Layer 1 and layer 3 measurements based on reduced bandwidth

Abstract

Methods, systems, apparatus, and computer readable media for L3 measurements and L1 measurements are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include generating, by an access node, a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), where the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is associated with a carrier frequency; and transmitting, by the access node, the generated measurement object to a user equipment (UE).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 446,418, filed on February 17, 2023, entitled “LAYER 1 AND LAYER 3 MEASUREMENTS BASED ON REDUCED BANDWIDTH,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Frequency bands used for 5G New Radio (5G NR), such as n100, n8, n26, or n28, typically have a channel bandwidth greater than or equal to 5 MHz. A base station or access node can use dedicated signaling to configure a user equipment (UE) in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode to perform and report measurements. Measurements can be generated and reported at both Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 3 (L3). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: generating, by an access node, a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is associated with a carrier frequency; and transmitting, by the access node, the generated measurement object to a user equipment (UE).

[0005] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0006] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the carrier frequency operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0007] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0008] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0009] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is associated with a carrier frequency; and processing, by the UE, the received measurement object to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations.

[0010] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0011] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include: performing, by the UE, the one or more measurement operations based on the bandwidth indicated by the received measurement object.

[0012] In some implementations, the carrier frequency operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0013] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0014] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0015] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: generating, by an access node, a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency; and transmitting, by the access node, the generated measurement object to a UE.

[0016] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0017] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the carrier frequency operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0018] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0019] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0020] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency; and processing, by the UE, the received measurement object to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations.

[0021] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0022] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include: performing, by the UE, the one or more measurement operations based on the bandwidth indicated by the received measurement object.

[0023] In some implementations, the carrier frequency operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0024] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0025] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0026] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: detecting, by a user equipment (UE), a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in a synchronization signal block (SSB); obtaining, by the UE, SSB indexes of the detected PSS and SSS based on a bandwidth less than 5 MHz of the SSB or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS); and performing, by the UE, one or more measurement operations based on the obtained SSB indexes.

[0027] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0028] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include: obtaining, by the UE, the SSB index based on a first bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS, wherein the first bandwidth is equal to or greater than 5 MHz; and receiving, by the UE, information indicating a failure to obtain the SSB index based on the first bandwidth.

[0029] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0030] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: detecting, by a user equipment (UE), a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in a synchronization signal block (SSB); obtaining, by the UE, a first SSB index of the detected PSS and SSS based on a first bandwidth of the SSB or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS), wherein the first bandwidth is equal to or greater than 5 MHz; obtaining, by the UE, a second SSB index of the detected PSS and SSS based on a second bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS, wherein the second bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS is less than 5 MHz; selecting, by the UE, one of the first SSB index and the second SSB index; and performing, by the UE, one or more measurement operations based on the selected SSB index.

[0031] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0032] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include: determining, by the UE, that the carrier frequency of the target cell operates in a frequency band.

[0033] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0034] In some implementations, the second bandwidth of the SSB or the PBCH DMRS ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0035] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: updating, by an access node, a physical resource block (PRB) size indicating a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) with a bandwidth less than 24 PRBs, wherein the CSI-RS operates in a frequency band with a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; and sending, by the access node, the updated PRB size to a UE.

[0036] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0037] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0038] In some implementations, the updated PRB size is 12 PRBs, 15 PRBs, 16 PRBs, or 20 PRBs.

[0039] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0040] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: receiving, by a user equipment (UE), an updated physical resource block (PRB) size indicating that a bandwidth of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is less than 24 PRBs, wherein the CSI-RS operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; and processing, by the UE, the updated PRB size to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations.

[0041] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0042] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0043] In some implementations, the updated PRB size is 12 PRBs, 15 PRBs, 16 PRBs, or 20 PRBs.

[0044] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0045] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: generating, by an access node, a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), the bandwidth of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) being associated with a carrier frequency operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; and transmitting, by the access node, the generated measurement object to a UE.

[0046] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0047] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0048] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0049] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: receiving, by a UE, a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), the bandwidth of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) being associated with a carrier frequency operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; and processing, by the UE, the received measurement object to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations.

[0050] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0051] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0052] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0053] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: performing, by a user equipment (UE), one or more measurement operations based on a bandwidth of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), wherein the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is equal to a current active bandwidth part (BWP) or an initial BWP of a current serving cell of the UE.

[0054] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0055] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the CSI-RS operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0056] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0057] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0058] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L3 measurement is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: performing, by a user equipment (UE), measurement of a bandwidth of a synchronization signal block (SSB) of a target cell; and performing, by the UE, one or more measurement operations based on a bandwidth of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), wherein the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is equal to the bandwidth of the SSB of the target cell.

[0059] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0060] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the CSI-RS operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0061] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0062] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0063] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L1 measurement based on a synchronization signal block (SSB) is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: detecting, by a user equipment (UE), that the UE is being handed over to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; in response to detecting that the UE is being handed over to the cell, configuring, by the UE, a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) to at least one of the following: min (active bandwidth part (BWP), 24 physical resource blocks (PRBs)), min (bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 24 PRBs), min (initial BWP, 24 PRBs), or min (first active BWP, 24 PRBs).

[0064] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0065] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include extending an evaluation period for determining whether to be in-sync (IS) or out-of-sync (OOS) with the cell by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1, based on the active BWP or the bandwidth of the carrier frequency being less than 20 PRBs.

[0066] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0067] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0068] According to another innovative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for L1 measurement based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include: detecting, by a user equipment (UE), that the UE is being handed over to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; in response to detecting that the UE is being handed over to the cell, configuring, by the UE, a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) to at least one of the following: min (active bandwidth part (BWP), 48 physical resource blocks (PRBs)), min (bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 48 PRBs), min (initial BWP, 48 PRBs), or min (first active BWP, 48 PRBs).

[0069] Other aspects include apparatus, systems, and computer programs for performing the actions of the aforementioned methods.

[0070] The innovative method may include other optional features. For example, in some implementations, the method may further include extending an evaluation period for determining whether to be in-sync (IS) or out-of-sync (OOS) with the cell by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1 based on the active BWP or the bandwidth of the carrier frequency being less than 24 PRBs.

[0071] In some implementations, the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0072] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the frequency band ranges from 3 MHz to 5 MHz. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 An example wireless network according to some implementations is illustrated.

