Method and apparatus for supporting discovery signal

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method and apparatus for supporting or utilizing a structure of a discovery signal in a wireless communication system. A method of a user equipment (UE) includes receiving a configuration set of discovery signals; determining a frequency position of the discovery signal; determining time domain information of the discovery signal; determining a subcarrier interval of the discovery signal; and determining a quasi-co-location (QCL) hypothesis of the discovery signal. The discovery signal includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The method further includes receiving the discovery signal from a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency location of the discovery signal, the time domain information, the subcarrier spacing, and the QCL hypothesis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to a structure of a discovery signal. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication is one of the most successful innovations in modern history. Recently, the number of subscribers to wireless communication services exceeded 5 billion and continues to grow rapidly. Due to the increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile data devices (such as tablets, "notebook" computers, netbooks, e-book readers, and machine-type devices) among consumers and businesses, the demand for wireless data traffic is increasing rapidly. In order to meet the high growth rate of mobile data traffic and support new applications and deployments, it is critical to improve radio interface efficiency and coverage. In order to meet the increased demand for wireless data traffic since the deployment of 4G communication systems, and to enable various vertical applications, 5G communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed.

[0003] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band, making high transmission rates and new services possible, and can be implemented not only in "below 6 GHz" bands such as 3.5 GHz, but also in "above 6 GHz" bands called millimeter waves including 28 GHz and 39 GHz. In addition, in order to achieve a transmission rate 50 times faster than 5G mobile communication technology and an ultra-low latency of one-tenth of 5G mobile communication technology, implementation of 6G mobile communication technology in terahertz (THz) bands (e.g., 95 GHz to 3 THz bands) (referred to as super 5G systems) has been considered.

[0004] In the early stages of 5G mobile communications technology development, in order to support services and meet performance requirements associated with enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), standardization is already underway on the following: beamforming and massive MIMO (massive multiple-input multiple-output) for mitigating radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission distance in millimeter waves; support parameter sets (e.g., operating multiple subcarrier spacings) for efficient utilization of millimeter wave resources and dynamic operation of time slot formats; initial access technology for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadband; definition and operation of BWP (BandWidth Part); new channel coding methods such as LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) codes for large amounts of data transmission and polar codes for highly reliable transmission of control information; L2 preprocessing; and network slicing for providing dedicated networks dedicated to specific services.

[0005] Currently, in view of the services that 5G mobile communication technology will support, discussions are underway on improvements and performance enhancements of initial 5G mobile communication technology, and there is already physical layer standardization on technologies such as the following: V2X (Vehicle-to-everything), for assisting driving determination of autonomous vehicles based on information about the location and status of the vehicle sent by the vehicle, and for enhancing user convenience; NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed), for system operation that complies with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed frequency bands; NR UE energy saving; Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable; and positioning.

[0006] In addition, standardization is already underway in the air interface architecture / protocol area on technologies such as: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and integration with other industries; IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for providing nodes for network service area expansion by supporting wireless backhaul links and access links in an integrated manner; mobility enhancement, including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Protocol Stack) handover; and two-step random access for simplifying the random access procedure (2-step RACH for NR). Standardization is also already underway in the system architecture / service area on the following: 5G baseline architecture (e.g., service-based architecture or service-based interface) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies; and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE location.

[0007] With the commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems, the already exponentially increasing number of connected devices will be connected to the communication network, and accordingly, it is expected that enhanced functions and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operations of connected devices will be necessary. To this end, new research related to the following items is planned: extended reality (eXtended Reality, XR) for effectively supporting AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (MixedReality), etc.; improving 5G performance and reducing complexity by utilizing artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence, AI) and machine learning (Machine Learning, ML); AI service support; metaverse service support; and drone communication.

[0008] Furthermore, such developments in 5G mobile communication systems will serve not only as a basis for developing new waveforms for providing coverage of the terahertz band for 6G mobile communication technology, multi-antenna transmission technologies (such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and massive antennas), metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technologies using OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum), and RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), but also as a basis for developing full-duplex technologies for improving frequency efficiency and improving system networks for 6G mobile communication technology, AI-based communication technologies for implementing system optimization by utilizing satellites and AI (artificial intelligence) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technologies for implementing services with a level of complexity that exceeds the limits of UE operating capabilities by utilizing ultra-high performance communication and computing resources.

[0009] The above information is presented as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion has been made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present disclosure relates to the structure, sequence design and procedures of discovery signals.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE includes a transceiver configured to receive a configuration set of discovery signals. The discovery signal includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The UE also includes a processor operably coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to: determine the frequency position of the discovery signal; determine the time domain information of the discovery signal; determine the subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; and determine the quasi-co-location (QCL) assumption of the discovery signal. The transceiver is also configured to receive a discovery signal from a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency position, time domain information, subcarrier spacing, and QCL assumption of the discovery signal.

[0014] In another embodiment, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The BS includes a processor, and the processor is configured to: determine the frequency position of the discovery signal; determine the time domain information of the discovery signal; determine the subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; and determine the QCL assumption of the discovery signal. The BS also includes a transceiver operably coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to: send a configuration set of discovery signals, and send the discovery signal on the SCell based on the frequency position, time domain information, subcarrier spacing and QCL assumption of the discovery signal. The discovery signal includes a PSS and an SSS.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, a method for a UE in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: receiving a configuration set of a discovery signal; determining a frequency position of the discovery signal; determining time domain information of the discovery signal; determining a subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; and determining a QCL assumption of the discovery signal. The discovery signal includes a PSS and an SSS. The method also includes receiving a discovery signal from an SCell based on the frequency position, time domain information, subcarrier spacing, and QCL assumption of the discovery signal.

[0016] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description and claims.

[0017] Before carrying out the following detailed description, it may be advantageous to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document.The term "coupling" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, regardless of whether these elements are in physical contact with each other.The terms "send", "receive" and "communication" and their derivatives cover both direct communication and indirect communication.The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives mean unlimited inclusion.The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or.The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives mean including, included in, interconnected with, included in, connected to, connected to, coupled to, coupled to, can communicate with, collaborate with, interweave, juxtapose, approach, be bound to, bound to, have, have the property of, have a relationship with, etc.The term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation.Such a controller can be implemented with hardware or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware.The function associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, whether local or remote. The phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and that only one of the items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0018] In addition, the various functions described below may be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed by a computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or parts thereof suitable for implementation with suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media do not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and rewrite it later (such as rewritable optical disks or erasable storage devices).

[0019] Definitions for other specific words and phrases are also provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most, instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0020] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0021] The present disclosure may provide structures, sequence designs and procedures for discovering signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0023] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 An example gNodeB (gNB) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 An example user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 4An example of a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 5A An example of multiplexing of components in a new SS / PBCH block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 5B An example of multiplexing of components in a new SS / PBCH block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Fig. 6A An example of multiplexing of components in a new SS / PBCH block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 6B An example of multiplexing of components in a new SS / PBCH block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 An example of a tracking reference signal (TRS) burst according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 An example of multiplexing between a CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Reference Signal) and a new single sideband modulation (SSB) in a discovery signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0033] Fig. 9 A flowchart of an example UE procedure for receiving a discovery signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Fig.10 A flowchart of an example UE procedure for receiving a discovery signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an example UE procedure for receiving a discovery signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of an example UE procedure for measuring discovery signals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Discussed below Figure 1 to Figure 12 and various non-limiting embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are merely exemplary and should not be interpreted in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0038] In order to meet the increased demand for wireless data traffic since the deployment of 4G communication systems and to realize various vertical applications, 5G / NR communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed. 5G / NR communication systems are considered to be implemented in higher frequency (millimeter wave) bands (e.g., 28 GHz or 60 GHz bands) to achieve higher data rates, or in lower frequency bands (such as 6 GHz) to achieve robust coverage and mobility support. In order to reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technology are discussed in 5G / NR communication systems.

[0039] In addition, in the 5G / NR communication system, development of system network improvements is underway based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, collaborative communications, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), and receiving-end interference cancellation.

[0040] The discussion of 5G systems and frequency bands associated therewith is for reference, as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in 5G systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 5G systems or frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be utilized in conjunction with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may also be applied to 5G communication systems, 6G, or even higher deployments that may use terahertz (THz) bands.

