TECHNIQUES TO FACILITATE SSB DESIGN FOR REDUCED CAPABILITY DEVICES IN A NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK

Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating SSBs for reduced capability UEs in an NTN are disclosed herein. An example method for wireless communication at a UE includes monitoring in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example method also includes monitoring for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly, to wireless communication employing synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) for reduced capability devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method may include monitoring in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first synchronization signal block (SSB) of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example method may also include monitoring for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus may be a UE that includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the memory and the at least one processor configured to monitor in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The memory and the at least one processor may also be configured to monitor for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE is provided. The apparatus may include means for monitoring in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example apparatus may also include means for monitoring for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable code for wireless communication at a UE is provided. The code, when executed, may cause a processor to monitor in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example code, when executed, may also cause the processor to monitor for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method of wireless communication at a network node is provided. The method may include outputting, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The example method may also include outputting a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication is provided. The apparatus may be a network node that includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the memory and the at least one processor configured to output, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The memory and the at least one processor may also be configured to output a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node is provided. The apparatus may include means for outputting, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The example apparatus may also include means for outputting a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable code for wireless communication at a network node is provided. The code, when executed, may cause a processor to output, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The example code, when executed, may also cause the processor to output a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A network (e.g., a wireless communications network) may output one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to a UE, and the UE may process (e.g., decode) the SSBs in order to begin communications via the network. An SSB may be used to synchronize system information between the network and the UE, and may include synchronization signals, such as a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which may be referred to as acquisition signals. The SSB may occupy resources in the time domain and/or the frequency domain. The PSS, the PBCH, and the SSS may each occupy different sets of symbols and subcarriers of the SSB. As used herein, a set of symbols and subcarriers includes a non-zero quantity of symbols and subcarriers.

Wireless communication systems, such as NR communication systems, may support higher capability UEs and reduced capability UEs. Among others, examples of higher capability UEs include premium smartphones, V2X devices, URLLC devices, eMBB devices, etc. Examples of reduced capability (RedCap) UEs include, among others, wearables (e.g., such as smart watches, augmented reality glasses, virtual reality glasses, health and medical monitoring devices, etc.), industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSN) (e.g., such as pressure sensors, humidity sensors, motion sensors, thermal sensors, accelerometers, actuators, etc.), surveillance cameras, low-end smartphones, etc. A RedCap UE may be referred to as an NR light device, a low-tier device, a lower tier device, etc.

A RedCap UE may operate with one or more of a reduced transmit power, a reduced number of transmit and/or receive antennas, a reduced transmit and/or receive bandwidth, or reduced computational complexity. An enhanced reduced capability (eRedCap) UE may have further reduced capabilities than a RedCap UE. For example, an eRedCap UE may be configured with a maximal radio frequency (RF) operating bandwidth, for example, of 5 MHz. However, an SSB may occupy more than the maximal RF operating bandwidth of an eRedCap UE. For example, an SSB may occupy a bandwidth of more than 5 MHz. In such scenarios, portions of the SSB may extend outside of the operational bandwidth of the eRedCap UE and, thus, the eRedCap UE may lack the ability to receive the full contents of the SSB. The maximal RF operating bandwidth may also be referred to as a “maximal bandwidth” or an “operational bandwidth.”

In some examples, a network may copy a portion of an SSB into adjacent symbols so that the full contents of the SSB may be received, for example, by a UE, such as an eRedCap UE. For example, an SSB may occupy four symbols in the time domain. The first symbol may span less than or equal to 12 resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain, and the remaining three symbols of the SSB may span 20 RBs in the frequency domain. In some examples, an eRedCap UE may be configured with a maximal RF operating bandwidth that corresponds to 5 MHz and/or may be configured to receive an SSB within its maximal RF operating bandwidth. In one example, the eRedCap UE with the maximal RF operating bandwidth of 5 MHz may only receive an SSB spanning 12 RBs in cases of a subcarrier occupying 30 kHz. For example, in scenarios in which the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 30 kHz, an SSB spanning 12 RBs may occupy 4.32 MHz, which is within the operational bandwidth of an eRedCap UE with a maximal RF operating bandwidth of 5 MHz. In some such examples, the network may copy information outside of the 12 RBs of each of the three remaining symbols into adjacent symbols. For example, if an SSB occupies symbols 4 to 7 in the time domain, the network may copy portions of the SSB into symbols 2 and 3 preceding the SSB. In other examples, the network may copy the portions of the SSB into symbols 8 and 9 following the SSB.

In the above example, it may be appreciated that a first type of SSB may occupy four symbols, while a second type of SSB may occupy more than four symbols. In one example, the first type of SSB may also be referred to as a “legacy” SSB or a “Release-15” SSB. The first type of SSB may be configured for reception by non-RedCap UEs or higher capability UEs. In one example, the second type of SSB may also be referred to as a “RedCap” SSB. The second type of SSB may be configured and/or required for reception by a UE with reduced capabilities, such as a RedCap UE or an eRedCap UE. The RedCap SSB may include a first portion and a second portion. In one example, the first portion of the RedCap SSB may correspond to the four symbols of the first type of SSB and include the PSS, the SSS, and the PBCH. That is, the first portion of a RedCap SSB may be the same as a legacy SSB that may be received by a legacy non-RedCap UE. The second portion of the RedCap SSB may correspond to information of the first portion that is copied to adjacent symbols. For example, the second portion of the RedCap SSB may correspond to information of the first portion that is located outside the operational bandwidth (e.g., the maximal RF operating bandwidth) of the UE.

It may be appreciated that a UE with reduced capabilities may lack the ability to receive all of the first portion of a RedCap SSB as a subset of the first portion of the RedCap SSB may still extend outside of the maximal RF operating bandwidth of the UE. That is, a RedCap UE or an eRedCap UE may have the ability to receive only a subset of the first portion of a RedCap SSB that is corresponding to the four symbols of a legacy SSB, such as the part of the first portion that is within the maximal RF operating bandwidth of the UE.

In some examples, when a UE is attempting to receive an SSB, the UE first monitors for a PSS and an SSS of the SSB. For example, a UE with reduced capabilities may monitor for a first portion of a RedCap SSB that includes the PSS and the SSS. However, the UE with reduced capabilities may receive only a part of the PBCH of the RedCap SSB. For example, the operational bandwidth of a UE with reduced capabilities may enable the UE to receive the PSS, the SSS, and a portion of the PBCH. To receive the full contents of the SSB (e.g., the complete PSS, the complete SSS, and the complete PBCH), the UE may try two hypotheses to receive the remaining information of the SSB (e.g., the part of the SSB located outside of the operational bandwidth of the UE). According to one example, the UE may try a first hypotheses corresponding to adjacent symbols preceding the first portion of the RedCap SSB. According to another example, the UE may also try a second hypotheses corresponding to adjacent symbols succeeding (or following) the first portion of the RedCap SSB. Thus, when a UE with reduced capabilities detects the PSS and the SSS of an SSB, the UE may assume that the remaining contents of the SSB are located in symbols preceding the first portion of the SSB or in symbols succeeding the first portion of the SSB. In such scenarios, the UE may perform blind decoding for each of the hypotheses. For example, the UE may try to decode the remaining contents of the SSB using trial and error methods. It may be appreciated that performing blind decoding to try a hypothesis to receive the remaining contents of the SSB may increase UE complexity. Additionally, the part of the SSB that is copied into adjacent symbols occupies additional time domain symbols, which may introduce additional UE power consumption and UE complexity as the UE monitors more symbols to receive the full contents of the SSB. For example, a UE with the capability to receive a legacy SSB may monitor four symbols, while a UE with reduced capabilities may monitor eight symbols to receive a RedCap SSB.

In a terrestrial network (TN), a UE may receive an SSB via any transmitter antenna beam of a network entity, for example, due to signal reflection (e.g., when a signal reflects off of an object before reaching its intended target). Thus, transmission of SSBs in a TN may be configured such that resources used to transmit a first SSB do not overlap with resources used to transmit a second SSB. For example, with respect to an SSB, a first transmit antenna beam of a first network entity (e.g., a beam m) may transmit a first RedCap SSB. Additionally, a second transmit antenna beam of a second network entity (e.g., a beam n) may transmit a second RedCap SSB. In such scenarios, first resources (e.g., time resources and/or frequency resources) for the first RedCap SSB associated with the first transmit antenna beam may be different than second resources for the second RedCap SSB associated with the second transmit antenna beam (e.g., m≠n). That is, the first resources may be non-overlapping with the second resources. Otherwise, if the respective resources for the first RedCap SSB and the second RedCap SSB over different beams overlap, it may cause mutual interference (e.g., severe mutual interference), which may impact the ability of the UE to acquire an SSB. Thus, a terrestrial network may be limited in how different RedCap SSBs may be allocated to different beams so that the resources are not overlapping across the beams.

In addition to terrestrial networks, wireless communications systems may also support non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). An NTN may provide service coverage to areas where a terrestrial network may be unable to provide service coverage, such as rural areas. In an NTN, a UE may connect over-the-air (OTA) with a base station, or a component of a base station, via an aerial device.

Communication via an NTN wireless channel may be characterized via line of sight (LOS) propagation between the UE and the aerial device. In scenarios in which a signal may travel directly (e.g., without reflecting off of an object) between the UE and the aerial device, the NTN wireless channel may be characterized via strong LOS propagation. Even with LOS propagation, it is possible for a signal to reflect off an object before reaching its intended target (e.g., the UE or the aerial device). As the number of reflects increases and/or the degree with which the signal reflects of an object increases, the communication via the NTN wireless channel may be characterized via weak LOS propagation or non-LOS (NLOS) propagation.

According to one example, a signal from the aerial device may be reflected to the sky and, thus, a ground-based UE in an NTN may not receive and/or detect a NLOS signal. In contrast, a base station in a TN may direct a signal such that it is reflected/travels over a ground surface, which makes it possible for a ground-based UE to receive a strong NLOS signal.

Additionally, in an NTN, an aerial device may radiate different beams. Each of the different beams may be associated with respective footprints that have clear boundaries at the terrestrial-level (e.g., on the ground surface). As such, a UE may normally receive a signal from one beam of the aerial device while located within the footprint of the respective beam. However, in some scenarios, such as edge cases near the boundary of two footprints associated with two beams, the UE may receive signals from two beams. Whether the UE is located within a single footprint or near the boundary of two footprints, it is highly predictable from which beam of the aerial device a UE may receive a signal. That is, when a UE is located within a footprint, it may be assumed from which beam (or beams) the UE may receive signals.

As described above, NTN beams (e.g., one or more beams used for NTN communication between a UE and an aerial device) may be configured with distinct footprints on the ground. Such distinct footprints create opportunities for re-using resources associated with different beams for transmitting the second portion of a RedCap SSB (e.g., the information from the first portion that is copied into adjacent symbols). For example, a first footprint associated with a first beam may be overlapping with a second footprint associated with a second beam, and the first footprint may also be non-overlapping with a third footprint associated with a third beam. Thus, resources for the first beam may include a first portion of a first RedCap SSB, and resources for the third beam may overlap with one or more resources associated with a second portion of the first RedCap SSB. In such scenarios, since the footprints associated with the respective beams are distinct, concerns related to mutual interference between the resources for the first beam and the third beam may be reduced and/or negligible.

Aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for utilizing characteristics associated with an NTN to improve reception of SSBs for NTN reduced capability UEs (e.g., UEs with reduced capabilities operating in an NTN). For example, one or more aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for reducing power consumption of a UE with reduced capabilities, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE may monitor to receive a RedCap SSB. Additionally, or alternatively, the techniques disclosed herein may reduce UE complexity, for example, by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE with reduced capabilities may try when performing decoding of the RedCap SSB.

For purposes of this disclosure, an SSB may be described as containing a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of an SSB, sometimes referred to as an “SSB part-1,” a “primary portion,” or variants thereof, may refer to a legacy SSB. The first portion may be used by higher capability UEs and/or non-reduced capability UEs. The first portion may include some information that may not be received by a reduced capability UE, for example, due to the limited operational bandwidth of the reduced capability UE.

The second portion of an SSB, sometimes referred to as an “SSB part-2,” a “secondary portion,” or variants thereof, may refer to the part of the SSB that may not be received by a reduced capability UE, for example, due to the limited operational bandwidth of the reduced capability UE. The second portion may be replicated (e.g., copied) and placed in another time resource to enable the reduced capability UE to receive the full contents of the SSB. For example, the second portion may include PBCH information that is copied into adjacent symbols.

Aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for transmitting an SSB including a first portion and a second portion that may be received by a reduced capability UE operating in an NTN. For example, resources used for transmitting the second portion of a first SSB in a beam m may at least partially overlap with resources for transmitting a second SSB in a beam n, and where beam m and beam n are not a same beam. In one example, beam m and beam n are not a same beam of an aerial device, such as in an NTN. That is, aspects disclosed herein facilitate removing the restriction of avoiding two SSBs overlapping in a same resource, as described in connection with a terrestrial network. It may be appreciated that removing such a restriction may reduce UE power consumption and/or reduce UE complexity. For example, the second portion of the first SSB may be placed close in time with the first portion transmitted over the same beam. By placing the first portion and the second portion close in time, UE power consumption may be reduced, for example, by enabling the UE to enter and stay in a deep power-saving state for a longer time.

In some aspects, a distance between first resources for the first portion and second resources for the second portion transmitted over a same beam may be fixed in time. In such scenarios, a reduced capability UE may have the ability to locate the second portion after finding the first portion without having to try two hypotheses to locate the second portion. For example, after finding the first portion, the reduced capability UE may use the fixed distance in time to monitor for the second portion, which may facilitate reducing UE complexity and reducing UE power consumption.

In some aspects, SSB portions from different beams may overlap with each other, which may enable the reduced capability UE to monitor fewer symbols when searching for an SSB, which may facilitate reducing UE power consumption. For example, the second portion of a first SSB may be allocated to resources that overlap with the first portion of a second SSB. In such scenarios, the reduced capability UE may find the second portion of the first SSB while already looking for the first portion of the second SSB, thereby reducing the number of symbols that the reduced capability UE monitors when searching for the first SSB and the second SSB.

Although the following description provides examples directed to 5G NR, the concepts described herein may be applicable to other similar areas, such as 6G, 5G-advanced, LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, xG (where “x” represents a number), and/or other wireless technologies, in which a UE may be configured with a maximal RF operating bandwidth that is reduced compared to other UEs.

In some aspects, a base station (e.g., one of the base stations102or one of base stations180) may be referred to as a RAN and may include aggregated or disaggregated components. As an example of a disaggregated RAN, a base station may include a central unit (CU) (e.g., a CU106), one or more distributed units (DU) (e.g., a DU105), and/or one or more remote units (RU) (e.g., an RU109), as illustrated inFIG.1. A RAN may be disaggregated with a split between the RU109and an aggregated CU/DU. A RAN may be disaggregated with a split between the CU106, the DU105, and the RU109. A RAN may be disaggregated with a split between the CU106and an aggregated DU/RU. The CU106and the one or more DUs may be connected via an F1 interface. A DU105and an RU109may be connected via a fronthaul interface. A connection between the CU106and a DU105may be referred to as a midhaul, and a connection between a DU105and the RU109may be referred to as a fronthaul. The connection between the CU106and the core network190may be referred to as the backhaul.

The RAN may be based on a functional split between various components of the RAN, e.g., between the CU106, the DU105, or the RU109. The CU106may be configured to perform one or more aspects of a wireless communication protocol, e.g., handling one or more layers of a protocol stack, and the one or more DUs may be configured to handle other aspects of the wireless communication protocol, e.g., other layers of the protocol stack. In different implementations, the split between the layers handled by the CU and the layers handled by the DU may occur at different layers of a protocol stack. As one, non-limiting example, a DU105may provide a logical node to host a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and at least a portion of a physical (PHY) layer based on the functional split. An RU may provide a logical node configured to host at least a portion of the PHY layer and radio frequency (RF) processing. The CU106may host higher layer functions, e.g., above the RLC layer, such as a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and/or an upper layer. In other implementations, the split between the layer functions provided by the CU, the DU, or the RU may be different.

The base stations102may wirelessly communicate with the UEs104. Each of the base stations102may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas. For example, a small cell103may have a coverage area111that overlaps the respective geographic coverage area110of one or more base stations (e.g., one or more macro base stations, such as the base stations102). A network that includes both small cell and macrocells may be known as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include Home Evolved Node Bs (eNBs) (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication links120between the base stations102and the UEs104may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE to a base station and/or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a base station to a UE. The communication links120may use multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and/or transmit diversity. The communication links may be through one or more carriers. The base stations102/UEs104may use spectrum up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc. MHz) bandwidth per carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers) used for transmission in each direction. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL than for UL). The component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. A primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

The wireless communications system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP), such as an AP150, in communication with Wi-Fi stations (STAs), such as STAs152, via communication links154, e.g., in a 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum or the like. When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the STAs152/AP150may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

The small cell103may operate in a licensed and/or an unlicensed frequency spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the small cell103may employ NR and use the same unlicensed frequency spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz, or the like) as used by the Wi-Fi AP150. The small cell103, employing NR in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, may boost coverage to and/or increase capacity of the access network.

A base station, whether a small cell103or a large cell (e.g., a macro base station), may include and/or be referred to as an eNB, gNodeB (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations, such as a gNB, may operate in a traditional sub 6 GHz spectrum, in millimeter wave frequencies, and/or near millimeter wave frequencies in communication with the UEs104. When the gNB operates in millimeter wave or near millimeter wave frequencies, the base stations180may be referred to as a millimeter wave base station. A millimeter wave base station may utilize beamforming181with the UEs104to compensate for the path loss and short range. The base stations180and the UEs104may each include a plurality of antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and/or antenna arrays to facilitate the beamforming.

The base stations180may transmit a beamformed signal to the UEs104in one or more transmit directions182. The UEs104may receive the beamformed signal from the base stations180in one or more receive directions183. The UEs104may also transmit a beamformed signal to the base stations180in one or more transmit directions. The base stations180may receive the beamformed signal from the UEs104in one or more receive directions. The base stations180/UEs104may perform beam training to determine the best receive and transmit directions for each of the base stations180/UEs104. The transmit and receive directions for the base stations180may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UEs104may or may not be the same.

The core network190may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (e.g., an AMF192), other AMFs193, a Session Management Function (SMF)194, and a User Plane Function (UPF) (e.g., a UPF195). The AMF192may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM)196. The AMF192is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs104and the core network190. Generally, the AMF192provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the UPF195. The UPF195provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The UPF195is connected to the IP Services197. The IP Services197may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet Switch (PS) Streaming (PSS) Service, and/or other IP services.

The base stations102may include and/or be referred to as a gNB, Node B, eNB, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmission reception point (TRP), network node, network entity, network equipment, or some other suitable terminology. The base stations102can be implemented as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, an aggregated (monolithic) base station with a baseband unit (BBU) (including a CU and a DU) and an RU, or as a disaggregated base station including one or more of a CU, a DU, and/or an RU. The set of base stations, which may include disaggregated base stations and/or aggregated base stations, may be referred to as next generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN). The base stations102provide an access point to the EPC160or core network190for the UEs104.

Referring again toFIG.1, in certain aspects, a wireless device, such as one of the UEs104, may be in communication with a network entity, such as one of the base stations102or a component of a base station (e.g., a CU106, a DU105, and/or an RU109), may be configured to manage one or more aspects of wireless communication. For example, the UEs104may include a UE SSB component198configured to facilitate receiving SSBs for at least UEs with reduced capabilities in an NTN.

In certain aspects, the UE SSB component198may be configured to monitor in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example UE SSB component198may also be configured to monitor for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another configuration, a network entity, such as an aerial device107, one of the base stations102, or a component of a base station (e.g., a CU106, a DU105, and/or an RU109), may be configured to manage or more aspects of wireless communication. For example, the base stations102or the aerial device107may include a network SSB component199configured to facilitate transmitting SSBs at least for UEs with reduced capabilities in an NTN.

In certain aspects, the network SSB component199may be configured to output, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The example network SSB component199may also be configured to output a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

The aspects presented herein may enable a UE improve SSB reception, which may facilitate reducing UE complexity and/or reducing UE power consumption.

As an example,FIG.2shows a diagram illustrating architecture of an example of a disaggregated base station200. The architecture of the disaggregated base station200may include one or more CUs (e.g., a CU210) that can communicate directly with a core network220via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network220through one or more disaggregated base station units (such as a Near-Real Time (Near-RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., a Near-RT RIC225) via an E2 link, or a Non-Real Time (Non-RT) RIC215associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) Framework (e.g., an SMO Framework205), or both). A CU210may communicate with one or more DUs (e.g., a DU230) via respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU230may communicate with one or more RUs (e.g., an RU240) via respective fronthaul links. The RU240may communicate with respective UEs (e.g., a UE204) via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE204may be simultaneously served by multiple RUs.

Each of the units, i.e., the CUs (e.g., a CU210), the DUs (e.g., a DU230), the RUs (e.g., an RU240), as well as the Near-RT RICs (e.g., the Near-RT RIC225), the Non-RT RICs (e.g., the Non-RT RIC215), and the SMO Framework205, may include one or more interfaces or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or to transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to the communication interfaces of the units, can be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, the units can include a wired interface configured to receive or to transmit signals over a wired transmission medium to one or more of the other units. Additionally, the units can include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver (such as an RF transceiver), configured to receive or to transmit signals, or both, over a wireless transmission medium to one or more of the other units.

Lower-layer functionality can be implemented by one or more RUs. In some deployments, an RU240, controlled by a DU230, may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions, or low-PHY layer functions (such as performing fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, or the like), or both, based at least in part on the functional split, such as a lower layer functional split. In such an architecture, the RU240can be implemented to handle over the air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs (e.g., the UE204). In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communication with the RU240can be controlled by a corresponding DU. In some scenarios, this configuration can enable the DU(s) and the CU210to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

The SMO Framework205may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework205may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements that may be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO Framework205may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud)290) to perform network element life cycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, CUs, DUs, RUs and Near-RT RICs. In some implementations, the SMO Framework205can communicate with a hardware aspect of a 4G RAN, such as an open eNB (O-eNB)211, via an O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO Framework205can communicate directly with one or more RUs via an O1 interface. The SMO Framework205also may include a Non-RT RIC215configured to support functionality of the SMO Framework205.

At least one of the CU210, the DU230, and the RU240may be referred to as a base station202. Accordingly, a base station202may include one or more of the CU210, the DU230, and the RU240(each component indicated with dotted lines to signify that each component may or may not be included in the base station202). The base station202provides an access point to the core network220for a UE204. The communication links between the RUs (e.g., the RU240) and the UEs (e.g., the UE204) may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE204to an RU240and/or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from an RU240to a UE204.

Certain UEs may communicate with each other using D2D communication (e.g., a D2D communication link258). The D2D communication link258may use the DL/UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link258may use one or more sidelink channels. D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communications systems, such as for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

The wireless communications system may further include a Wi-Fi AP250in communication with a UE204(also referred to as Wi-Fi STAs) via communication link254, e.g., in a 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum or the like. When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the UE204/Wi-Fi AP250may perform a CCA prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

The base station202and the UE204may each include a plurality of antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and/or antenna arrays to facilitate beamforming. The base station202may transmit a beamformed signal282to the UE204in one or more transmit directions. The UE204may receive the beamformed signal from the base station202in one or more receive directions. The UE204may also transmit a beamformed signal284to the base station202in one or more transmit directions. The base station202may receive the beamformed signal from the UE204in one or more receive directions. The base station202/UE204may perform beam training to determine the best receive and transmit directions for each of the base station202/UE204. The transmit and receive directions for the base station202may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UE204may or may not be the same.