[0074] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an example process for L3 measurements performed by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 3 An example set of measurement objects for L3 measurement according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0076] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 5 is a flow chart of another example process for L3 measurements performed by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 6 Another example set of measurement objects for L3 measurement according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0079] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 10 is a flow chart of another example process for L3 measurements performed by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 11An example CSI-RS configuration for L3 measurement according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0084] Figure 12 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0085] Figure 13 is a flow chart of another example process for L3 measurements performed by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 14 Another example set of measurement objects for L3 measurement according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0087] Figure 15 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure 16 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 17 is a flowchart of another example process of L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figure 18 is a flow chart of an example process of SSB-based L1 measurement performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0091] Figure 19 is a flow chart of an example process of CSI-RS based L1 measurement performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0092] Figure 20 is a block diagram of an example user equipment (UE) according to some implementations.

[0093] Figure 21 is a block diagram of an example access node according to some implementations.

[0094] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] The present disclosure describes methods and systems for L1 and L3 measurements. These methods and systems may be performed or operated in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) with a bandwidth ranging from 3 MHz to 5 MHz. As described in 3GPP TS 38.101-1 Version 18.4.0 Release 18, the uplink (UL) operating band of n8 is 880 MHz to 915 MHz, while the downlink (DL) operating band of n8 is 925 MHz to 960 MHz. The UL operating band of n26 is 814 MHz to 849 MHz, while the DL operating band of n26 is 859 MHz to 894 MHz. The UL operating band of n28 is 703 MHz to 748 MHz, while the DL operating band of n28 is 758 MHz to 803 MHz. The UL operating band of n100 is 874.4MHz to 880MHz, while the DL operating band of n100 is 919.4MHz to 925MHz. In these methods and systems, a bandwidth ranging from 3MHz to 5MHz is used to measure the synchronization signal block (SSB) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0096] The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) may operate in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28, etc.) having a dedicated channel bandwidth of less than 5 MHz for frequency range 1 (FR1). The existing channel bandwidth of this frequency band is greater than or equal to 5 MHz. Therefore, in a scenario where the actual channel bandwidth is less than 5 MHz (e.g., [3 MHz, 5 MHz)), L1 measurement and L3 measurement based on SSB / PBCH DMRS or CSI-RS may not be able to use the existing channel bandwidth (≥5 MHz). Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problem, which enables L1 measurement and L3 measurement in a frequency band with a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0097] L1 measurements are useful for procedures that require minimal latency, such as beam management procedures that require the UE to quickly switch between beams. L3 measurements are useful for radio resource management decisions that require long-term understanding of channel conditions, such as triggering a handover procedure after L3 filtering to reduce the risk of ping-pong between serving cells.

[0098] Figure 1 Wireless network 100 includes a UE 102 and a base station 104 connected via one or more channels 106A, 106B across an air interface 108. UE 102 and base station 104 communicate using a system that supports control for managing access of UE 102 to the network via base station 104.

[0099] In some implementations, the wireless network 100 is a non-standalone (NSA) network that combines the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication standards as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specifications. For example, the wireless network 100 can be an E-UTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access)-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC) network or an NR-EUTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC) network. In other implementations, the wireless network 100 is a standalone (SA) network that only combines 5G NR. In addition, other types of communication standards are possible, including future 3GPP systems (e.g., sixth generation (6G) systems) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 technology. Although terms typically associated with 5G NR may be used herein to describe various aspects, various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other systems, such as 4G and / or systems after 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0100] In wireless network 100, UE 102 and any other UEs in the system can be, for example, laptops, smartphones, tablet computers, machine-type devices such as smart meters or specialized devices for healthcare, intelligent transportation systems, or any other wireless device with or without a user interface. In network 100, base station 104 provides network connectivity to a wider network (not shown) for UE 102. UE 102 connectivity is provided via an air interface 108 within the base station service area provided by base station 104. In some implementations, this wider network can be a wide area network operated by a cellular network provider, or it can be the Internet. Each base station service area associated with base station 104 is supported by an antenna integrated with base station 104. The service area is divided into multiple sectors associated with certain antennas. Such sectors can be physically associated with fixed antennas, or can be assigned to physical areas with tunable antennas or antenna settings that can be adjusted in a beamforming process used to direct signals to specific sectors.

[0101] UE 102 includes control circuitry 110 coupled to transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114. Transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114 may each be coupled to one or more antennas. Control circuitry 110 may include various combinations of dedicated circuitry and baseband circuitry. Transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114 may be adapted to transmit and receive data, respectively, and may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry or front-end module (FEM) circuitry.

[0102] In various implementations, aspects of the transmit circuitry 112, receive circuitry 114, and control circuitry 110 may be integrated in various ways to implement the operations described herein. The control circuitry 110 may be adapted or configured to perform various operations, such as those described elsewhere in this disclosure with respect to the UE.

[0103] The transmit circuitry 112 may perform various operations described herein. Additionally, the transmit circuitry 112 may transmit a plurality of multiplexed uplink physical channels. The plurality of uplink physical channels may be multiplexed according to time division multiplexing (TDM) or frequency division multiplexing (FDM) as well as carrier aggregation. The transmit circuitry 112 may be configured to receive block data from the control circuitry 110 for transmission across the air interface 108.

[0104] Receive circuitry 114 may perform various operations described herein. Additionally, receive circuitry 114 may receive multiple multiplexed downlink physical channels from air interface 108 and relay these physical channels to control circuitry 110. The multiple downlink physical channels may be multiplexed according to TDM or FDM, as well as carrier aggregation. Transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114 may transmit and receive both control data and content data (e.g., messages, images, video, etc.) structured within data blocks carried by the physical channels.

[0105] Figure 1 Also illustrated is a base station 104. In a specific implementation, the base station 104 may be an NG radio access network (RAN) or a 5G RAN, an E-UTRAN, or a non-terrestrial cell. As used herein, the term "NG RAN" or the like may refer to a base station 104 operating in an NR or 5G wireless network 100, and the term "EUTRAN" or the like may refer to a base station 104 operating in an LTE or 4G wireless network 100. The UE 102 utilizes connections (or channels) 106A, 106B, each of which includes a physical communication interface or layer.

[0106] Base station 104 circuitry may include control circuitry 116 coupled to transmit circuitry 118 and receive circuitry 120. Transmit circuitry 118 and receive circuitry 120 may each be coupled to one or more antennas that may be used to enable communication over air interface 108. Transmit circuitry 118 and receive circuitry 120 may be adapted to transmit data to and receive data from any UE connected to base station 104, respectively. Transmit circuitry 118 may transmit downlink physical channels including a plurality of downlink subframes. Receive circuitry 120 may receive a plurality of uplink physical channels from various UEs, including UE 102.

