determine if there are any suitable candidate base stations to establish a connection with. Therefore, at determination 325, the UE can determine if there are any suitable candidate base stations with which to perform the cell acquisition procedure. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the UE can determine that no candidate base station is available. Therefore, the UE can continue with the batch offline processing of other channels 305.

[0093] In other words, when the UE successfully detects a cell during cell acquisition 320, the UE can terminate the cell acquisition procedure without completing a full frequency scan of each frequency band. If the evaluation is unsuccessful (e.g., the UE does not detect any air signals that meet the threshold (e.g., the MCL threshold), the UE can continue (and may complete, depending on the result of each iteration) a full frequency scan of the frequency bands supported by the UE.

[0094] Therefore, this can include the UE performing signal acquisition 330, where the UE receives over-the-air signals. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the UE can set K to four, indicating that the UE will monitor and receive air signals corresponding to four channels (e.g., four eARFCNs corresponding to N+1, N+2, N+3, and N+4). The UE can store samples (e.g., air signals) in one or more buffers. For example, the UE can store continuously received air signals in different buffers for offline processing and evaluation.

[0095] The UE can then rotate and filter 335 samples (e.g., received air signals). For example, the UE can perform phase / frequency adjustment of the air signals, filter spurious and / or noise frequencies, etc. During signal acquisition 330 and / or rotation and filtering 335, the UE can identify the received signal power level of each received air signal. Rotation and filtering 335 can be performed offline. That is, rotation and filtering 335 can be performed after the UE has received and stored the air signals.

[0096] The UE can then perform cell acquisition 340 to evaluate each of the channels 305. The UE can evaluate channel 305 in a corresponding batch for each air signal in the air signals. That is, the UE can use an offline processor that accesses a buffer used to store samples to evaluate the air signals corresponding to channels 305 associated as a batch with eARFCN N+1, N+2, N+3, and N+4. In some aspects, this can include the UE comparing the received signal strength of the received air signals with the MCL or any other threshold to determine if there are any suitable candidate base stations to establish a connection with. Therefore, at determination 345, the UE can determine if there are any suitable candidate base stations with which to perform the cell acquisition procedure. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the UE may determine that there are still no available candidate base stations. Therefore, the UE can continue with the batch offline processing of other channels 305 (e.g., eARFCNs corresponding to N+5, N+6, etc.).

[0097] Therefore, the UE can continue this iteration until a suitable candidate base station is detected. Once detected, the UE can execute a cell acquisition procedure with the base station to establish a radio connection.

[0098] Figure 4 An example of a process 400 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Process 400 may implement various aspects of wireless communication systems 100 and / or 200 and / or bulk scanning configuration 300. Process 400 may be implemented at or by UE 405, which may be an example of the corresponding device described herein.

[0099] In some aspects, UE 405 may include an RF front-end (RFFE) 410, an in-line digital signal processor (DSP) 415, an offline buffer 420 (which may be referred to as a Ping buffer), an offline buffer 425 (which may be referred to as a Pong buffer), and / or an offline DSP 430. It should be understood that the processing 400 is not limited to a UE 405 having two processors (in-line DSP 415 and offline DSP 430) and / or two offline buffers. Furthermore, it should be understood that the offline DSP 430 is an offline buffer, in which case the offline DSP 430 can perform batch evaluation of samples during the cell acquisition procedure.

[0100] As discussed above, various aspects of the described technology provide mechanisms to support offline, batch processing of air signals corresponding to multiple channels (e.g., eARFCNs) during a scanning operation for cell acquisition. For example, UE 405 may identify or otherwise determine that it wants to scan one or more frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands 1, 2, 3, etc. within one or more frequency ranges supported by UE 405 for communication). Accordingly, UE 405 may receive air signals and process individual air signals (e.g., store these samples in a buffer). UE 405 can evaluate each channel (e.g., each eARFCN) by batch evaluating the air signals. UE 405 can use the batch evaluation of the corresponding channels to acquire a cell to establish a connection to the base station. Process 400 illustrates a non-limiting example of such processing and offline batch evaluation.

[0101] At 432, the online DSP 415 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the RFFE 410 may receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication tuned to eARFCN N (e.g., channel N). In some aspects, this indication may be provided in response to the UE 405 identifying or otherwise determining that it will scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure. For example, the UE 405 may initially power on, cell service may be restored, etc., and thus determine to perform a cell acquisition procedure to establish an RRC connection with a suitable candidate base station. The UE 405 may identify, select, or otherwise determine the frequency range it supports for communication. Each frequency range may have multiple corresponding frequency bands, and each frequency band may have multiple channels (e.g., as shown in Table 1 above). Therefore, the online DSP 415 may identify or otherwise select channel N (e.g., eARFCN N) of a frequency band to initiate a scanning procedure to detect suitable candidate base stations.