[0041] The following documents and standards descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein: [1] 3GPP TS 38.211 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical channels and modulation”; [2] 3GPP TS 38.212 v16.1.0, “NR; Multiplexing and channel coding”; [3] 3GPP TS 38.213 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical layer control procedures”; [4] 3GPP TS 38.214 v16.1.0, “NR; Physical layer data procedures”; and [5] 3GPP TS 38.331 v16.1.0, “NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification”.

[0042] The following Figure 1-Figure 3 Various embodiments are described for implementation in wireless communication systems using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technology. Figure 1-Figure 3 The description is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system.

[0043] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The embodiment of the wireless network shown is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless network includes gNB 101 (e.g., base station BS), gNB 102, and gNB 103. gNB 101 communicates with gNB 102 and gNB 103. gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network.

[0045] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within coverage area 120 of gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs includes: UE 111, which may be located in a small business; UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise; UE 113, which may be a WiFi hotspot (HS); UE 114, which may be located in a first residence; UE 115, which may be located in a second residence; and UE 116, which may be a mobile device such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop, a wireless PDA, etc. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within coverage area 125 of gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs includes UE 115 and UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of gNBs 101-103 may communicate with each other and with UEs 111-116 using 5G / NR, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication technologies.

[0046] Depending on the type of network, the term "base station" or "BS" may refer to any component (or set of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a transmit point (TP), a transmit-receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G.NR base station (gNB), a macro cell, a femto cell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wireless-enabled devices. A base station may provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, for example, 5G / NR Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NR, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc. For convenience, the terms "BS" and "TRP" are used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to a remote terminal. In addition, depending on the network type, the term "user equipment" or "UE" may refer to any component, such as a "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "wireless terminal," "reception point," or "user device." For convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" are used in this patent document to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smart phone) or a generally considered fixed device (such as a desktop computer or a vending machine).

[0047] The dashed lines illustrate the approximate extents of coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as generally circular for purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that coverage areas associated with gNBs, such as coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the configuration of the gNB and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.

[0048] although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network is shown, but Figure 1 Various changes may be made. For example, the wireless network may include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. In addition, gNB 101 may communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide wireless broadband access to network 130 to these UEs. Similarly, each of gNBs 102-103 may communicate directly with network 130 and provide direct wireless broadband access to network 130 to the UEs. In addition, gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 may provide access to other or additional external networks, such as an external telephone network or other type of data network.

[0049] As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs 111-116 include circuitry, programming, or a combination thereof to support or utilize the structure of discovery signals.In certain embodiments, one or more BSs 101-103 include circuitry, programming, or a combination thereof to support or utilize the structure of discovery signals.

[0050] Figure 2 An example gNB 102 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The embodiment of gNB 102 shown is for illustration only, and Figure 1 gNBs 101 and 103 may have the same or similar configurations. However, gNBs have a variety of configurations, and Figure 2 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of the gNB.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the gNB 102 includes multiple antennas 205a-205n, multiple transceivers 210a-210n, a controller / processor 225, a memory 230, and a backhaul or network interface (IF) 235.

[0052] The transceivers 210a-210n receive incoming radio frequency (RF) signals from the antennas 205a-205n, such as signals transmitted by UEs in the network 100. The transceivers 210a-210n downconvert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are processed by receive (RX) processing circuits in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or the controller / processor 225, which generate processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. The controller / processor 225 may further process the baseband signals.

[0053] Transmit (TX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 210a-210n and / or the controller / processor 225 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 225. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate processed baseband or IF signals. The transceivers 210a-210n up-convert the baseband or IF signals to RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas 205a-205n.

[0054] The controller / processor 225 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 225 may control the reception of UL channel signals and the transmission of DL channel signals by the transceivers 210a-210n in accordance with well-known principles. The controller / processor 225 may also support additional functionality, such as more advanced wireless communication functionality. For example, the controller / processor 225 may support beamforming or directional routing operations, in which outgoing / incoming signals from / to multiple antennas 205a-205n are weighted differently to effectively direct the outgoing signals in a desired direction. As another example, the controller / processor 225 may support methods for supporting or utilizing a structure for discovery signals. The controller / processor 225 may support any of a variety of other functionality in the gNB 102.

[0055] Controller / processor 225 is also capable of executing programs and other processes, such as an OS, that reside in memory 230. Controller / processor 225 may move data into or out of memory 230 as required by the executing process.

[0056] The controller / processor 225 is also coupled to a backhaul or network interface 235. The backhaul or network interface 235 allows the gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems over a backhaul connection or over a network. The interface 235 may support communication over any suitable (multiple) wired or wireless connections. For example, when the gNB 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as a cellular communication system supporting 5G / NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface 235 may allow the gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the interface 235 may allow the gNB 102 to communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The interface 235 includes any suitable structure that supports communication over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet transceiver or transceivers.

[0057] Memory 230 is coupled to controller / processor 225. A portion of memory 230 may include RAM, while another portion of memory 230 may include flash memory or other ROM.

[0058] although Figure 2 An example of a gNB 102 is shown, but the Figure 2 For example, gNB 102 may include Figure 2 Any quantity of each component shown. In addition, Figure 2 The various components in may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to specific needs.

[0059] Figure 3 An example UE 116 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 3 The embodiment of UE 116 shown is for illustration only, and Figure 1 UEs 111-115 may have the same or similar configurations. However, UEs have a variety of configurations, and Figure 3 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of the UE.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, UE 116 includes (multiple) antennas 305, (multiple) transceivers 310, and microphone 320. UE 116 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 345, an input terminal 350, a display 355, and a memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) 361 and one or more applications 362.

[0061] The transceiver(s) 310 receive incoming RF signals transmitted by the gNB of the network 100 from the antenna(s) 305. The transceiver(s) 310 down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is processed by RX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or to the processor 340 for processing (such as for web browsing data).

[0062] The TX processing circuitry in the transceiver(s) 310 and / or processor 340 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 320, or receives other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceiver(s) 310 up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna(s) 305.

[0063] The processor 340 may include one or more processors or other processing devices and executes the OS 361 stored in the memory 360 to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, according to well-known principles, the processor 340 may control the reception of UL signals and the transmission of DL channel signals through the transceiver(s) 310. In some embodiments, the processor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0064] The processor 340 is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 360. For example, the processor 340 can execute processes for supporting or utilizing the structure of the discovery signal as described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 340 can move data into or out of the memory 360 as needed for the execution process. In some embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to execute the application 362 based on the OS 361 or in response to a signal received from the gNB or operator. The processor 340 is also coupled to the I / O interface 345, which provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptops and handheld computers. The I / O interface 345 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 340.

[0065] Processor 340 is also coupled to input 350 including, for example, a touch screen, a keypad, etc., and display 355. An operator of UE 116 may input data into UE 116 using input 350. Display 355 may be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, or other display capable of presenting text and / or at least limited graphics (such as limited graphics from a website).

[0066] Memory 360 is coupled to processor 340. A portion of memory 360 may include random access memory (RAM), while another portion of memory 360 may include flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0067] although Figure 3 An example of UE 116 is shown, but the Figure 3 Make various changes. For example, Figure 3 The various components in may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added as required. As a specific example, processor 340 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). In another example, transceiver(s) 310 may include any number of transceivers and signal processing chains, and may be connected to any number of antennas. In addition, although Figure 3 The UE 116 is shown configured as a mobile phone or smart phone, but the UE may be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.

[0068] Figure 4 An example of a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The embodiment of the SS / PBCH block structure shown is for illustration only. Figure 4 The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of the SS / PBCH block structure.

[0069] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that New Radio (NR) supports synchronization through synchronization signals sent on the downlink (DL). For example, a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block includes four consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first symbol is mapped for the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the second symbol and the fourth symbol are mapped for the PBCH, and the third symbol is mapped for the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and the PBCH.

[0070] The transmission bandwidth of PSS and SSS (e.g., 12 resource blocks (RBs)) is smaller than the transmission bandwidth of the entire SS / PBCH block (e.g., 20 RBs). In each RB mapped for PBCH, 3 of the 12 resource elements (REs) are mapped for the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of PBCH, where the 3 REs are evenly distributed in the RB, and the starting position of the first RE (e.g., in Table 1 below) is ) is based on the cell ID.