[0107] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, one or more channels 106A, 106B are illustrated as an air interface for implementing communication coupling and may conform to a cellular communication protocol, such as a 3GPP LTE protocol, an Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) protocol, an LTE-based Unlicensed Spectrum Access (LTE-U), a 5G protocol, a NR protocol, an NR-based Unlicensed Spectrum Access (NR-U) protocol, and / or any of the other communication protocols discussed herein. In a specific implementation, the UE 102 may directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface. The ProSe interface may alternatively be referred to as a sidelink (SL) interface and may include one or more logical channels, including, but not limited to, a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), and a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH).

[0108] SSB-based L3 measurement configuration

[0109] The UE is configured with a system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth associated with the carrier frequency

[0110] In some implementations, the base station or access node configures the UE to perform L3 measurements in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28). The system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth of the L3 measurement is associated with the carrier frequency. The system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth indicates the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS.

[0111] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an example process 200 for performing L3 measurements by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 200 will be described as being performed by an access node such as Figure 21 Access node 2100) executes.

[0112] The access node may begin performing process 200 by generating (202) a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of an SSB or PBCH DMRS. The bandwidth of an SSB or PBCH DMRS is associated with a carrier frequency.

[0113] The access node may continue process 200 by sending 204 the generated measurement object to the UE. The sent measurement object indicates the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., neighbor cell measurements for handover preparation) based on the received measurement object indicating a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0114] Figure 3An example of a measurement object ("MeasObjectNR") 300 that can be generated using the process 200 for L3 measurements according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the case of intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements, the measurement object identifies the time and frequency location of the SS / PBCH blocks and CSI reference signal resources to be measured. The measurement object also specifies the corresponding subcarrier spacing. A single measurement object can specify both SS / PBCH blocks and CSI reference signal information.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, the example measurement object 300 on the carrier frequency has fields indicating multiple parameters, including at least the SSB frequency ("ssbFrequency") 302, the subcarrier spacing ("ssbSubcarrierSpacing") 304, and the target cell list ("cellsToAddModListExt-v1710") 306. The example measurement object 300 also includes an additional parameter "ssbMeasBW-r18" 308 indicating the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is associated with the carrier frequency. In some specific implementations, the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is a reduced bandwidth, for example, a bandwidth less than 5 MHz. For example, the bandwidth is in the range of [3 MHz, 5 MHz), such as 3 MHz, 4 MHz, 4.5 MHz, etc.

[0116] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example process 400 for L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 400 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0117] The UE may begin performing process 400 by receiving (402) a measurement object (e.g., measurement object 300) indicating a bandwidth of an SSB or PBCH DMRS (e.g., an additional parameter "ssbMeasBW-r18" 308 indicating the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS). The bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is associated with a carrier frequency. The SSB or PBCH DMRS is configured in a measurement object (e.g., measurement object 300) sent to the UE, and the measurement object received by the UE is associated with a carrier frequency (e.g., the received measurement object is configured per carrier frequency). The bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is configured to be associated with the measurement object or the carrier frequency.

[0118] The UE may continue to perform process 400 by processing (404) the received measurement object (e.g., measurement object 300) to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., neighbor cell measurements for handover preparation) based on the received measurement object 300 indicating a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0119] The UE is configured with a system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency

[0120] In some implementations, the base station or access node configures the UE to perform L3 measurements in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28). The system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth is associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency. The system bandwidth or measurement bandwidth indicates the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS.

[0121] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example process 500 for performing L3 measurements by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 500 will be described as being performed by an access node such as Figure 21 Access node 2100) executes.

[0122] The access node may begin performing process 200 by generating (502) a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of an SSB or PBCH DMRS. The bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency.

[0123] The access node may continue process 500 by sending (504) the generated measurement object to the UE. The sent measurement object indicates the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., neighbor cell measurements for handover preparation) based on the received measurement object indicating a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0124] Figure 61800 . An example of a measurement object ("MeasObjectNR") 600 that can be generated using the process 500 for L3 measurements according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. The example measurement object ("MeasObjectNR") 600 has fields indicating multiple parameters, including at least an SSB frequency ("ssbFrequency") 602, a subcarrier spacing ("ssbSubcarrierSpacing") 604, and a target cell list ("cellsToAddModList") 606. The example measurement object 600 also includes an additional parameter "CellsToAddModListExt-v1800" 608 that indicates the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The bandwidth of the SSB and PBCH DMRS is associated with a cell index (e.g., "physCellId" 610 and "cellIndividualOffset" 612) on a carrier frequency. In some implementations, there are multiple cells on a carrier frequency, and the access node configures a cell-specific SSB or DMRS bandwidth, which is sent to the UE for measurement. In some specific implementations, the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS may be configured differently for different cells on the same carrier frequency (the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS may be configured differently for different cells in the same measurement object).

[0125] In some implementations, the bandwidth of the SSB and PBCH DMRS is a reduced bandwidth, for example, a bandwidth less than 5 MHz. For example, the bandwidth is in the range of [3 MHz, 5 MHz), such as 3 MHz, 4 MHz, 4.5 MHz, etc.

[0126] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example process 700 for L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 700 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0127] The UE may begin performing process 700 by receiving (702) a measurement object (e.g., measurement object 600) indicating a bandwidth of an SSB or PBCH DMRS (e.g., an additional parameter "CellsToAddModListExt-v1800" 608 indicating the bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS). The bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is associated with a cell index on a carrier frequency.

[0128] The UE may continue process 700 by processing 704 the received measurement object (e.g., measurement object 600) to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., neighbor cell measurements for handover preparation) based on the received measurement object 600 indicating a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0129] In response to a failure to obtain an SSB index using the conventional bandwidth, the UE re-acquires the SSB index using the reduced bandwidth.

[0130] In some implementations, the UE uses a legacy or existing bandwidth of the SSB (a channel bandwidth greater than or equal to 5 MHz, e.g., 5 MHz) as a default assumption to obtain or read the SSB index in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26n, or n28). If the UE detects a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in the SSB but fails to read the SSB index of the detected PSS and SSS, the UE re-performs the SSB index reading using a predefined measurement bandwidth (e.g., a channel bandwidth ranging from 3 MHz to 5 MHz). For example, the UE re-performs the SSB index reading using 3 MHz, 4 MHz, or 4.5 MHz, etc.