[0102] In some respects, this can initiate offline sample collection processing 434 for the Ping buffer. Offline sample collection processing 434 can include, at 436, UE 405 storing samples (e.g., air signals) in the Ping buffer for up to X milliseconds. As discussed above, this can include the instruction conveyed at 432, as well as an instruction to sample K channels. Therefore, offline sample collection processing 434 can include, in the example where K=4, RFFE 410 collecting samples for channels N, N+1, N+2, and N+3. It should be understood that different values ​​of K can also be used. Accordingly, at 436, for each of the K channels, UE 405 can store samples in the Ping buffer (e.g., processing individual air signals in the air signals).

[0103] Offline sample collection processing 434 can continue at 438, where the Ping buffer sends, provides, or otherwise conveys (and the online DSP 415 receives, acquires, or otherwise identifies) an indication that samples have been stored in the Ping buffer. That is, this indication can provide information associated with the storage of air signals (e.g., samples) for channels N, N+1, N+2, and N+3 (continuing with the example of K=4) in the Ping buffer. Therefore, at 440, the online DSP 415 can determine that RFFE 410 is idle. That is, the online DSP 415 can determine that RFFE 410 has completed the reception of air signals for the appropriate channels, and that these samples have been stored in the Ping buffer. Broadly speaking, this can complete this iteration of offline sample collection processing 434.

[0104] Therefore, at 442, the online DSP 415 can send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the offline DSP 430 can receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication to initiate offline processing of the Ping buffer. That is, the online DSP 415 can provide the offline DSP 430 with an indication that the Ping buffer has stored samples (e.g., air signals) for channels N to N+3. Therefore, the offline DSP 430 can evaluate each corresponding channel for cell acquisition in a corresponding batch for each air signal. In other words, the offline DSP 430 can process a batch of samples stored in the Ping buffer to determine if any air signals indicate a suitable candidate base station is available for cell acquisition. For example, the offline DSP 430 can utilize a threshold (e.g., MCL or other threshold) to determine whether a synchronization signal was received during offline sample collection processing 434. If a synchronization signal is received and the threshold is met, this can instruct the UE 405 to connect to the corresponding base station that sent the synchronization signal for wireless communication. If not, the UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure in the next batch of channels.

[0105] While the offline DSP 430 processes a batch of samples stored in the Ping buffer, the UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure. That is, instead of waiting for the offline DSP 432 to evaluate the samples stored in the Ping buffer for channels N through N+3, the UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure to reduce the time required to establish a connection to a suitable candidate base station. Therefore, at 444, the online DSP 415 can send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the RFFE 410 can receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication tuned to eARFCN N+K (e.g., channel N+4 in this example where K=4). In some aspects, this indication can be provided in response to the UE 405 recognizing or otherwise determining that it intends to scan one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure and that the offline DSP 430 is performing an offline evaluation of the samples stored in the Ping buffer.

[0106] In some respects, this can initiate offline sample collection processing 446 for the Pong buffer. Offline sample collection processing 446 may include, at 448, UE 405 storing samples (e.g., air signals) in the Pong buffer for up to X milliseconds. As discussed above, this may include the instruction communicated at 444, as well as an instruction to sample K channels. Accordingly, when K is again set to four, offline sample collection processing 446 may include RFFE 410 collecting samples for channels N+4, N+5, N+6, and N+7. It should be understood that different values ​​of K may also be used. Accordingly, at 448, for each of the N+K channels, UE 405 may store samples in the Pong buffer (e.g., processing individual air signals in the air signals).

[0107] Offline sample collection processing 446 can continue at 450, where the Pong buffer sends, provides, or otherwise conveys (and the in-line DSP 415 receives, acquires, or otherwise identifies) an indication that samples have been stored in the Pong buffer. That is, this indication can provide information associated with the Pong buffer storing air signals (e.g., samples) for channels N+4, N+5, N+6, and N+7 (continuing with the example of K=4). Therefore, at 452, the in-line DSP 415 can determine that RFFE 410 is idle. That is, the in-line DSP 415 can determine that RFFE 410 has completed receiving air signals and that these samples have been stored in the Pong buffer. Broadly speaking, this completes this iteration of offline sample collection processing 446.