The core network220may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (e.g., an AMF261), a Session Management Function (SMF) (e.g., an SMF262), a User Plane Function (UPF) (e.g., a UPF263), a Unified Data Management (UDM) (e.g., a UDM264), one or more location servers268, and other functional entities. The AMF261is the control node that processes the signaling between the UE204and the core network220. The AMF261supports registration management, connection management, mobility management, and other functions. The SMF262supports session management and other functions. The UPF263supports packet routing, packet forwarding, and other functions. The UDM264supports the generation of authentication and key agreement (AKA) credentials, user identification handling, access authorization, and subscription management. The one or more location servers268are illustrated as including a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) (e.g., a GMLC265) and a Location Management Function (LMF) (e.g., an LMF266). However, generally, the one or more location servers268may include one or more location/positioning servers, which may include one or more of the GMLC265, the LMF266, a position determination entity (PDE), a serving mobile location center (SMLC), a mobile positioning center (MPC), or the like. The GMLC265and the LMF266support UE location services. The GMLC265provides an interface for clients/applications (e.g., emergency services) for accessing UE positioning information. The LMF266receives measurements and assistance information from the NG-RAN and the UE204via the AMF261to compute the position of the UE204. The NG-RAN may utilize one or more positioning methods in order to determine the position of the UE204. Positioning the UE204may involve signal measurements, a position estimate, and an optional velocity computation based on the measurements. The signal measurements may be made by the UE204and/or the base station202serving the UE204. The signals measured may be based on one or more of a satellite positioning system (SPS)270(e.g., one or more of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), global position system (GPS), non-terrestrial network (NTN), or other satellite position/location system), LTE signals, wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, Bluetooth signals, a terrestrial beacon system (TBS), sensor-based information (e.g., barometric pressure sensor, motion sensor), NR enhanced cell ID (NR E-CID) methods, NR signals (e.g., multi-round trip time (Multi-RTT), DL angle-of-departure (DL-AoD), DL time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), UL time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), and UL angle-of-arrival (UL-AoA) positioning), and/or other systems/signals/sensors.

A wireless device, such as the UE204, may include the UE SSB component198configured to facilitate receiving SSBs for reduced capability UEs in an NTN, as described in connection with the example ofFIG.1.

In certain aspects, a base station, such as the disaggregated base station200, or component of the base station, may include the network SSB component199configured to facilitate transmitting SSBs for reduced capability UEs in an NTN, as described in connection with the example ofFIG.1.

FIG.4is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a first wireless device that is configured to exchange wireless communication with a second wireless device. In the illustrated example ofFIG.4, the first wireless device may include a base station410, the second wireless device may include a UE450, and the base station410may be in communication with the UE450in an access network. As shown inFIG.4, the base station410includes a transmit processor (TX processor416), a transmitter418Tx, a receiver418Rx, antennas420, a receive processor (RX processor470), a channel estimator474, a controller/processor475, and memory476. The example UE450includes antennas452, a transmitter454Tx, a receiver454Rx, an RX processor456, a channel estimator458, a controller/processor459, memory460, and a TX processor468. In other examples, the base station410and/or the UE450may include additional or alternative components.

At the UE450, each receiver454Rx receives a signal through its respective antenna of the antennas452. Each receiver454Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor456. The TX processor468and the RX processor456implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor456may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE450. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE450, two or more of the multiple spatial streams may be combined by the RX processor456into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor456then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time-domain to the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, and the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the base station410. These soft decisions may be based on channel estimates computed by the channel estimator458. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals that were originally transmitted by the base station410on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the controller/processor459, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

The controller/processor459can be associated with the memory460that stores program codes and data. The memory460may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor459provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller/processor459is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator458from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station410may be used by the TX processor468to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor468may be provided to different antenna of the antennas452via separate transmitters (e.g., the transmitter454Tx). Each transmitter454Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a respective spatial stream for transmission.

The UL transmission is processed at the base station410in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at the UE450. Each receiver418Rx receives a signal through its respective antenna of the antennas420. Each receiver418Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor470.

The controller/processor475can be associated with the memory476that stores program codes and data. The memory476may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller/processor475provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller/processor475is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and/or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

At least one of the TX processor468, the RX processor456, and the controller/processor459may be configured to perform aspects in connection with the UE SSB component198ofFIG.1and/orFIG.2.

At least one of the TX processor416, the RX processor470, and the controller/processor475may be configured to perform aspects in connection with the network SSB component199ofFIG.1and/orFIG.2.

As described above, wireless communication systems, such as NR communication systems, may support higher capability devices and reduced capability devices. A RedCap UE may communicate based on various types of wireless communication. For example, smart wearables may transmit or receive communication based on low power wide area (LPWA)/mMTC, IoT devices may transmit or receive communication based on URLLC, sensors/cameras may transmit or receive communication based on eMBB, etc. In some examples, a reduced capability UE may have an uplink transmission power that is less than that of a higher capability UE. As another example, a reduced capability UE may have reduced transmission bandwidth or reception bandwidth than other UEs. For instance, a reduced capability UE may have an operational bandwidth between 5 MHz and 20 MHz for both transmission and reception, in contrast to other UEs that may have a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz. As a further example, a reduced capability UE may have a reduced number of reception antennas in comparison to other UEs. Reduced capability UEs may additionally, or alternatively, have reduced computational complexity than other UEs.

An enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) UE may have further reduced capabilities than a RedCap UE. For example, an eRedCap UE may be configured with a maximal RF operating bandwidth, for example, of 5 MHz, in contrast to a RedCap UE, which may be configured with a maximal RF operating bandwidth of up to 20 MHz. It may be appreciated that a maximal RF operating bandwidth of 5 MHz for an eRedCap UE is merely illustrative and that other eRedCap UEs may have maximal RF operating bandwidths that are different than 5 MHz. An eRedCap UE with a reduced maximal RF operating bandwidth, compared to a RedCap UE, may have reduced computational complexity, which may provide benefits, such as reduced costs and reduced power consumption.

An eRedCap UE with a maximal RF operating bandwidth of 5 MHz may be unable to receive the full contents of an SSB when the SSB occupies a bandwidth of more than 5 MHz. In some examples, a part of the SSB may be copied in additional symbols so that an eRedCap UE may receive the full contents of the SSB. For example, a subset of the PBCH of a first SSB may extend outside of the maximal RF operating bandwidth (e.g., 5 MHz) of an eRedCap UE. In some such examples, the subset of the PBCH may be copied to additional symbols within a bandwidth that satisfies the maximal RF operating bandwidth of the eRedCap UE (e.g., within a bandwidth of 5 MHz) so that the eRedCap UE may receive the full contents of the first SSB. For example, a network may copy the subset of the PBCH in vacant symbols (e.g., one or more symbols not used for transmitting a second SSB over another beam) that are adjacent to the first SSB.

FIG.5Aillustrates a first SSB500, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.5A, the first SSB500occupies four consecutive symbols (e.g., a first symbol502, a second symbol504, a third symbol506, and a fourth symbol508) in the time domain and 20 consecutive RBs in the frequency domain. In the example ofFIG.5A, the first symbol502spans 12 RBs in the frequency domain and the remaining three symbols span 20 RBs. As shown inFIG.5A, the first symbol502carries the PSS, the second symbol504carries a PBCH, the third symbol506carries an SSS, and the fourth symbol508carries another PBCH. In the example ofFIG.5A, PBCH RBs also occupy the remaining RBs of the third symbol506carrying the SSS, minus some guard subcarriers, as shown by the gaps between the PBCH RBs and the SSS in the third symbol506. The PSS and the SSS in the first symbol502and the third symbol506, respectively, include 12 RBs each, and there are a total of 24 PBCH RBs.

In examples in which the first SSB500is communicated in a frequency band with 15 kHz SCS, the first SSB500may occupy a bandwidth that is less than the maximal RF operating bandwidth of an eRedCap UE (e.g., less than 5 MHz). However, if the first SSB500is communicated in a frequency band with 30 kHz SCS (or higher), the first SSB500may occupy a bandwidth that is greater than the maximal RF operating bandwidth of an eRedCap UE and, thus, the eRedCap UE may be unable to receive all of the information of the first SSB500. For example, parts of the PBCH RBs may extend outside the maximal RF operating bandwidth of the eRedCap UE.

FIG.5Aalso illustrates an example of a second SSB520, as presented herein. The second SSB520includes the information of the first SSB500, including PSS, SSS, and PBCH in the first four symbols. In the illustrated example ofFIG.5A, the second SSB520is configured so that a portion of the PBCH of the SSB is copied in adjacent symbols. For example, a first portion522and a second portion524of the PBCH RBs ofFIG.5Aeach extend outside of a maximal RF operating bandwidth526of an eRedCap UE. To enable an eRedCap UE to receive the full contents of an SSB (e.g., the information contained in the PSS RBs, the SSS RBs, and the PBCH RBs of the first SSB500), the second SSB520is configured so that the first portion522is copied in a first adjacent symbol510that is adjacent to the second SSB520(e.g., in a fifth symbol). Additionally, the second portion524is copied in a second adjacent symbol512that follows the first adjacent symbol510(e.g., in a sixth symbol). As shown inFIG.5A, the first portion522and the second portion524each occupy less bandwidth than the maximal RF operating bandwidth526.

As described above, the PSS and the SSS may each occupy 12 RBs and the PBCH may occupy 20 RBs. To support 30 kHz SCS, the 12 RBs associated with the PSS and the SSS may occupy less than 5 MHz, which may be the maximal RF operating bandwidth of an eRedCap. In such examples, the first portion522and the second portion524of the PBCH RBs may each occupy four RBs that are outside of the maximal RF operating bandwidth526. Thus, the four RBs associated with the first portion522may be placed in a first symbol following the first SSB500(e.g., the first adjacent symbol510). Additionally, the four RBs associated with the second portion524may be placed in a second symbol following the first SSB500(e.g., the second adjacent symbol512).

It may be appreciated that the configuration of the second SSB520, compared to the configuration of the first SSB500, may have no impact on the ability of a non-eRedCap UE to receive the information of the SSB. For example, the first adjacent symbol510and the second adjacent symbol512contain copies of the first portion522and the second portion524, respectively, and, thus, a non-eRedCap UE may obtain the information of the second SSB520based on receiving the first four symbols and without receiving the first portion522and the second portion524.

Although the example ofFIG.5Aillustrates copying the information of the first portion522in the first adjacent symbol510and copying the information of the second portion524in the second adjacent symbol512, in other examples, the information of the first portion522may be copied in the second adjacent symbol512, and the information of the second portion524may be copied in the first adjacent symbol510.

FIG.5Billustrates a third SSB540, as presented herein. Aspects of the third SSB540may be similar to the second SSB520ofFIG.5A. For example, the third SSB540includes the same information as the first SSB500, such as the PSS, the SSS, and the PBCH included in the four consecutive symbols502-508. In contrast to the example ofFIG.5A, the third SSB540ofFIG.5Bcopies portions of the PBCH RBs into preceding symbols. For example, as shown inFIG.5B, the third SSB540is configured so that the first portion522is copied in a third adjacent symbol514that is preceding the first symbol502. Additionally, the second portion524is copied in a fourth adjacent symbol516that is also preceding the first symbol502. As shown in the example ofFIG.5B, the first portion522and the second portion524each occupy less bandwidth than the maximal RF operating bandwidth526.

Although the example ofFIG.5Billustrates copying the information of the first portion522into the third adjacent symbol514and copying the information of the second portion524into the fourth adjacent symbol516, in other examples, the information of the first portion522may be copied in the fourth adjacent symbol516, and the information of the second portion524may be copied in the third adjacent symbol514.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.5AandFIG.5B, the maximal RF operating bandwidth526is measured from the middle and, thus, there is the first portion522that extends below the maximal RF operating bandwidth526and the second portion524that extend above the maximal RF operating bandwidth526.FIG.5Cillustrates a fourth SSB560, as presented herein. In the example ofFIG.5C, the fourth SSB560includes PSS RBs, SSS RBs, and PBCH RBs that correspond to the respective portions of the first SSB500ofFIG.5A. As shown inFIG.5C, a maximal RF operating bandwidth562is measured from the bottom and, thus, there is a third portion564that extends outside of the maximal RF operating bandwidth562. In contrast, the examples ofFIG.5AandFIG.5Beach include two portions that each extend outside of the maximal RF operating bandwidth526of the second SSB520and the third SSB540.

In the example ofFIG.5C, the third portion564occupies eight RBs. In some examples, the fourth SSB560may be configured so that the third portion564is copied into the first adjacent symbol510that is adjacent to the fourth symbol508. The third portion564may occupy one symbol and also occupy less bandwidth than the maximal RF operating bandwidth562. In some examples, the fourth SSB560may be configured so that a first subset of the third portion564may be copied into the first adjacent symbol510and a second subset of the third portion564may be copied into the second adjacent symbol512that is adjacent to the first adjacent symbol510.

Although the example ofFIG.5Cillustrates copying the additional portions into succeeding symbols, in other examples, the additional portions may be copied into preceding symbols, such as the example ofFIG.5B.