[0071] [Table 1]

[0072]

[0073] SS / PBCH blocks are sent periodically on the cell with a periodicity configured by the gNB. As an always-on transmission, the power consumption for SS / PBCH blocks in the cell can be very large. In order to save energy on the gNB side, a simplified design of the SS / PBCH blocks needs to be considered, and its combination with another signal can be further considered to facilitate functions such as synchronization, cell activation or tracking. For these purposes, discovery signals can be introduced, where the discovery signals can at least be used for synchronization, cell activation or tracking while keeping low overhead from the perspective of gNB transmission. The terminology of discovery signals can be equivalently referred to as discovery bursts, discovery reference signals, or discovery signals and channels.

[0074] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the structure of a discovery signal. In particular, a discovery signal may include a set of signals that facilitate cell discovery, tracking, or automatic gain control (AGC) purposes. The structure of a discovery signal may include various aspects, such as components included in the discovery signal.

[0075] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a discovery signal including a new SS / PBCH block structure. In another aspect, the discovery signal includes only the new SS / PBCH block structure. In another aspect, the discovery signal includes the new SS / PBCH block structure and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) multiplexed together. The present disclosure also provides an example UE procedure for using the discovery signal.

[0076] In one example, a discovery signal may be supported or configured for an SCell. In another example, a discovery signal may be supported or configured for a PSCell.

[0077] Embodiments herein relate to components of discovery signals. Discovery signals may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a PBCH (including its associated DM-RS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). The foregoing components are provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting.

[0078] For example, CSI-RS can be used for tracking. For another example, CSI-RS can be used for layer one reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) and / or layer one signal to interference & noise ratio (L1-SINR) calculation. For another example, CSI-RS can be used for mobility.

[0079] In further consideration of this embodiment, at least one component may be considered basic, resulting in their inclusion in every discovery signal. For illustration, one or more of PSS, SSS, PBCH / PBCH demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) may be used as a basic component.

[0080] Another aspect of this embodiment relates to configuring at least one component to be included in a discovery signal, and the at least one component may be included or not included in each discovery signal. For example, a CSI-RS may be configured as a component.

[0081] In another aspect of this embodiment, the components in the discovery signal have the same periodicity, so that all components are included in each discovery signal. As an example, the discovery signal includes only the new SS / PBCH block structure, where the new SS / PBCH block structure may include at least one of the PSS, SSS, PBCH, or DM-RS of the PBCH, as detailed in the present disclosure.

[0082] In another consideration of this embodiment, the components in the discovery signal may not have uniform periodicity, with some components present in every signal and other components present only in a subset of the signals. For example, some discovery signals may include only the new SS / PBCH block structure, where the new SS / PBCH block structure may include at least one of the PSS, SSS, PBCH, or DM-RS of the PBCH, as disclosed herein. Some discovery signals may include the new SS / PBCH block structure and CSI-RS, while a third signal may include only CSI-RS. Some discovery signals may also include the new SS / PBCH block structure and CSI-RS.

[0083] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a new SSB block structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the new SS / PBCH block structure may include at least one of the PSS, SSS, PBCH, or DM-RS of the PBCH, wherein at least one of the PSS, SSS, PBCH, or DM-RS of the PBCH is multiplexed into the block. In a sub-embodiment, the new SS / PBCH block may include two components as described in the present disclosure, wherein the two components are based on Figure 5A or Figure 5B For example, BS 102 may use a new SS / PBCH block structure in network 130. These examples are for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] For example, Figure 5A As shown in 501 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes two consecutive symbols. The first symbol is mapped to the first component, and the second symbol is mapped to the second component, wherein the two symbols are time division multiplexed (TDM). The bandwidth of the first component is RBs, and the bandwidth of the second component is RBs.

[0085] For example, Figure 5A As shown in 502 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes three consecutive symbols. The first symbol and the second symbol are mapped to the first component, and the third symbol is mapped to the second component, wherein the three symbols are TDMed. The bandwidth of the first component is RBs, and the bandwidth of the second component is RBs.

[0086] For example, Figure 5A As shown in 503 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes three consecutive symbols. The first symbol is mapped to the first component, and the second symbol and the third symbol are mapped to the second component, wherein the three symbols are TDM. The bandwidth of the first component is RBs, and the bandwidth of the second component is RBs.

[0087] For example, Figure 5A As shown in 504 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes three consecutive symbols. The first symbol and the third symbol are mapped to the first component, and the second symbol is mapped to the second component, wherein the three symbols are TDM. The bandwidth of the first component is RBs, and the bandwidth of the second component is RBs.

[0088] For example, Figure 5B As shown in 511 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes one symbol. The first component and the second component are multiplexed in the symbol, for example, using an FDM pattern. The bandwidth of the first component is RBs, and the bandwidth of the second component is RBs.

[0089] As a further illustration, Figure 5B As shown in 512 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes one symbol. The first component and the second component are multiplexed in the symbol, for example, using an interleaved FDM pattern. The granularity of the interleaved FDM pattern is ,For example, It can be 1 RB or 1 RE. For example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment can be PSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment can be SSS. For further consideration of this example, Can Same as, for example, .

[0090] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PSS. For a further consideration of this example, Can be used with Same, for example, .

[0091] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a PSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a DM-RS of a PBCH. For further consideration of this example, Can be used with Same, for example, .

[0092] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a DM-RS of a PBCH, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a PSS. For further consideration of this example, Can be used with Same, for example, .

[0093] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be DM-RS of PBCH. For further consideration of this example, Can be used with Same, for example, .

[0094] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a DM-RS of a PBCH, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be an SSS. For further consideration of this example, Can be used with Same, for example, .

[0095] As another example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PBCH. For further consideration of this example, Can be less than ,For example, ,and , for example 20 or 24 RBs.

[0096] As another example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PBCH, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PSS. For further consideration of this example, Can be greater than ,For example, ,and , for example 20 or 24 RBs.

[0097] As a further example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PBCH. For a further consideration of this example, Can be less than ,For example, ,and , for example 20 or 24 RBs.

[0098] In addition, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be PBCH, and the second component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS. For further consideration of this example, Can be greater than ,For example, ,and , for example 20 or 24 RBs.

[0099] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example of another sub-embodiment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the new SS / PBCH block may include three components, wherein the three components are based on Fig. 6A or Figure 6BFor example, BS 102 may use a new SS / PBCH block in network 130. This example is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] For example, Fig. 6A As shown in 601, the new SS / PBCH block includes three consecutive symbols. The first symbol is mapped to the first component, the second symbol is mapped to the second component, and the third symbol is mapped to the third component, wherein these three symbols are TDM. For a further consideration, the bandwidth of all components is the same.

[0101] For example, Fig. 6A As shown in 602 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block includes three consecutive symbols. The first symbol is mapped to the first component, the second symbol is mapped to the second component, and the third symbol is mapped to the third component, wherein the three symbols are TDM. For a further consideration, the bandwidths of all components may be different, for example, the first symbol and the second symbol have RB bandwidth, and the third symbol has The bandwidth of RBs.

[0102] For example, Figure 6B As shown in 611, 612 and 613 in FIG. 1 , the components in the new SS / PBCH block can be multiplexed using a mixture of time division multiplexing (TDM) patterns and frequency division multiplexing (FDM) patterns.

[0103] For an example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a PSS, the second component in this example may be an SSS, and the third component in this example may be a DM-RS of a PBCH. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0104] For another example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be a PSS, the second component in this example may be a DM-RS of a PBCH, and the third component in this example may be an SSS. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0105] For the third example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, the second component in this example may be DM-RS of PBCH, and the third component in this example may be PSS. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0106] For the fourth example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, the second component in this example may be PSS, and the third component in this example may be DM-RS of PBCH. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0107] For the fifth example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be the DM-RS of the PBCH, the second component in this example may be the PSS, and the third component in this example may be the SSS. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0108] For a further example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be the DM-RS of the PBCH, the second component in this example may be the SSS, and the third component in this example may be the PSS. For a further consideration, for all symbols in this example, .

[0109] As another example, in the example of this sub-embodiment, the first component may be PSS, the second component may be SSS, and the third component may be PBCH. For further consideration, ,and ( = 20 or 24 RBs).