[0108] Therefore, at 454, the online DSP 415 can send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the offline DSP 430 can receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication to initiate offline processing of the Pong buffer. That is, the online DSP 415 can provide the offline DSP 430 with an indication that the Pong buffer has stored samples (e.g., air signals) for channels N+4 to N+7 (continuing with K=4 as an example). Therefore, the offline DSP 430 can evaluate each corresponding channel in the corresponding batch for each air signal in the air signal for cell acquisition. In other words, the offline DSP 430 can process a batch of samples stored in the Pong buffer to determine if any air signals indicate a suitable candidate base station is available for cell acquisition. For example, the offline DSP 430 can utilize a threshold (e.g., MCL or other threshold) to determine whether a synchronization signal was received during the offline sample collection process 446. If a synchronization signal is received and this threshold is met, this can instruct the UE 405 to connect to the corresponding base station that sent the synchronization signal for wireless communication. If not, the UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure for the next batch of channels.

[0109] At 456, the offline DSP 430 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the online DSP 415 may receive, acquire, or otherwise recognize) an indication that offline processing of the Ping buffer has been completed. Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown, the indication could also provide information that the evaluation of a batch of samples stored in the Ping buffer for channels N to N+3 did not result in the identification of a suitable candidate base station. Therefore, UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure for the next batch of K channels.

[0110] Broadly speaking, it should be understood that the processing discussed above can be repeated iteratively for each batch of K channels until suitable candidate base stations have been identified.

[0111] Therefore, at 458, the online DSP 415 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the RFFE 410 may receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication tuned to eARFCN N+2K (e.g., channel N+8). In some aspects, this indication may be provided in response to the UE 405 identifying or otherwise determining that the offline sample collection process 434 of the Ping buffer has been completed and has not resulted in the identification of a suitable candidate base station.

[0112] In some respects, this can initiate offline sample collection processing 460 of the Ping buffer (e.g., similar to offline sample collection processing 434 of the Ping buffer). Offline sample collection processing 460 may include UE 405 storing samples (e.g., air signals) in the Ping buffer for up to X milliseconds. As discussed above, this may include the instruction conveyed at 458 as well as an instruction to sample K channels. Thus, offline sample collection processing 460 may include RFFE 410 collecting samples for channels N+8, N+9, N+10, and N+11 when K is again set to four. It should be understood that different values ​​of K may also be used. Thus, UE 405 may store samples in the Ping buffer for each of the K channels starting from channel N+8 (e.g., processing individual air signals in air signals).

[0113] At 462, the online DSP 415 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the offline DSP 430 may receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication to initiate offline processing of the Ping buffer. That is, the online DSP 415 may provide the offline DSP 430 with an indication that the Ping buffer has stored samples (e.g., air signals) for channels N+8 to N+11. Therefore, the offline DSP 430 may evaluate each corresponding channel for cell acquisition in a corresponding batch for each air signal. In other words, the offline DSP 430 may process a batch of samples stored in the Ping buffer to determine if any air signals indicate a suitable candidate base station is available for cell acquisition. For example, the offline DSP 430 may utilize a threshold (e.g., MCL or other threshold) to determine whether a synchronization signal is received in the offline sample collection process 460. If a synchronization signal is received and the threshold is met, this may indicate that the UE 405 can connect to the corresponding base station that sent the synchronization signal for wireless communication. If not, the UE 405 may continue the RF scanning procedure in the next batch of channels.

[0114] At 464, the offline DSP 430 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and the online DSP 415 may receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication that offline processing of the Pong buffer has been completed. Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown, the indication could also provide information that the evaluation of a batch of samples stored in the Ping buffer for channels N+4 to N+7 did not result in the identification of a suitable candidate base station. Therefore, UE 405 can continue the RF scanning procedure for the next batch of K channels.

[0115] Therefore, at 466, the online DSP 415 may transmit, provide, or otherwise convey (and the RFFE 410 may receive, acquire, or otherwise identify) an indication to tune to eARFCN N+3K (e.g., channel N+12). In some aspects, this indication may be provided in response to the UE 405 identifying or otherwise determining that the offline sample collection process 446 of the Pong buffer has not resulted in the identification of a suitable candidate base station. In some aspects, this may initiate the offline sample collection process 468 of the Pong buffer (e.g., similar to the offline sample collection process 446 of the Pong buffer). The offline sample collection process 468 may include the UE 405 storing samples (e.g., air signals) in the Pong buffer for up to X milliseconds. As discussed above, this may include the indication conveyed at 466 as well as an indication to sample K channels. Therefore, offline sample collection processing 468 may include RFFE 410 collecting samples for channels N+12, N+13, N+14, and N+15 when K is again set to four. It should be understood that different K values ​​may also be used. Therefore, UE 405 may store samples in the Pong buffer for each of the K channels starting from channel N+12 (e.g., processing individual air signals in the air signals).

