Patent Description:
In wireless communication systems, a radio access network generally comprises one or more access nodes (such as a base station) which communicate on radio channels over a radio or air interface with plural wireless terminals. In some technologies such a wireless terminal is also called a User Equipment (UE). A group known as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project ("3GPP") has undertaken to define globally applicable technical specifications and technical reports for present and future generation wireless communication systems. The 3GPP Long Term Evolution ("LTE") and 3GPP LTE Advanced (LTE-A) are projects to improve an earlier Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UMTS") mobile phone or device standard in a manner to cope with future requirements.

Work has started in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and 3GPP to develop requirements and specifications for new radio (NR) <NUM> systems, e.g., fifth generation systems. Within the scope of 3GPP, a new study item (SID) "Study on New Radio Access Technology" has been approved. The timeline and the study situations of NR development are summarized in <NPL>. In order to fulfill <NUM> requirements, changes with regard to <NUM> LTE system have been proposed for study, such as higher frequency spectrum usage (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM> or up to <NUM>), scalable numerology (e.g., different subcarrier spacing (SCS), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (current LTE), <NUM>. possibly <NUM>), beam based initial access (one traditional cell may contain multiple beams due to the particular beamforming adopted).

In an LTE system, hierarchical synchronization signals, i.e., primary synchronization sequences (PSS) and secondary synchronization sequences (SSS) provide coarse time/frequency synchronization, physical layer cell ID (PCI) identification, subframe timing identification, frame structure type (FDD or TDD) differentiation and cyclic prefix (CP) overhead identification. On the other hand, in the legacy LTE system, a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) provides further information, such as system frame number (SFN) and essential system information so that a wireless terminal (e. , UE) can obtain information to access the network.

In LTE system, three PSS sequences provide identification of cell ID (<NUM>-<NUM>); and SSS sequences provide identification of cell ID group (<NUM>-<NUM>). Therefore, in all <NUM>*<NUM> = <NUM> PCI IDs are supported in the LTE system.

It is anticipated that in the next generation new radio (NR) technology, a cell corresponds one or multiple transmission and reception point (TRPs). This means multiple TRPs can share the same NR cell ID, or each transmission and reception point (TRP) may have its own identifier. Further, the transmission of one TRP can be in the form of single beam or multiple beams. Each of the beams may also possibly have its own identifier. <FIG> provides a simple example depiction of a relationship between cell, transmission and reception point (TRP), and beam.

It has been agreed in RAN1 #86bis meeting (See, e.g., 3GPP RAN1 #86bis Chairman's Notes) that:.

<FIG> is an example NR SS block structure according to the RAN1 #86bis meeting. In <FIG>, "synchronization signal bursts series" represents a "SS burst set". Additional detailed examples are illustrated in <NPL>.

Thus, as indicated above, one or multiple SS block(s) compose an SS burst. One or multiple SS burst(s) further composes a SS burst set where the number of SS bursts within a SS burst set is finite. If it is always the case that one SS burst composes an SS burst set, then there is actually no meaning for defining SS burst, or a definition of SS burst is not necessary. From physical layer specification perspective, at least one periodicity of SS burst set is supported. From the UE perspective, SS burst set transmission is periodic and a UE may assume that a given SS block is repeated with a SS burst set periodicity, which means SS block may have different periodicity than the SS burst set.

According to 3GPP RAN1 #<NUM> Chairman's Notes, it has been further agreed in [<NUM>] that, from the UE perspective, SS burst set transmission is periodic, and that at least for initial cell selection, the UE may assume a default periodicity of SS burst set transmission for a given carrier frequency.

In LTE, PSS/SSS and PBCH have different periodicity due to different detection performance requirements and different methods to combat channel distortion (PBCH has channel coding and repetition to combat channel distortion, while PSS/SSS does not).

For initial cell selection for a new radio (NR) cell, the UEs assume a default SS burst set periodicity per frequency carrier. In a cellular network, the CONNECTED mode UEs might need to do the measurement (RSRP/RSRQ or their equivalent measurement) to perform handover; while the IDLE mode UEs might need to do the measurement to perform cell selection/reselection. In legacy LTE systems, the SS transmission has only one fixed periodicity (<NUM>) throughout the network; while in NR systems, one value from a set of SS burst set periodicities might be configured to the UE.

For CONNECTED and IDLE mode UEs (UEs already camping on NR cells), New Radio supports network indication of SS burst set periodicity and information to derive measurement timing/duration (e.g., time window for NR-SS detection). The network provides one SS burst set periodicity information per frequency carrier to the UE and information to derive measurement timing/duration if possible. In case that one SS burst set periodicity and one information regarding timing/duration are indicated, the UE assumes the periodicity and timing/duration for all cells on the same carrier. If the network does not provide an indication of SS burst set, periodicity and information to derive measurement timing/duration the UE should assume <NUM> as the SS burst set periodicity. New Radio supports a set of SS burst set periodicity values for adaptation and network indication.

For the purpose of detecting a non-standalone NR cell (e.g., NR carrier not supporting initial access, or other reasons the UE will not camp on the NR cell), NR-SS can still be used at least for cell identification and initial synchronization, and CONNECTED mode RRM measurements. Similarly as for CONNECTED and IDLE mode UEs, NR supports network indication of SS burst set periodicity and information to derive measurement timing/duration (e.g., time window for NR-SS detection). The network provides one SS burst set periodicity information per frequency carrier to UE and information to derive measurement timing/duration if possible. In case that one SS burst set periodicity and one information regarding timing/duration are indicated, the UE assumes the periodicity and timing/duration for all cells on the same carrier. New Radio supports a set of SS burst set periodicity values for adaptation and network indication.

<NPL>, discusses NR synchronization signal design for beam based initial access including the SS burst set construction and SS burst set periodicity. The document proposes a configurable periodicity of SS burst set for connected and idle UE be supported in NR. The periodicity can be indicated in the PRCH for both Idle UE and connected UE.

<NPL>, discusses NR-SS periodicity, proposing that NR should support configurations up to <NUM> SS blocks within SS burst set. The SS block time pattern should allow distributing the SS block transmissions in time. The SS blocks are transmitted in consecutive manner within SS burst. It should be possible to be able to configure SS burst set period for Connected and IDLE mode UEs.

<NPL>, discusses issues related to SS periodicity. The document proposes that default SS vurst set periodicity should be <NUM> msec. SS burst set duration shall be same or shorter than <NUM> msec. The network synchronization should be mandated in the spec.

<CIT> describes a user equipment capable of receiving a configuration of a licensed-assisted access (LAA) for a serving cell from an evolved node B (eNB), and receiving a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) of the serving cell. The PSS and the SSS are mapped according to a frame structure of frequency-division duplexing (FDD).