[0110] As an additional example, the first component in the example of this sub-embodiment may be SSS, the second component in this example may be PSS, and the third component in this example may be PBCH. For a further consideration, ,and ( = 20 or 24 RBs).

[0111] In one embodiment, the discovery signal may include only the new SS / PBCH blocks. In this sense, the structure of the discovery signal is the same as the new SS / PBCH block structure, where the new SS / PBCH block structure is according to the examples in the present disclosure. For example, BS 102 may use a discovery signal including only the new SSB in network 130. This example is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] In another example, the new SS / PBCH blocks may be mapped to the (multiple) time slots in the half-frame based on a fixed pattern with respect to the starting symbol index(es) of the new SS / PBCH blocks. For example, the fixed pattern of the starting symbol index of the new SS / PBCH blocks may be according to Table 2 below, where d is the number of symbols in the new SS / PBCH block, the symbol index starts from 0 corresponding to the first symbol of the first time slot in the half-frame, and n is an integer starting from 0 until the maximum number of candidate SS / PBCH blocks in the half-frame is reached.

[0113] [Table 2]

[0114]

[0115] In another example, the new SS / PBCH block may be mapped into a slot based on a configuration from a higher layer. For one example, the configuration includes at least one starting symbol index in the slot. For another example, the configuration includes an index of a mapping pattern from a set of predefined or preconfigured mapping patterns.

[0116] Figure 7 An example of a tracking reference signal (TRS) burst according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the discovery signal may include a new SS / PBCH block and a CSI-RS, where the CSI-RS and the new SS / PBCH block are multiplexed. This example is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] In a further consideration, the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal may be a CSI-RS used for tracking, for example, a tracking reference signal (TRS). Figure 7 As shown, resources for TRS are mapped into TRS bursts, where a TRS burst includes two consecutive time slots, and each time slot has two symbols mapped for TRS. The symbol index (s) of the two symbols are provided by higher layer parameters.

[0118] In one example, when the new SS / PBCH block is multiplexed with the CSI-RS in the discovery signal, the new SS / PBCH block is included in one of the two slots in the TRS burst. For one example, the new SS / PBCH block is included in the first slot of the two slots in the TRS burst. For another example, the new SS / PBCH block is included in the second slot of the two slots in the TRS burst. For yet another example, a higher layer parameter may provide an indication of which of the two slots includes the new SS / PBCH block.

[0119] In another example, when the new SS / PBCH block is multiplexed with the CSI-RS in the discovery signal, the new SS / PBCH block is included in both slots in the TRS burst.

[0120] In yet another example, when the new SS / PBCH block is multiplexed with the CSI-RS in the discovery signal, a higher layer parameter may provide an indication of which of the two time slots includes the new SS / PBCH block or both time slots include the new SS / PBCH block. For example, the indication may use a bitmap, where each bit corresponds to a time slot in a TRS burst, and a bit with a value of 1 means that the corresponding time slot includes the new SS / PBCH block.

[0121] Figure 8 An example of multiplexing between CSI-RS and new SSB in a discovery signal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In one embodiment, the discovery signal may include a new SS / PBCH block and CSI-RS, where the CSI-RS and the new SS / PBCH block are multiplexed. This example is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] In one embodiment, for a time slot including both a new SS / PBCH block and a CSI-RS, the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS may be multiplexed in the time slot according to at least one of the following examples. In one example, Figure 8 As shown in 801, the new SS / PBCH block can be FDMed with the CSI-RS. For example, the first symbol in the new SS / PBCH block can be FDMed with the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and the second symbol in the new SS / PBCH block can be FDMed with the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot.

[0123] In another example, if Figure 8 As shown in 802 of , the resources in the new SS / PBCH block can be interleaved and FDMed with the resources of the CSI-RS. For example, the resources in the first symbol in the new SS / PBCH block can be interleaved and FDMed with the resources in the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and the resources in the second symbol in the new SS / PBCH block can be interleaved and FDMed with the resources in the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For a further consideration, the granularity of the resources to be interleaved can be RB. For another further consideration, the granularity of the resources to be interleaved can be RE. For a further consideration, the interleaving and multiplexing can be based on the resources from the new SS / PBCH block. resource RB / RE and from CSI-RS resources RB / RE, for example, For example, BS 102 may use new SS / PBCH blocks with resource interleaving and FDM with CSI-RS in network 130 .

[0124] In another example, Figure 8 As shown in 803 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block can be TDMed with the CSI-RS. For one example, the entire new SS / PBCH block can be located before the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and there is no time domain gap between the new SS / PBCH block and the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For example, the starting symbol of the new SS / PBCH block is ,in is the symbol index of the first symbol of CSI-RS, and is the duration (e.g., number of symbols) of the new SS / PBCH block. For another example, the entire new SS / PBCH block may be located before the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the slot, and there is a time domain gap between the new SS / PBCH block and the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the slot, e.g., the starting symbol of the new SS / PBCH block is ,in is the symbol index of the first symbol of CSI-RS, is the duration (e.g., number of symbols) of the new SS / PBCH block, and is the duration (e.g., number of symbols) of the time domain gap (e.g., fixed gap). For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be fixed, for example, the center of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the center of the CSI-RS, or the lowest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the lowest RE of the CSI-RS, or the highest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the highest RE of the CSI-RS. For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be based on an indication, for example, a first indication of the frequency position of the new SS / PBCH block and a second indication of the frequency position of the CSI-RS.

[0125] In another example, Figure 8As shown in 804, the new SS / PBCH block can be divided into two parts, for example, the first part has 1 symbol and the second part has 1 symbol, and each part is TDMed with one symbol of the CSI-RS. For an example, the first part of the new SS / PBCH block can be located before the first symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and the second part of the new SS / PBCH block can be located before the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For a further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be fixed, for example, the center of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the center of the CSI-RS, or the lowest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the lowest RE of the CSI-RS, or the highest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the highest RE of the CSI-RS. For another further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be based on an indication, for example, a first indication of the frequency position of the new SS / PBCH block and a second indication of the frequency position of the CSI-RS.

[0126] In another example, Figure 8 As shown in 805 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block can be TDMed with the CSI-RS. For one example, the entire new SS / PBCH block can be located after the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and there is no time domain gap between the new SS / PBCH block and the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For example, the starting symbol of the new SS / PBCH block is +1, among which is the symbol index of the second symbol of the CSI-RS. For another example, the entire new SS / PBCH block may be located after the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and there is a time domain gap between the new SS / PBCH block and the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, for example, the starting symbol of the new SS / PBCH block is ,in is the symbol index of the second symbol of CSI-RS, and is the duration (e.g., number of symbols) of the time domain gap (e.g., fixed gap). For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be fixed, for example, the center of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the center of the CSI-RS, or the lowest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the lowest RE of the CSI-RS, or the highest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the highest RE of the CSI-RS. For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be based on an indication, for example, a first indication of the frequency position of the new SS / PBCH block and a second indication of the frequency position of the CSI-RS.

[0127] In another example, Figure 8 As shown in 806 of , the new SS / PBCH block can be divided into two parts, for example, the first part has 1 symbol and the second part has 1 symbol, and each part is TDMed with one symbol of the CSI-RS. For an example, the first part of the new SS / PBCH block can be located after the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot, and the second part of the new SS / PBCH block can be located after the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For a further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be fixed, for example, the center of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the center of the CSI-RS, or the lowest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the lowest RE of the CSI-RS, or the highest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the highest RE of the CSI-RS. For another further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS can be based on an indication, for example, a first indication of the frequency position of the new SS / PBCH block and a second indication of the frequency position of the CSI-RS.

[0128] In another example, Figure 8 As shown in 807 in FIG. 1 , the new SS / PBCH block can be TDM with the CSI-RS. For one example, the entire new SS / PBCH block can be located between the first symbol and the second symbol of the CSI-RS in the time slot. For example, the starting symbol of the new SS / PBCH block is +1, among which is the symbol index of the first symbol of the CSI-RS, or the starting symbol of a new SS / PBCH block is ,in is the symbol index of the second symbol of CSI-RS, and is the duration of the new SS / PBCH block, e.g., the number of symbols. For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS may be fixed, e.g., the center of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the center of the CSI-RS, or the lowest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the lowest RE of the CSI-RS, or the highest RE of the new SS / PBCH block is aligned with the highest RE of the CSI-RS. For further consideration of this example, the relative frequency domain position between the new SS / PBCH block and the CSI-RS may be based on an indication, e.g., a first indication of the frequency position of the new SS / PBCH block and a second indication of the frequency position of the CSI-RS.