[0116] Similarly, this iterative process of sample collection / offline evaluation can continue until UE 405 identifies a suitable candidate base station to establish a connection with. Therefore, at 470, offline DSP 430 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and online DSP 415 may receive, obtain, or otherwise identify) an indication that the offline sample evaluation of samples stored in the Ping buffer during offline sample collection processing 460 did not result in the identification of a suitable candidate base station. Therefore, and at 472, online DSP 415 may send, provide, or otherwise convey (and RFFE 410 may receive, obtain, or otherwise identify) an indication that RFFE 410 is tuned to eARFCN N+4K (e.g., channel N+16). In some aspects, this indication may be provided in response to UE 405 identifying or otherwise determining that offline sample collection processing 460 of the Ping buffer did not result in the identification of a suitable candidate base station. In some respects, this can initiate another offline sample collection process for the Ping buffer (e.g., similar to Ping buffer offline sample collection processes 434 and / or 460). This iterative approach can continue until suitable candidate base stations have been identified. Once the samples indicate the availability of candidate base stations, UE 405 can use a batch evaluation of the channel to acquire a cell (e.g., connect to a suitable candidate base station).

[0117] In addition to reducing RF scan time during cell acquisition, processing 400 also provides power-saving features for UE 405. For example, during the time between RFFE 410 collecting air samples for the Ping and Pong buffers (e.g., when RFFE 410 is idle) and tuning to the next indication for the next batch of K channels, various RF components of UE 405 can reduce their power. For example, power amplifiers, filters, oscillators, etc. of RFFE 410 can be turned off to save power.

[0118] Figure 5 A block diagram 500 of a device 505 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Device 505 may be an example of various aspects of UE 115 as described herein. Device 505 may include a receiver 510, a transmitter 515, and a communication manager 520. Device 505 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0119] Receiver 510 may provide components for receiving information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof, associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to bulk frequency scanning). The information may be transmitted to other components of device 505. Receiver 510 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0120] Transmitter 515 may provide components for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 505. For example, transmitter 515 may transmit information such as packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to bulk frequency scanning). In some examples, transmitter 515 may coexist with receiver 510 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 515 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0121] The communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of components used to perform various aspects of the bulk frequency scanning described herein. For example, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support methods for performing one or more functions described herein.

[0122] In some examples, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., as communication management circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, DSP, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of parts configured to or otherwise support the performance of the functions described herein. In some examples, the processor and memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more functions described herein (e.g., executing instructions stored in memory via the processor).

[0123] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented as code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented as processor-executed code, the functionality of the communication manager 520, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by any combination of a general-purpose processor, DSP, central processing unit (CPU), ASIC, FPGA, or these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., components configured or otherwise supported for performing the functions described in this disclosure).

[0124] In some examples, the communication manager 520 may be configured to use, or otherwise cooperate with, receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both, to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting). For example, the communication manager 520 may receive information from receiver 510, send information to transmitter 515, or integrate with receiver 510, transmitter 515, or both to receive information, send information, or perform various other operations described herein.

[0125] Communication manager 520 may support wireless communication at the UE according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, communication manager 520 may be configured or otherwise supported to support components for identifying one or more frequency bands the UE will scan during a cell acquisition procedure. Communication manager 520 may be configured or otherwise supported to support components for receiving one or more air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands. Communication manager 520 may be configured or otherwise supported to support components for processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals. Communication manager 520 may be configured or otherwise supported to support components for evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. Communication manager 520 may be configured or otherwise supported to support components for acquiring a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0126] By including or configuring the communication manager 520 according to the examples described herein, device 505 (e.g., a processor that controls or otherwise couples to receiver 510, transmitter 515, communication manager 520, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for bulk collection of samples for K channels and offline processing of these samples to save power, reduce RF scan time, etc.

[0127] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 of a device 605 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. Device 605 may be an example of aspects of device 505 or UE 115 described herein. Device 605 may include receiver 610, transmitter 615, and communication manager 620. Device 605 may also include a processor. Each of these components may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0128] Receiver 610 may provide components for receiving information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof associated with various information channels, such as control channels, data channels, and information channels related to bulk frequency scanning). The information may be transmitted to other components of device 605. Receiver 610 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0129] Transmitter 615 may provide components for transmitting signals generated by other components of device 605. For example, transmitter 615 may transmit information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or batches of any combination thereof associated with various information channels, such as control channels, data channels, information channels related to bulk frequency scanning). In some examples, transmitter 615 may coexist with receiver 610 in a transceiver module. Transmitter 615 may utilize a single antenna or a group of multiple antennas.

