Synchronization signal block design for 6g

Abstract

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform detecting a primary synchronization signal a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using a specific frequency-domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detect a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determining a synchronization block structure, wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a distance between a center frequency of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the center frequency of the physical broadcast channel.

Description

SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK DESIGN FOR 6GCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional application No. 63 / 706,850, filed October 14, 2024. The content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to synchronization signal block demodulating and decoding in 6G and, more specifically, relate to synchronization signal block demodulating and decoding in 6G, with one focus to facilitate reduced UE complexity in initial cell (system) search in 6G band.BACKGROUND:

[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows:PBCH Physical Broadcast ChannelPSS Primary Synchronization SignalRB Resource BlockSS Synchronization SignalSSB Synchronization Signal and PBCH BlockSSS Secondary Synchronization SignalUE User Equipment

[0005] In initial cell search UE searches a (primary) synchronization signal both in frequency and time domain. Wherein in the frequency domain there is a predefined synchronization raster or frequency-domain position for the possible frequency domain locations or positions for the (primary and secondary) synchronization signals, and in the time domain there is predefined (default) time periodicity for the synchronization signals a UE can assume.

[0006] Example embodiments of this invention propose at least a method and apparatus for improvement of at least the operations as stated above.SUMMARY:

[0007] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0008] In one example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: detect a primary synchronization signal in a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detect a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; and based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determine a synchronization block structure associated with the primary synchronization signal; wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0009] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: detecting a primary synchronization signal a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detecting a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determining a synchronization block structure associated with the primary synchronization signal, wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associate with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0010] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is detecting a frequency band for the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, wherein a sparser first frequency domain position is allowing at least one of a larger payload size or larger radio resource allocation for the physical broadcast channel, and / or wherein the detecting is based on at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on a frequencyband using at least one of the first frequency domain position from the communication network, wherein at least a portion of the synchronization block structure is allocated on at least one of the first frequency domain position substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

[0011] Wherein the detecting is based on an indication from the communication network of the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal, wherein the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal are applied based on at least one candidate offset value between a frequency-domain position of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and a second frequency position of the physical broadcast channel, wherein there is determining at least one of the first frequency domain position for the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of a second frequency domain position, wherein the determined at least one of the first frequency-domain position can be frequency range specific or frequency band specific, wherein the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position use at least one of the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position or the at least one candidate offset value between the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, and / or wherein at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel are determined based on at least one of: selecting at least one candidate offset value or a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel that overlaps in frequency domain with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, applying an association between sequence identifications in at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal to enable identification mapping to at least one candidate offset value or a frequency domain position of broadcast channel, or an association with at least one offset between at least one of a third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, an applied at least one of the first, second or third frequency domain position, or at least one candidate offset value.

[0012] Wherein the at least one candidate offset is determined between the specific resource block or subcarrier of the at least one of first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency allocation or at least one of the third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence wherein the specific resource block , sub-carrier, thefirst frequency domain position , the second frequency domain position or the third frequency domain position is at one of a center or substantially at an edge of the frequency band , wherein there is detected a physical broadcast channel frequency location; and based on the detecting, detect the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency location is at least one of common for all cells sharing a same first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, same third frequency domain position associated with at least one of synchronization sequence or same for all the cells in a frequency domain, wherein the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or the third frequency domain position associated with the synchronization sequence is same for:: all the cells in the frequency domain, or a set of cells signaled using SI or dedicated radio resource control, and / or wherein at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is occupied on full resource block of a common resource block grid while at least one of the primary synchronization signals or the secondary synchronization signal are according to at least one of the first frequency domain position. wherein there is using the synchronization block structure to determine an associated structure of a synchronization signal block, wherein the first frequency domain position comprises a synchronization raster, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, and / or wherein the at least one of second frequency domain position is associated with the physical broadcast channel.