[0131] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example process 800 for performing L3 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 800 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0132] The UE may begin process 800 by detecting (802) the PSS and SSS in the SSB.

[0133] The UE may continue process 800 by attempting (804) to obtain SSB indices for the detected PSS and SSS based on a first bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The first bandwidth is a legacy or existing bandwidth and is equal to or greater than 5 MHz (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, etc.). The UE attempts to obtain the SSB indices based on the legacy or existing bandwidth.

[0134] The UE may continue process 800 by receiving (806) information indicating a failure to obtain an SSB index based on the first bandwidth. In some implementations, if the correlation peak is below a threshold level (e.g., a false alarm threshold), the UE is unable to obtain an SSB index based on the legacy or existing bandwidth. The UE uses a local sequence of the PSS or SSS or PBCH DMRS to perform correlation with the received sequence / signal to determine which PSS or SSS or DMRS was received.

[0135] The UE may continue process 800 by obtaining (808) SSB indices for the detected PSS and SSS based on a bandwidth less than 5 MHz of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. In response to the failure at 806, the UE obtains SSB indices for the detected PSS and SSS based on a reduced bandwidth (less than 5 MHz, e.g., [3 MHz, 5 MHz)).

[0136] The UE may continue process 800 by performing (810) one or more measurement operations based on the obtained SSB index. The UE may perform L3 measurements (eg, neighbor cell measurements for handover preparation) based on the obtained SSB index.

[0137] The UE obtains the SSB index based on the target carrier frequency in the frequency band using both the conventional bandwidth and the reduced bandwidth.

[0138] In some implementations, the UE determines whether the target carrier frequency for measurement (the carrier frequency of the target cell) is in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28). If the target carrier frequency is in the frequency band, the UE obtains the SSB index using the legacy or existing bandwidth of the SSB (a channel bandwidth greater than or equal to 5 MHz, e.g., 5 MHz) and the reduced bandwidth of the PBCH (a channel bandwidth ranging from 3 MHz to 5 MHz, e.g., 3 MHz, 4 MHz, etc.), respectively, after PSS / SSS detection.

[0139] Figure 9 is a flow chart of an example process 900 for L3 measurements performed by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 900 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0140] The UE may begin performing process 900 by determining ( 902 ) that the carrier frequency of the target cell operates in a frequency band (eg, n100 , n8 , n26 , or n28 ).

[0141] The UE may continue process 900 by detecting (904) the PSS and SSS in the SSB.

[0142] The UE may continue process 900 by obtaining 906 a first SSB index for the detected PSS and SSS based on a first bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The first bandwidth is a legacy or existing bandwidth equal to or greater than 5 MHz (eg, 15 MHz).

[0143] The UE may continue process 900 by obtaining (908) a second SSB index for the detected PSS and SSS based on a second bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS. The second bandwidth of the SSB or PBCH DMRS is less than 5 MHz, for example, within the range [3 MHz, 5 MHz). For example, the UE obtains the second SSB index based on a 3 MHz channel bandwidth. The UE may also obtain a third SSB index based on a 4 MHz channel bandwidth. The UE may also obtain one or more additional indexes based on any channel bandwidth within the range [3 MHz, 5 MHz).

[0144] The UE may continue process 900 by selecting 910 one of the first SSB index and the second SSB index. In some implementations, the UE selects one of the SSB indices obtained at 908 based on a correlation peak. For example, the UE selects one of the SSB indices having the largest correlation peak.

[0145] The UE may continue process 900 by performing (912) one or more measurement operations based on the selected SSB index. The UE may perform L3 measurements based on the selected SSB index.

[0146] CSI-RS-based L3 measurement configuration

[0147] UEs configured with a CSI-RS measurement bandwidth less than 24 PRBs

[0148] In some implementations, a base station or access node configures a UE to perform L3 measurements in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28). The bandwidth of the channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is less than 24 PRBs. The newly added signaling for the CSI-RS bandwidth includes one of the following candidates: {12 PRBs, 15 PRBs, 16 PRBs, 20 PRBs}.

[0149] Figure 10 is a flow chart of an example process 1000 for performing L3 measurements by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1000 will be described as being performed by an access node such as Figure 21 Access node 2100) executes.

[0150] The access node may begin performing process 1000 by updating (1002) a physical resource block (PRB) size indicating that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is less than 24 PRBs. The CSI-RS operates in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0151] The access node may continue process 1000 by sending 1004 the updated PRB size to the UE. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., CSI-RS measurements) based on the updated PRB size (indicating that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is less than 24 PRBs, e.g., 12 PRBs, 15 PRBs, 16 PRBs, or 20 PRBs).

[0152] Figure 11 An example CSI-RS configuration 1100 for L3 measurement according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 11 As shown, the CSI-RS configuration ("CSI-RS-ResourceConfigMobility") 1100 includes a parameter "csi-RS-CellList-Mobility-Ext-v1800" 1102, which indicates that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is less than 24 PRBs. For example, the bandwidth of the CSI-RS can be 12 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 11 size12), 15 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 11 size15), 16 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 11 size16) or 20 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 11 size20).

[0153] Figure 12 is a flow chart of an example process 1200 for performing L3 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1200 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0154] The UE may begin performing process 1200 by receiving (1202) an updated PRB size indicating that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is less than 24 PRBs. The CSI-RS operates in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (e.g., [3 MHz, 5 MHz)).

[0155] The UE may continue process 1200 by processing 1204 the updated PRB size to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations. The UE may perform L3 measurements (eg, CSI-RS measurements) based on a bandwidth of less than 24 PRBs of the CSI-RS.

[0156] The UE is configured with the CSI-RS measurement bandwidth for each carrier frequency of the frequency band

[0157] In some implementations, the base station or access node configures the UE to perform L3 measurements in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28). In some implementations, the access node configures the UE to perform L3 measurements based on the CSI-RS bandwidth of each carrier frequency in the frequency band.

[0158] Figure 13 is a flow chart of an example process 1300 for performing L3 measurements by an access node according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1300 will be described as being performed by an access node such as Figure 21 Access node 2100) executes.