[0129] Fig. 9 A flow chart of an example UE procedure 900 for receiving a discovery signal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the example UE procedure 900 may be performed by the UE 116. The procedure 900 is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0130] UE 116 determines the configuration of the discovery signal in step 901. UE 116 then determines the components in the discovery signal based on the configuration in step 902. UE 116 determines the multiplexing pattern of the components in the discovery signal in step 903, and receives the discovery signal according to the multiplexing pattern in step 904.

[0131] Multiple embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to sequence design of signals in discovery signals. Discovery signals may include aspects such as PSS sequence design. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides SSS sequence design. In another aspect, the discovery signal includes DM-RS sequence design. The present disclosure also provides an example UE procedure for using discovery signals.

[0132] In one example, a discovery signal may be supported or configured for an SCell. In another example, a discovery signal may be supported or configured for a PSCell.

[0133] In another example, the discovery signal may include a PSS, SSS, and at least one of a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and a PBCH (including its associated DM-RS). For further consideration, at least one of the PSS, SSS, and DM-RS of the PBCH and the PBCH (including its associated DM-RS) may be multiplexed into a block that may be first included in or equivalent to discovery (e.g., represented as a new SS / PBCH block).

[0134] Embodiments herein relate to the first component, namely, PSS sequence design. In one embodiment, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block may be different from the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block.

[0135] As a further consideration, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block can be orthogonal to or have low cross-correlation with the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, for example, so that the new SS / PBCH block does not have much impact on the PSS detection performance of the legacy SS / PBCH block.

[0136] For another further consideration, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block can be based on an M sequence of length 127, for example, .

[0137] In the following example, is the physical cell ID part, for example, ,and is the physical cell ID. For example, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same generating function and initial condition as the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, but has a different cyclic shift, e.g.

[0138]

[0139] In one instance of this example, is a fixed number 21. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number 22. In yet another example of this example, is a fixed number 11. In another example of this example, is a fixed number 10. In yet another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters.

[0140] For another example, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same generating function and cyclic shift as the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, but has different initial conditions, for example,

[0141]

[0142] For another example, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same initial condition and cyclic shift as the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, but has a different generating function, for example,

[0143]

[0144] And the generation function of the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block is based on an example in Table 3 below.

[0145] [Table 3]

[0146]

[0147]

[0148] For another example, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same initial condition as the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, but has a different generating function and a different cyclic shift, for example,

[0149] ,and

[0150] The generation function of the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block is based on an example in Table 3 above, and

[0151]

[0152] In one instance of this example, is a fixed number 21. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number 22. In yet another example of this example, is a fixed number 11. In another example of this example, is a fixed number 10. In yet another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters.

[0153] For another example, the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same cyclic shift as the PSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, but has different generating functions and different initial conditions, for example,

[0154]

[0155] The generation function of the PSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block is based on an example in Table 3 above.

[0156] The embodiments herein relate to the second component, namely, SSS sequence design.As an embodiment, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block may be different from the SSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block.

[0157] As a further consideration, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block can be orthogonal to or have low cross-correlation with the SSS sequence in the legacy SS / PBCH block, for example, so that the new SS / PBCH block does not have much impact on the SSS detection performance of the legacy SS / PBCH block.

[0158] For another further consideration, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block can be based on two M sequences of length 127, for example,

[0159]

[0160] In the following example, and is the physical cell ID part, for example, ,and It is the physical cell ID.

[0161] For example, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same specific and Generating functions and initial conditions of , but with different (multiple) cyclic shifts, e.g.,

[0162]

[0163]

[0164] In one instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 0. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 2. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 3. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 7. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 8. In another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 0. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 7. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 8. In another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters.

[0165] For another example, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same specific and Generating functions and cyclic shifts of , but with different initial conditions, for example,

[0166]

[0167] For another example, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same initial condition and cyclic shift as the SSS sequence in the traditional SS / PBCH block, but has different specific and / or The generating function(s) of , for example,

[0168]

[0169] against and The generating function of can be based on the two examples in Table 3 above.

[0170] For another example, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same initial condition as the SSS sequence in the traditional SS / PBCH block, but has different specific and / or Generator(s) of and different cyclic shifts, e.g.,

[0171]

[0172] against and The generating function of can be based on the two examples in Table 3 above.

[0173] In one instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 0. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 2. In another instance of this example, is a fixed number such as 3. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 7. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 8. In another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters.

[0174] In yet another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 0. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 7. In another example of this example, is a fixed number such as 8. In another example of this example, This may be provided by the gNB using higher layer parameters.

[0175] For another example, the SSS sequence in the new SS / PBCH block has the same cyclic shift as the SSS sequence in the traditional SS / PBCH block, but has different cyclic shifts for and / or (multiple) generating functions and different initial conditions, for example,

[0176]

[0177] And for and The generating function of can be based on the two examples in Table 3 above.

[0178] Embodiments herein relate to the third component, namely, DM-RS sequence design. In one embodiment, the sequence of the DM-RS of the PBCH in the new SS / PBCH block may be different from the sequence of the DM-RS of the PBCH in the legacy SS / PBCH block.

[0179] As a further consideration, the amount of timing information carried by the DM-RS sequence of the PBCH in the new SS / PBCH block is greater than that of the traditional SS / PBCH block. For example, the number of DM-RS sequences in a given cell may be greater than eight.

[0180] In the following examples or instances of examples, is the physical cell ID, is the maximum number of candidate SS / PBCH blocks in a half-frame, and yes Candidate SS / PBCH block index in case of is the half-frame index ( refers to the first half of the frame, and refers to the second half of the frame), and The SFN is the system frame number, for example, a number between 0 and 1023.

[0181] Embodiments herein relate to a sub-third component, a DM-RS based on a PN sequence. For one sub-embodiment, the sequence of the DM-RS of the PBCH in the new SS / PBCH block may be based on a pseudo-random sequence given by

[0182]

[0183] in ,and The initial condition is ,and The initial condition is expressed as .

[0184] The embodiments of this article relate to a third component, a DM-RS based on a PN sequence. For a sub-embodiment, the initial condition According to the following formula

[0185]

[0186] in is based on the candidate SS / PBCH block index (e.g. ), half-frame index (for example, ) and frame index (e.g., System Frame Number (SFN) ) in a timing index of at least one of the above.

[0187] In another example, the initial condition According to the following formula

[0188]

[0189] in is based on the candidate SS / PBCH block index (e.g. ), half-frame index (for example, ) and frame index (e.g., System Frame Number (SFN) ) in a timing index of at least one of the above.

[0190] In yet another example, the initial condition According to the following formula

[0191]

[0192] in is based on the candidate SS / PBCH block index (e.g. ), half-frame index (for example, ) and frame index (e.g., System Frame Number (SFN) ) of at least one of the timing indexes (e.g., ).

[0193] The embodiments of this document relate to another third sub-component, a DM-RS based on an M sequence. For another sub-embodiment, the sequence of the DM-RS of the PBCH in the new SS / PBCH block may be based on an M sequence, for example, Given an M sequence of length 127, .

[0194] In one example, The initial conditions can be fixed, for example

[0195]

[0196] In another example, The generating function of can be based on one of the examples in the above table. In another example, the cyclic shift of the M sequence can be based on the timing information carried by the DM-RS sequence, for example, .For example, ,in, is an integer, for example, Fixed to 1, or ,or .

[0197] Embodiments herein relate to another sub-third component, a DM-RS based on a gold sequence. For yet another sub-embodiment, the sequence of the DM-RS of the PBCH in the new SS / PBCH block may be based on a gold sequence, for example, a gold sequence of length 127 given by:

[0198]

[0199] In one example, and The initial conditions can be fixed, for example

[0200]

[0201] In another example, and The generating function of can be based on the two examples in the table above.

[0202] In yet another example, the cyclic shift and / or The timing information carried by the DM-RS sequence (eg, ). For an example, , For another example, , For another example, , For another example, , For another example, , ,in ,and , For another example, , ,in ,and .