[0013] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: detecting at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal on at least one first frequency domain position in a communication network; determining that the at least one first frequency domain position are different than at least one second frequency domain position of a physical broadcast channel; wherein at least one of a first number of the at least one first frequency domain position or a first bandwidth of the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal is less than at least one of a second number of the at least one second frequency domain position or a second bandwidth of the physical broadcast channel; and based on detecting the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on the at least one first frequency domain position, determine a synchronization block structure.

[0014] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for detecting at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal on at least one first frequency domain position in a communication network, means for determining that the at least one first frequency domain position are different than at least one second frequency domain position of a physical broadcast channel; wherein at least one of a first number of the at least one first frequency domain positionor a first bandwidth of the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal is less than at least one of a second number of the at least one second frequency domain position or a second bandwidth of the physical broadcast channel; and means, based on detecting the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on the at least one first frequency domain position, for determining a synchronization block structure.

[0015] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein an order of the at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal is of a time domain that is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel, wherein the at least one first frequency domain position is detecting a frequency band for the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, wherein a sparser first frequency domain position is allowing at least one of a larger payload size or larger radio resource allocation for the physical broadcast channel, wherein the detecting is based on at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of the first frequency domain position from the communication network, wherein at least a portion of the synchronization block structure is allocated on at least one of the first frequency domain position substantially at an edge of the frequency band, wherein the detecting is based on an indication from the communication network of the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal, wherein at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal are applied based on at least one candidate offset value between a first frequency domain position of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel.

[0016] Wherein there is determining at least one of the first frequency domain position for the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of second frequency domain position., wherein the determined first frequency domain position can be frequency range specific or frequency band specific, wherein the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position use at least one of the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of the second frequency domain position or the at least one candidate offset between the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, and / or wherein at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel are determined based on at least one of: selecting at leastone candidate offset or a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel that overlaps in frequency domain with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, applying an association between sequence identifications in at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal to enable identification mapping to at least one candidate offset or a frequency domain position of a physical broadcast channel, or an association with at least one offset between at least one of a third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, an applied at least one of the first, second or third frequency domain position, or at least one candidate offset value.

[0017] Wherein the at least one candidate offset is determined between the specific resource block or subcarrier of the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel or at least one of the third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, wherein the specific resource block, sub-carrier, the first frequency domain position , the second frequency domain position or the third frequency domain position is at one of a center or an edge of the frequency band, wherein there is, based on the detecting, detecting the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is at least one of common for all cells sharing a same first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, same third frequency domain position associated with at least one of synchronization sequence or same for all the cells in a frequency domain, wherein the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or the third frequency domain position associated with the synchronization sequence is same for: all the cells in the frequency domain, or a set of cells signaled using system information or dedicated radio resource control, wherein at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is occupied on full resource block of a common resource block grid while at least one of the primary synchronization signals or the secondary synchronization signal are according to at least one of the first frequency domain position, wherein there is using the synchronization block structure to determine an associated structure of a synchronization signal block, wherein the first frequency domain position comprises a synchronization raster, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, and / or wherein the at least one of second frequency domain position is associated with the physical broadcast channel.

[0018] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for detecting and determining, comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0019] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0020] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for detecting a primary synchronization block in a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using a specific frequency-domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, means for detecting a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; means, based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, for determining a synchronization block structure, wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0021] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for detecting and determining, comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0022] A communication system comprising the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0023] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a NR (5G) synch raster;

[0025] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B each show a Table for impact of sync block bandwidth on the maximum sync raster;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows signalling of sync block structure via means of order of PSS and SSS in time inside the sync block;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a UE sequence diagram in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus; and

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0031] In example embodiments of this invention there is proposed at least a method and apparatus for synchronization signal block demodulating and decoding in 6G, with one focus to facilitate reduced UE complexity in initial cell (system) search in 6G band.

[0032] As similarly stated above, in initial cell search UE searches a (primary) synchronization signal both in frequency and time domain. In frequency domain there is a predefined frequency-domain position for the possible frequency domain locations for the (primary and secondary) synchronization signals. In time domain there is predefined (default) time periodicity for the synchronization signals a UE can assume. The frequencydomain position could be a synchronization raster, frequency-domain position, upper edge of a frequency band, lower edge of a frequency band, or other defined position within a frequency band.