In some examples, the adjacent vacant symbols may precede or succeed the first SSB. For example, in a frequency band with 30 kHz SCS, the adjacent vacant symbols may precede or succeed the first SSB based on an SSB index. In some such scenarios, a UE may perform two hypotheses to determine the location of the additional PBCH symbols (e.g., the second portion of the first SSB) during SSB detection. That is, when an UE is monitoring for the first SSB, the UE may assume that there are two possible locations for the additional PBCH symbols (e.g., the second portion) associated with the first SSB (e.g., symbols preceding the first portion of the first SSB or symbols following the first portion of the first SSB). Thus, the UE may perform blind decoding for the preceding symbols and for the succeeding symbols. Performing blind decoding for the two possible locations (e.g., two hypotheses) may increase the level of computational complexity at the UE.

FIG.6illustrates a first mapping600and a second mapping650of SSBs to symbol indexes, as presented herein. In the example ofFIG.6, four example SSBs are transmitted via four SSB beams, including a first SSB beam610, a second SSB beam612, a third SSB beam614, and a fourth SSB beam616.

In the example ofFIG.6, the SSBs are mapped to symbol indexes based on a 30 kHz SCS. For example, for a 30 kHz SCS, the first symbols of candidate SSBs (e.g., symbols where an SSB may be received) have indexes {4, 8, 16, 20}+28n. In examples in which the carrier frequencies are smaller than or equal to 3 GHz, n is set to zero (e.g., n=0). In examples in which the carrier frequencies are within FR1 and that are larger than 3 GHz, n may be set to zero or one (e.g., n=0, 1).

In the illustrated example ofFIG.6, the first mapping600maps the SSBs to respective symbol indexes based on the 30 kHz SCS and with a carrier frequency smaller than or equal to 3 GHz (e.g., n=0). For example, the first symbol of a first SSB602maps to symbol 4, the first symbol of a second SSB604maps to symbol 8, the first symbol of a third SSB606maps to symbol 16, and the first symbol of a fourth SSB608maps to symbol 20.

The first mapping600illustrates the locations of the SSBs in a legacy system. For example, the SSBs are configured for a non-eRedCap UE (e.g., a UE with higher capabilities). That is, each of the SSBs of the first mapping600occupy four respective symbols, as described in connection with the first SSB500ofFIG.5A. Additionally, portions of the SSBs are not copied in adjacent symbols, as described in connection with the second SSB520, the third SSB540, and the fourth SSB560ofFIG.5A,FIG.5B, andFIG.5C, respectively.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.6, the second mapping650maps the SSBs to respective symbol indexes based on the 30 kHz SCS, with a carrier frequency smaller than or equal to 3 GHz (e.g., n=0), and configured for eRedCap UEs. For example, a portion of the respective SSBs may be copied into adjacent symbols to facilitate reception of the full contents of the SSB.

Similar to the example of the first mapping600, the first symbols of the SSBs of the second mapping650have indexes {4, 8, 16, 20}. The second portion of the SSB (e.g., “part-2”) of each of the respective SSBs may be copied in adjacent symbols that are preceding or succeeding the first portions (e.g., “part-1”) of each of the SSBs. In the illustrated example ofFIG.6, the second portions of the first SSB602and the third SSB606are each copied into adjacent symbols that are preceding the first portions of the respective SSBs. For example, a first SSB part-1620(“SSB1 part-1”) (which may also be referred to as the first SSB602) occupies symbols 4 to 7, and a first SSB part-2630(“SSB1 part-2”) of the first SSB occupies symbols 2 and 3, which are preceding the symbols of the first SSB part-1620. Similarly, a third SSB part-1624(“SSB3 part-1”) (which may also be referred to as the third SSB606) occupies symbols 16 to 19, and a third SSB part-2634(“SSB3 part-2”) of the third SSB occupies symbols 14 and 15, which are preceding the symbols of the third SSB part-2634.

In the example ofFIG.6, the second portions of the second SSB604and the fourth SSB608are each copied into adjacent symbols that are succeeding the first portions of the respective SSBs. For example, a second SSB part-1622(“SSB2 part-1”) (which may also be referred to as the second SSB604) occupies symbols 8 to 11, and a second SSB part-2632(“SSB2 part-2”) occupies symbols 12 and 13, which are succeeding the symbols of the second SSB part-1622. Similarly, a fourth SSB part-1626(“SSB4 part-1”) (which may also be referred to as the fourth SSB608) occupies symbols 8 to 11, and a fourth SSB part-2636(“SSB4 part-2”) occupies symbols 24 and 25, which are succeeding the symbols of the fourth SSB part-1626.

In some examples, when a UE is performing an initial access procedure and/or an asynchronous neighbor cell search procedure, the UE may be unaware of the SSB index of the cell beforehand. For example, the UE may not know whether it is looking for a first SSB or a second SSB. In another example, the UE may not know the timing information of the cell. A higher capability UE that is configured with the ability to receive the first type of SSB (e.g., a legacy SSB, such as the first SSB500ofFIG.5Aor based on the first mapping600ofFIG.6), may blindly monitor the symbols for searching and/or detecting an SSB.

However, a reduced capability UE that lacks the ability to receive the first type of SSB, but is configured with the ability to receive the second type of SSB (e.g., a RedCap SSB, such as the second SSB520, the third SSB540, and the fourth SSB560ofFIG.5A,FIG.5B, and/orFIG.5C), may try two hypotheses to receive the second portion of the respective SSB. For example, and with respect to the first SSB500ofFIG.5A, after detecting the PSS portion and the SSS portion of the first SSB (e.g., the first SSB part-1620), the reduced capability UE may try a first hypotheses in which the first SSB part-2630may precede the first SSB part-1620(e.g., symbols 2 and 3). In a second hypotheses, the first SSB part-2630may follow the first SSB part-1620(e.g., symbols 8 and 9).

In addition to trying two hypotheses when monitoring for an SSB, the reduced capability UE monitoring for the RedCap SSB is also monitoring additional symbols compared to the higher capability UE, which results in increasing the UE monitoring time and, therefore, the power consumption of the UE. Such techniques for receiving a RedCap SSB, thus, may increase UE complexity and/or may deteriorate performance. For example, instead of monitoring four symbols for an SSB, the reduced capability UE may try two hypotheses and monitor six symbols. In one example, the mentioned problem may occur when the UE knows the timing information of the cell transmitting the SSB. For example, the UE may know the timing information corresponding to symbol 4 and associated with the first SSB602.

As described above, transmission of SSBs in a TN may be configured so that resources used to transmit a first SSB do not overlap with resources used to transmit a second SSB. For example, and with respect to an SSB, a first transmit antenna beam of a first network entity (e.g., a beam m) may transmit a first RedCap SSB. Additionally, a second transmit antenna beam of a second network entity (e.g., a beam n) may transmit a second RedCap SSB. In such scenarios, first resources for the first RedCap SSB associated with the first transmit antenna beam may be different than second resources for the second RedCap SSB associated with the second transmit antenna beam (e.g., m #n). For example, and referring to the second mapping650ofFIG.6, each of the second portions of the SSBs representing the copied PBCH information is neither overlapping with the second portion of another SSB nor overlapping with the first portion of another SSB. Additionally, if the first SSB part-2630of the first SSB were moved from preceding symbols (e.g., symbols 2 and 3) to succeeding symbols (e.g., symbols 8 and 9), then the first SSB part-2630would overlap with resources of the second SSB part-1622, which would result in mutual interference.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an example environment700that may support wireless communication including aspects of a terrestrial network and a non-terrestrial network, as presented herein. To enable communication with a UE, a number of approaches may be utilized.

In some examples, a UE may communicate with a terrestrial network. In the illustrated example ofFIG.7, a terrestrial network includes a base station702that provides coverage to UEs, such as an example UE704, located within a coverage area710for the terrestrial network. The base station702may facilitate communication between the UE704and a network node706. Aspects of the network node706may be implemented by a core network, such as the example core network190ofFIG.1.

In some examples, a UE may transmit or receive satellite-based communication (e.g., via an Iridium-like satellite communication system or a satellite-based 3GPP NTN). For example, an aerial device722may provide coverage to UEs, such as an example UE724, located within a coverage area720for the aerial device722. In some examples, the aerial device722may communicate with the network node706through a feeder link726established between the aerial device722and a gateway728in order to provide service to the UE724within the coverage area720of the aerial device722via a service link730. The feeder link726may include a wireless link between the aerial device722and the gateway728. The service link730may include a wireless link between the aerial device722and the UE724. In some examples, the gateway728may communicate directly with the network node706. In some examples, the gateway728may communicate with the network node706via the base station702.

In some aspects, the aerial device722may be configured to communicate directly with the gateway728via the feeder link726. The feeder link726may include a radio link that provides wireless communication between the aerial device722and the gateway728.

In other aspects, the aerial device722may communicate with the gateway728via one or more other aerial devices. For example, the aerial device722and a second aerial device732may be part of a constellation of satellites (e.g., aerial devices) that communicate via inter-satellite links (ISLs). In the example ofFIG.7, the aerial device722may establish an ISL734with the second aerial device732. The ISL734may be a radio interface or an optical interface and operate in the RF frequency or optical bands, respectively. The second aerial device732may communicate with the gateway728via a second feeder link736.

In some examples, the aerial device722and/or the second aerial device732may include an aerial device, such as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a balloon, a drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), etc. Examples of a UAS platform that may be used for NTN communication include systems including Tethered UAS (TUA), Lighter Than Air UAS (LTA), Heavier Than Air UAS (HTA), and High Altitude Platforms (HAPs). In some examples, the aerial device722and/or the second aerial device732may include a satellite or a space-borne vehicle placed into Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), or High Elliptical Orbit (HEO).

In some aspects, the aerial device722and/or the second aerial device732may implement a transparent payload (sometimes referred to as a “bent pipe” payload). For example, after receiving a signal, a transparent aerial device may have the ability to change the frequency carrier of the signal, perform RF filtering on the signal, and amplify the signal before outputting the signal. In such aspects, the signal output by the transparent aerial device may be a repeated signal in which the waveform of the output signal is unchanged relative to the received signal.

In other aspects, the aerial device722and/or the second aerial device732may implement a regenerative payload. For example, a regenerative aerial device may have the ability to perform all of or part of the base station functions, such as transforming and amplifying a received signal via on-board processing before outputting a signal. In some such aspects, transformation of the received signal may refer to digital processing that may include demodulation, decoding, switching and/or routing, re-encoding, re-modulation, and/or filtering of the received signal.

In examples in which the aerial device implements a transparent payload, the transparent aerial device may communicate with the base station702via the gateway728. In some such examples, the base station702may facilitate communication between the gateway728and the network node706. In examples in which the aerial device implements a regenerative payload, the regenerative aerial device may have an on-board base station. In some such examples, the on-board base station may communicate with the network node706via the gateway728. In some examples, the on-board base station may include a DU and a CU, such as the DU105and the CU106ofFIG.1. In some examples, the on-board base station may include a DU that is in communication with a corresponding CU that is on the ground.

FIG.8illustrates an example NTN cell800supported by an aerial device802, as presented herein. As shown inFIG.8, the NTN cell800includes four example beams that are each associated with a respective footprint on the ground surface. For example, a first beam810may be associated with a first footprint820, a second beam812may be associated with a second footprint822, a third beam814may be associated with a third footprint824, and a fourth beam816may be associated with a fourth footprint826.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.8, a first UE804and a second UE806are each located within a coverage area of the NTN cell800and may exchange communications with the aerial device802. For example, the first UE804is located within an area of the first footprint820and, thus, may transmit signals to and/or receive signals from the aerial device802via the first beam810. In the example ofFIG.8, the second UE806is located within a region that is overlapping with portions of the first footprint820and the second footprint822. In some such examples, the second UE806may transmit signals to and/or receive signals from the aerial device802via the first beam810and/or the second beam812.

As shown inFIG.8, the footprints of the NTN cell800are generally distinct. Such distinct footprints create opportunities for re-using resources associated with different beams for transmitting the second portion of a RedCap SSB (e.g., the information from the first portion that is copied into adjacent symbols). For example, and referring to the example ofFIG.8, the first footprint820associated with the first beam810is non-overlapping with the third footprint824associated with the third beam814. Thus, first resources associated with the first beam810may include a first SSB (“SSB1”), and third resources associated with the third beam814may include a third SSB, and where the first resources and the third resource may at least partially overlap with each other. In such scenarios, since the footprints associated with the respective beams are distinct, concerns related to mutual interference between the first resources and the third resources for the first beam810and the third beam814, respectively, may be reduced and/or negligible. For example, the first UE804may not detect a signal transmitted over the third beam814and/or the signal transmitted over the third beam814may arrive at the first UE804with very low strength. In such scenarios, transmission of the third SSB over the third beam814will not cause a severe signal deterioration for the first UE804to receive the first SSB, though the resources for the two SSBs overlap at least partially.

Aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for utilizing characteristics associated with an NTN to improve reception of SSBs for NTN reduced capability UEs (e.g., UEs with reduced capabilities operating in an NTN). For example, aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for reducing power consumption of a UE with reduced capabilities, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE may monitor to receive a RedCap SSB. Additionally, or alternatively, the techniques disclosed herein may reduce UE complexity, for example, by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE with reduced capabilities may try when performing decoding of the RedCap SSB.

For purposes of this disclosure, an SSB may be described as containing a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of an SSB may refer to a legacy SSB, as described in connection with the first SSB500ofFIG.5A. The second portion of an SSB may refer to the part of the SSB that may not be received by a reduced capability UE, for example, due to the limited operational bandwidth of the reduced capability UE. The second portion may be replicated (e.g., copied) and placed in another time resource to enable the reduced capability UE to receive the full contents of the SSB. For example, the second portion may include PBCH information that is copied into adjacent symbols, as described in connection with the second SSB520, the third SSB540, and the fourth SSB560ofFIG.5A,FIG.5B, andFIG.5C, respectively.

FIG.9illustrates an example communication flow900between a network entity902and a UE904, as presented herein. One or more aspects described for the network entity902may be performed by a component of a base station or a network entity, such as a CU, a DU, and/or an RU. In the illustrated example, the communication flow900facilitates the use of RedCap SSBs in an NTN. Aspects of the network entity902may be implemented by the base stations102ofFIG.1and/or the base station410ofFIG.4. Aspects of the UE904may be implemented by the UEs104ofFIG.1and/or the UE450ofFIG.4. Although not shown in the illustrated example ofFIG.9, in additional or alternative examples, the network entity902and/or the UE904may be in communication with one or more other base stations or UEs.

In the example ofFIG.9, the network entity902may output a configuration910that is obtained (e.g., received) by the UE904. The configuration910may indicate whether the network entity902supports RedCap SSBs. In some examples, the configuration910may indicate that the second portion of an SSB will precede the first portion of the SSB. In some examples, the configuration910may indicate that the second portion of an SSB will follow the first portion of the SSB. In some examples, the configuration910may indicate a distance in time between the first portion and the second portion of an SSB. In some examples, the configuration910may be (pre)configured at the UE904, and/or described in a technical specification.

As shown inFIG.9, the network entity902may output multiple SSBs. For example, the network entity902may output a first SSB914on a first resource916. The network entity902may output a second SSB including a first portion (e.g., a second SSB part-1918) and a second portion (e.g., a second SSB part-2922). The network entity902may output the second SSB part-1918on a second resource920, and may output the second SSB part-2922on a third resource924. The network entity902may also output a third SSB926on a fourth resource928.

The UE904may perform a monitoring procedure930to monitor a first beam for at least one portion of an SSB. For example, the UE904may monitor the first resource916, the second resource920, the third resource924, and/or the fourth resource928to receive a portion of an SSB, such as the second SSB part-1918.

The UE904may perform a monitoring procedure932to monitor a second beam for a second portion of the SSB. For example, the UE904may monitor the first resource916, the third resource924, and/or the fourth resource928to receive the second SSB part-2922.

The UE904may perform a decoding procedure934to decode the SSB. For example, the UE904may use the portion of the SSB received, via the monitoring procedure930, and the second portion of the SSB received, via the monitoring procedure932, to decode the second SSB.

In some examples, the UE904may include a higher capability UE that is configured with the capability to receive an SSB via the first portion of an SSB, such as the second SSB part-1918.

In some examples, when performing the monitoring procedure932, the UE904may receive the second portion of the second SSB (e.g., the second SSB part-2922) on a resource that precedes the first portion of the second SSB (e.g., the second SSB part-1918). For example, the UE904may receive the second SSB part-2922on a resource that overlaps, at least partially, with the first SSB914. In other examples, the UE904may receive the second portion of the second SSB (e.g., the second SSB part-2922) on a resource that follows the first portion of the second SSB (e.g., the second SSB part-1918). For example, the UE904may receive the second SSB part-2922on a resource that overlaps, at least partially, with the third SSB926.

In some examples, the second portion from beam m may, at least partially, overlap with the first portion from beam n in the time and/or frequency domains.

FIG.10illustrates a mapping1000of a first SSB1006and a second SSB1008to time and frequency resources, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.10, a first beam may be allocated first beam resources1002including symbols 4 to 9 in the time domain. Similarly, a second beam may be allocated second beam resources1004including symbols 8 to 13 in the time domain. As shown inFIG.10, the first SSB1006includes a first portion1010(“SSB1 part-1”) and a second portion1020(“SSB1 part-2”). The second portion1020may include information of the first portion1010that may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE. The second SSB1008includes a third portion1012(“SSB2 part-1”) and a fourth portion1022(“SSB2 part-2”). Similar to the second portion1020, the fourth portion1022may include information of the third portion1012that may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.10, the first portion1010and the second portion1020of the first SSB1006occupy first resources and second resources, respectively, in the time and frequency domains. Similarly, the third portion1012and the fourth portion1022of the second SSB1008occupy third resources and fourth resources, respectively, in the time and frequency domains. As shown inFIG.10, the first resources and the third resources are adjacent resources in the time domain. For example, the first resources associated with the first portion1010occupy symbols 4 to 7 in the time domain and the third resources associated with the third portion1012occupy symbols 8 to 11 in the time domain.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.10, the second resources associated with the second portion1020of the first SSB1006overlap in time, at least partially, with the third resources associated with the second SSB1008. For example, the third resources occupy symbols 8 to 11 and the second resources occupy symbols 8 and 9 in the time domain. However, the second resources and the third resources are non-overlapping in the frequency domain, as shown inFIG.10. For example, the second resources associated with the second portion1020occupy a first frequency bandwidth1018, the third resources occupy a second frequency bandwidth1026, and the first frequency bandwidth1018and the second frequency bandwidth1026are non-overlapping in the frequency domain.

In other examples, the resources associated with the second portion of a first SSB may overlap in time and frequency with the first portion of a second SSB part.

FIG.11illustrates a mapping1100of a first SSB1106and a second SSB1108to time and frequency resources, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.11, a first beam may be allocated first beam resources1102including symbols 4 to 9 in the time domain. Similarly, a second beam may be allocated second beam resources1104including symbols 8 to 13 in the time domain. As shown inFIG.11, the first SSB1106includes a first portion1110(“SSB1 part-1”) and a second portion1120(“SSB1 part-2”). The second portion1120may include information of the first portion1110that may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE. The second SSB1108includes a third portion1112(“SSB2 part-1”) and a fourth portion1122(“SSB2 part-2”). Similar to the second portion1120, the fourth portion1122may include information of the third portion1112that may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.11, the first portion1110and the second portion1120of the first SSB1106occupy first resources and second resources, respectively, in the time and frequency domains. Similarly, the third portion1112and the fourth portion1122of the second SSB1108occupy third resources and fourth resources, respectively, in the time and frequency domains. Similar to the example ofFIG.10, the first resources and the third resources are adjacent resources in the time domain. For example, the first resources occupy symbols 4 to 7 in the time domain and the third resources occupy symbols 8 to 11 in the time domain.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.11, the second resources associated with the second portion1120of the first SSB1106overlap, at least partially, in time with the third resources associated with the second SSB1108. For example, the third resources occupy symbols 8 to 11 in the time domain and the second resources occupy symbols 8 and 9 in the time domain. Additionally, the second resources and the third resources are at least partially overlapping in the frequency domain, as shown inFIG.11. For example, the second resources occupy a first frequency bandwidth1118, the third resources occupy a second frequency bandwidth1126, and the first frequency bandwidth1118and the second frequency bandwidth1126are at least partially overlapping in the frequency domain.

In the illustrated examples ofFIG.10andFIG.11, the second portion of an SSB follows (or succeeds) the first portion of the SSB in the time domain. For example, and referring to the example ofFIG.10, the first resources associated with the first portion1010occupy symbols 4 to 7, and the second resources associated with the second portion1020occupy symbols 8 and 9. Similarly, in the example ofFIG.11, the first resources associated with the first portion1110occupy symbols 4 to 7, and the second resources associated with the second portion1120occupy symbols 8 and 9. In some examples, the same rule, e.g., the second portion of an SSB follows (or succeeds) the first portion of the SSB in the time domain, applies for all of the SSBs. Thus, a UE, such as a reduced capability UE, searching for the second portion of an SSB may reduce the number of hypotheses it tries to one as it can skip searching for the second portion of the SSB in resources preceding the first portion of the SSB. As described above, reducing the number of hypotheses that a UE tries may reduce UE complexity.

In some examples, the second portion of a first SSB may overlap with the first portion and the second portion of a second SSB. For example,FIG.12illustrates a mapping1200of a first SSB1210, a second SSB1220, and a third SSB1230to time and frequency resources, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.12, a first beam may be allocated first beam resources1202including symbols 4 to 12 in the time domain. Similarly, a second beam may be allocated second beam resources1204including symbols 8 to 16 in the time domain, and a third beam may be allocated third beam resources1206including symbols 16 to 19 in the time domain. As shown inFIG.12, the first SSB1210includes a first portion1210a(“SSB1 part-1”) and a second portion1210b(“SSB1 part-2”). The second portion1210bmay include information of the first portion1210athat may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE. The second SSB1220includes a third portion1220a(“SSB2 part-1”) and a fourth portion1220b(“SSB2 part-2”). Similar to the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210, the fourth portion1220bmay include information of the third portion1220athat may not be received by a UE, for example, due to a reduced operational bandwidth of the UE. In the example ofFIG.12, the third SSB1230may correspond to a fifth portion1230a(“SSB3 part-1”). Although not shown in the example ofFIG.12, it may be appreciated that the third SSB1230may include a second portion (e.g., an “SSB3 part-2”) that is not shown for simplicity.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.12, the first portion1210aand the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210occupy a first resources subset1202aand a second resources subset1202b, respectively, of the first beam resources1202in the time and frequency domains. Similarly, the third portion1220aand the fourth portion1220bof the second SSB1220occupy a third resources subset1204aand a fourth resources subset1204b, respectively, of the second beam resources1204in the time and frequency domains. Additionally, the third SSB1230occupies a fifth resources subset1206aof the third beam resources1206in the time and frequency domains. As shown inFIG.12, the first resources subset1202aand the third resources subset1204aare adjacent resources in the time domain. For example, the first resources subset1202aoccupies symbols 4 to 7 in the time domain and the third resources subset1204aoccupies symbols 8 to 11 in the time domain.

In some examples, a length in time associated with a second portion of a first SSB may be longer than the distance in time between a first portion of the first SSB and a first portion of a second SSB. For example, in the illustrated example ofFIG.12, the second resources subset1202bassociated with the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210is allocated a smaller frequency bandwidth than the resources allocated to the second portion1020ofFIG.10and/or to the second portion1120ofFIG.11. In some such scenarios, the second resources subset1202bmay be allocated more resources in the time domain. For example, the second resources subset1202bofFIG.12are allocated five resources in the time domain (e.g., symbols 8 to 12) compared to two resources in the time domain (e.g., symbols 8 and 9) in the examples ofFIG.10andFIG.11.

As shown inFIG.12, the second resources subset1202bassociated with the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210at least partially overlaps in time with at least a portion of the third resources subset1204aand the fourth resources subset1204bassociated with the second SSB1220. For example, the third resources subset1204aoccupies symbols 8 to 11 and the fourth resources subset1204boccupies symbols 12 to 16 in the time domain. Thus, in this example, the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210at least partially overlaps in time with the third portion1220aand the fourth portion1220bassociated with the second SSB1220.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.12, the fourth resources subset1204ballocated to the fourth portion1220bof the second SSB1220at least partially overlaps with the fifth resources subset1206aallocated to the third SSB1230. As described above, the third SSB1230may include a first portion (e.g., an “SSB3 part-1”). Thus, the fourth resources subset1204bassociated with the fourth portion1220bmay overlap, at least partially, with the fifth resources subset1206aassociated with the fifth portion1230aof the third SSB1230.