[0159] An access node may begin process 1300 by generating 1302 a measurement object indicating a bandwidth of a CSI-RS. The bandwidth of the CSI-RS is associated with a carrier frequency operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0160] The access node may send (1304) the generated measurement object (e.g., Figure 14 The UE may continue to perform process 1300 based on the received measurement object indicating the bandwidth of the CSI-RS (e.g., Figure 14 measurement object 1400) to perform L3 measurements (e.g., CSI-RS measurements).

[0161] Figure 14 An example of a measurement object 1400 that can be generated using the process 1300 for L3 measurements according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 14 As shown, an example measurement object ("MeasObjectNR") 1400 has fields indicating multiple parameters, including at least SSB frequency ("ssbFrequency") 1402, subcarrier spacing ("ssbSubcarrierSpacing") 1404, etc. The example measurement object 1400 also includes an additional parameter "csi-rsMeasBW-r18" 1406 indicating the bandwidth of the CSI-RS. In some implementations, the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is associated with a carrier frequency operating in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (e.g., [3 MHz, 5 MHz)). In some implementations, the bandwidth of the CSI-RS can be 12 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 14 size12), 15 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 14 size15), 16 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 14 size16) or 20 PRBs (corresponding to Figure 14 size20).

[0162] Figure 15 is a flow chart of an example process 1500 for performing L3 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1500 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0163] The UE may begin performing process 1500 by receiving 1502 a measurement object (e.g., measurement object 1400) indicating a bandwidth of a CSI-RS. The bandwidth of the CSI-RS is associated with a carrier frequency operating in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0164] The UE may continue process 1500 by processing 1504 the received measurement object (e.g., measurement object 1400) to configure the UE to perform one or more measurement operations. The UE may perform L3 measurements (e.g., CSI-RS measurements) based on the received measurement object indicating the bandwidth of the CSI-RS.

[0165] The UE assumes that the CSI-RS measurement bandwidth is equal to the bandwidth of the current active BWP or initial BWP of the current serving cell.

[0166] In some implementations, the UE assumes that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is equal to the width of the current active bandwidth part (BWP) of the current serving cell or the initial BWP.

[0167] Figure 16 1 is a flow chart of an example process 1600 for performing L3 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1600 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0168] The UE may begin process 1600 by performing 1602 one or more measurement operations (e.g., CSI-RS measurements) based on a bandwidth of a CSI-RS that is equal to a currently active BWP or an initial BWP of a current serving cell of the UE.

[0169] UE assumes that the CSI-RS measurement bandwidth is equal to the SSB bandwidth of the target cell

[0170] In some implementations, the UE assumes that the bandwidth of the CSI-RS is equal to the bandwidth of the SSB of the target cell. The UE detects and measures the SSB of the target cell to obtain the SSB bandwidth. In some implementations, the base station or access node associates the SSB with the target CSI-RS L3 measurement. Therefore, the UE can detect and measure the SSB of the target cell before performing CSI-RS measurements on the target cell.

[0171] Figure 1717 is a flow chart of an example process 1700 for performing L3 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1700 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0172] The UE may begin performing process 1700 by performing (1702) a measurement of the bandwidth of the SSB of the target cell. The UE measures the bandwidth of the SSB of the target cell.

[0173] The UE may continue process 1700 by performing 1704 one or more measurement operations (eg, CSI-RS measurements) based on a bandwidth of the CSI-RS that is equal to the bandwidth of the SSB of the target cell measured at 1702.

[0174] SSB-based L1 measurement configuration

[0175] In some implementations, L1 measurements based on SSBs or CSI-RS (e.g., radio link monitoring (RLM) or bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) evaluation) are performed on a special cell (SpCell) operating in a frequency band (e.g., n100, n8, n26, or n28) with a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (e.g., [3 MHz, 5 MHz)). When a UE changes from an old SpCell to a new SpCell operating in a frequency band with a bandwidth less than 5 MHz, the UE automatically switches the bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) DMRS to X PRBs. Hypothetical PDCCH refers to a reference signal used to simulate PDCCH transmission / reception performance using predefined parameter values ​​(e.g., DCI format, OFDM symbol, CCE, PRB, SCS, REG bundling size), which are defined in the 3GPP technical specifications. Hypothetical PDCCH can be used for radio link monitoring by estimating downlink link quality. In some implementations, the old SpCell operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (the frequency band of the old SpCell is the same as the frequency band of the new SpCell). In some implementations, the old SpCell operates in a frequency band different from the frequency band of the new SpCell. For example, the old SpCell operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth greater than 5 MHz, while the new SpCell operates in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0176] For SSB-based L1 measurement, X=min{active BWP, 24 PRBs}, or X=min{cell carrier BW, 24 PRBs}, or X=min{initial BWP, 24 PRBs}, or X=min{first active BWP, 24 PRBs}.

[0177] For CSI-RS based L1 measurement, X=min{active BWP, 48 PRBs}, or X=min{cell carrier BW, 48 PRBs}, or X=min{initial BWP, 48 PRBs}, or X=min{first active BWP, 48 PRBs}.

[0178] In some implementations, if the active BWP or cell carrier bandwidth is less than 20 PRBs, the evaluation period for SSB-based RLM or BFD can be extended without changing the L1 evaluation interval. In some implementations, if the active BWP or cell carrier bandwidth is less than 24 PRBs, the evaluation period for CSI-RS-based RLM and BFD can be extended without changing the L1 evaluation interval. In some implementations, the extension of the evaluation period can be achieved by multiplying the existing evaluation period by a scaling factor Y (Y>=1) for out-of-sync (OOS) or in-sync (IS).

[0179] Figure 18 1 is a flow chart of an example process 1800 for performing SSB-based L1 measurements by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1800 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0180] The UE may begin performing process 1800 by detecting ( 1802 ) that the UE is switching to a cell operating in a frequency band (eg, n100 , n8 , n26 , or n28 ) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0181] The UE may continue process 1800 by configuring (1804) the bandwidth of the PDCCH DMRS to at least one of the following in response to detecting at 1802 that the UE is being handed over to the cell: min(active BWP, 24 PRBs), min(bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 24 PRBs), min(initial BWP, 24 PRBs), or min(first active BWP, 24 PRBs).

[0182] In some implementations, if the bandwidth of the active BWP or carrier frequency is less than 20 PRBs, the evaluation period for determining synchronization (IS) or out-of-sync (OOS) with the cell is extended by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

[0183] Figure 19 is a flow chart of an example process 1900 for performing CSI-RS based L1 measurement by a UE according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The process 1900 is described as being performed by a UE such as Figure 20 UE 2000) executes.