[0033] As UE is having non-ideal initial frequency synchronization due to off-the-shelf crystal oscillator the UE needs to perform multiple frequency domain hypotheses per each synch raster point in frequency. Typically, to have feasible residual frequency offset, 15-20 hypotheses are performed per synch raster point. That combined with multiple bands of various bandwidths and time uncertainty window according to default time periodicity mean that UE's initial cell search is power and resource consuming process. In this IR we consider enhancements to ease UE's search burden in 6G by facilitating even more sparse synch raster.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a NR (5G) synch raster.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , in LTE (4G) synch raster was equal to channel raster, i.e. typically synch raster was 100 kHz.

[0036] Also in NR (5G) synch raster was made more sparse or sparser than channel raster as shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] In general sync raster can be defined as sparse as allowed by the following formula:SyncMaster < channel_bandwidth - sync_block_bandwidth + channel raster where channel bandwidth is NRBx SCS x NRB. NRBrefers to the number of resource blocks in the channel bandwidth, SCS refers to the subcarrier spacing and NRBrefers to the number of subcarriers (12) in one resource block.

[0038] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B each show a Table of impact for sync block bandwidth on the maximum sync raster.

[0039] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B exemplify the impact of sync block bandwidth on the maximum sync raster.

[0040] Example embodiments of the invention relate to synchronization signal frequency domain allocation.

[0041] Before describing the example embodiments as disclosed herein in detail, reference is made to FIG. 5 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the example embodiments may be practiced. In FIG. 5, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 1 or network, 1 as in FIG. 5. The wireless network 1 or network 1 as in FIG. 5 can comprise a communication network such as a mobile network e.g., the mobile network 1 or first mobile network as disclosed herein. Any reference herein to a wireless network 1 as in FIG. 5 can be seen as a reference to any wireless network as disclosed herein. Further, the wireless network 1 as in FIG. 5 can also comprises hardwired features as may be required by a communication network. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE, for example, may be a mobile phone (or called a "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with a mobile terminal function. For example, the UE or mobile terminal may also be a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-embedded or vehicle-mounted mobile device and performs a language signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0043] The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected through one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D which can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication to Network node 12 and Network node 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. The UE 10 communicates with Network node 12 and / or Network node 13 via a wireless link 11 or 16.

[0044] The Network node 12 (NR / 5G / 6G Node B, an evolved NB, or LTE device) is a network node such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as Network node 13 and UE 10 of FIG. 5. The Network node 12 provides access to wireless devices such as the UE 10 to the wireless network 1 . The Network node 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these TRANS 12D can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D can be optionally connected to one or more antennas for communication over at least link 11 with the UE 10. The one or more memories MEM 12B and the computer program code PROG 12C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 12A, the Network node 12 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The Network node 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB, or a device such as the Network node 13 such as via link 16 or link 18. Further, the link 11 , link 16 and / or any other link may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further the link 11 and / or link 16 and / or link 18 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 device as in FIG. 5. The Network node 12 may perform functionalities of an MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as a User Plane Functionality, and / or an Access Management functionality for LTE and similar functionality for 5G or 6G.

[0045] The Network node 13 can be for WiFi or Bluetooth or other wireless device associated with a mobility function device such as an AMF or SMF, further the Network node 13 may comprise a NR / 5G / 6G Node B or possibly an evolved NB a base station such as a master or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as the Network node 12 and / or UE 10 and / or the wireless network 1 . The Network node 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 13D interconnected through one or more buses. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces of Network node 13 can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter that can optionally be connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For instance, the one or more memories MEM 13B and the computer program code PROG 13C are configured to cause, with the one or more processors DP 13A, the Network node 13 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The Network node 13 may communicate with another mobility function device and / or eNB such as the Network node 12 and the UE 10 or any other device using, e.g., link 11 or link 16 or link 18 or another link. The link 16 or link 18 as shown in FIG. 5 can be used for communication with the network node 12. These links maybe wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 or Xn interface. Further, as stated above the link 11 and / or link 16 and / or link 18 may be through other network devices such as, but not limited to an NCE / MME / SGW device such as the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG. 5.