<CIT> describes a method, performed in a radio network node, of detecting at least one signal transmitted from a wireless device, wherein the radio network node transmits a synchronization signal to the wireless device with a synchronization signal rate. The method comprises determining a period of time that has passed since the most recent transmission of the synchronization signal to the wireless device and configuring, in the radio network node, at least one radio setting related to detecting the at least one signal, based on the determined period of time. The method further comprises monitoring a radio spectrum for the at least one signal using the at least one radio setting.

In light of the foregoing, various technical questions and challenges remain. For example:.

What is needed, therefore, and example objects of the technology disclosed herein, are methods, apparatus, and techniques to address one or more of the foregoing technical challenges.

The above and other objects are achieved by a terminal apparatus, a method in a terminal apparatus, a base station apparatus and a method in a base station apparatus as defined in the independent claims, respectively.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the technology disclosed herein.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technology disclosed herein may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. That is, those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the technology disclosed herein. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the technology disclosed herein with unnecessary detail. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that block diagrams herein can represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry or other functional units embodying the principles of the technology. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

As used herein, the term "core network" can refer to a device, group of devices, or sub-system in a telecommunication network that provides services to users of the telecommunications network. Examples of services provided by a core network include aggregation, authentication, call switching, service invocation, gateways to other networks, etc..

As used herein, the term "wireless terminal" can refer to any electronic device used to communicate voice and/or data via a telecommunications system, such as (but not limited to) a cellular network. Other terminology used to refer to wireless terminals and non-limiting examples of such devices can include user equipment terminal, UE, mobile station, mobile device, access terminal, subscriber station, mobile terminal, remote station, user terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), laptop computers, netbooks, tablets, e-readers, wireless modems, etc..

As used herein, the term "access node", "node", or "base station" can refer to any device or group of devices that facilitates wireless communication or otherwise provides an interface between a wireless terminal and a telecommunications system. A non-limiting example of an access node may include, in the 3GPP specification, a Node B ("NB"), an enhanced Node B ("eNB"), a home eNB ("HeNB"), or in the <NUM> terminology, a gNB or even a transmission and reception point (TRP), or some other similar terminology. Another non-limiting example of a base station is an access point. An access point may be an electronic device that provides access for wireless terminal to a data network, such as (but not limited to) a Local Area Network ("LAN"), Wide Area Network ("WAN"), the Internet, etc. Although some examples of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be described in relation to given standards (e.g., 3GPP Releases <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. ), the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited in this regard. At least some aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized in other types of wireless communication systems.

As used herein, the term "telecommunication system" or "communications system" can refer to any network of devices used to transmit information. A non-limiting example of a telecommunication system is a cellular network or other wireless communication system.

As used herein, the term "cellular network" can refer to a network distributed over cells, each cell served by at least one fixed-location transceiver, such as a base station. A "cell" may be any communication channel that is specified by standardization or regulatory bodies to be used for International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced ("IMTAdvanced"). All or a subset of the cell may be adopted by 3GPP as licensed bands (e.g., frequency band) to be used for communication between a base station, such as a Node B, and a UE terminal. A cellular network using licensed frequency bands can include configured cells. Configured cells can include cells of which a UE terminal is aware and in which it is allowed by a base station to transmit or receive information.

The technology disclosed herein concerns, as one of its example aspects, a generic wireless terminal comprising receiver circuitry and processor circuitry. The receiver circuitry is configured to receive wireless communications including synchronization signal information transmitted according to a node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value over an air interface from a radio access network. The processor circuitry is configured to detect the synchronization signal information when a default synchronization information periodicity value which has been used by the wireless terminal differs from the node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value. <FIG> shows example, representative acts or steps performed by such generic wireless terminal. For example, act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises receiving wireless communications including synchronization signal information transmitted according to a node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value over an air interface from a radio access network. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises using processor circuitry to detect the synchronization signal information when a default synchronization information periodicity value which has been used by the wireless terminal differs from the node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value. Given such generic wireless terminal structure and method , the technology disclosed herein encompasses various example system, methods, and techniques for acquiring synchronization information periodicity value, such as (for example) in the example, non-limiting circumstances shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> depicts a situation in which a network desires to change the synchronization information periodicity value with which a wireless terminal is operating, e.g., to change from a first synchronization signal burst set periodicity (SSBSP) value to a second synchronization signal burst set periodicity value. <FIG> depicts a situation in which a network has updated the synchronization information periodicity value (SSBSP) from default values to other values, e.g., to an updated synchronization information periodicity value (updated SSBSP), while an initial access stage wireless terminal still assumes that the operative synchronization information periodicity value is the default synchronization information periodicity value (default SSBSP). <FIG> shows a situation in which a wireless terminal seeks to know the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of a neighboring cell.

<FIG> shows an example communications system 20A wherein radio access node 22A communicates over air or radio interface <NUM> (e.g., Uu interface) with wireless terminal <NUM>. As mentioned above, the radio access node 22A may be any suitable node for communicating with the wireless terminal <NUM>, such as a base station node, or eNodeB ("eNB") or gNodeB or gNB, for example. The node 22A comprises node processor circuitry ("node processor <NUM>") and node transceiver circuitry <NUM>. The node transceiver circuitry <NUM> typically comprises node transmitter circuitry <NUM> and node receiver circuitry <NUM>, which are also called node transmitter and node receiver, respectively.

The wireless terminal <NUM> comprises terminal processor <NUM> and terminal transceiver circuitry <NUM>. The terminal transceiver circuitry <NUM> typically comprises terminal transmitter circuitry <NUM> and terminal receiver circuitry <NUM>, which are also called terminal transmitter <NUM> and terminal receiver <NUM>, respectively. The wireless terminal <NUM> also typically comprises user interface <NUM>. The terminal user interface <NUM> may serve for both user input and output operations, and may comprise (for example) a screen such as a touch screen that can both display information to the user and receive information entered by the user. The user interface <NUM> may also include other types of devices, such as a speaker, a microphone, or a haptic feedback device, for example.

For both the radio access node 22A and radio interface <NUM>, the respective transceiver circuitries <NUM> include antenna(s). The respective transmitter circuits <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise, e.g., amplifier(s), modulation circuitry and other conventional transmission equipment. The respective receiver circuits <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise, e.g., e.g., amplifiers, demodulation circuitry, and other conventional receiver equipment.