[0203] Embodiments herein relate to another sub-third component, timing information details. In yet another sub-embodiment, the timing index in the above example (e.g., ) can be based on one of the following examples and / or instances.

[0204] In one example, the timing index may be the same as the candidate SS / PBCH block index, e.g. In another example, the number of DM-RS sequences in a given cell can be as high as 16, e.g. In one instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the four LSBs of the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the four LSBs of the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, .

[0205] In yet another example, the number of DM-RS sequences in a given cell may be as high as 32, e.g. In one instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the five LSBs of the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, the half-frame index and the two LSBs of the SFN, for example, .

[0206] In yet another example, the number of DM-RS sequences in a given cell may be as high as 64 (eg, ). In one instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first two LSBs of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first three LSBs of the SFN, for example, .

[0207] In yet another example, the number of DM-RS sequences in a given cell may be as high as 128, e.g. In one instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another instance of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first LSB of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first two LSBs of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first two LSBs of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first three LSBs of the SFN, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index and half-frame index, for example, In another example of this example, for , the timing information includes the candidate SS / PBCH block index, half-frame index and the first four LSBs of the SFN, for example, .

[0208] Fig.10 A flow chart of an example process 1000 for a UE to receive a discovery signal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the process 1000 may be implemented by the UE 116. The process 1000 is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0209] UE 116 determines the configuration of the discovery signal in step 1001, and then determines components in the discovery signal based on the configuration in step 1002. UE 116 determines the sequence of components in the discovery signal in step 1003, and receives the discovery signal according to the determined sequence in step 1004.

[0210] Embodiments herein relate to the reception and measurement of discovery signals. The reception of discovery signals may include a configuration for receiving discovery signals and a UE procedure for receiving discovery signals. The measurement of discovery signals may include a configuration for measuring discovery signals, a metric for measuring discovery signals, and a UE procedure for measuring discovery signals.

[0211] In one embodiment of a configuration for receiving a discovery signal, a configuration set for the discovery signal may be provided by the gNB 102, for example, by a higher layer parameter.

[0212] In one example, the configuration set may include at least one numerology of the discovery signal. For one example, at least one numerology includes a subcarrier spacing. For another example, at least one numerology includes a cyclic prefix value.

[0213] In one sub-example, the components in the discovery signal may be configured to have the same parameter set (e.g., a single common parameter set). In another sub-example, the components in the discovery signal may have more than one parameter set. For example, some component(s) may be configured to have a first parameter set, while some other component(s) may be configured to have a second parameter set.

[0214] In another example, the configuration set may include the type of the discovery signal. For one example, the type of the discovery signal applies to all components included in the discovery signal. For another example, the type of the discovery signal applies to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, for example, for CSI-RS.

[0215] In one sub-example, the type of discovery signal may be configured as periodic. The discovery signal appears periodically in each period. In another sub-example, the type of discovery signal may be configured as semi-persistent. The discovery signal appears at a configured interval for a configured duration. In yet another sub-example, the type of discovery signal may be configured as aperiodic. The discovery signal appears in at least one instance. For example, the number of instances in which the discovery signal appears may be configured by a higher layer parameter.

[0216] In yet another example, the configuration set may include time domain information of the discovery signal. In a sub-example, the time domain information of the discovery signal includes at least one time domain periodicity.

[0217] For one example, the components in the discovery signal can be configured to have the same periodicity (eg, a single common periodicity), and all components appear in every period.

[0218] For another example, a component in the discovery signal may have more than one periodicity. For example, certain component(s) may be configured to have a first periodicity, while certain other component(s) may be configured to have a second periodicity. Not all components included in the discovery signal appear in every period, for example, a component with a larger periodicity value may not appear in every period of a component with a smaller periodicity value.

[0219] In another sub-example, the time domain information of the discovery signal includes a time domain pattern within a period of resources mapped for the discovery signal. For one example, the time domain pattern may be a set of starting symbols or time slots of components in the discovery signal, wherein the time domain pattern of the starting symbol or time slot may be determined as ,For example, is the time domain offset in symbols or time slots, is the time domain interval between adjacent opportunities of the discovery signal in a symbol or a slot, and i is the index of the opportunity of the discovery signal.

[0220] For another example, the time domain pattern may be a bitmap indicating which index of the instance is sent. The length of the bitmap may be the same as the maximum number of SS / PBCH block indices in the cell. A bit with a value of 1 indicates that the corresponding discovery signal is sent, for example, an SS / PBCH block associated with other components in the discovery signal, and a bit with a value of 0 indicates that the corresponding discovery signal is not sent, for example, an SS / PBCH block associated with other components in the discovery signal.

[0221] For yet another example, the time domain pattern may include time domain resources for one instance of the discovery signal, wherein the configuration may include a starting symbol or a time slot. For yet another example, the time domain pattern may include time domain resources for one instance of the discovery signal, wherein the configuration may include an index of one instance of the discovery signal.

[0222] In yet another example, the configuration set may include frequency domain information of the discovery signal.For one instance, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of a frequency domain position of a SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal.

[0223] For one sub-instance, the frequency domain position of the SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal may not be aligned with the frequency defined by the synchronization raster entry (e.g., the GSCN value defined for the initial cell search). For another sub-instance, the frequency domain position of the SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal may not fall within the range around the frequency defined by the synchronization raster entry (e.g., the GSCN value defined for the initial cell search). For another example, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the frequency domain position (e.g., the starting RB) of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal. For another example, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the frequency domain bandwidth of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal, for example, as the number of RBs. For another example, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the RE position within the RB of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal. For another example, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the density of REs of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal (e.g., the number of REs in each RB).

[0224] In yet another example, the configuration set may include antenna port information of the discovery signal. For one example, the antenna port of the discovery signal may be a common antenna port for all components included in the discovery signal. For another example, the antenna port of the discovery signal may be applicable to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, for example, CSI-RS.

[0225] In another example, the configuration set may include TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal. For one instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be common to all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be applicable to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, for example, CSI-RS. For one instance, the RS source of the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal can come from a carrier that does not include the discovery signal. For a sub-instance, the RS source can come from a carrier that provides the configuration set. For one instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be whether the RS source of the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal can come from a carrier that does not include the discovery signal.

[0226] In another example, the configuration set may include power information of the discovery signal. For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal may be configured as common power information for all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the first power information may be configured for a first part of the components included in the discovery signal (e.g., SS / PBCH block), and the second power information may be configured for a second part of the components included in the discovery signal (e.g., CSI-RS). For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal or a component in the discovery signal may be an absolute power value. For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal or a component in the discovery signal may be a relative or differentiated power value compared to a reference. For one sub-instance, the reference may be an SS / PBCH block in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, the reference may be an SS / PBCH block in a PCell.

[0227] In yet another example, the configuration set may include information about a round trip delay between two carriers. For example, the information about the round trip delay is between a carrier providing the configuration set and another carrier including a discovery signal.

[0228] 11 shows a flow chart of an example process 1100 of a UE receiving a discovery signal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the process 1100 may be implemented by the UE 116. The process 1100 is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0229] The UE 116 may receive a configuration set of a discovery signal in step 1101, and then determine information of the discovery signal, including at least one of a parameter set, a type of signal / channel, information about time domain resources, information about frequency domain resources, an antenna port, a TCI state or a QCL assumption, and timing information in step 1102. The UE 116 may receive the discovery signal based on the information of the discovery signal in step 1103.

[0230] For example, the UE 116 may also determine whether information about timing (eg, round-trip delay between two carriers) meets the requirements before receiving the discovery signal. The UE 116 may receive the discovery signal after determining that information about timing (eg, round-trip delay between two carriers) meets the requirements.

[0231] For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether the information about power (eg, the received power difference between the two carriers) meets the requirement before receiving the discovery signal. The UE may receive the discovery signal after determining that the information about power (eg, the received power difference between the two carriers) meets the requirement.

[0232] For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether the information about the TCI state and / or QCL assumption (e.g., determining the TCI state and / or QCL assumption about another carrier from one carrier) meets the requirements before receiving the discovery signal. The UE 116 may receive the discovery signal after determining that the information about the TCI state and / or QCL assumption meets the requirements.