Although the example ofFIG.12illustrates resources overlapping in the time domain, as described in connection with the example ofFIG.10, in other examples, the resources associated with the respective portions of the first SSB1210, the second SSB1220, and/or the third SSB1230may overlap, at least partially, in the time and frequency domains, as described in connection with the example ofFIG.11.

Similar to the examples ofFIG.10andFIG.11, in the illustrated example ofFIG.12, the second portion (e.g., an SSB part-2) of an SSB follows (or succeeds) the first portion of the SSB in the time domain. For example, the first resources subset1202aassociated with the first portion1210aoccupies symbols 4 to 7, and the second resources subset1202bassociated with the second portion1210boccupies symbols 8 to 12. Thus, a UE, such as a reduced capability UE, searching for the second portion1210bof the first SSB1210may reduce the number of hypotheses it tries to one as the UE can skip searching for the second portion1210bin resources preceding the first portion1210ain the time domain. As described above, reducing the number of hypotheses that a UE tries when performing decoding of an SSB may reduce UE complexity.

In the illustrated examples ofFIG.10,FIG.11, andFIG.12, the SSB indexes are consecutive and the beams transmitting the respective SSBs are neighboring beams For example, and referring to the example ofFIG.8, the first beam810may transmit a first SSB830(“SSB1” or “SSB Beam 1”), the second beam812may transmit a second SSB832(“SSB2” or “SSB Beam 2”), the third beam814may transmit a third SSB834(“SSB 3” or “SSB Beam 3”), and the fourth beam816may transmit a fourth SSB836(“SSB4” or “SSB Beam 4”).

Although NTN beams are associated with relatively distinct footprints on the ground, there are scenarios in which some overlap may occur. For example, and referring again to the example ofFIG.8, a region828represents an area that overlaps between the first footprint820and the second footprint822. In such a scenario, a UE located in the region828(e.g., the second UE806) may receive two beams (e.g., the first beam810and the second beam812), which may result in overlapping SSB beams.

In some examples, consecutive SSB indexes may be associated with beams that are covering non-neighboring areas. For example,FIG.13illustrates a diagram1300including an aerial device1304providing service coverage to an NTN cell1306, as presented herein. Although not shown in the example ofFIG.13, the aerial device1304may be in wireless communication with a UE on the ground via a service link, and may be in wireless communication with a ground node via a feeder link, as described in connection withFIG.7.

As shown inFIG.13, the NTN cell1306includes four example beams that are each associated with a respective footprint on the ground surface. For example, a first beam1310may be associated with a first footprint1320, a second beam1312may be associated with a second footprint1322, a third beam1314may be associated with a third footprint1324, and a fourth beam1316may be associated with a fourth footprint1326. Additionally, each of the beams may transmit a respective SSB.

In some examples, the network may transmit SSBs with consecutive SSB indexes using beams (e.g., a beam m and a beam n) that serve non-neighboring areas. For example, in the example ofFIG.13, consecutive SSB indexes are associated with beams covering non-neighboring areas. For example, the first beam1310may transmit a first SSB1330(“SSB1” or “SSB beam index 1”) and the third beam1314may transmit a second SSB1332(“SSB2” or “SSB beam index 2”). As shown inFIG.13, the first footprint1320associated with the first beam1310and the third footprint1324associated with the third beam1314are non-neighboring. Similarly, the second beam1312may transmit a third SSB1334(“SSB3” or “SSB beam index 3”) and the fourth beam1316may transmit a fourth SSB1336(“SSB4” or “SSB beam index 4”). As shown inFIG.13, the second footprint1322associated with the second beam1312and the fourth footprint1326associated with the fourth beam1316are non-neighboring.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.13, although there may be overlap between portions of the footprints, the SSB indexes that are consecutive are associated with non-neighboring beams, which reduces the likelihood of interference with respect to the SSB beams. For example, a UE may be located in a region1328that is overlapping between the first beam1310and the second beam1312. In the example ofFIG.13, the second beam1312is transmitting the third SSB1334and, thus, will not interference with the first SSB1330being transmitted by the first beam1310.

In some examples in which beams serving non-neighboring areas transmit consecutive SSB indexes, the second portion of an SSB (e.g., an SSB part-2) may be allocated resources preceding the first portion of the SSB (e.g., an SSB part-1), as described in connection withFIG.14. In other examples, the second portion of an SSB may be allocated resources following the first portion of the SSB, as described in connection withFIG.15.

FIG.14depicts a diagram1400illustrating an example of mapping SSBs to resources in which consecutive SSB indexes are associated with beams covering non-neighboring areas, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.14, four example SSBs are mapped to resources in the time and frequency domains for four different beams. For example, first beam resources1402may be associated with a first beam, such as the first beam1310ofFIG.13. As described in the example ofFIG.13, consecutive SSB indexes are associated with non-neighboring beams. For example, second beam resources1404may be associated with a second beam that is non-neighboring to the first beam. In the example ofFIG.14, the second beam resources1404are allocated to the third beam1314ofFIG.13. In a similar manner, third beam resources1406are allocated to the second beam1312ofFIG.13, and fourth beam resources1408are allocated to the fourth beam1316ofFIG.13.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.14, the second portion of an SSB is preceding the first portion of the respective SSB. For example, a first portion1410a(“SSB1 part-1”) of a first SSB1410starts at symbol 4, and a second portion1410bof the first SSB1410(“SSB1 part-2”) starts at symbol 2. A third portion1420aof a second SSB1420(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion1420bof the second SSB1420(“SSB2 part-2”) starts at symbol 6. In a similar manner, a fifth portion1430aof a third SSB1430(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and a sixth portion1430bof the third SSB1430(“SSB3 part-2”) starts at symbol 14. Additionally, a seventh portion1440aof a fourth SSB1440(“SSB4 part-1”) starts at symbol 20, and an eighth portion1440bof the fourth SSB1440(“SSB4 part-2”) starts at symbol 18.

In the example ofFIG.14, although portions of the second SSB1420are overlapping with the first beam resources1402associated with the first SSB1410, the beam carrying the fourth portion1420bis geographically separate from the beam carrying the first portion1410aand, thus, interference between the first SSB1410and the second SSB1420may be limited. For example, the second beam resources1404are allocated to the third beam1314ofFIG.13, which has a footprint that is non-geographically overlapping with the first footprint1320associated with the first beam1310ofFIG.13.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.14, the second portion of an SSB is preceding the respective first portion of the SSB.FIG.15depicts a diagram1500illustrating an example of mapping SSBs to resources in which consecutive SSB indexes are associated with beams covering non-neighboring areas, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.15, the second portion of an SSB is following the respective first portion of the SSB. The mapping of resources ofFIG.15to SSBs and beams may be similar to the examples ofFIG.13andFIG.14.

For example, first beam resources1502may be associated with a first beam, such as the first beam1310ofFIG.13. In the example ofFIG.15, second beam resources1504may be allocated to the third beam1314ofFIG.13. In a similar manner, third beam resources1506are allocated to the second beam1312ofFIG.13, and fourth beam resources1508are allocated to the fourth beam1316ofFIG.13.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.15, the second portion of an SSB is following the first portion of the respective SSB. For example, a first portion1510aof a first SSB1510(“SSB1 part-1”) starts at symbol 4, and a second portion1510bof the first SSB1510(“SSB1 part-2”) starts at symbol 8. A third portion1520aof a second SSB1520(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion1520bof the second SSB1520(“SSB2 part-2”) starts at symbol 12. In a similar manner, a fifth portion1530aof a third SSB1530(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and a sixth portion1530bof the third SSB1530(“SSB3 part-2”) starts at symbol 20. Additionally, a seventh portion1540aof a fourth SSB1540(“SSB4 part-1”) starts at symbol 20, and an eighth portion1540bof the fourth SSB1540(“SSB4 part-2”) starts at symbol 24.

As shown inFIG.15, consecutive SSB indexes are being transmitted by non-neighboring beams. For example, the first SSB1510is being transmitted by the first beam1310ofFIG.13and the second SSB1520is being transmitted by the third beam1314ofFIG.13. Similarly, the third SSB1530is being transmitted by the second beam1312ofFIG.13, and the fourth SSB1540is being transmitted by the fourth beam1316ofFIG.13.

In some examples, the network may use beams with consecutive SSB indexes to serve two neighboring areas. For example,FIG.16illustrates a diagram1600including an aerial device1604providing service coverage to an NTN cell1606, as presented herein. Although not shown in the example ofFIG.16, the aerial device1604may be in wireless communication with a UE on the ground via a service link, and may be in wireless communication with a ground node via a feeder link, as described in connection withFIG.7.

As shown inFIG.16, the NTN cell1606includes four example beams that are each associated with a respective footprint on the ground surface. For example, a first beam1610may be associated with a first footprint1620, a second beam1612may be associated with a second footprint1622, a third beam1614may be associated with a third footprint1624, and a fourth beam1616may be associated with a fourth footprint1626. Additionally, each of the beams may transmit a respective SSB.

In the example ofFIG.16, the aerial device1604may output a first SSB1630(“SSB1” or “SSB beam index 1”) on the first beam1610, may output a second SSB1632(“SSB2” or “SSB beam index 2”) on the second beam1612, may output a third SSB1634(“SSB3” or “SSB beam index 3”) on the third beam1614, and may output a fourth SSB1636(“SSB4” or “SSB beam index 4”) on the fourth beam1616.

In some examples, the network may transmit SSBs with consecutive SSB indexes to serve two neighboring areas, but the indexes of beam m and beam n may be non-consecutive. For example, the network may output a first portion of a first SSB (e.g., an SSB1 part-1) on a beam m, and may output a second portion of the first SSB (e.g., an SSB1 part-2) on a beam n that is not consecutive to beam m. That is, if beam m indexes to beam 3, then beam n will index to a beam that is not consecutive to beam 3. For example, beam n may index to beam 1 or may index to beam 5, but will not index to beam 2 or to beam 4.

FIG.17depicts a diagram1700illustrating an example of mapping SSBs to resources in which consecutive SSB indexes are associated with beams covering non-neighboring areas, as presented herein.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.17, four example SSBs are mapped to resources in the time and frequency domains for four different beams. For example, first beam resources1702may be associated with a first beam, such as the first beam1610ofFIG.16, second beam resources1704may be associated with a second beam, such as the second beam1612ofFIG.16, third beam resources1706may be associated with a third beam, such as the third beam1614ofFIG.16, and fourth beam resources1708may be associated with a fourth beam, such as the fourth beam1616ofFIG.16.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.17, a second portion of an SSB (e.g., an SSB part-2) is following the corresponding first portion of the SSB (e.g., an SSB part-1). For example, a first portion1710aof a first SSB1710(“SSB1 part-1”) starts at symbol 4, and a second portion1710bof the first SSB1710(“SSB1 part-2”) starts at symbol 18. A third portion1720aof a second SSB1720(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion1720bof the second SSB1720(“SSB2 part-2”) starts at symbol 22. As shown inFIG.17, a fifth portion1730aof a third SSB1730(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and sixth portion1740aof a fourth SSB1740(“SSB4 part-1”) starts at symbol 20. In the example ofFIG.17, the second portions of the third SSB1730and the fourth SSB1740are not shown for convenience.

As shown inFIG.17, resources carrying the second portion1710bof the first SSB1710associated with the first beam are overlapping with resources carrying the fifth portion1730aof the third SSB1730associated with the third beam (e.g., the third beam1614ofFIG.16). Thus, there would be limited mutual interference, with respect to the respective portions of the first SSB1710and the third SSB1730, for a UE located in a region overlapping between the first beam1610and the second beam1612ofFIG.16. Similarly, resources carrying the fourth portion1720bof the second SSB1720are overlapping with resources carrying the sixth portion1740aof the fourth SSB1740associated with the fourth beam (e.g., the fourth beam1616ofFIG.16).

FIG.18depicts a diagram1800illustrating another example of mapping SSBs to resources in which consecutive SSB indexes are associated with beams covering non-neighboring areas, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.18, four example SSBs are mapped to resources in the time and frequency domains for four different beams. For example, first beam resources1802may be associated with a first beam, such as the first beam1610ofFIG.16, second beam resources1804may be associated with a second beam, such as the second beam1612ofFIG.16, third beam resources1806may be associated with a third beam, such as the third beam1614ofFIG.16, and fourth beam resources1808may be associated with a fourth beam, such as the fourth beam1616ofFIG.16.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.18, the second portion of an SSB is following the first portion of the SSB in the time domain. For example, a first portion1810aof a first SSB1810(“SSB1 part-1”) starts at symbol 4, and a second portion1810bof the first SSB1810(“SSB1 part-2”) starts at symbol 19. A third portion1820aof a second SSB1820(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion1820bof the second SSB1820(“SSB2 part-2”) starts at symbol 23. As shown inFIG.18, a fifth portion1830aof a third SSB1830(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and a sixth portion1840aof a fourth SSB1840(“SSB4 part-1”) starts at symbol 20. In the example ofFIG.18, the second portions of the third SSB1830and the fourth SSB1840are not shown for convenience.