In general operation node, access node 22A and wireless terminal <NUM> communicate with each other across radio interface <NUM> using predefined configurations of information. By way of non-limiting example, the radio access node 22A and wireless terminal <NUM> may communicate over radio interface <NUM> using "frames" of information that may be configured to include various channels. In Long Term Evolution (LTE), for example, a frame, which may have both downlink portion(s) and uplink portion(s), may comprise plural subframes, with each LTE subframe in turn being divided into two slots. The frame may be conceptualized as a resource grid (a two dimensional grid) comprised of resource elements (RE). Each column of the two dimensional grid represents a symbol (e.g., an OFDM symbol on downlink (DL) from node to wireless terminal; an SC-FDMA symbol in an uplink (UL) frame from wireless terminal to node). Each row of the grid represents a subcarrier. The frame and subframe structure serves only as an example of a technique of formatting of information that is to be transmitted over a radio or air interface. It should be understood that "frame" and "subframe" may be utilized interchangeably or may include or be realized by other units of information formatting, and as such may bear other terminology (such as blocks, or symbol, slot, mini-slot in <NUM> for example).

To cater to the transmission of information between radio access node 22A and wireless terminal <NUM> over radio interface <NUM>, the node processor <NUM> and terminal processor <NUM> of <FIG> are shown as comprising respective information handlers. For an example implementation in which the information is communicated via frames, the information handler for radio access node 22A is shown as node frame/signal scheduler/handler <NUM>, while the information handler for wireless terminal <NUM> is shown as terminal frame/signal handler <NUM>. The terminal processor <NUM> further comprises synchronization information generator <NUM>.

Wireless terminal <NUM> needs to be in synchronization with the radio access network. Strategic times for synchronization of wireless terminal <NUM> include for initial selection of a cell of the radio access network, when in CONNECTED mode, and when in IDLE mode (already camping on a cell of the radio access network). In order to detect a synchronization information transmitted by the radio access node <NUM> of a cell, and thus synchronize with the radio access network, the wireless terminal <NUM> needs to know with what periodicity the synchronization information is transmitted. Knowing the periodicity of the synchronization information enables the wireless terminal <NUM> to configure a synchronization information detection window for reception of the synchronization information.

As used herein, "synchronization information" generically encompasses one or more of a synchronization signal(s), a synchronization signal block(s), a synchronization signal burst(s), and a synchronization signal burst set(s), as understood with reference to <FIG> and above discussion thereof. In view of such generic terminology, as used herein "synchronization information periodicity value" encompasses and thus includes one or more of (<NUM>) a synchronization signal periodicity value, (<NUM>) a synchronization signal burst periodicity value, (<NUM>) a synchronization signal burst set periodicity value, and (<NUM>) any combination of (<NUM>) - (<NUM>). Thus, synchronization information periodicity value expressly includes but is not limited to synchronization signal burst set periodicity (SSBSP). In fact, as used herein, the terminology (<NUM>) - (<NUM>) may be used interchangeably. For example, reference herein to "SS burst set periodicity (SSBSP)" may mean either SS burst set periodicity, or SS burst periodicity, or SS periodicity, or any combinations of them. For simplicity, SSBSP may at time be used for presentation simplicity and convenience. Reference herein to "base station" may be represented as gNB, or gNB, or eNB, for example.

From UE perspective, SS burst set transmission is periodic. For initial cell selection, the UE assumes a default periodicity (X ms) of SS burst set transmission for a given carrier frequency. There is only one default periodicity (T_default) defined for each given carrier frequency.

For CONNECTED and IDLE mode UEs (UEs already camped on NR cells), NR supports network indication of SS burst set periodicity and information to derive measurement timing/duration (e.g., time window for NR-SS detection).

In prior systems the periodicity the synchronization information may be uniform and thus known throughout the radio access network. Moreover, in prior systems the synchronization information may remain constant and not change. But in systems and technology described herein, different cells may have differing synchronization information periodicity values. For example, different cells having the same carrier frequency (intra-frequency cells) and/or different cells having differing carrier frequency (inter-frequency cells) may have differing synchronization information periodicity value. Moreover, the network may, for particular wireless terminals, change the synchronization information periodicity value from time to time.

The use of differing and/or changing synchronization information periodicity values may arise from a tension between wireless terminal considerations and radio access network considerations. A wireless terminal vendor may desire, for example, for the wireless terminal to use a synchronization information periodicity value that is relatively short, in order to keep good wireless terminals synchronization detection performance and thus fast access to the network.

On the other hand, a radio access network operator may prefer that the network have a higher synchronization information periodicity value, so that the radio access network need not transmit the synchronization information periodicity value as frequently and thereby need not devote as many network resources to synchronization. For example, the network operator may determine that traffic conditions are such that signaling needs to be minimized, and therefore the network operator may configure one or more cells of the network to change to a longer synchronization information periodicity value. A longer synchronization information periodicity value generally means less synchronization signaling traffic. Alternatively, there may be times (e.g., nighttime) when the network is not as busy, and the operator is inclined to allow a shorter synchronization information periodicity value in some cells. A shorter synchronization information periodicity value conversely means more synchronization signaling traffic.

As mentioned above, in a generic scenario a wireless terminal wireless receives wireless communications including synchronization signal information transmitted according to a node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value over an air interface from a radio access network. The generic wireless terminal is configured to detect the synchronization signal information when a default synchronization information periodicity value which has been used by the wireless terminal differs from the node-utilized synchronization information periodicity value. Various example more specific scearnios are described below including (A) wireless terminals changing/updating synchronization information periodicity value; (b) resolving use by networks and terminals of differing synchronization information periodicity values; and (C) wireless terminals acquiring synchronization information periodicity values for neighboring cells.

<FIG> depicts a situation in which a network desires to change the synchronization information periodicity value with which a wireless terminal is operating, e.g., to change from a first synchronization signal burst set periodicity value to a second synchronization signal burst set periodicity value. For example, the network (e.g., radio access node <NUM> of <FIG>) may know that wireless terminal <NUM> is using a default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value, and the network wishes to direct the wireless terminal <NUM> instead to use an update synchronization signal burst set periodicity value. <FIG> illustrate certain communications systems in which a wireless terminal changes from a first synchronization information periodicity value to a second synchronization information periodicity value.

The wireless terminal 26A of <FIG> is a wireless terminal that is configured with a first synchronization information periodicity value, but which may change from using the first synchronization information periodicity value in order to use a second synchronization information periodicity value for the purpose of detecting a synchronization signal included in wireless communications received from the radio access network, e.g., from radio access node <NUM>. The terminal processor <NUM> comprises terminal synchronization processor <NUM>, which in turn comprises terminal periodicity value selector <NUM>. The terminal synchronization processor <NUM> stores or has access to both the first synchronization information periodicity value and the second synchronization information periodicity value. In an example non-limiting example implementation, the first synchronization information periodicity value comprises a default synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> (e.g., T_default), and the second synchronization information periodicity value comprises an update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> (T_update).