[0130] Device 605 or its various components may be examples of parts used to perform various aspects of the bulk frequency scanning described herein. For example, communication manager 620 may include scan manager 625, signal processing manager 630, acquisition manager 635, cell acquisition manager 640, or any combination thereof. Communication manager 620 may be examples of various aspects of communication manager 520 described herein. In some examples, communication manager 620 or its various components may be configured to use receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both, or otherwise cooperate with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting). For example, communication manager 620 may receive information from receiver 610, transmit information to transmitter 615, or be integrated with receiver 610, transmitter 615, or both to receive information, transmit information, or perform various other operations described herein.

[0131] Communication manager 620 may support wireless communication at the UE according to the examples disclosed herein. Scan manager 625 may be configured or otherwise supported for identifying components for the UE to scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure. Signal processing manager 630 may be configured or otherwise supported for receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands. Signal processing manager 630 may be configured or otherwise supported for processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals. Acquisition manager 635 may be configured or otherwise supported for evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. Cell acquisition manager 640 may be configured or otherwise supported for acquiring a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0132] Figure 7A block diagram 700 is shown of a communication manager 720 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure. The communication manager 720 may be an example of aspects of the communication manager 520, communication manager 620, or both described herein. The communication manager 720 or its various components may be examples of components used to perform various aspects of the bulk frequency scanning described herein. For example, the communication manager 720 may include a scan manager 725, a signal processing manager 730, an acquisition manager 735, a cell acquisition manager 740, a buffer storage manager 745, a signal / processing manager 750, a component power manager 755, a signal evaluation manager 760, a PSS manager 765, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0133] Communication Manager 720 may support wireless communication at the UE according to the examples disclosed herein. Scan Manager 725 may be configured or otherwise supported for identifying components for the UE to scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure. Signal Processing Manager 730 may be configured or otherwise supported for receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands. In some examples, Signal Processing Manager 730 may be configured or otherwise supported for processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals. Acquisition Manager 735 may be configured or otherwise supported for evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. Cell Acquisition Manager 740 may be configured or otherwise supported for acquiring a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0134] In some examples, in order to support the reception of one or more air signals, the buffer storage manager 745 can be configured or otherwise supported for storing continuously received air signals in different buffers for air signal processing and evaluation.

[0135] In some examples, in order to support the processing of a single air signal among the one or more air signals, the signal / processing manager 750 may be configured or otherwise support components for processing a first air signal among the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal among the one or more air signals.

[0136] In some examples, the component power manager 755 may be configured or otherwise support a component for reducing the power of the UE’s radio frequency components during at least a portion of the processing of a single air signal in one or more air signals.

[0137] In some examples, in order to support the evaluation of each of the corresponding multiple channels for cell acquisition, the signal evaluation manager 760 can be configured or otherwise supported for the component to evaluate each of the corresponding multiple channels in parallel as a batch.

[0138] In some examples, in order to support the evaluation of each of the corresponding multiple channels for cell acquisition, the PSS Manager 765 can be configured or otherwise support components for scanning the narrowband master synchronization signal in each of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0139] In some examples, the signal processing manager 730 may be configured or otherwise supported for components used to complete a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure.

[0140] In some examples, the cell acquisition manager 740 may be configured or otherwise supported to terminate the cell acquisition procedure during evaluation based on successful cell detection if a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands has not been completed.

[0141] In some examples, to support the evaluation of each of the corresponding multiple channels for cell acquisition, the acquisition manager 735 can be configured or otherwise support components for evaluating a separate eARFCN within a single air signal among the one or more air signals. In some examples, the UE is a narrowband IoT device.

[0142] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a system 800 including a device 805 supporting bulk frequency scanning according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Device 805 may be an example of device 505, device 605, or UE 115 described herein, or a component including thereunder. Device 805 may wirelessly communicate with one or more base stations 105, UE 115, or any combination thereof. Device 805 may include components for bidirectional voice and data communication, including components for transmitting and receiving communications (such as a communication manager 820, an input / output (I / O) controller 810, a transceiver 815, an antenna 825, a memory 830, a code 835, and a processor 840). These components may communicate electronically via one or more buses (e.g., bus 845) or be otherwise coupled (e.g., operational ground, communication ground, functional ground, electronic ground, electrical ground).