[0184] The UE may begin performing process 1900 by detecting ( 1902 ) that the UE is switching to a cell operating in a frequency band (eg, n100 , n8 , n26 , or n28 ) having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz.

[0185] The UE may continue process 1900 by configuring (1904) the bandwidth of the PDCCH DMRS to at least one of the following in response to detecting that the UE is being handed over to the cell: min(active BWP, 48 PRBs), min(bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 48 PRBs), min(initial BWP, 48 PRBs), or min(first active BWP, 48 PRBs).

[0186] In some implementations, if the bandwidth of the active BWP or carrier frequency is less than 24 PRBs, the evaluation period for IS or OOS with the cell is extended by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

[0187] Figure 20 is a block diagram of an example user equipment (UE) according to some specific implementations. UE 2000 may be similar to Figure 1 UE 102 and is essentially interchangeable therewith.

[0188] UE 2000 can be any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, an industrial wireless sensor (e.g., a microphone, a carbon dioxide sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a thermometer, a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a laser scanner, a fluid level sensor, an inventory sensor, a voltage / current meter, an actuator, etc.), a video surveillance / monitoring device (e.g., a camera, a camcorder, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), or a loose IoT device.

[0189] UE 2000 may include a processor 2002, an RF interface circuit 2004, a memory / storage 2006, a user interface 2008, a sensor 2010, a driver circuit 2012, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 2014, one or more antennas 2016, and a battery 2018. The components of UE 2000 may be implemented as integrated circuits (ICs), portions of integrated circuits, discrete electronic devices or other modules, logic components, hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Figure 20 The block diagram is intended to show a simplified view of some of the components of the UE 2000. However, some of the components shown may be omitted, additional components may be present, and different arrangements of the components shown may occur in other implementations.

[0190] Components of UE 2000 may be coupled to various other components via one or more interconnects 2020, which may represent any type of interface, input / output, bus (local, system, or extension), transmission line, trace, optical connection, etc., that allows various circuit components (on a common or different chip or chipset) to interact with each other.

[0191] The processor 2002 may include processor circuits such as, for example, a baseband processor circuit (BB) 2022A, a central processor unit circuit (CPU) 2022B, and a graphics processor unit circuit (GPU) 2022C. The processor 2002 may include any type of circuit or processor circuit that executes or otherwise operates computer-executable instructions (such as program code, software modules, or functional processes from the memory / storage device 2006) to cause the UE 2000 to perform operations as described herein.

[0192] In some implementations, the baseband processor circuit 2022A can access the communication protocol stack 2024 in the memory / storage 2006 to communicate over a 3GPP-compliant network. Generally speaking, the baseband processor circuit 2022A can access the communication protocol stack to perform user plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, SDAP layer, and PDU layer; and control plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, RRC layer, and non-access stratum layer. In some implementations, PHY layer operations may additionally / alternatively be performed by components of the RF interface circuit 2004. The baseband processor circuit 2022A can generate or process baseband signals or waveforms that carry information in a 3GPP-compliant network. In some implementations, waveforms used for NR can be based on cyclic prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM) in the uplink or downlink, and discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM) in the uplink.

[0193] The memory / storage 2006 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media containing instructions (e.g., the communication protocol stack 2024) that are executable by one or more processors in the processor 2002 to cause the UE 2000 to perform the various operations described herein. The memory / storage 2006 includes any type of volatile or non-volatile memory that may be distributed throughout the UE 2000. In some implementations, some of the memory / storage 2006 may be located on the processor 2002 itself (e.g., L1 cache and L2 cache), while other memory / storage 2006 may be external to the processor 2002 but accessible via a memory interface. The memory / storage 2006 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory, or any other type of memory device technology.

[0194] The RF interface circuit 2004 may include a transceiver circuit and a radio frequency front-end module (RFEM), which allow the UE 2000 to communicate with other devices via a radio access network. The RF interface circuit 2004 may include various components arranged in a transmit path or a receive path. These components may include, for example, switches, mixers, amplifiers, filters, synthesizer circuits, control circuits, etc.

[0195] In the receive path, the RFEM receives radiated signals from the air interface via one or more antennas 2016 and further filters and amplifies the signals (using a low-noise amplifier). The signals are provided to the transceiver's receiver, which downconverts the RF signals to baseband signals, which are provided to the baseband processor of the processor 2002.

[0196] In the transmit path, the transmitter of the transceiver up-converts the baseband signal received from the baseband processor and provides the RF signal to the RFEM. The RFEM may amplify the RF signal through a power amplifier before the signal is radiated across the air interface via one or more antennas 2016.

[0197] In various implementations, the RF interface circuit 2004 may be configured to send / receive signals in a manner compatible with NR access technology.

[0198] One or more antennas 2016 may include antenna elements to convert electrical signals into radio waves that travel through the air and convert received radio waves into electrical signals. These antenna elements may be arranged into one or more antenna panels. One or more antennas 2016 may have antenna panels that are omnidirectional, directional, or a combination thereof to enable beamforming and multiple-input / multiple-output communications. One or more antennas 2016 may include microstrip antennas, printed antennas fabricated on the surface of one or more printed circuit boards, patch antennas, phased array antennas, and the like. One or more antennas 2016 may have one or more panels designed for specific frequency bands, including those in FRI or FR2.

[0199] The user interface 2008 includes various input / output (I / O) devices designed to enable a user to interact with the UE 2000. The user interface 2008 includes input device circuitry and output device circuitry. The input device circuitry includes any physical or virtual component for accepting input, including, in particular, one or more physical or virtual buttons (e.g., a reset button), a physical keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch screen, a microphone, a scanner, or a head-mounted device. The output device circuitry includes any physical or virtual component for displaying or otherwise conveying information (such as sensor readings, actuator positions, or other similar information). The output device circuitry may include any number or combination of audio or visual displays, including, in particular, one or more simple visual outputs / indicators (e.g., binary state indicators such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and multi-character visual outputs), or more complex outputs such as a display device or touch screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, a quantum dot display, a projector, etc.), where the output of characters, graphics, multimedia objects, etc. is generated or produced by the operation of the UE 2000.