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by wireless terminal 26A of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal 26A receiving wireless communications over an air interface from a radio access network. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal 26A changing from using a first synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., default synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>) to using a second synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>) to detect a synchronization signal included in the received wireless communications in a synchronization signal detection process performed by processor circuitry.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by radio access node 22A of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises the radio access node 22A transmitting synchronization signal information over an air interface to the wireless terminal 26A served by the node 22A.

In the example embodiment and mode illustrated in <FIG>, the second synchronization information periodicity value, e.g., the update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>, is preconfigured at wireless terminal 26A. But in a different example embodiment and mode illustrated in <FIG>, the second synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>) is signaled to the wireless terminal 26B from the radio access network. Components and elements of the communications system 20B of <FIG>, and of other systems described herein, that have the same reference numbers as the communications system 20A of <FIG> are understood to comprise similar structures and functionalities as above described for Fig. 1A unless otherwise noted.

The signaling of the second synchronization information periodicity value in the <FIG> embodiment and mode is facilitated by synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM> which comprises synchronization information generator <NUM>. <FIG> particularly shows that synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM> comprises or has access to a bank <NUM> of one or more candidate values that may be selected to serve as the second synchronization information periodicity value, e.g., as the updated synchronization information periodicity value for the wireless terminal 26B. <FIG> also shows by arrow <NUM> a signaling including identification of a selected second synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., updated synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>), the signal <NUM> being included in a frame and transmitted over the air interface <NUM>. The node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> identified by signal <NUM> is received by terminal receiver circuitry <NUM> of wireless terminal 26B, obtained from a frame by terminal frame/signal handler <NUM>, and stored by terminal synchronization processor <NUM> as update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by wireless terminal 26B of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> and act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> are those of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> comprises receiving the second synchronization information periodicity value in a signal from the radio access network.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by radio access node <NUM> of <FIG>. Act 5B-<NUM> comprises the radio access node 22B selecting an update synchronization information periodicity value for use in transmitting synchronization signal information. Act 5B-<NUM> comprises transmitting the update synchronization information periodicity value and the synchronization signal information over an air interface to a wireless terminal served by the node. The transmissions of act 5B-<NUM> may be in different signals.

<FIG> illustrates an example embodiment and mode in which the wireless terminal 26C switches or changes from using the first synchronization information periodicity value to using the second synchronization information periodicity value upon occurrence of a predetermined event. For the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, the terminal processor <NUM>, and terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> in particular, comprises terminal periodicity value switch event detector <NUM>. The terminal periodicity value switch event detector <NUM> serves to detect an event that is intended to trigger the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> to change from using the first synchronization information periodicity value to using the second synchronization information periodicity value. Non-limiting examples of such triggering events are described below.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by wireless terminal 26C of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> and act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> are those of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> comprises the wireless terminal 26C changing from using the first synchronization information periodicity value to using the second synchronization information periodicity value upon occurrence of a predetermined event.

One example of a triggering event that is detected by terminal periodicity value switch event detector <NUM> and causes the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> to change from using the first synchronization information periodicity value to using the second synchronization information periodicity value is illustrated in <FIG>. The <FIG> example of a triggering event comprises receipt of a switch signal from the radio access network. The synchronization information generator <NUM> of <FIG> comprises trigger event signal generator <NUM>. The trigger event signal generator <NUM> generates trigger event signal <NUM> which is included in a frame transmitted to wireless terminal 26C and detected by terminal periodicity value switch event detector <NUM>. In an example, non-limiting embodiment and mode, trigger event signal <NUM> may comprise a one bit information element (IE). Such one bit information element (IE) indicative of the trigger event signal generator <NUM> may be included in broadcast signaling and/or dedicated signaling to the CONNECTED mode UE, or in the broadcast signaling to the IDLE mode UE. For example, the one bit may indicate the current synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., SSBSP is T_default) or alternatively may indicate an updated synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., SSBSP is T_update), e.g., "<NUM>" may represent T_default and "<NUM>" may represent T_update, or visa-versa.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by radio access node <NUM> of <FIG> according to the foregoing example. Act 5C-<NUM> comprises the radio access node 22B generating a switch signal to request that the wireless terminal change from using a previous synchronization information periodicity value to using the update synchronization information periodicity value in conjunction with a synchronization signal detection process. Act 5C-<NUM> comprises the node transmitter circuitry transmitting the switch signal to the wireless terminal.

Another example of a triggering event that is detected by terminal periodicity value switch event detector <NUM> and causes the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> to change from using the first synchronization information periodicity value to using the second synchronization information periodicity value is illustrated in <FIG>. The <FIG> example of a triggering event, a predetermined that causes the change, comprises expiration of a switch timer. <FIG> shows terminal synchronization processor <NUM> as comprising periodicity value switch timer <NUM>. The periodicity value switch timer <NUM> is loaded or initialized with an initial switch time value. After the periodicity value switch timer <NUM> reaches the initial switch time value (e.g., counts down from the initial switch time value to zero, or counts from zero to the initial switch time value), the periodicity value switch timer <NUM> expires. Expiration of periodicity value switch timer <NUM> generates a signal or is otherwise detected by terminal periodicity value selector <NUM>, which then changes from use of the first synchronization information periodicity value to use of the second synchronization information periodicity value. In an example embodiment and mode, the initial switch time value may be preconfigured at wireless terminal 26D. In an alternate example embodiment and mode, the initial switch time value may be signaled to the wireless terminal 26D by the radio access network, e.g., from radio access node 22D. In the latter regard, <FIG> shows the latter example embodiment and mode wherein synchronization information generator <NUM> comprises initial switch time value generator <NUM>, which generates the initial switch time value for transmission (as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) to wireless terminal 26D. The initial switch time value is loaded into the periodicity value switch timer <NUM> so that the periodicity value switch timer <NUM>, upon expiration, may inform or be detected by the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> for changing from the first synchronization information periodicity value to the second synchronization information periodicity value.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by wireless terminal 26D of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> is the same as act <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. However, act <NUM>-2D of <FIG> comprises changing from the first synchronization information periodicity value to the second synchronization information periodicity value upon expiration of a switch timer.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by radio access node <NUM> of <FIG> according to the foregoing example. Act 5D-<NUM> comprises the radio access node 22B generating a switch timer expiration value. Act 5D-<NUM> comprises the node transmitter circuitry transmitting the switch timer expiration value to the wireless terminal over the air interface. As explained above, the switch timer expiration value is configured to initialize a switch timer of the wireless terminal so that, upon the switch timer reaching the switch timer expiration value, the wireless terminal is prompted to change from using the previous synchronization information periodicity value to using the update synchronization information periodicity value.