[0046] The one or more buses of the device of FIG. 5 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D and / or TRANS 10D may be implemented as a remote radiohead (RRH), with the other elements of the Network node 12 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and these devices can include one or more buses that could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the Network node 12 to a RRH.

[0047] It is noted that although FIG. 5 shows a network nodes such as Network node 12 and Network node 13, any of these nodes may can incorporate or be incorporated into an eNodeB or eNB or gNB such as for LTE and NR, and would still be configurable to perform example embodiments.

[0048] Also it is noted that description herein indicates that "cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell and / or a user equipment and / or mobility management function device that will perform the functions. In addition, the cell makes up part of a gNB, and there can be multiple cells per gNB.

[0049] The wireless network 1 or any network it can represent may or may not include a NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 that may include (NCE) network control element functionality, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or serving gateway (SGW), and / or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and / or user data management functionality (UDM), and / or PCF (Policy Control) functionality, and / or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) functionality, and / or Session Management (SMF) functionality, and / or Location Management Function (LMF), and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functionality and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet), and which is configured to perform any 5G, 6G, and / or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standard operations at the time of this application. The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 is configurable to perform operations in accordance with example embodiments in any of an LTE, NR, 5G, 6G, and / or any standards based communication technologies being performed or discussed at the time of this application. In addition, it is noted that the operations in accordance with example embodiments, as performed by the Network node 12 and / or Network node 13, may also be performed at the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14.

[0050] The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 includes one or more processors DP 14A, one or more memories MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces (N / W l / F(s)), interconnected through one or more buses coupled with the link 13 and / or link 16 and / or link 18. In accordance with the example embodiments these network interfaces can include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for use to perform the example embodiments. The one or more memories MEM 14B include computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memories MEM14B and the computer program code PROG 14C are configured to, with the one or more processors DP 14A, cause the NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 to perform one or more operations which may be needed to support the operations in accordance with the example embodiments.

[0051] It is noted that that the Network node 12 and / or Network node 13 and / or UE 10 can be configured (e.g. based on standards implementations etc.) to perform functionality of a Location Management Function (LMF). The LMF functionality may be embodied in any of these network devices or other devices associated with these devices. In addition, an LMF such as the LMF of the MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMF / SMF / LMF 14 of FIG. 5, as at least described below, can be co-located with UE 10 such as to be separate from the Network node 12 and / or Network node 13 of FIG. 5 for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0052] The wireless Network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and / or DP14A and memories MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and / or MEM 14B, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0053] The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B may be means for performing storage functions. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors DP10, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 10, Network node 12, Network node 13, and other functions as described herein.

[0054] In general, various embodiments of any of these devices can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0055] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0056] In one example embodiment of the invention, the synch raster frequency domain allocation (how sparse) is made independent of PBCH bandwidth, i.e. the synch raster sparsity is dependent only on bandwidth of synchronization signals and that synch raster defines only frequency domain position of primary and secondary synchronization signals.

[0057] That is made by enabling multiple different possibilities for PBCH frequency domain resource allocation in relation to synchronization signal frequency domain allocation and signalled to the UE via means of PSS and SSS time domain order within time domain allocation of the SSB block. Another possibility is that the structure is dependent on the specific synch raster position. For instance, the following two different possibilities so that the sync block can be allocated substantially on the edge of the band (sync raster point as close as possible to channel / band edge (figure also includes example signalling of sync block structure via means of order of PSS and SSS in time inside the sync block.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows signalling of sync block structure via means of order of PSS and SSS in time inside the sync block.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 there is over a frequency domain (RB's) in a time domain (symbols) a change of a sync block structure. As shown in FIG. 3, the sync block structure 1 can be used e.g., upper edge of channel and / or band. As shown in FIG. 3, the sync block structure 1 can be used e.g., lower edge of channel and / or band.