[0200] Sensors 2010 may include devices, modules, or subsystems whose purpose is to detect events or changes in their environment and to communicate information about the detected events (sensor data) to some other device, module, subsystem, etc. Examples of such sensors include, among others: an inertial measurement unit including an accelerometer, gyroscope, or magnetometer; a microelectromechanical system or nanoelectromechanical system including a three-axis accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, or magnetometer; a liquid level sensor; a flow sensor; a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor); a pressure sensor; a barometric pressure sensor; a gravity meter; an altimeter; an image capture device (e.g., a camera or lensless aperture); a light detection and ranging sensor; a proximity sensor (e.g., an infrared radiation detector, etc.); a depth sensor; an ambient light sensor; an ultrasonic transceiver; a microphone or other similar audio capture device; and the like.

[0201] The driver circuit 2012 may include software and hardware elements that operate to control specific devices embedded in, attached to, or otherwise communicatively coupled to the UE 2000. The driver circuit 2012 may include various drivers to allow other components to interact with or control various input / output (I / O) devices that may be present in or connected to the UE 2000. For example, the driver circuit 2012 may include a display driver for controlling and enabling access to a display device, a touch screen driver for controlling and enabling access to a touch screen interface, a sensor driver for obtaining sensor readings from a sensor 2028 and controlling and enabling access to the sensor 2028, a driver for obtaining actuator positioning of an electromechanical component or controlling and enabling access to an electromechanical component, a camera driver for controlling and enabling access to an embedded image capture device, and an audio driver for controlling and enabling access to one or more audio devices.

[0202] The PMIC 2014 may manage power provided to various components of the UE 2000. Specifically, with respect to the processor 2002, the PMIC 2014 may control power source selection, voltage scaling, battery charging, or DC-DC conversion.

[0203] In some implementations, the PMIC 2014 can control or otherwise be part of various power saving mechanisms of the UE 2000, including DRX as discussed herein. A battery 2018 can power the UE 2000, but in some examples, the UE 2000 can be installed or deployed in a fixed location and can have a power source coupled to the grid. The battery 2018 can be a lithium-ion battery, a metal-air battery such as a zinc-air battery, an aluminum-air battery, a lithium-air battery, or the like. In some implementations, such as in vehicle-based applications, the battery 2018 can be a typical lead-acid automotive battery.

[0204] Figure 21 is a block diagram of an example access node according to some implementations. Figure 21 An access node 2100 (e.g., a base station or gNB) is shown according to some implementations. The access node 2100 may be similar to Figure 1 The access node 2100 may include a processor 2102, an RF interface circuit 2104, a core network (CN) interface circuit 2106, a memory / storage device circuit 2108, and one or more antennas 2110.

[0205] The components of the access node 2100 may be coupled to various other components via one or more interconnects 2112. The processor 2102, RF interface circuitry 2104, memory / storage circuitry 2108 (including a communication protocol stack 2114), one or more antennas 2110, and the interconnects 2112 may be similar to those described with respect to FIG. Figure 20 Like-named elements are shown and described.For example, processor 2102 may include processor circuits such as, for example, baseband processor circuitry (BB) 2116A, central processor unit circuitry (CPU) 2116B, and graphics processor unit circuitry (GPU) 2116C.

[0206] The CN interface circuitry 2106 can provide connectivity to a core network (e.g., a 5th Generation Core Network (5GC) using a 5GC-compatible network interface protocol, such as a Carrier Ethernet protocol or some other suitable protocol). Network connectivity can be provided to / from the access node 2100 via optical fiber or wireless backhaul. The CN interface circuitry 2106 can include one or more dedicated processors or FPGAs for communicating using one or more of the aforementioned protocols. In some implementations, the CN interface circuitry 2106 can include multiple controllers for providing connectivity to other networks using the same or different protocols.

[0207] As used herein, the terms "access node," "access point," and the like may describe equipment that provides radio baseband functionality for data and / or voice connections between a network and one or more users. These access nodes may be referred to as BSs, gNBs, RAN nodes, eNBs, NodeBs, RSUs, TRxPs, or TRPs, and may include ground stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations that provide coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). As used herein, the terms "NG RAN node" and the like may refer to access nodes 2100 (e.g., gNBs) operating in NR or 5G systems, and the terms "E-UTRAN node" and the like may refer to access nodes 2100 (e.g., eNBs) operating in LTE or 4G systems. Depending on the implementation, access node 2100 may be implemented as one or more of the following: a dedicated physical device such as a macrocell base station, and / or a low-power (LP) base station for providing femtocells, picocells, or other similar cells with smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth than macrocells.

[0208] In some implementations, all or part of the access node 2100 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network, which may be referred to as a CRAN and / or a virtual baseband unit pool (vBBUP). In these implementations, the CRAN or vBBUP may implement RAN functional splitting, such as PDCP splitting, where the RRC and PDCP layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and other L2 protocol entities are operated by the access node 2100; MAC / PHY splitting, where the RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and the PHY layer is operated by the access node 2100; or "lower PHY" splitting, where the RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, and upper portions of the PHY layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and the lower portion of the PHY layer is operated by the access node 2100.

[0209] In a V2X scenario, the access node 2100 may be or function as an RSU. The term "roadside unit" or "RSU" may refer to any traffic infrastructure entity used for V2X communication. The RSU may be implemented in or by a suitable RAN node or a stationary (or relatively stationary) UE. An RSU implemented in or by a UE may be referred to as a "UE-type RSU," an RSU implemented in or by an eNB may be referred to as an "eNB-type RSU," an RSU implemented in or by a gNB may be referred to as a "gNB-type RSU," and so on.

[0210] For ease of description, various components may be described as performing one or more tasks. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase "configured to." Representing a component as being configured to perform one or more tasks expressly intends that the component not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

[0211] For one or more specific implementations, at least one of the components described in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, or methods described in the following embodiments. For example, the baseband circuitry described above in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the following examples. For another example, circuitry associated with the UE, base station, network element, etc. described above in conjunction with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the embodiments described in the following embodiments.

[0212] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components shown in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, or methods described in the Examples section below. For example, the baseband circuitry described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples described below. For another example, circuitry associated with the UE, base station, network element, etc. described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples shown below.

[0213] Example

[0214] In the following sections, additional exemplary embodiments are provided.

[0215] Embodiment 1 includes one or more processors configured to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform operations for layer 1 (L1) measurements based on a synchronization signal block (SSB), the operations including: determining to switch to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (megahertz); and in response to determining to switch to the cell, configuring a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) based on: (i) an active bandwidth part (BWP), a bandwidth of a carrier frequency, one of an initial BWP or a first active BWP, and (ii) a predetermined number of physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0216] Embodiment 2 is one or more processors according to embodiment 1, wherein the bandwidth of the hypothetical PDCCH DMRS is one of: min(the active BWP, 24 PRBs), min(the bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 24 PRBs), min(the initial BWP, 24 PRBs), or min(the first active BWP, 24 PRBs).