In some example embodiments and modes the wireless terminal is configured to change back from using the second synchronization information periodicity value to using the first synchronization information periodicity value upon occurrence of a second predetermined event. In an example implementation, the second predetermined event may be a (second) signal from the radio access network, such as is understood from <FIG>. In another example implementation, which is a modification of the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, the wireless terminal 26E is provided with a second timer, e.g., switch back timer <NUM>. In the <FIG> example implementation the wireless terminal is configured to change back from using the second synchronization information periodicity value to using the first synchronization information periodicity value upon occurrence of a second predetermined event in the form of expiration of the switch back timer <NUM>. The switch back timer <NUM> may be loaded with a second timer initialization value, which may be the measure of count up or count down. The switch back timer <NUM> may start counting upon expiration of a first counter, e.g., periodicity value switch timer <NUM>. After expiration of the switch back timer <NUM> is detected or signaled, the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> switches back from using the second synchronization information periodicity value for the synchronization signal detection to using the first synchronization information periodicity value for the detection.

<FIG> shows example, basic, non-limiting acts or steps performed by wireless terminal 26E of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> and act <NUM>-2D of <FIG> is the same as act <NUM>-<NUM> and act <NUM>-2D of <FIG>. However, act <NUM>-2E of <FIG> comprises changing back from using the second synchronization information periodicity value to using the first synchronization information periodicity value upon occurrence of a second predetermined event.

In some example embodiments and modes, such as that shown in <FIG>, the radio access node 22B may select the node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> from multiple values comprising the bank <NUM>. The wireless terminal <NUM> likely does not have previous knowledge of the multiple values in bank <NUM>, and does not necessarily know which of the multiple candidate values the radio access node <NUM> will select for the node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM>. So the radio access node 22B includes the node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> in the signal <NUM>. The signal <NUM> may be broadcast signaling and/or dedicated signaling to a CONNECTED mode UE, or included in broadcast signaling to an IDLE mode UE.

<FIG> illustrates yet another example embodiment and mode in which receipt of the signal <NUM> including the node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> not only supplies the second synchronization information periodicity value, but also serves as the triggering event to cause the terminal periodicity value selector <NUM> to change from the first synchronization information periodicity value to the second synchronization information periodicity value. In the <FIG> example embodiment and mode, the synchronization information periodicity value generator 70F serves as a combined synchronization information periodicity value generator and trigger event signal generator, such that transmission of the node-selected update synchronization information periodicity value <NUM> in signal 74F serves as the trigger event. The terminal periodicity value switch event detector 80F of wireless terminal 26F, upon detection of receipt of the trigger event signal generator 84F, uses such signal receipt to initiate the change from use of the first synchronization information periodicity value to the second synchronization information periodicity value.

The foregoing example embodiments and modes illustrate certain example situations including update of synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., SSBSP) by a network. The foregoing example embodiments and modes encompass but are not limited to the following alternative detailed designs:
Alt A. For a given carrier frequency, besides T_default, there is another SSBSP defined (T_update). The value of T_update could be either pre-defined, or configured by network from a set of SSBSP values.

<NUM>> When T_update is pre-defined, the value of T_update can also be known by the UE, so it is not necessarily to be signaled to the UE by gNB; instead, some events may trigger the UE to detect SS/SS burst set with the updated periodicity. The following review some examples of "events":.

<NUM>> When T_update is configured by the network from multiple values, the UE doesn't have the a priori knowledge of the SSBSP value. In this case, there is a value included in the broadcast signaling and/or dedicated signaling to the CONNECTED mode UE, or in the broadcast signaling to the IDLE mode UE, indicating the new value of SSBSP. The value itself can trigger the UE to detect SS with the updated SSBSP, or it is possible that this value is combined with the above triggering event, e.g., when the UE is triggered to update SSBSP, it will check the exact value of the new SSBSP.

<FIG> depicts a situation in which a network has updated the synchronization information periodicity value (SSBSP) from default values to other values, e.g., to an updated synchronization information periodicity value (updated SSBSP), while an initial access stage wireless terminal still assumes that the operative synchronization information periodicity value is the default synchronization information periodicity value (default SSBSP). In particular, in <FIG> the radio access node <NUM> has changed from a default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value (T_default) to an update synchronization signal burst set periodicity value (T_update), but the wireless terminal <NUM>, having recently made access to the network (e.g., to CELL), is still using the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value.

The example embodiments and modes of <FIG> address, e.g., the issue or situation shown in <FIG> in which a network has updated the synchronization information periodicity value (SSBSP) from default values to other values, e.g., to an updated synchronization information periodicity value (updated SSBSP), while an initial access stage wireless terminal still assumes that the operative synchronization information periodicity value is the default synchronization information periodicity value (default SSBSP). In the example embodiments and modes of <FIG>, elements which have the same reference numerals as one or more of <FIG> are understood to have the same structure and/or functionality unless otherwise noted or clear from context.

The synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6A of <FIG>, which may be included in synchronization information generator <NUM>, is configured to select an update synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than a default synchronization information periodicity value of the radio access network. For example, the synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6A selects updated synchronization information periodicity values (SSBSP values) that are always defined or configured to be smaller than the default SSBSP. For example, synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6A may have access to a "T_update" information element, which comprises a set of candidate values, and the maximum value in the candidate value range is no larger than the T_default given a carrier frequency. In this case, the network more frequently transmits the synchronization signal. As such the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A, when still using the default SSBSP, may miss detecting some of the synchronization signals. Nevertheless, as a result of the technology disclosed herein, the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A of <FIG> may be able to maintain the initial access SS detection performance without significant adverse effect.

Moreover, for the benefit of the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A, and as an optional feature in conjunction with the relatively shorter updated synchronization information periodicity value, the synchronization information generator <NUM> of radio access node <NUM>-6A may cause the synchronization signal to be transmitted plural times in a synchronization signal detection window corresponding to the default synchronization information periodicity value (since the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A may still believe that the operative synchronization information periodicity value is the default synchronization information periodicity value). Thus, with this optional feature, although the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A may still be operating with the default synchronization information periodicity value rather than the updated synchronization information periodicity value, and although the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A may still be using a synchronization signal detection window corresponding to the default synchronization information periodicity value, the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A has more opportunity to detect the synchronization signal since it is transmitted plural times in the synchronization signal detection window. For the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, in accordance with this optional feature the terminal synchronization processor <NUM> may be configured to detect plural receptions of the synchronization signal in a detection window corresponding to the default synchronization information periodicity value.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the radio access node <NUM>-6A of <FIG>. Act 7A-<NUM> comprises the radio access node <NUM>-6A selecting and/or using a updated synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than a default synchronization information periodicity value which is assumed and used by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A. Act 7A-<NUM> comprise the optional act of the radio access node <NUM>-6A transmitting the synchronization signal multiple/plural times in a window corresponding to the default synchronization information periodicity value.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A of <FIG>. Act 8A-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A using a default synchronization information periodicity value which is larger than the updated synchronization information periodicity value selected by radio access node <NUM>-6A to transmit the synchronization signal. Act 8A-<NUM> comprise the optional act of the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A detecting plural receptions of the synchronization signal in a detection window corresponding to the default synchronization information periodicity value.