[0143] I / O controller 810 can manage the input and output signals of device 805. I / O controller 810 can also manage peripherals not integrated into device 805. In some cases, I / O controller 810 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, I / O controller 810 can utilize an operating system (such as...) (or other known operating systems). Additionally or alternatively, the I / O controller 810 may represent or interact with a modulation modem, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or similar device. In some cases, the I / O controller 810 may be implemented as part of a processor (e.g., processor 840). In some cases, a user may interact with the device 805 via the I / O controller 810 or via hardware components controlled by the I / O controller 810.

[0144] In some cases, device 805 may include a single antenna 825. However, in other cases, device 805 may have more than one antenna 825, which may be capable of transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. Transceiver 815 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 825, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, transceiver 815 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 815 may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing modulated packets to one or more antennas 825 for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas 825. Transceiver 815, or transceiver 815 and one or more antennas 825, may be examples of transmitter 515, transmitter 615, receiver 510, receiver 610, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

[0145] Memory 830 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory 830 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 835, including instructions that, when executed by processor 840, cause device 805 to perform the various functions described herein. Code 835 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. In some cases, code 835 may not be directly executable by processor 840, but may enable a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the functions described herein. In some cases, memory 830 may include, among other things, a basic I / O system (BIOS) that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0146] Processor 840 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., general-purpose processors, DSPs, CPUs, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 840 may be configured to use a memory controller to operate a memory array. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into processor 840. Processor 840 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 830) to cause device 805 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting bulk frequency scanning). For example, device 805 or components of device 805 may include processor 840 and memory 830 coupled to processor 840, processor 840 and memory 830 being configured to perform the various functions described herein.

[0147] The communication manager 820 can support wireless communication at the UE according to the examples disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise supported to support components for identifying one or more frequency bands that the UE will scan during a cell acquisition procedure. The communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise supported to support components for receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands. The communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise supported to support components for processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals. The communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise supported to support components for evaluating each of the corresponding multiple channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. The communication manager 820 can be configured or otherwise supported to support components for acquiring a cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

[0148] By including or configuring the communication manager 820 according to the examples described herein, the device 805 can support techniques for bulk collection of samples for K channels and offline processing of these samples to save power, reduce RF scan time, etc.

[0149] In some examples, the communication manager 820 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise cooperating with a transceiver 815, one or more antennas 825, or any combination thereof. Although the communication manager 820 is illustrated as a standalone component, in some examples, one or more functions described with reference to the communication manager 820 may be supported or performed by a processor 840, a memory 830, code 835, or any combination thereof. For example, code 835 may include instructions executable by the processor 840 to cause the device 805 to perform various aspects of the bulk frequency scan described herein, or the processor 840 and memory 830 may be otherwise configured to perform or support such operations.

[0150] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method 900 supporting bulk frequency scanning is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. The operation of method 900 can be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, as referenced... Figures 1 to 8 As described, the operation of method 900 can be performed by UE 115. In some examples, the UE can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0151] At 905, the method may include identifying one or more frequency bands that the UE will scan during the cell acquisition procedure. The operation of 905 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 905 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described scan manager 725 is used to perform this.

[0152] At 910, the method may include receiving one or more air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth comprising a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands. Operation of 910 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 910 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0153] At 915, the method may include processing a single air signal from the one or more air signals. Operation of 915 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of operation of 915 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0154] In 920, the method may include evaluating each of a plurality of corresponding channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. Operation of 920 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 920 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described acquisition manager 735 is executed.

[0155] At 925, the method may include obtaining the cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels. The operation at 925 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation at 925 can be derived from references... Figure 7 The described cell acquisition manager 740 is executed.

[0156] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a method 1000 supporting bulk frequency scanning is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. The operation of method 1000 can be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, as referenced... Figures 1 to 8 As described, the operation of method 1000 can be performed by UE 115. In some examples, the UE can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0157] At point 1005, the method may include identifying whether the UE will scan one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure. The operation of point 1005 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of point 1005 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described scan manager 725 is used to perform this.

[0158] At 1010, the method may include receiving a plurality of air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from one or more frequency bands. The operation of 1010 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1010 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0159] At point 1015, the method may include storing successively received air signals from a plurality of air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation of the plurality of air signals. The operation of point 1015 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of point 1015 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described buffer storage manager 745 is used to perform this.

[0160] At point 1020, the method may include processing an individual air signal among the plurality of air signals. The operation of point 1020 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of point 1020 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0161] At 1025, the method may include evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals among the plurality of air signals for cell acquisition. The operation of 1025 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1025 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described acquisition manager 735 is executed.

[0162] At 1030, the method may include obtaining the cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels. The operation of 1030 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1030 can be derived from references... Figure 7 The described cell acquisition manager 740 is executed.