As shown inFIG.18, resources carrying the second portion1810bof the first SSB1810are overlapping with resources carrying the fifth portion1830aof the third SSB1830associated with the third beam (e.g., the third beam1614ofFIG.16) as well as with resources carrying the sixth portion1840aof the fourth SSB1840associated with the fourth beam (e.g., the fourth beam1616ofFIG.16). Thus, there would be limited mutual interference, with respect to the portions of the first SSB1810from the third SSB1830and the fourth SSB1840, for a UE located in a region overlapping between the first beam1610and the second beam1612ofFIG.16. Similarly, resources carrying the fourth portion1820bof the second SSB1820are associated with the fourth beam (e.g., the fourth beam1616ofFIG.16).

In the illustrated example ofFIG.17, the second portion1710b(e.g., located at symbols 18 and 19) is overlapping with the fifth portion1730aof the third SSB1730(e.g., located at symbols 16 to 19). In the illustrated example ofFIG.18, the second portion1810bof the first SSB1810(e.g., located at symbols 19 and 20) is overlapping with the fifth portion1830aof the third SSB1830(e.g., located at symbols 16 to 19) and with the sixth portion1840aof the fourth SSB1840(e.g., located at symbols 20 to 23).

In the examples ofFIGS.10to12,FIG.14, andFIG.15, a reduced capability UE monitoring for SSBs may be monitoring more symbols than a higher capability UE. For example, a higher capability UE may monitor 16 symbols to receive four SSBs, such as symbols 4, 8, 16, and 20. However, in some of the above examples, a reduced capability UE may monitor symbols preceding the first SSB (e.g., before symbol 4 in time) or preceding the third SSB (e.g., before symbol 16 in time). In other examples, the reduced capability UE may monitor symbols following the second SSB (e.g., after symbol 11 in time) or following the fourth SSB (e.g., after symbol 23 in time).

In some examples, aspects disclosed herein may apply techniques to minimize the monitoring time of a UE (e.g., a UE with reduced capabilities). For example, the network may transmit the second portion of an SSB to overlap with the first portion from another beam. For example, the network may transmit a first SSB on a first beam and a second SSB beam on a second beam. In such scenarios, resources allocated to the first beam may include a first portion and a second portion for the first SSB. Additionally, resources allocated to the second beam may include a third portion and a fourth portion for the second SSB.

FIG.19depicts a diagram1900illustrating an example of mapping SSBs to resources while minimizing UE monitoring time, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.19, four example SSBs are mapped to resources in the time and frequency domains for four different beams. For example, first beam resources1902may be associated with a first beam, second beam resources1904may be associated with a second beam, third beam resources1906may be associated with a third beam, and fourth beam resources1908may be associated with a fourth beam. The beams may be non-neighboring beams, such as in the example ofFIG.13, or may be neighboring beams, such as in the example ofFIG.16.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.19, the second portion of certain SSBs are following the first portion of the respective SSB, while the second portion of other SSBs are preceding the first portion of the respective SSB. For example, a first portion1910aof a first SSB1910(“SSB1 part-1”) starts at symbol 4, and a second portion1910bof the first SSB1910(“SSB1 part-2”) starts at symbol 8, which is following the first portion1910aof the first SSB1910. A third portion1920aof a second SSB1920(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion1920bof the second SSB1920(“SSB2 part-2”) starts at symbol 6, which is preceding the third portion1920aof the second SSB1920. Similarly, a fifth portion1930aof a third SSB1930(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and a sixth portion1930bof the third SSB1930(“SSB3 part-2”) stars at symbol 20, which is following the fifth portion1930aof the third SSB1930. A seventh portion1940aof a fourth SSB1940(“SSB4 part-1) starts at symbol 20, and an eighth portion1940bof the fourth SSB1940(“SSB4 part-2”) starts at symbol 18, which is preceding the seventh portion1940aof the fourth SSB1940.

As shown inFIG.19, resources that a UE may monitor to receive an SSB may be reduced to the original 16 symbols that a higher capability UE may monitor when receiving an SSB. Thus, it may be appreciated that the example ofFIG.19facilitates reducing the UE monitoring time for receiving SSBs, which may reduce power consumption of the UE.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.19, the second portion of an SSB is allocated to resources that are consecutive in time. For example, the second portion1910boccupies symbols 8 and 9. In other examples, the second portion of an SSB may be allocated resources that are discontinuous in time.

FIG.20depicts a diagram2000illustrating another example of mapping SSBs to resources while minimizing UE monitoring time, as presented herein. In the illustrated example ofFIG.20, four example SSBs are mapped to resources in the time and frequency domains for four different beams. For example, first beam resources2002may be associated with a first beam, second beam resources2004may be associated with a second beam, third beam resources2006may be associated with a third beam, and fourth beam resources2008may be associated with a fourth beam. The beams may be non-neighboring beams, such as in the example ofFIG.13, or may be neighboring beam, such as in the example ofFIG.16.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.20, the second portion of certain SSBs are following the first portion of the respective SSB, while the second portion of other SSBs are preceding the first portion of the respective SSB, as described in the example ofFIG.19. Additionally, the resources allocated to the second portion of an SSB may be discontinuous in time.

For example, a first portion2010aof a first SSB2010(“SSB1 part-1”) starts at symbol 4, and a second portion2010bof the first SSB2010(“SSB1 part-2”) is located at symbols 9 and 11, which are following the first portion2010aof the first SSB2010.

A third portion2020aof a second SSB2020(“SSB2 part-1”) starts at symbol 8, and a fourth portion2020bof the second SSB2020(“SSB2 part-2”) is located at symbols 5 and 7, which are preceding the third portion2020aof the second SSB2020.

Similarly, a fifth portion2030aof a third SSB2030(“SSB3 part-1”) starts at symbol 16, and a sixth portion2030bof the third SSB2030(“SSB3 part-2”) is located at symbols 21 and 23, which is following the fifth portion2030aof the third SSB2030.

Additionally, a seventh portion2040aof a fourth SSB2040(“SSB4 part-1”) starts at symbol 20, and an eighth portion2040bof the fourth SSB2040(“SSB4 part-2”) is located at symbols 17 and 19, which are preceding the seventh portion2040aof the fourth SSB2040.

As shown inFIG.20, the resources that a UE may monitor to receive an SSB may be reduced to the original 16 symbols that a higher capability UE may monitor when receiving an SSB. Thus, it may be appreciated that the example ofFIG.20facilitates reducing the UE monitoring time for receiving SSBs, which may reduce power consumption of the UE.

Although the example ofFIG.20illustrates the second portion of an SSB being allocated to resources that are discontinuous in time, it may be appreciated that the second portion of the examples described herein in the other figures may also be allocated to resources that are discontinuous in time.

FIG.21is a flowchart2100of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE (e.g., the UEs104, and/or an apparatus2304ofFIG.23). The method may facilitate reducing UE complexity and reducing UE power consumption, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE monitors when receiving SSBs and/or by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE tries when performing blind decoding to receive the complete SSB.

At2102, the UE monitors in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam, as described in connection with monitoring procedure930ofFIG.9. For example, 2102 may be performed by a cellular RF transceiver2322/the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304ofFIG.23.

At2104, the UE monitors for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB, as described in connection with the monitoring procedure932ofFIG.9. For example, 2104 may be performed by the cellular RF transceiver2322/the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304ofFIG.23.

FIG.22is a flowchart2200of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE (e.g., the UEs104, and/or an apparatus2304ofFIG.23). The method may facilitate reducing UE complexity and reducing UE power consumption, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE monitors when receiving SSBs and/or by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE tries when performing blind decoding to receive the complete SSB.

At2202, the UE monitors in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam, as described in connection with monitoring procedure930ofFIG.9. For example, 2202 may be performed by a cellular RF transceiver2322/the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304ofFIG.23.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may precede the first portion of the first SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may follow the first portion of the first SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may have a fixed relationship in time to the first portion of the first SSB.

In some examples, monitoring for the first SSB is based on a single hypothesis for the second portion. In some examples, the single hypothesis may be based on a fixed relationship in time between the second portion of the first SSB and the first portion of the first SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB is continuous in time or discontinuous in time.

In some examples, monitoring for the second portion of the first SSB may be based on support for reception in a reduced bandwidth.

At2204, the UE monitors for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB, as described in connection with the monitoring procedure932ofFIG.9. For example,2204may be performed by the cellular RF transceiver2322/the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304ofFIG.23.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may overlap with the second resource of the second SSB based on at least one of: the first beam being a non-adjacent beam to the second beam, the first beam having a non-overlapping coverage area with the second beam, or a first SSB index being non-consecutive with a second SSB index.

In some examples, the second SSB includes a third portion and a fourth portion, and the second portion of the first SSB may overlap with the second resource for at least one of the third portion of the second SSB or the fourth portion of the second SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may be separated in time from the first portion of the first SSB and may overlap in time with one or more other SSBs on one or more other beams that are different than the first beam. In some such examples, the one or more other SSBs on the one or more other beams may have one or more SSB indexes that are non-consecutive with a first SSB index of the first SSB.

At2206, the UE may decode the first SSB based on the first resource and the second resource, as described in connection with decoding procedure934ofFIG.9. For example,2206may be performed by the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304ofFIG.23.

In some examples, the UE may include a first type of UE that is configured with the capability to decode the first SSB based on the first resource. For example, the first type of UE may include a higher capability UE.

In some examples, the EU may include a second type of UE that is configured with the capability to decode the first SSB based on the first resource and the second resource. For example, the first type of EU may include a reduced capability UE (e.g., a RedCap UE or an eRedCap UE).

FIG.23is a diagram2300illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus2304. The apparatus2304may be a UE, a component of a UE, or may implement UE functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus2304may include a cellular baseband processor2324(also referred to as a modem) coupled to one or more transceivers (e.g., a cellular RF transceiver2322). The cellular baseband processor2324may include on-chip memory2325. In some aspects, the apparatus2304may further include one or more subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards2320and an application processor2306coupled to a secure digital (SD) card2308and a screen2310. The application processor2306may include on-chip memory2307. In some aspects, the apparatus2304may further include a Bluetooth module2312, a WLAN module2314, an SPS module2316(e.g., GNSS module), one or more sensor modules2318(e.g., barometric pressure sensor/altimeter; motion sensor such as inertial measurement unit (IMU), gyroscope, and/or accelerometer(s); light detection and ranging (LIDAR), radio assisted detection and ranging (RADAR), sound navigation and ranging (SONAR), magnetometer, audio and/or other technologies used for positioning), additional memory modules2326, a power supply2330, and/or a camera2332. The Bluetooth module2312, the WLAN module2314, and the SPS module2316may include an on-chip transceiver (TRX) (or in some cases, just a receiver (RX)). The Bluetooth module2312, the WLAN module2314, and the SPS module2316may include their own dedicated antennas and/or utilize one or more antennas2380for communication. The cellular baseband processor2324communicates through transceiver(s) (e.g., the cellular RF transceiver2322) via one or more antennas2380with the UEs104and/or with an RU associated with a network entity2302. The cellular baseband processor2324and the application processor2306may each include a computer-readable medium/memory, such as the on-chip memory2325, and the on-chip memory2307, respectively. The additional memory modules2326may also be considered a computer-readable medium/memory. Each computer-readable medium/memory (e.g., the on-chip memory2325, the on-chip memory2307, and/or the additional memory modules2326) may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor2324and the application processor2306are each responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the cellular baseband processor2324/application processor2306, causes the cellular baseband processor2324/application processor2306to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the cellular baseband processor2324/application processor2306when executing software. The cellular baseband processor2324/application processor2306may be a component of the UE450and may include the memory460and/or at least one of the TX processor468, the RX processor456, and the controller/processor459. In one configuration, the apparatus2304may be a processor chip (modem and/or application) and include just the cellular baseband processor2324and/or the application processor2306, and in another configuration, the apparatus2304may be the entire UE (e.g., see the UE450ofFIG.4) and include the additional modules of the apparatus2304.