The synchronization information generator synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6B of <FIG>, which may be included in synchronization information generator <NUM> of the radio access node <NUM>-6B, is configured to select an update synchronization information periodicity value which is larger than a default synchronization information periodicity value of the radio access network. For example, the synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6B may be configured to select and/or use updated synchronization information periodicity values (updated SSBSP values) that are always defined or configured to be larger than the default synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., larger than the default SSBSP). For example, synchronization information periodicity value generator <NUM>-6B may have access to a "T_update" information element, which comprises a set of candidate values, and the minimum value in the candidate value range is no smaller than the T_default given a carrier frequency. Without accommodation, the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B of <FIG> may need more than one default SSBSP to detect the synchronization signal. Needing more than one default SSBSP may affect the initial access detection performance within some predefined time period. But New Radio requires fast initial access, so without accommodation the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B might not wait for a long enough period to accumulate enough detection of synchronization signal energy, in which case without accommodation the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B may fail to finally detect the synchronization signal. As one possible technique, the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B may not be provided with any accommodation for the larger than default synchronization information periodicity value, so that the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B experiences and perhaps tolerates some detection performance loss. In this regard, the terminal synchronization processor <NUM> may adjust its detection performance criteria in view of the update synchronization information periodicity value relative to the default synchronization information periodicity value. <FIG> shows, for example, that the terminal synchronization processor <NUM>-6B may comprise detection performance criteria adjuster <NUM>. The detection performance criteria adjuster <NUM> may allow a determination of synchronization signal detection using a less stringent criteria in certain situations, such as when the synchronization signal is transmitted with an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is larger than the default synchronization information periodicity value used by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B. For example, the detection performance criteria adjuster <NUM> may allow determination of detection of a synchronization signal upon detection of less energy associated with the synchronization signal than would have otherwise been the case.

<FIG> shows an example, representative, non-limiting act or step that may be executed or performed by the radio access node <NUM>-6B of <FIG>. Act 7B-<NUM> comprises the radio access node <NUM>-6A selecting and/or using a updated synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than a default synchronization information periodicity value which is assumed and used by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B of <FIG>. Act 8B-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-6B using a default synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than the updated synchronization information periodicity value selected by radio access node <NUM>-6A to transmit the synchronization signal. Act 8A-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-2B adjusting detection performance criteria for detecting the synchronization signal using the default synchronization information periodicity value.

The wireless terminal <NUM>-6C shown in <FIG> does, however, have some accommodation to the larger-than-default synchronization information periodicity value. For example, the terminal synchronization processor <NUM> of wireless terminal <NUM>-6B comprises synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM>. The synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM> may be implemented in several ways. For example, the synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM> may (in coordination with radio access node <NUM>-6C) may use one type of SS sequence that serves to satisfy both one-shot and multiple-shot SS detection performance requirements. In a one-shot detection scheme, implemented in some wireless terminals, just one detection of a synchronization signal sequence is deemed sufficient for making a final determination of synchronization signal detection. Alternatively, the synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM> may be implemented by using more than one type of SS sequence design for one-shot and multiple-shot detection respectively, e.g., longer SS sequences with better detection performance are transmitted by the network when the network updates SSBSP to larger values. The wireless terminal <NUM>-6C also has this predetermined information to use different types of sequences for SS detection.

As an example of an enhancement operation that may be performed by synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM>, the synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM> may modify or change a typical one-shot synchronization signal detection operation into a less-than-maximum shot synchronization signal detection operation. Some synchronization signal detectors require plural detections (e.g., N, where N is an integer><NUM>) of a synchronization signal sequence in a detection window before the synchronization signal detector definitively determines that the synchronization signal has, in fact, been detected. In an example implementation, the synchronization signal detection performance enhancer <NUM> of <FIG> may make a final detection of the synchronization signal upon determination of less than N number of detections in the window for which N number of detections would otherwise have been expected. In other words, in a window in which the terminal synchronization processor <NUM>, using the default synchronization information periodicity value, would have expected to have accumulated Y integer multiples of synchronization signal detection energy, the terminal synchronization processor <NUM> instead is allowed to accumulate less than Y multiple times the SS detection energy upon receiving the synchronization signal transmitted with the updated synchronization information periodicity value.

<FIG> shows an example, representative, non-limiting act or step that may be executed or performed by the radio access node <NUM>-6C of <FIG>. Act 7C-<NUM> comprises the radio access node <NUM>-6A selecting and/or using an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than a default synchronization information periodicity value which is assumed and used by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6A.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6C of <FIG>. Act 8C-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-6C using a default synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than the updated synchronization information periodicity value selected by radio access node <NUM>-6A to transmit the synchronization signal. Act 8C-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-2C enhancing detection performance criteria for detecting the synchronization signal using the default synchronization information periodicity value.

In the scenario of <FIG>, the wireless terminal does not perform certain tasks as does the wireless terminal in the scenario of <FIG>. In the <FIG> scenario, the wireless terminal may have to detect more copies of the synchronization signal within one SS burst set, as the network will configure accordingly.

The radio access node <NUM>-6D shown in <FIG> also uses or selects an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is larger than the default synchronization information periodicity value. But the radio access node <NUM>-6D offers some accommodation to wireless terminal <NUM>-6D by providing an increased number of repetitions of the synchronization signal in a synchronization signal burst set to facilitate detection by the wireless terminal. In this regard, the synchronization information generator <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as comprising synchronization signal repeater for burst unit <NUM>. Using the synchronization signal repeater for burst unit <NUM>, more repetitions of synchronization signal within one SS burst set are carried for better detection performance within one SS burst set. The wireless terminal <NUM>-6D also has this predetermined information for SS detection within SS burst set. For example, the terminal synchronization processor <NUM> of wireless terminal <NUM>-6D comprises detector <NUM> which is configured to detect an increased number of synchronization signal repetitions within a synchronization signal burst set.