[0060] Example embodiments of the invention provide a structure for a synchronization signal block (SSB). The sync raster is a center frequency for both the PSS / SSS and the PBCH. The goal of the invention is to provide an SSB structure with sparse possible frequency domain locations to reduce the complexity of the UE cell search.

[0061] Essential technical features in accordance with example embodiments of the invention can include that possible frequency domain positions of a synchronization signal are different than the possible frequency domain positions of a broadcast channel. A number of the possible frequency domain positions of the synchronization signal is less than the number of possible frequency domain positions of the broadcast channel. The bandwidth of the synchronization signal is less than the bandwidth of the broadcast channel.

[0062] Further example embodiments of the invention provide that the bandwidth of the PSS is less than the bandwidth of the SSS.

[0063] Example embodiments of the invention provide that the order of the PSS and SSS in the time domain is associated with the structure of the SSB or with the distance between the center frequency of the PSS / SSS and the center frequency of the PBCH.

[0064] Alternatively in accordance with example embodiments of the invention the sync raster position in the frequency domain is associated with the structure of the SSB or with the distance between the center frequency of the PSS / SSS and the center frequency of the PBCH.

[0065] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention provide A sync raster is associated with the center frequency of a synchronization signal (e.g. PSS or SSS or other sync signal comprise in an SSB) which has a narrower bandwidth.

[0066] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is associating with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0067] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there might be one or multiple offsets between the PSS / SSS frequency location and the PBCH frequency location.

[0068] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, the offsets are determined based on one of the following:• All valid PBCH locations,• PBCH center frequencies which overlap with the PSS / SSS,• PSS / SSS sequence ID indicates the offset(s),• Used sync raster indicates the offset(s),• There are separate rasters for the PSS / SSS and the PBCH .

[0069] In another example embodiment of the invention, bandwidth of primary synchronization signal is different (more narrow or narrower) than bandwidth of secondary synchronization signal. In this case the synch raster defines only frequency position of primary synchronization signal.

[0070] In still another example embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the synch raster defines the frequency (candidate frequency positions) position for the synch signal (any sync signal in the SSB or between the PSS / SSS ) having narrower bandwidth.

[0071] In one possible implementation of the proposed example embodiments of the invention, the synchronization signal(s) applied are associated with a particular offsets between synchronization sequence frequency location and PBCH frequency location. In an alternative implementation, synchronization signal can be associated with one or more possible offsets for determining PBCH frequency locations.

[0072] In one possible implementation of the proposed embodiments, UE is provided (configured or determined with specification) separate raster for possible synchronization signal(s) frequency locations and PBCH frequency locations. The raster's can be frequency range or frequency band specific.

[0073] The candidate PBCH frequency locations that are possible among the all valid PBCH frequency locations, or the candidate offset value(s) between PBCH frequency location(s) and synchronization signal frequency locations can be determined by:• selecting offsets / PBCH raster points that overlap (in frequency) with the synchronization signal; • the association between sequence ID(s) applied in synchronization signal(s) e.g. so that certain ID maps to certain offsets or indicates the candidate offset values(s) or candidate PBCH raster point(s); and / or• association between the frequency location (applied raster point) and candidate offset values(s) or PBCH raster point(s).

[0074] In some embodiments of the proposed embodiments, the offset is determined between the specific RB or sub-carrier (e.g. center or substantially at an edge) of the synchronization signal and PBCH frequency allocation.

[0075] In certain implementations of the proposed embodiments, once UE has detected the PBCH frequency location, UE can assume that the frequency location of PBCH is common for all the cells sharing same synchronization signal location.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally in accordance with example embodiments of the invention the frequency location of the PBCH is the same for all the cells in the frequency layer.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the synchronization signal block location in frequency (whichever signal defines it) is the same for:- all the cells in the frequency layer; - a set of cells signaled to the UE (SI or dedicated RRC).