[0233] For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether the information about the frequency domain (eg, the frequency difference between the two carriers) meets the requirement before receiving the discovery signal. The UE 116 may receive the discovery signal after determining that the information about the frequency domain (eg, the frequency difference between the two carriers) meets the requirement.

[0234] For example, based on whether the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is within the same carrier as the discovery signal, for example, whether the TCI state and / or QCL assumption is within the same carrier or across carriers, the UE 116 may determine a time domain pattern of the discovery signal. For example, if the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is within the same carrier as the discovery signal, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116; if the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is not within the same carrier as the discovery signal, a burst instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0235] For another example, the UE 116 may determine the time domain pattern of the discovery signal based on whether the UE can use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal. For example, if the UE 116 can use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116; if the UE 116 cannot use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal, a burst instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0236] For another example, the UE 116 may determine the time domain pattern of the discovery signal based on whether the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is provided to the UE. For example, if the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is provided to the UE 116, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116; if the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is not provided to the UE 116, a burst instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0237] In one embodiment, for measurement purposes, e.g., at least one of RRM, RLM, and beam management, a configuration set of discovery signals may be provided by the gNB 102, e.g., by higher layer parameters.

[0238] In one example, the configuration set may include at least one parameter set of the discovery signal to be measured. For one example, at least one parameter set includes a subcarrier spacing. For another example, at least one parameter set includes a cyclic prefix value.

[0239] In another example, the configuration set may include the type of discovery signal to be measured. For one instance, the type of discovery signal applies to all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the type of discovery signal applies to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, for example, a component for a CSI-RS. For yet another instance, the type of discovery signal may be at least one of periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic.

[0240] In yet another example, the configuration set may include time domain information of the discovery signal to be measured.

[0241] In one sub-example, the time domain information of the discovery signal includes at least one time domain periodicity. For one instance, the components in the discovery signal can be configured to have the same periodicity (e.g., a single common period), and all components appear in each period. For another instance, the components in the discovery signal can have more than one periodicity. For example, some component(s) may be configured to have a first periodicity, while some other component(s) may be configured to have a second periodicity. Not all components included in the discovery signal appear in every period, for example, a component with a larger periodicity value may not appear in every period of a component with a smaller periodicity value.

[0242] In another sub-example, the time domain information of the discovery signal includes a time domain pattern within a period of the discovery signal to be measured. For one example, the time domain pattern may be a set of starting symbols or time slots of components in the discovery signal, wherein the time domain pattern of the starting symbol or time slot may be determined as .For example, is the time domain offset in symbols or time slots, is the time domain interval between adjacent opportunities of a discovery signal in a symbol or time slot, and i is the index of the opportunity of the discovery signal. For another instance, the time domain pattern may be a bitmap indicating which index of the measurement instance. The length of the bitmap may be the same as the maximum number of SS / PBCH block indices in the cell. A bit with a value of 1 indicates that the corresponding discovery signal is to be measured, for example, an SS / PBCH block associated with other components in the discovery signal, and a bit with a value of 0 indicates that the corresponding discovery signal is not to be measured, for example, an SS / PBCH block associated with other components in the discovery signal. For yet another instance, the time domain pattern may include time domain resources for an instance of a discovery signal, wherein the configuration may include a starting symbol or time slot. For yet another instance, the time domain pattern may include time domain resources for an instance of a discovery signal, wherein the configuration may include an index of an instance of a discovery signal.

[0243] In yet another sub-example, the time domain information of the discovery signal to be measured includes a time domain measurement window. For one instance, the time domain measurement window may be determined based on a periodicity included in the time domain information of the discovery signal to be measured. For another instance, the time domain measurement window may be determined based on an offset (e.g., an offset compared to the start of a period) included in the time domain information of the discovery signal to be measured. For yet another instance, the time domain measurement window may be determined based on a duration included in the time domain information of the discovery signal to be measured.

[0244] In yet another example, the configuration set may include frequency domain information of the discovery signal to be measured. For one instance, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the frequency domain position of the SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal. For one sub-instance, the frequency domain position of the SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal may not be aligned with the frequency defined by the synchronization raster entry (e.g., the GSCN value defined for the initial cell search). For another sub-instance, the frequency domain position of the SS / PBCH block included in the discovery signal may not fall within the range around the frequency defined by the synchronization raster entry (e.g., the GSCN value defined for the initial cell search). For another instance, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the frequency domain position (e.g., the starting RB) of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal. For yet another instance, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the frequency domain bandwidth of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal, for example, as the number of RBs. For yet another instance, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the RE position within the RB of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal. For yet another example, the frequency domain information of the discovery signal may include an indication of the density of REs (eg, the number of REs in each RB) of the CSI-RS included in the discovery signal.

[0245] In yet another example, the configuration set may include antenna port information of the discovery signal to be measured. For one instance, the antenna port of the discovery signal may be a common antenna port for all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the antenna port of the discovery signal may be applicable to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, such as a CSI-RS.

[0246] In another example, the configuration set may include TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal to be measured. For one instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be common to all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be applicable to a portion of the components included in the discovery signal, for example, CSI-RS. For one instance, the RS source of the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may come from a carrier that does not include the discovery signal. For a sub-instance, the RS source may come from a carrier that provides the configuration set. For one instance, the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may be whether the RS source of the TCI state information and / or QCL assumption information of the discovery signal may come from a carrier that does not include the discovery signal.

[0247] In another example, the configuration set may include power information of the discovery signal to be measured. For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal may be configured as common power information for all components included in the discovery signal. For another instance, the first power information may be configured for a first part of the components included in the discovery signal (e.g., SS / PBCH block), and the second power information may be configured for a second part of the components included in the discovery signal (e.g., CSI-RS). For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal or a component in the discovery signal may be an absolute power value. For one instance, the power information of the discovery signal or a component in the discovery signal may be a relative or differentiated power value compared to a reference. For one sub-instance, the reference may be an SS / PBCH block in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, the reference may be an SS / PBCH block in a PCell.

[0248] In yet another example, the configuration set may include information about a round trip delay between two carriers. For example, the information about the round trip delay is between a carrier providing the configuration set and another carrier including a discovery signal to be measured.

[0249] In one embodiment, at least one new metric may be supported for measurements based on discovery signals. In one example, at least one new metric may be RSRP based on discovery signals, such as DS-RSRP. For one instance, DS-RSRP may be defined as the linear average of the power contributions of resource elements carrying at least one of the discovery signals. For one sub-instance, at least one signal includes an SSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes a PSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes a DM-RS of a PBCH in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes a CSI-RS in the discovery signal, for example, the CSI-RS may be a TRS or a CSI-RS for measurement purposes. For a further consideration, if the CSI-RS is QCLed with another signal in the discovery signal (e.g., a DM-RS of an SSS, PSS, or PBCH), the CSI-RS may be included. For another instance, the measurement time of the DS-RSRP may be limited to the discovery signal time domain measurement window, as described in the present disclosure. For yet another example, DS-RSRP may be measured among signals corresponding to the same SS / PBCH block index and / or the same physical layer cell identity.

[0250] In another example, at least one new metric may be based on the RSRQ of the discovery signal, for example, DS-RSRQ. For one instance, DS-RSRQ may be defined as the ratio N*DS-RSRQ / DS-RSSI, where N is the number of RBs in the DS-RSSI measurement bandwidth. For another instance, the measurement of the numerator and the denominator may be performed on the same set of RBs. For another instance, DS-RSSI may be defined as the linear average of the total received power observed in the OFDM symbol of the measurement time resource and on N RBs in the measurement bandwidth. For another instance, the OFDM symbol in the (multiple) time slots of the measurement time resource of the DS-RSSI may be an OFDM symbol provided by a higher layer. For another instance, the time slot including the OFDM symbol for DS-RSSI measurement may be provided by a higher layer. For another instance, if a measurement gap is provided, the DS-RSSI measurement may be based on a time slot overlapping with the measurement gap. For another instance, the DS-RSSI measurement may be based on a time slot defined within a discovery signal time domain measurement window, as described in the present disclosure. For yet another example, DS-RSRQ may be measured among signals corresponding to the same SS / PBCH block index and / or the same physical layer cell identity.