In the above regard, concepts of "more" and "increased number" may be understood by the following: Assume with default periodicity, there are X number of copies (x is an integer great than <NUM>, e.g., normally <NUM>) of a synchronization signal within a SS burst set. "More repetitions" means, compared to the default periodicity, there are y copies of synchronization signal, where, Y>X if the update periodicity has larger value than the default one. The repetition number is known to the wireless terminal, e.g., either pre-configured and/or configured to the wireless terminal by the network, e.g., through some indication carried by SS burst set.

<FIG> shows an example, representative, non-limiting act or step that may be executed or performed by the radio access node <NUM>-6D of <FIG>. Act 7D-<NUM> comprises the radio access node <NUM>-6D selecting and/or using an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than a default synchronization information periodicity value which is assumed and used by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6D. Act 7D-<NUM> comprises the radio access node <NUM>-6D including plural (more) instances of the synchronization signal in a synchronization signal burst set to facilitate detection by the wireless terminal.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the wireless terminal <NUM>-6D of <FIG>. Act 8D-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-6D using a default synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than the updated synchronization information periodicity value selected by radio access node <NUM>-6A to transmit the synchronization signal. Act 8D-<NUM> comprises the wireless terminal <NUM>-2D detecting plural (more) instances of the synchronization signal in a synchronization signal burst set to facilitate better detection of the synchronization signal despite using the larger default synchronization information periodicity value.

Variations and combinations of the foregoing example embodiments and modes are encompassed hereby. For example, another example embodiment and mode combines the techniques of <FIG>, <FIG> with the techniques of <FIG>, <FIG>. As another variation, the wireless terminal may always use the smallest value periodicity, e.g., <NUM>, for detection.

In the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, the radio access node <NUM>-6A uses an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is smaller than the default synchronization information periodicity value. By contrast, in the example embodiments and modes of <FIG>, the radio access nodes <NUM>-6B, <NUM>-6C, and <NUM>-6D use an updated synchronization information periodicity value which is larger than the default synchronization information periodicity value. In yet another example embodiment and mode, the radio access node <NUM> may not be constrained to use just one of a smaller or larger updated synchronization information periodicity value, but may be free in some instances to choose or select a larger updated synchronization information periodicity value and in other instances to choose or select a smaller updated synchronization information periodicity value. In such example embodiment and mode, the wireless terminal still always uses the default synchronization information periodicity value (e.g., default SSBSP) to detect the synchronization signal. If the wireless terminal <NUM> can always detect SS burst set within default SSBSP, there is no problem, as it means the actual SSBSP periodicity is at least no larger than UE's assumption. Otherwise, the UE knows the SSBSP value is smaller than the default SSBSP, and in such case the techniques of one or more of <FIG> may be utilized.

In some situations a wireless terminal needs to know the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of a neighboring cell. For example, as simply illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless terminal WT may prepare for a handover from an existing cell in which it presently resides (e.g., CELL<NUM>) to a neighboring cell (CELL<NUM>). The default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell CELL<NUM> may be different from the existing cell CELL<NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows that the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value (e.g., SSBSP) for CELL<NUM> is T_default<NUM>, while the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for CELL<NUM> is T_default<NUM>. The default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell may differ in the case that the neighboring cell uses different carrier frequency(ies) (e.g., an inter-frequency change), or even in the situation in which the neighboring cell uses the same carrier frequency(ies) (intra-frequency situation).

Described below with reference to <FIG> is an example, non-limiting system in which a wireless terminal attempt to obtain, from the wireless communications of the radio access network, a synchronization information periodicity value for use in a synchronization signal detection process relative to a neighboring cell. In the example embodiments and modes of <FIG>, elements which have the same reference numerals as one or more of <FIG> are understood to have the same structure and/or functionality unless otherwise noted or clear from context.

In the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, the synchronization information generator <NUM> of radio access node <NUM>-9A comprises neighboring cell synchronization information periodicity value handler <NUM>. The neighboring cell synchronization information periodicity value handler <NUM> obtains the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell(s), such as CELL<NUM> of <FIG>, and includes the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell(s) in signaling (depicted by arrow <NUM>) to be sent to wireless terminal <NUM>-9A. The default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value (e.g., default SSBSP) of neighboring cell(s) such as CELL<NUM> is indicated to wireless terminal <NUM>-9A in signaling such as broadcast signaling and/or dedicated signaling if the wireless terminal <NUM>-9A is in the CONNECTED mode, or in broadcast signaling if the wireless terminal <NUM>-9A is in the IDLE mode UE. The default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell may be included in the signaling <NUM> in a similar manner as in a system information block (SIB) of the LTE system, e.g., in a similar manner as in system information block SIB5 of the LTE system.

<FIG> further shows that the terminal processor circuitry <NUM> is configured to obtain the synchronization information periodicity value for the neighboring cell from a signal transmitted by the radio access network, e.g., transmitted by radio access node <NUM>-9A. The terminal processor circuitry <NUM> of the wireless terminal <NUM>-9A particularly comprises neighboring cell synchronization information periodicity value extractor <NUM>. The default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell carried by the signal <NUM> is received by the receiver circuitry <NUM> of wireless terminal <NUM>-9A, decoded by fame handler <NUM> from the frame in which the signal <NUM> is formatted, and then accessed by neighboring cell synchronization information periodicity value extractor <NUM>. Thereafter the wireless terminal <NUM>-9A may use the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell (e.g., T_default2 in <FIG>) in conjunction with a synchronization signal detection procedure relative to wireless communications received from the neighboring cell (e.g., CELL<NUM> in <FIG>).

In an example implementation illustrated in <FIG>, the signaling <NUM> which includes the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value of the neighboring cell(s) comprises a neighboring cell list <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the neighboring cell list may take the form of a table which comprises a default synchronization information periodicity value (T_default) for each neighboring cell included in the list. <FIG> shows the table comprising neighboring cell list <NUM> as including a first column of entries which lists each neighboring cell, and a second column of entries in which entries of the same row correspond to the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the associated neighboring cell.

<FIG> shows that the neighboring cell list may be modified in a manner to include not only the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cells, but also an update synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cells. In the particular implementation of the neighboring cell list <NUM>' shown in <FIG>, a third column which shows the update synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell of the associated row is provided.

The neighboring cell list <NUM> of <FIG> and/or the neighboring cell list <NUM>' of <FIG> may be either a table indicating the inter-frequency neighboring cell list, or a table indicating the intra-frequency neighboring cell list.

The neighboring cell list which includes the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell may thus be in signaling such as the table of the neighboring cell list <NUM> of <FIG> or the neighboring cell list <NUM>' of <FIG>, or instead may in be dedicated signaling to a particular wireless terminal <NUM>-9A.