[0163] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method 1100 supporting bulk frequency scanning is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Operation of method 1100 can be implemented by a UE or its components as described herein. For example, as referenced... Figures 1 to 8 As described, the operation of method 1100 can be performed by UE 115. In some examples, the UE can execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the UE can use dedicated hardware to perform aspects of the described functions.

[0164] At 1105, the method may include identifying whether the UE will scan one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure. The operation of 1105 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1105 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described scan manager 725 is used to perform this.

[0165] At 1110, the method may include receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth comprising a corresponding set of multiple channels from the one or more frequency bands. The operation of 1110 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1110 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is executed.

[0166] At 1115, the method may include processing a single air signal from the one or more air signals. The operation of 1115 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1115 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal processing manager 730 is used to execute this.

[0167] At 1120, the method may include processing a first air signal of the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal of the one or more air signals. The operation of 1120 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1120 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described signal / processing manager 750 is used to execute this.

[0168] At 1125, the method may include evaluating each of a plurality of corresponding channels in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals for cell acquisition. The operation of 1125 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 1125 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described acquisition manager 735 is executed.

[0169] At 1130, the method may include obtaining the cell via batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels. The operation at 1130 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation at 1130 may be derived from references... Figure 7 The described cell acquisition manager 740 is used to execute this.

[0170] The following is an overview of the various aspects of this disclosure:

[0171] Aspect 1: A method for performing wireless communication at a UE, comprising: identifying that the UE will scan one or more frequency bands during a cell acquisition procedure; receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth including a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands; processing individual air signals among the one or more air signals; evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in a corresponding batch for each air signal among the one or more air signals for cell acquisition; and acquiring a cell via the batch evaluation of the corresponding plurality of channels.

[0172] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, receiving the one or more air signals includes: storing the air signals received sequentially from the one or more air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation.

[0173] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 2, wherein processing the individual air signal among the one or more air signals comprises: processing a first air signal among the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal among the one or more air signals.

[0174] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3 further includes: reducing the power to the radio frequency components of the UE during at least a portion of the processing of the individual air signal in the one or more air signals.

[0175] Aspect 5: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition comprises: evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch.

[0176] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition comprises: scanning a narrowband primary synchronization signal in each of the corresponding plurality of channels.

[0177] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 further includes: completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure.

[0178] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7 further includes: terminating the cell acquisition procedure without completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands, based at least in part on the successful detection of the cell during the evaluation period.

[0179] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition includes: evaluating a single EARFCN within a single air signal of the one or more air signals.

[0180] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the UE is a narrowband Internet of Things device.

[0181] Aspect 11: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods of aspects 1 to 10.

[0182] Aspect 12: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one component for performing any one of the methods of aspects 1 to 10.

[0183] Aspect 13: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code including instructions executable by a processor to perform any of the methods in aspects 1 to 10.

[0184] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and steps can be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are also possible. Furthermore, two or more aspects from the methods can be combined.

[0185] While aspects of LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR systems may be described for illustrative purposes, and the terms LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR may be used in most of the description, the technologies described herein apply beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described technologies may be applicable to a wide variety of other wireless communication systems, such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, and other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0186] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0187] The various illustrative blocks and components disclosed herein may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, CPU, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware component, or any specified combination thereof to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in another case, a processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0188] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, these functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the function are implemented at different physical locations.

[0189] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, encompassing any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compressed optical disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code components in the form of instructions or data structures, accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Additionally, any connection is appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave), then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio, and microwave) are all included in the definition of computer-readable media. The disks and optical discs used in this article include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multifunction discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically copy data magnetically, while optical discs copy data using lasers. Combinations of these are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0190] As used herein, including in the claims, the word "or" used in a list of items (e.g., followed by phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, such as a list of at least one of A, B, or C meaning A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Additionally, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "at least partially based on".

[0191] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by adding a dash after the reference numeral and a second reference numeral to differentiate them. If only the first reference numeral is used in the description, the description applies to any similar component having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second or other subsequent reference numerals.

[0192] This document describes exemplary configurations in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and does not represent all examples that can be implemented or fall within the scope of the claims. The term "example" as used herein means "as an example, instance, or illustration," and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples." The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques can also be implemented without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the described examples.