[0251] In another example, at least one new metric may be based on the SINR of the discovery signal, for example, DS-SINR. For one instance, DS-SINR may be defined as the linear average of the power contribution of the resource element carrying at least one signal in the discovery signal divided by the linear average of the noise and interference power contribution. For one sub-instance, at least one signal includes the SSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the PSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the DM-RS of the PBCH in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the CSI-RS in the discovery signal, for example, the CSI-RS may be a TRS or CSI-RS for measurement purposes. For a further consideration, if the CSI-RS is QCL with another signal in the discovery signal (e.g., the DM-RS of the SSS, PSS, or PBCH), the CSI-RS may be included. For another instance, the measurement time of the DS-SINR may be limited to the discovery signal time domain measurement window, as described in the present disclosure. For yet another example, DS-SINR may be measured among signals corresponding to the same SS / PBCH block index and / or the same physical layer cell identity.

[0252] In another example, at least one new metric may be based on the RSRPB of the discovery signal, for example, DS-RSRPB. For one instance, DS-RSRPB may be defined as the linear average of the power contribution of the resource elements carrying at least one signal in the discovery signal. For one sub-instance, at least one signal includes the SSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the PSS in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the DM-RS of the PBCH in the discovery signal. For another sub-instance, at least one signal includes the CSI-RS in the discovery signal, for example, the CSI-RS may be a TRS or CSI-RS for measurement purposes. For a further consideration, if the CSI-RS is QCL with another signal in the discovery signal (e.g., the DM-RS of the SSS, PSS, or PBCH), the CSI-RS may be included. For another instance, the measurement time of the DS-RSRPB may be limited to the discovery signal time domain measurement window, as described in the present disclosure. For another instance, the DS-RSRPB may be measured among signals corresponding to the same SS / PBCH block index and / or the same physical layer cell identifier.

[0253] 12 shows a flow chart of an example process 1200 of a UE receiving a discovery signal according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the process 1200 may be implemented by the UE 116. The process 1200 is for illustration only, and other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0254] In one embodiment, an example UE procedure for receiving a discovery signal is shown in FIG12. UE 116 may receive a configuration set of discovery signals to be measured in step 1201, and then determine information of the discovery signal in step 1202, including at least one of a parameter set, a type of signal / channel, information about time domain resources, information about frequency domain resources, an antenna port, a TCI state or a QCL assumption, and timing information. UE 116 may measure the discovery signal based on the information of the discovery signal in step 1203.

[0255] For example, the UE 116 may also determine whether information about timing (e.g., the round-trip delay between the two carriers) meets the requirements before measuring the discovery signal. The UE 116 may measure the discovery signal after determining that the information about timing (e.g., the round-trip delay between the two carriers) meets the requirements. For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether information about power (e.g., the received power difference between the two carriers) meets the requirements before measuring the discovery signal. The UE 116 may measure the discovery signal after determining that the information about power (e.g., the received power difference between the two carriers) meets the requirements. For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether information about TCI states and / or QCL assumptions (e.g., determining TCI states and / or QCL assumptions about another carrier from one carrier) meets the requirements before measuring the discovery signal. The UE 116 may measure the discovery signal after determining that the information about TCI states and / or QCL assumptions meet the requirements.

[0256] For another example, the UE 116 may also determine whether the information about the frequency domain (eg, the frequency difference between two carriers) meets the requirement before measuring the discovery signal. The UE 116 may measure the discovery signal after determining that the information about the frequency domain (eg, the frequency difference between two carriers) meets the requirement.

[0257] For example, based on whether the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is within the same carrier as the discovery signal, for example, whether the TCI state and / or QCL assumption is within the same carrier or across carriers, the UE 116 may determine a time domain pattern of the discovery signal to be measured. For example, if the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is within the same carrier as the discovery signal, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116. If the RS as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is not within the same carrier as the discovery signal, a burst of discovery signal instances in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0258] For another example, the UE 116 may determine the time domain pattern of the discovery signal to be measured based on whether the UE can use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal. For example, if the UE 116 can use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116; if the UE 116 cannot use RSs from different carriers as the source of the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal, a burst instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0259] For another example, the UE 116 may determine the time domain pattern of the discovery signal to be measured based on whether the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is provided to the UE 116. For example, if the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is provided to the UE 116, a single instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116; if the TCI state and / or QCL assumption of the discovery signal is not provided to the UE 116, a burst instance of the discovery signal in the time domain may be indicated to the UE 116.

[0260] The above flow charts illustrate example methods that can be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various changes can be made to the methods shown in the flow charts herein. For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in each figure can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, a step can be omitted or replaced by another step.

[0261] Although the drawings show different examples of user equipment, various changes may be made to the drawings. For example, the user equipment may include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, the drawings do not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any (multiple) specific configurations. In addition, although the drawings show operating environments in which various user equipment features disclosed in this patent document may be used, these features may be used in any other suitable system.

[0262] Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be conceived by those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to cover these changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Any description in this application should not be understood to mean that any particular element, step or function is an essential element that must be included in the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A user equipment UE in a communication system, the UE comprising: Transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Receive a configuration set of discovery signals, wherein the discovery signals include a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS; identifying a frequency location of the discovery signal; Identifying time domain information of the discovery signal; identifying a subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; identifying a quasi co-located QCL hypothesis for the discovery signal; and The discovery signal is received from a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency position of the discovery signal, the time domain information, the subcarrier spacing, and the QCL hypothesis.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The PSS and the SSS are respectively mapped to two consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbols; The PSS is mapped to the first OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols; and The SSS is mapped to the second OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The discovery signal also includes a demodulation reference signal DM-RS or a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS of a physical broadcast channel PBCH.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The QCL assumption indicates that the discovery signal is QCL with a synchronization signal from a primary cell PCell and a physical broadcast channel SS / PBCH block.

5. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The time domain information includes a periodicity of a transmission opportunity of the discovery signal and a time domain pattern of the discovery signal in each transmission opportunity.

6. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to identify a configuration set of radio resource management (RRM) measurements based on the discovery signal.

7. The UE according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to identify a reference signal received power RSRP or a reference signal received quality RSRQ based on the discovery signal.

8. A base station BS in a communication system, the BS comprising: Transceiver; as well as a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Identify the frequency location where the signal was found; Identifying time domain information of the discovery signal; identifying a subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; identifying a quasi-co-located QCL hypothesis for the discovery signal; Sending a configuration set of the discovery signal, wherein the discovery signal includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS; and The discovery signal is sent on a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency position of the discovery signal, the time domain information, the subcarrier spacing, and the QCL assumption.

9. The BS according to claim 8, wherein: The PSS and the SSS are respectively mapped to two consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbols; The PSS is mapped to the first OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols; and The SSS is mapped to the second OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols.

10. The BS according to claim 8, wherein: The discovery signal also includes a demodulation reference signal DM-RS or a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS of a physical broadcast channel PBCH.

11. The BS according to claim 8, wherein: The QCL assumption indicates that the discovery signal is QCL with a synchronization signal from a primary cell PCell and a physical broadcast channel SS / PBCH block.

12. The BS according to claim 8, wherein: The time domain information includes a periodicity of a transmission opportunity of the discovery signal and a time domain pattern of the discovery signal in each transmission opportunity.

13. A method performed by a user equipment UE in a communication system, the method comprising: Receive a configuration set of discovery signals, wherein the discovery signals include a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS; identifying a frequency location of the discovery signal; Identifying time domain information of the discovery signal; identifying a subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; identifying a quasi co-located QCL hypothesis for the discovery signal; and The discovery signal is received from a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency position of the discovery signal, the time domain information, the subcarrier spacing, and the QCL hypothesis.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The PSS and the SSS are respectively mapped to two consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbols; The PSS is mapped to the first OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols; and The SSS is mapped to the second OFDM symbol within the two consecutive OFDM symbols.

15. A method performed by a base station BS in a communication system, the method comprising: Identify the frequency location where the signal was found; Identifying time domain information of the discovery signal; identifying a subcarrier spacing of the discovery signal; identifying a quasi-co-located QCL hypothesis for the discovery signal; Sending a configuration set of the discovery signal, wherein the discovery signal includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS; and The discovery signal is sent on a secondary cell (SCell) based on the frequency position of the discovery signal, the time domain information, the subcarrier spacing, and the QCL assumption.

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