[0078] In one embodiment, PBCH is occupied on full RBs of the common RB grid while synchronization signals are according to sync raster and may not be aligned on common RB grid (while still being on the same subcarrier grid).

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a UE sequence diagram in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0080] As shown in block 410 of FIG. 4, the UE starts searching PSS on certain frequency band according to band specific sync raster. As shown in block 420 of FIG. 4, upon detection of PSS, the UE detects SSS with two different time domain hypothesis in relation to PSS. As shown in block 430 of FIG. 4, upon detection of SSS the UE determines sync block structure. Then as shown in block 440 of FIG. 4, the UE demodulates and decodes PBCH.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as network device (e.g., the UE 10 as in FIG. 5). As shown in block 610 of FIG. 6 there is detecting aprimary synchronization signal in a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position. As shown in block 620 of FIG. 6 there is based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detecting a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal. As shown in block 630 of FIG. 6 there is, based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determining a synchronization block structure associated with the primary synchronization signal. Then as shown in block 640 of FIG. 6 wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0083] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the at least one of first frequency-domain position, e.g. synchronization raster is detecting a frequency band for the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or secondary synchronization signal.

[0084] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the sparser first synchronization frequency-domain position, e.g. synchronization raster is allowing at least one of a larger payload size or larger radio resource allocation for the physical broadcast channel.

[0085] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the detecting is based on at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of the first frequency-domain position, e.g. synchronization raster from the communication network.

[0086] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least a portion of the synchronization block structure is allocated on at least one of the first frequency domain position substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

[0087] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the detecting is based on an indication from the communication network of the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal.

[0088] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal are applied based on at least one candidate offset value between a frequency-domain position of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and a second frequency position of the physical broadcast channel.

[0089] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus to: determine at least one of the first frequency domain position for the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of a second frequency domain position.

[0090] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determined at least one of the first frequency domain position can be frequency range specific or frequency band specific.

[0091] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position use at least one of the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position or the at least one candidate offset value between the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel.

[0092] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel are determined based on at least one of: selecting at least one candidate offset value or a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel that overlaps in frequency domain with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, applying an association between sequence identifications in at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal to enable identification mapping to at least one candidate offset value or a a frequency domain position of broadcast channel, or an association with at least one offset between at least one of a third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, an applied at least one of the first, second or third frequency domain position, or at least one candidate offset value.

[0093] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one candidate offset is determined between the specific resource block or sub-carrier of the at least one of first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency allocation or at least one of the third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence.

[0094] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the specific resource block , sub-carrier, the first frequency domain position , the second frequency domainposition or the third frequency domain position is at one of a center or substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

[0095] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: detect a physical broadcast channel frequency location; and based on the detecting, detect the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency location is at least one of common for all cells sharing a same first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, same third frequency domain position associated with at least one of synchronization sequence or same for all the cells in a frequency domain.

[0096] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or the third frequency domain position associated with the synchronization sequence is same for:: all the cells in the frequency domain , or a set of cells signaled using SI or dedicated radio resource control.

[0097] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is occupied on full resource block of a common resource block grid while at least one of the primary synchronization signals or the secondary synchronization signal are according to at least one of the first frequency domain position.

[0098] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause to apparatus to: use the synchronization block structure to determine an associated structure of a synchronization signal block.

[0099] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first frequency domain position comprises a synchronization raster.

[0100] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal.

[0101] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one of second frequency domain position is associated with the physical broadcast channel.

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[0103] FIG. 7 illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as network device (e.g., the UE 10 as in FIG. 5). As shown in block 710 of FIG. 7 there is detecting at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal on at least one firstfrequency domain position in a communication network. As shown in block 720 of FIG. 7 there is determining that the at least one first frequency domain position are different than at least one second frequency domain position of a physical broadcast channel. As shown in block 730 of FIG. 7 wherein at least one of a first number of the at least one first frequency domain position or a first bandwidth of the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal is less than at least one of a second number of the at least one second frequency domain position or a second bandwidth of the physical broadcast channel. Then as shown in block 740 of FIG. 7 and based on detecting the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on the at least one first frequency domain position, determining a synchronization block structure.