As discussed supra, the UE SSB component198is configured to monitor in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The UE SSB component198may also be configured to monitor for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

The UE SSB component198may be within the cellular baseband processor2324, the application processor2306, or both the cellular baseband processor2324and the application processor2306. The UE SSB component198may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof.

As shown, the apparatus2304may include a variety of components configured for various functions. For example, the UE SSB component198may include one or more hardware components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the flowcharts ofFIG.21and/orFIG.22.

In one configuration, the apparatus2304, and in particular the cellular baseband processor2324and/or the application processor2306, includes means for monitoring in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam. The example apparatus2304also includes means for monitoring for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another configuration, the example apparatus2304also includes means for decoding the first SSB.

The means may be the UE SSB component198of the apparatus2304configured to perform the functions recited by the means. As described supra, the apparatus2304may include the TX processor468, the RX processor456, and the controller/processor459. As such, in one configuration, the means may be the TX processor468, the RX processor456, and/or the controller/processor459configured to perform the functions recited by the means.

FIG.24is a flowchart2400of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a network node (e.g., the base stations102, and/or a network entity2602ofFIG.26). The method may facilitate reducing UE complexity and reducing UE power consumption, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE monitors when receiving SSBs and/or by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE tries when performing blind decoding to receive the complete SSB.

At2402, the network node outputs, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion, as described in connection with the second SSB part-1918and the second SSB part-2922ofFIG.9. For example,2402may be performed by the network SSB component199of the network entity2602ofFIG.26.

At2404, the network node outputs a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB, as described in connection with the first SSB914and the third SSB926ofFIG.9. For example,2404may be performed by the network SSB component199of the network entity2602ofFIG.26.

FIG.25is a flowchart2500of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a network node (e.g., the base stations102, and/or a network entity2602ofFIG.26). The method may facilitate reducing UE complexity and reducing UE power consumption, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the UE monitors when receiving SSBs and/or by reducing the number of hypotheses that the UE tries when performing blind decoding to receive the complete SSB.

At2502, the network node outputs, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion, as described in connection with the second SSB part-1918and/or the second SSB part-2922ofFIG.9. For example,2502may be performed by the network SSB component199of the network entity2602ofFIG.26.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may precede the first portion of the first SSB in a time domain.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may follow the first portion of the first SSB in a time domain.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may have a fixed relationship in time with the first portion of the first SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB is continuous in time or discontinuous in time.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may be configured at least for a type of UE that supports reception in a reduced bandwidth.

At2504, the network node outputs a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB, as described in connection with the second SSB part-1918and/or the second SSB part-2922ofFIG.9. For example,2504may be performed by the network SSB component199of the network entity2602ofFIG.26.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may overlap in at least one of time or frequency with the second resource of the second SSB.

In some examples, the second SSB may include a third portion and a fourth portion, and the second portion of the first SSB may overlap with the second resource for at least one of the third portion of the second SSB or the third portion of the second SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may overlap with the second resource of the second SSB based on one of: the first beam being a non-adjacent beam to the second beam, the first beam having a non-overlapping coverage area with the second beam, or a first SSB index being non-consecutive with a second SSB index.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may be separated in time from the first portion of the first SSB and may overlap in time with one or more SSBs on one or more other beams than the first beam. In some such examples, the one or more SSBs on the one or more other beams have one or more SSB indexes that are non-consecutive with a first SSB index of the first SSB.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB precedes the first portion of the first SSB and at least partially overlaps resources for one or more SSBs on one or more other beams that are different from the first beam. In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB follows the first portion of the first SSB and at least partially overlaps resources for one or more SSBs on one or more other beams that are different from the first beam.

At2506, the network node may output a third SSB in a third resource on a third beam, where the second portion of the first SSB may overlap at least in part with the third resource of the third SSB, as described in connection with the second SSB part-1918and/or the second SSB part-2922ofFIG.9. For example,2506may be performed by the network SSB component199of the network entity2602ofFIG.26.

In some examples, the second portion of the first SSB may overlap with at least one of a fifth portion sixth portion of the third SSB.

FIG.26is a diagram2600illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a network entity2602. The network entity2602may be a BS, a component of a BS, or may implement BS functionality. The network entity2602may include at least one of a CU2610, a DU2630, or an RU2640. For example, depending on the layer functionality handled by the network SSB component199, the network entity2602may include the CU2610; both the CU2610and the DU2630; each of the CU2610, the DU2630, and the RU2640; the DU2630; both the DU2630and the RU2640; or the RU2640. The CU2610may include a CU processor2612. The CU processor2612may include on-chip memory2613. In some aspects, may further include additional memory modules2614and a communications interface2618. The CU2610communicates with the DU2630through a midhaul link, such as an F1 interface. The DU2630may include a DU processor2632. The DU processor2632may include on-chip memory2633. In some aspects, the DU2630may further include additional memory modules2634and a communications interface2638. The DU2630communicates with the RU2640through a fronthaul link. The RU2640may include an RU processor2642. The RU processor2642may include on-chip memory2643. In some aspects, the RU2640may further include additional memory modules2644, one or more transceivers2646, antennas2680, and a communications interface2648. The RU2640communicates with the UEs104. The on-chip memories (e.g., the on-chip memory2613, the on-chip memory2633, and/or the on-chip memory2643) and/or the additional memory modules (e.g., the additional memory modules2614, the additional memory modules2634, and/or the additional memory modules2644) may each be considered a computer-readable medium/memory. Each computer-readable medium/memory may be non-transitory. Each of the CU processor2612, the DU processor2632, the RU processor2642is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium/memory. The software, when executed by the corresponding processor(s) causes the processor(s) to perform the various functions described supra. The computer-readable medium/memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor(s) when executing software.

As discussed supra, the network SSB component199is configured to output, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The network SSB component199may also be configured to output a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

The network SSB component199may be within one or more processors of one or more of the CU2610, DU2630, and the RU2640. The network SSB component199may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes/algorithm, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the stated processes/algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof.

The network entity2602may include a variety of components configured for various functions. For example, the network SSB component199may include one or more hardware components that perform each of the blocks of the algorithm in the flowcharts ofFIG.24and/orFIG.25.

In one configuration, the network entity2602includes means for outputting, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion. The example network entity2602also includes means for outputting a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

In another configuration, the example network entity2602also includes means for outputting a third SSB in a third resource on a third beam, wherein the second portion of the first SSB overlaps at least in part with the third resource of the third SSB.

The means may be the network SSB component199of the network entity2602configured to perform the functions recited by the means. As described supra, the network entity2602may include the TX processor416, the RX processor470, and the controller/processor475. As such, in one configuration, the means may be the TX processor416, the RX processor470, and/or the controller/processor475configured to perform the functions recited by the means.

Aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for utilizing characteristics associated with an NTN to improve reception of SSBs for NTN reduced capability UEs (e.g., reduced capability UEs operating in an NTN). For example, aspects disclosed herein provide techniques for reducing power consumption of a reduced capability UE, for example, by reducing the number of symbols that the reduced capability UE may monitor to receive an SSB. Additionally, or alternatively, the techniques disclosed herein may reduce UE complexity, for example, by reducing the number of hypotheses that the reduced capability UE may try when performing blind decoding.

Aspect 1 is a method of wireless communication at a UE, including: monitoring in a first resource for at least a part of a first portion of a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network and a second portion of the first SSB, the first resource being associated with a first beam; and monitoring for a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 2 is the method of aspect 1, further including that the second portion of the first SSB has a fixed relationship in time to the first portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 3 is the method of any of aspects 1 and 2, further including that the second SSB includes a third portion and a fourth portion, and the second portion of the first SSB overlaps with the second resource for at least one of the third portion of the second SSB or the fourth portion of the second SSB.

Aspect 4 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 3, further including that monitoring for the first SSB is based on a single hypothesis for the second portion.

Aspect 5 is the method of aspect 4, further including that the single hypothesis is based on a fixed relationship in time between the second portion of the first SSB and the first portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 6 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 5, further including that the second portion of the first SSB overlaps with the second resource of the second SSB based on at least one of: the first beam being a non-adjacent beam to the second beam, the first beam having a non-overlapping coverage area with the second beam, or a first SSB index being non-consecutive with a second SSB index.

Aspect 7 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 6, further including that the second portion of the first SSB precedes the first portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 8 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 6, further including that the second portion of the first SSB follows the first portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 9 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 8, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is separated in time from the first portion of the first SSB and overlaps in time with one or more other SSBs on one or more other beams that are different than the first beam, where the one or more other SSBs on the one or more other beams have one or more SSB indexes that are non-consecutive with a first SSB index of the first SSB.

Aspect 10 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 9, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is continuous in time or discontinuous in time.

Aspect 11 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 10, further including that monitoring for the second portion of the first SSB is based on support for reception in a reduced bandwidth.

Aspect 12 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE including at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to implement any of aspects 1 to 11.

In aspect 13, the apparatus of aspect 12 further includes at least one antenna coupled to the at least one processor.

In aspect 14, the apparatus of aspect 12 or 13 further includes a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

Aspect 15 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing any of aspects 1 to 11.

In aspect 16, the apparatus of aspect 15 further includes at least one antenna coupled to the means to perform the method of any of aspects 1 to 11.

In aspect 17, the apparatus of aspect 15 or 16 further includes a transceiver coupled to the means to perform the method of any of aspects 1 to 11.

Aspect 18 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable code, where the code, when executed, causes a processor to implement any of aspects 1 to 11.

Aspect 19 is a method of wireless communication at a network node, including: outputting, on a first beam, a first SSB of a non-terrestrial network in a first resource, the first SSB including a first portion and a second portion; and outputting a second SSB of the non-terrestrial network on a second beam in a second resource that that overlaps at least in part with the second portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 20 is the method of aspect 19, further including that the second portion of the first SSB has a fixed relationship in time with the first portion of the first SSB.

Aspect 21 is the method of any of aspects 19 and 20, further including that the second portion of the first SSB overlaps in at least one of time or frequency with the second resource of the second SSB.

Aspect 22 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 21, further including that the second SSB includes a third portion and a fourth portion, and the second portion of the first SSB overlaps with the second resource for at least one of the third portion of the second SSB or the third portion of the second SSB.

Aspect 23 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 22, further including: outputting a third SSB in a third resource on a third beam, where the second portion of the first SSB overlaps at least in part with the third resource of the third SSB.

Aspect 24 is the method of aspect 23, further including that the second portion of the first SSB overlaps with at least one of a fifth portion sixth portion of the third SSB.

Aspect 25 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 24, further including that the second portion of the first SSB overlaps with the second resource of the second SSB based on one of: the first beam being a non-adjacent beam to the second beam, the first beam having a non-overlapping coverage area with the second beam, or a first SSB index being non-consecutive with a second SSB index.

Aspect 26 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 25, further including that the second portion of the first SSB precedes the first portion of the first SSB in a time domain.

Aspect 27 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 25, further including that the second portion of the first SSB follows the first portion of the first SSB in a time domain.

Aspect 28 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 27, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is separated in time from the first portion of the first SSB and overlaps in time with one or more SSBs on one or more other beams than the first beam, where the one or more SSBs on the one or more other beams have one or more SSB indexes that are non-consecutive with a first SSB index of the first SSB.

Aspect 29 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 28, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is one of preceding or following the first portion of the first SSB and at least partially overlaps resources for one or more SSBs on one or more other beams that are different from the first beam.

Aspect 30 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 29, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is continuous in time or discontinuous in time.

Aspect 31 is the method of any of aspects 19 to 30, further including that the second portion of the first SSB is configured at least for a type of user equipment (UE) that supports reception in a reduced bandwidth.

Aspect 32 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node including at least one processor coupled to a memory and configured to implement any of aspects 19 to 31.

In aspect 33, the apparatus of aspect 32 further includes at least one antenna coupled to the at least one processor.

In aspect 34, the apparatus of aspect 32 or 33 further includes a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor.

Aspect 35 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing any of aspects 19 to 31.

In aspect 36, the apparatus of aspect 35 further includes at least one antenna coupled to the means to perform the method of any of aspects 19 to 31.

In aspect 37, the apparatus of aspect 35 or 36 further includes a transceiver coupled to the means to perform the method of any of aspects 19 to 31.

Aspect 38 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer executable code, where the code, when executed, causes a processor to implement any of aspects 19 to 31.