[0193] The description provided herein is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make 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 can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not 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 performing wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: The UE is identified as scanning one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure; Receive one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth including a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands, wherein receiving the one or more air signals includes receiving a plurality of air signals and storing the air signals received consecutively among the plurality of air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation of the plurality of air signals; Processing an individual air signal from the one or more air signals, wherein processing the individual air signal from the one or more air signals includes processing a first air signal from the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal from the one or more air signals; In a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals, each of the corresponding plurality of channels is evaluated for cell acquisition, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition includes evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch; as well as Cells are obtained by batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During at least a portion of the processing of the individual air signal in one or more air signals, the power to the radio frequency components of the UE is reduced.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition comprises: The narrowband master synchronization signal is scanned in each of the corresponding multiple channels.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands is completed during the cell acquisition procedure.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The cell acquisition procedure may be terminated, at least in part, based on successful cell detection during the evaluation period, without completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition comprises: Evaluate the absolute radio frequency channel number (eARFCN) of the UMTS terrestrial radio access E-UTRA within a single air signal in one or more of the air signals.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE is a narrowband Internet of Things device.

8. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: processor; Memory coupled to the processor; as well as Instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, enable the device to: The UE is identified as scanning one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure; The device receives one or more air signals, each of which has a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth including a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands, wherein the instruction to receive the one or more air signals can be executed by the processor to cause the device to receive the plurality of air signals and to store the successively received air signals among the plurality of air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation of the plurality of air signals. Processing a single air signal from the one or more air signals, wherein instructions for processing the single air signal from the one or more air signals can be executed by the processor to cause the device to process a first air signal from the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal from the one or more air signals; In a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals, each of the corresponding plurality of channels is evaluated for cell acquisition, wherein the instruction to evaluate each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition is executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to evaluate each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch; as well as Cells are obtained by batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: During at least a portion of the processing of the individual air signal in one or more air signals, the power to the radio frequency components of the UE is reduced.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein instructions for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition are executable by the processor, causing the apparatus to: The narrowband master synchronization signal is scanned in each of the corresponding multiple channels.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: A full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands is completed during the cell acquisition procedure.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: The cell acquisition procedure may be terminated, at least in part, based on successful cell detection during the evaluation period, without completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein instructions for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition are executable by the processor, causing the apparatus to: Evaluate the absolute radio frequency channel number (eARFCN) of the UMTS terrestrial radio access E-UTRA within a single air signal in one or more of the air signals.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the UE is a narrowband Internet of Things device.

15. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: Components used to identify which frequency bands the UE will scan during the cell acquisition procedure; A component for receiving one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth including multiple channels corresponding to the frequency bands of the one or more frequency bands, wherein receiving the one or more air signals includes receiving multiple air signals and storing successively received air signals among the multiple air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation of the multiple air signals. Components for processing a single air signal among the one or more air signals, wherein processing the single air signal among the one or more air signals includes processing a first air signal among the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal among the one or more air signals; A component for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition in a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals, wherein evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition includes evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch; as well as A component for obtaining a cell via a batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the code including instructions executable by a processor to: The UE is identified as scanning one or more frequency bands during the cell acquisition procedure; Receive one or more air signals, each of the one or more air signals having a corresponding bandwidth, the bandwidth including a plurality of corresponding channels from the one or more frequency bands, wherein instructions for receiving the one or more air signals can be executed by the processor to receive the plurality of air signals and store the successively received air signals among the plurality of air signals in different buffers for processing and evaluation of the plurality of air signals; Processing a single air signal from the one or more air signals, wherein instructions for processing the single air signal from the one or more air signals are executable by the processor to process a first air signal from the one or more air signals while receiving a second air signal from the one or more air signals; In a corresponding batch for each of the individual air signals in the one or more air signals, each of the corresponding plurality of channels is evaluated for cell acquisition, wherein the instruction to evaluate each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition can be executed by the processor to evaluate each of the corresponding plurality of channels in parallel as a batch; as well as Cells are obtained by batch evaluation of the corresponding multiple channels.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions are further executable by the processor to: During at least a portion of the processing of the individual air signal in one or more air signals, the power to the radio frequency components of the UE is reduced.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein instructions for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition are executable by the processor to: The narrowband master synchronization signal is scanned in each of the corresponding multiple channels.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions are also executable by the processor to: A full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands is completed during the cell acquisition procedure.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions are also executable by the processor to: The cell acquisition procedure may be terminated, at least in part, based on successful cell detection during the evaluation period, without completing a full frequency scan of each of the one or more frequency bands.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein instructions for evaluating each of the corresponding plurality of channels for cell acquisition are executable by the processor to: Evaluate the absolute radio frequency channel number (eARFCN) of the UMTS terrestrial radio access E-UTRA within a single air signal in one or more of the air signals.

22. A computer program product comprising computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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