[0104] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein an order of the at least one of a primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal is of a time domain that is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0105] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the at least one first frequency domain position is detecting a frequency band for the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal.

[0106] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein a sparser first frequency domain position is allowing at least one of a larger payload size or larger radio resource allocation for the physical broadcast channel.

[0107] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the detecting is based on at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of the first frequency domain position from the communication network.

[0108] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least a portion of the synchronization block structure is allocated on at least one of the first frequency domain position substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

[0109] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the detecting is based on an indication from the communication network of the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal.

[0110] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal are applied based on at least one candidate offset value between a first frequency domain position of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and a second frequency domain position ofthe physical broadcast channel.

[0111] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine at least one of the first frequency domain position for the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of second frequency domain position.

[0112] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determined first frequency domain position can be frequency range specific or frequency band specific.

[0113] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position use at least one of the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of the second frequency domain position or the at least one candidate offset between the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel.

[0114] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel are determined based on at least one of: selecting at least one candidate offset or a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel that overlaps in frequency domain with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, applying an association between sequence identifications in at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal to enable identification mapping to at least one candidate offset or a frequency domain position of a physical broadcast channel, or an association with at least one offset between at least one of a third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, an applied at least one of the first, second or third frequency domain position, or at least one candidate offset value.

[0115] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one candidate offset is determined between the specific resource block or sub-carrier of the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel or at least one of the third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence.

[0116] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein thespecific resource block , sub-carrier , the first frequency domain position , the second frequency domain position or the third frequency domain position is at one of a center or an edge of the frequency band.

[0117] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: based on the detecting, detect the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is at least one of common for all cells sharing a same first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, same third frequency domain position associated with at least one of synchronization sequence or same for all the cells in a frequency domain.

[0118] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or the third frequency domain position associated with the synchronization sequence is same for: all the cells in the frequency domain, or a set of cells signaled using system information or dedicated radio resource control.

[0119] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is occupied on full resource block of a common resource block grid while at least one of the primary synchronization signals or the secondary synchronization signal are according to at least one of the first frequency domain position.

[0120] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause to apparatus to: use the synchronization block structure to determine an associated structure of a synchronization signal block.

[0121] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first frequency domain position comprises a synchronization raster.

[0122] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal.

[0123] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the at least one of second frequency domain position is associated with the physical broadcast channel.

[0124] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (MEM 10B as in FIG. 7) storing program code (PROG 10C as in FIG. 7), the program code executed by at least one processor (DP 10A as in FIG. 7) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0125] In accordance with an example embodiment as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for detecting (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 5)detecting (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 5) a primary synchronization signal in a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position, e.g. synchronization raster; means, based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detecting (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 5) a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; and means, based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determining (one or more transceivers 10D; MEM 10B; PROG 10C; and DP 10A as in FIG. 5) a synchronization block structure wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

[0126] In the example aspects according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for identifying, detecting, using, demodulating, decoding, and determining, comprises a network interface, a non-transitory computer readable medium [MEM 10B] encoded with a computer program [PROG 10C] executable by at least one processor [DP 10A],

[0127] Definitions of some terms used herein include:Identify - to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing, in this case the thing can include a synchronization signal,Detecting - to discover or catch a performance of some act or action, in this case the action can detecting synchronization signal with more than one time domain hypothesis,Determining - to conclude or ascertain a thing, act, or action after reasoning, in this case the thing, act, or action is associated with a synchronization block structure,Demodulate and decode - extract the original information-bearing signal from a modulated carrier wave or signal.

[0128] It is noted that computer-implemented inventions (Cll) may be claimed as apparatus claims, method claims, and software claims. In some jurisdictions, such as in Europe, signal claims can also be made. In the U.S., a software claim must be claimed as a non-transitory computer program product or a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0129] The term "non-transitory,” as may be used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0130] In other jurisdictions, a software claim can be claimed as a computer program, a data structure, and / or a computer readable medium.