For the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, if the wireless terminal <NUM>-9A is not able to obtain the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell, the wireless terminal <NUM>-<NUM> may use the smallest synchronization information periodicity value, which is in some example implementations <NUM> milliseconds.

Thus, for the example embodiment and mode of <FIG>, the neighboring cell may be configured with different default SSBSP values. There are two alternative cases for the <FIG> scenario. In the first case, Alt C. <NUM>, the default SSBSP of neighboring cells are indicated to the UE in the broadcast signaling and/or dedicated signaling to the CONNECTED mode UE, or in the broadcast signaling to the IDLE mode UE. As one example, in the NR-SIB information broadcasting inter-frequency NR cell information, e.g., similar as SIB <NUM> in LTE system, there is a table indicating the inter-frequency neighboring cell list, and the corresponding default SSBSP (there is possibility that possible update SSBSP can also be indicated, if Alt A. <NUM> situation occurs), through which the UE knows what default SSBSP is used in inter-frequency neighboring cell(s). There could be similar intra-frequency neighboring cell SSBSP information included in relevant NR-SIB information. Such table information can also be included in the dedicated signaling to some particular UEs. In a second case, Alt C. <NUM>, if the wireless terminal (UE) cannot know the neighboring cells SSB information, the UE always uses smallest SSBSP, e.g., <NUM>, to detect SS.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the radio access node <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises the synchronization information generator <NUM> including in a signal a synchronization information periodicity value for use in a synchronization signal detection process relative to a neighboring cell. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises transmitting the signal over an air interface to a wireless terminal. <FIG> shows transmission of the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell in signal <NUM>.

<FIG> shows example, representative, non-limiting acts or steps that may be executed or performed by the wireless terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises receiving wireless communications over an air interface from a radio access network. Act <NUM>-<NUM> comprises attempting to obtain from the wireless communications a synchronization information periodicity value for use in a synchronization signal detection process relative to a neighboring cell. As explained above, the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell may be obtained from signaling <NUM> transmitted from the radio access node <NUM>-<NUM>, which may be in the form of a neighboring cell list. If the wireless terminal <NUM>-<NUM> is not able to obtain the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell, the wireless terminal <NUM>-<NUM> may use a smallest known default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the default synchronization signal burst set periodicity value for the neighboring cell.

Certain units and functionalities of node <NUM> and wireless terminal <NUM> are, in example embodiments, implemented by electronic machinery, computer, and/or circuitry. For example, the node processors <NUM> and terminal processors <NUM> of the example embodiments herein described and/or encompassed may be comprised by the computer circuitry of <FIG> shows an example of such electronic machinery or circuitry, whether node or terminal, as comprising one or more processor(s) circuits <NUM>, program instruction memory <NUM>; other memory <NUM> (e.g., RAM, cache, etc.); input/output interfaces <NUM>; peripheral interfaces <NUM>; support circuits <NUM>; and busses <NUM> for communication between the aforementioned units.

The program instruction memory <NUM> may comprise coded instructions which, when executed by the processor(s), perform acts including but not limited to those described herein. Thus is understood that each of node processor <NUM> and terminal processor <NUM>, for example, comprise memory in which non-transient instructions are stored for execution.

The memory, or computer-readable medium, may be one or more of readily available memory such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, flash memory or any other form of digital storage, local or remote, and is preferably of non-volatile nature. The support circuits <NUM> may be coupled to the processors <NUM> for supporting the processor in a conventional manner. These circuits include cache, power supplies, clock circuits, input/output circuitry and subsystems, and the like.

The technology disclosed herein thus encompasses the following non-limited, example embodiments, which are provided as illustrating examples for better understanding the technologies disclosed herein:.

Although the processes and methods of the disclosed embodiments may be discussed as being implemented as a software routine, some of the method steps that are disclosed therein may be performed in hardware as well as by a processor running software. As such, the embodiments may be implemented in software as executed upon a computer system, in hardware as an application specific integrated circuit or other type of hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware. The software routines of the disclosed embodiments are capable of being executed on any computer operating system, and is capable of being performed using any CPU architecture. The instructions of such software are stored on non-transient computer readable media.

The functions of the various elements including functional blocks, including but not limited to those labeled or described as "computer", "processor" or "controller", may be provided through the use of hardware such as circuit hardware and/or hardware capable of executing software in the form of coded instructions stored on computer readable medium. Thus, such functions and illustrated functional blocks are to be understood as being either hardware-implemented and/or computer-implemented, and thus machine-implemented.

In terms of hardware implementation, the functional blocks may include or encompass, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, reduced instruction set processor, hardware (e.g., digital or analog) circuitry including but not limited to application specific integrated circuit(s) [ASIC], and/or field programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), and (where appropriate) state machines capable of performing such functions.

In terms of computer implementation, a computer is generally understood to comprise one or more processors or one or more controllers, and the terms computer and processor and controller may be employed interchangeably herein. When provided by a computer or processor or controller, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated computer or processor or controller, by a single shared computer or processor or controller, or by a plurality of individual computers or processors or controllers, some of which may be shared or distributed. Moreover, use of the term "processor" or "controller" shall also be construed to refer to other hardware capable of performing such functions and/or executing software, such as the example hardware recited above.

Moreover, the technology can additionally be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer-readable memory, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk containing an appropriate set of computer instructions that would cause a processor to carry out the techniques described herein.

It will be appreciated that the technology disclosed herein is directed to solving radio communications-centric issues and is necessarily rooted in computer technology and overcomes problems specifically arising in radio communications. Moreover, in at least one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein improves the functioning of the basic function of a wireless terminal and/or node itself so that, for example, the wireless terminal and/or node can operate more effectively by prudent use of radio resources.

Claim 1:
A terminal apparatus (<NUM>-6A) comprising:
a receiver unit (<NUM>) configured to receive, from a base station apparatus (<NUM>-6A), a dedicated signaling comprising first information used for configuring a first periodicity, the first periodicity being for a first measurement timing; and
a processor unit (<NUM>) configured to perform, based on the first periodicity, a measurement of a first block comprising a primary synchronization signal, PSS, a secondary synchronization signal, SSS, and a physical broadcast channel, PBCH;
wherein the receiver unit (<NUM>) is configured to receive, from the base station apparatus (<NUM>-6A), the dedicated signaling comprising second information used for configuring a second periodicity, the second periodicity being for a second measurement timing,
the processor unit (<NUM>) is configured to perform, based on the second periodicity, the measurement of a second block comprising the PSS, the SSS and the PBCH, a value of the second periodicity is always configured as a smaller value than a value of the first periodicity, and the dedicated signaling is different from the PBCH.