[0217] Embodiment 3 is one or more processors according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the operation further includes: determining that the bandwidth of the active BWP or the carrier frequency is less than 20 PRBs; and in response to the determination, extending the evaluation period for determining the synchronization (IS) state or the out-of-sync (OOS) state of the UE with the cell by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

[0218] Embodiment 4 is the one or more processors of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0219] Embodiment 5 is the one or more processors of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band is in a range of 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0220] Embodiment 6 may include a user equipment (UE) including one or more processors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5.

[0221] Embodiment 7 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0222] Embodiment 8 may include a method for performing the operations of any one of Embodiments 1-5.

[0223] Embodiment 9 includes one or more processors configured to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform operations for layer 1 (L1) measurement based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), the operations including: determining to switch to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; and in response to determining to switch to the cell, configuring a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) based on: (i) an active bandwidth part (BWP), a bandwidth of a carrier frequency, one of an initial BWP or a first active BWP, and (ii) a predetermined number of physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0224] Embodiment 10 is one or more processors according to embodiment 9, wherein the bandwidth of the hypothetical PDCCH DMRS is one of: min(the active BWP, 48 PRBs), min(the bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 48 PRBs), min(the initial BWP, 48 PRBs), or min(the first active BWP, 48 PRBs).

[0225] Embodiment 11 is one or more processors according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the operation further includes: determining that the bandwidth of the active BWP or the carrier frequency is less than 24 PRBs; and in response to the determination, extending the evaluation period for determining the synchronization (IS) state or the out-of-sync (OOS) state of the UE with the cell by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

[0226] Embodiment 12 is the one or more processors of any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

[0227] Embodiment 13 is the one or more processors of any one of embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band is in a range of 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

[0228] Embodiment 14 may include a user equipment (UE) comprising one or more processors according to any one of embodiments 9 to 13.

[0229] Embodiment 15 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations according to any one of embodiments 9 to 13.

[0230] Embodiment 16 may include a method for performing the operations of any of Embodiments 9-13.

[0231] Example 17 may include a device comprising logic components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of the operations described or related to any of Examples 1 to 5 and Examples 9 to 13, or any other operations or processes described herein.

[0232] Example 18 may include a method, technique, or process as described in or related to the operations according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 and Examples 9 to 13, or parts or portions thereof.

[0233] Embodiment 19 may include a device comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, wherein the one or more computer-readable media include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, technique, or process as described in or related to the operations described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 5 and Embodiments 9 to 13, or a portion or part thereof.

[0234] Embodiment 20 may include a computer program including instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform a method, technique, or process as described in or related to the operations according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5 and Embodiments 9 to 13, or a portion or part thereof. The operations or actions performed by the instructions executed by the processing element may include the operations according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5 and Embodiments 9 to 13.

[0235] Embodiment 21 may include a method of communicating in a wireless network as shown and described herein.

[0236] Embodiment 22 may include a system for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein. The operations or actions performed by the system may include operations according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 and embodiments 9 to 13.

[0237] Embodiment 23 may include an apparatus for providing wireless communication as shown and described herein. The operations or actions performed by the apparatus may include operations according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 and embodiments 9 to 13.

[0238] The operations previously described according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 and Examples 9 to 13 can be implemented using the following items: a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer-readable instructions to perform the computer-implemented method; and a computer system comprising a computer memory interoperably coupled to a hardware processor that is configured to execute the computer-implemented method or instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0239] Unless expressly stated otherwise, any of the embodiments described above may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the specific implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various specific implementations.

[0240] Although the above embodiments have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to encompass all such variations and modifications.

[0241] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

Claims

1. One or more processors configured to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform operations for layer 1 (L1) measurements based on a synchronization signal block (SSB), the operations comprising: determining to switch to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz (megahertz); as well as In response to determining to switch to the cell, a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is configured based on: (i) an active bandwidth part (BWP), a bandwidth of a carrier frequency, one of an initial BWP or a first active BWP, and (ii) a predetermined number of physical resource blocks (PRBs).

2. The one or more processors of claim 1 , wherein the bandwidth of the hypothetical PDCCH DMRS is one of: min(the active BWP, 24 PRBs), min(the bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 24 PRBs), min(the initial BWP, 24 PRBs), or min(the first active BWP, 24 PRBs).

3. The one or more processors of claim 1 or 2, the operations further comprising: determining that the bandwidth of the active BWP or the carrier frequency is less than 20 PRBs; as well as In response to the determination, an evaluation period for determining an in-sync (IS) state or an out-of-sync (OOS) state of the UE with the cell is extended by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

4. The one or more processors of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100. 5 . The one or more processors according to claim 1 , wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band is in the range of 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

6. A user equipment (UE) comprising one or more processors according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of any one of claims 1 to 5 .

8. A method for performing the operations according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. One or more processors configured to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform operations for layer 1 (L1) measurements based on a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), the operations comprising: determining to switch to a cell operating in a frequency band having a bandwidth less than 5 MHz; as well as In response to determining to switch to the cell, a bandwidth of a hypothetical physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is configured based on: (i) an active bandwidth part (BWP), a bandwidth of a carrier frequency, one of an initial BWP or a first active BWP, and (ii) a predetermined number of physical resource blocks (PRBs).

10. The one or more processors of claim 9, wherein the bandwidth of the hypothetical PDCCH DMRS is one of: min(the active BWP, 48 PRBs), min(the bandwidth of the carrier frequency, 48 PRBs), min(the initial BWP, 48 PRBs), or min(the first active BWP, 48 PRBs).

11. The one or more processors of claim 9 or 10, the operations further comprising: determining that the bandwidth of the active BWP or the carrier frequency is less than 24 PRBs; as well as In response to the determination, an evaluation period for determining an in-sync (IS) state or an out-of-sync (OOS) state of the UE with the cell is extended by a scaling factor greater than or equal to 1.

12. The one or more processors of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the frequency band is n8, n26, n28, or n100.

13. The one or more processors of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band is in the range of 3 MHz to 5 MHz.

14. A user equipment (UE) comprising one or more processors according to any one of claims 9 to 13. 15 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of any one of claims 9 to 13.

16. A method for performing the operations according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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