[0131] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performingoperations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and / or field-programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[0132] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the "circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry);(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):I. a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware; andII. any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0133] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, there is adequate circuitry for performing at least novel operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application, this 'circuitry' as may be used herein refers to at least the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); and(b) to combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (I) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s) / software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and(c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0134] This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims.As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0135] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0136] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0137] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[0138] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of example embodiments of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0139] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or morewires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0140] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: detect a primary synchronization signal in a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detect a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; and based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determine a synchronization block structure associated with the primary synchronization signal; wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is detecting a frequency band for the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a sparser first frequency domain position is allowing at least one of a larger payload size or larger radio resource allocation for the physical broadcast channel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the detecting is based on at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of the first frequency domain position from the communication network.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the synchronization block structure is allocated on at least one of the first frequency domain position substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

266. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the detecting is based on an indication from the communication network of the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the primary synchronization signal and / or the secondary synchronization signal are applied based on at least one candidate offset value between a frequencydomain position of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and a second frequency position of the physical broadcast channel.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine at least one of the first frequency domain position for the identified physical broadcast channel on the at least one of a second frequency domain position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the determined at least one of the first frequency domain position can be frequency range specific or frequency band specific.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position use at least one of the identified physical broadcast channel on at least one of the second frequency domain position or the at least one candidate offset value between the at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with the at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel.11 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of at least one of the primary synchronization signal or a secondary synchronization signal and at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel are determined based on at least one of: selecting at least one candidate offset value or a second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel that overlaps in frequency domain with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal,applying an association between sequence identifications in at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal to enable identification mapping to at least one candidate offset value or a a frequency domain position of broadcast channel, or an association with at least one offset between at least one of a third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence, at least one of the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel, an applied at least one of the first, second or third frequency domain position, or at least one candidate offset value.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one candidate offset value is determined between the specific resource block or sub-carrier of the at least one of first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency allocation or at least one of the third frequency domain position of at least one of the synchronization sequence.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the specific resource block , sub-carrier, the first frequency domain position , the second frequency domain position or the third frequency domain position is at one of a center or substantially at an edge of the frequency band.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: based on the detecting, detect the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel frequency location is at least one of common for all cells sharing a same first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal, same third frequency domain position associated with at least one of synchronization sequence or same for all the cells in a frequency domain.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first frequency domain position associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal or the third frequency domain position associated with the synchronization sequence is same for: all the cells in the frequency domain, or a set of cells signaled using system information or dedicated radio resource control.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one of the second frequency domain position of the physical broadcast channel is occupied on full resource block of a common resource block grid while at least one of the primary synchronization signals or the secondary synchronization signal are according to at least one of the first frequency domain position.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory is storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause to apparatus to: use the synchronization block structure to determine an associated structure of a synchronization signal block.

18. The apparatus of any of claim 1 to claim 17, wherein the first frequency domain position comprises a synchronization raster.

19. The apparatus of any of claim 1 to claim 18, wherein the at least one of first frequency domain position is associated with at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal.

20. The apparatus of any of claim 1 to claim 18, wherein the at least one of second frequency domain position is associated with the physical broadcast channel.21 . A method comprising: detecting a primary synchronization signal a communication network comprising the primary synchronization signal on a frequency band using at least one of first frequency domain position; based on detecting the primary synchronization signal, detect a secondary synchronization signal with more than one different time domain hypothesis in relation to the primary synchronization signal; based on detecting the secondary synchronization signal associated with the primary synchronization signal, determining a synchronization block structure associated with the primary synchronization signal; and wherein an order of the primary synchronization signal and the secondary synchronization signal in a time domain is one of: associated with the synchronization block structure, or associated with a frequency domain distance between at least one of the primary synchronization signal or the secondary synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel.

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