Patent Description:
The following relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to signaling of radio frequency (RF) bands for detected synchronization signal blocks.

A base station may transmit synchronization signals (SSs) to assist a UE in connecting to and communicating with a network. These SSs may be included in certain time and frequency resources (e.g., SS blocks) that are transmitted at different times and may also be multiplexed on different radio frequency (RF) bands. A UE may receive one or more SSs at different times or on different RF bands, and may then use the information in the received SS block to configure, for example, a random access message to be sent to the base station. However, when a UE transmits a random access message to the base station for accessing the network, the base station may not know the SS block the UE received (for example, the time or frequency resources corresponding to the received SS block). Accordingly, communications efficiency may be improved through techniques that enable a base station to coherently determine the RF band corresponding to an SS block received and used by a UE.

<CIT> discloses a UE that can process signals including a first SS and a second SS. The first SS and the second SS are beamformed with transmit beams and transmitted on subbands in a first set of symbols, for the first SS, and a second set of symbols, for the second SS. The UE can detect the first SS in the first set of symbols, and measure beam qualities of the transmit beams on the subbands in at least one of the first set of symbols or the second set of symbols. The UE can select one or more transmit beams and corresponding one or more subbands based on the measured beam qualities. The UE can detect the second SS on the selected subbands in the second set of symbol, and each of subbands in the first and second sets of symbols is associated with a transmit beam.

<CIT> relates to an apparatus implementing methods for random access in a wireless communication system using beamforming. A Subscriber Station measures a best downlink transmission beam among downlink transmission beams transmitted from a Base Station (BS), and transmits Random Access Channel information, which includes indication information indicating the best downlink transmission beam, to the BS. The BS receives RACH information which includes indication information indicating a best downlink transmission beam among downlink transmission beams, and detects an RACH sequence and the best downlink transmission beam from the received RACH information.

There still exists a need for improved communications efficiency.

A solution is provided according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support signaling of respective radio frequency (RF) bands for detected synchronization signal (SS) blocks. The embodiments of the invention are outlined in the appended independent method, apparatus, and computer program claims. Further detailed embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

Generally, the described techniques provide for the transmission of signaling that indicates a frequency raster (e.g., an RF band) associated with an SS block detected by a user equipment (UE). For example, a base station may transmit a set of SS blocks to multiple UEs, where the SS blocks may be frequency division multiplexed such that each SS block is transmitted on a respective RF band. A UE may receive one or more of the transmitted SS blocks and determine a preferred SS block from the received SS blocks. For instance, the UE may receive multiple SS blocks and determine the preferred SS block as an SS block having a highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or a highest received signal power of the multiple received SS blocks. The UE may in turn transmit an indication to the base station that indicates the RF band of the preferred SS block. In some cases, the base station may optionally transmit a request to the UE to transmit the indication of the respective RF band. For example, the base station may include the request in broadcast information sent to the UE. In any event, the base station may use the received information associated with the RF band of the SS block to perform efficient scheduling for subsequent communications with the UE.

A non-transitory computer readable medium for wireless communication is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include a computer program according to appended claim <NUM>.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving a request from the base station to transmit an indication of the respective RF band. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the indication based on the received request.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for identifying, within the request, signaling parameters comprising one or more of a format, resources, or timing for transmitting the indication. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the indication in accordance with the identified signaling parameters.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the request may be received via a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, determining the preferred SS block comprises: determining a SNR or a received signal power associated with each of the received one or more SS blocks. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining the preferred SS block as an SS block having a highest SNR of the determined SNRs or as an SS block having a highest received signal power of the determined received signal powers.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, indicating the respective RF band comprises: transmitting, via a random access channel (RACH) message, an index of the respective RF band. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, indicating the respective RF band comprises: transmitting an indication of a physical resource block (PRB) corresponding to the preferred SS block.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining to indicate the respective RF band based at least in part on receiving two or more SS blocks. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining to indicate the respective RF band based at least in part on an SS sequence of the received one or more SS blocks.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, indicating the respective RF band comprises: determining a timing to transmit signaling responsive to receipt of the one or more SS blocks, wherein the timing may be indicative of the respective RF band. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting the signaling in accordance with the determined timing.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for transmitting a request to one or more UEs to signal the indication of the respective RF band. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for receiving the indication based on the transmitted request.

Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining signaling parameters comprising one or more of a format, resources, or timing for transmitting the indication. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, wherein transmitting the request comprises: transmitting the determined signaling parameters within the request to the one or more UEs.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the request may be transmitted via a PBCH. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, the at least one SS block may be a preferred SS block of the one or more SS blocks received by the UE, the preferred SS block having a highest SNR or a highest received signal power of the transmitted one or more SS blocks. In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, receiving the indication of the respective RF band comprises: receiving, via a RACH message, an index of the respective RF band.

In some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above, receiving the indication of the respective RF band comprises: receiving an indication of a PRB corresponding to the at least one SS block. Some examples of the method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for scheduling resources for communication with the UE based at least in part on the received indication of the respective RF band. Some examples of the method and apparatus described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for monitoring resources for communication with the UE based at least in part on the received indication of the respective RF band.

In some wireless communications systems, a serving base station may transmit synchronization signals (SSs) to enable synchronization with the serving base station by a user equipment (UE). The SSs (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), etc.) may provide a UE with information regarding the base station's frame timing and cell identity. Accordingly, a base station may transmit SS sequences to multiple UEs, and a UE may attempt to detect the SS sequences by correlating received SS signals with the SS sequences. In some examples, the SSs may be transmitted by the base station using one or more SS blocks (e.g., time-frequency resources used for the transmission of SSs). For example, PSS, SSS, and/or broadcast information (e.g., a physical broadcast channel (PBCH)) may be transmitted within different SS blocks on respective directional beams or on different time/frequency resources, where one or more SS blocks may be included within an SS burst.

In some cases, the base station may transmit SS blocks using frequency division multiplexing (FDM), which may provide for a robust transmission scheme resilient to certain types of interference, such as frequency selective fading. After receiving one or more SS blocks sent by the base station, a UE may use information associated with a received SS block to transmit a random access message to the base station to connect to the network. However, the base station may be unable to determine a frequency raster for the SS block (e.g., a set of locations or a radio frequency (RF) band where SS signals may be transmitted) that the UE used for transmitting the random access message (e.g., due to multiple SS blocks being multiplexed in the frequency domain). Information regarding the RF band associated with a detected SS block may be useful at the base station for scheduling purposes, but in cases where the RF band information is not known by the base station, subsequent communications may not be as efficient as possible.

As described herein, a UE may transmit an indication of an RF band for a preferred SS block received by the UE. In some examples, the UE may be configured to automatically transmit the indication to the base station upon detection of one or more SS blocks. For example, a UE may receive multiple SS blocks, and the multiple SS blocks may serve as a trigger for the UE to transmit the indication of the specific RF band corresponding to a preferred SS block to the base station. The UE may determine the preferred SS block based on a received signal strength, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), and the like. In some cases, the base station may explicitly request the UE transmit the indication of the respective RF band for a preferred SS block. For example, the base station may transmit signaling to the UE that indicates a request for the RF band information. The request may be included in a broadcast channel, or may be implicit based on different SS sequences included in the transmitted SS blocks.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Examples are also provided which describe SS block transmissions from a base station to a UE. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes base stations <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system <NUM> may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (i.e., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, and communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices. Wireless communications system <NUM> may support signaling that indicates a respective RF band corresponding to a detected SS block.

Each base station <NUM> may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area <NUM>. Control information and data may be multiplexed on an uplink channel or downlink according to various techniques. Control information and data may be multiplexed on a downlink channel, for example, by using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, the control information transmitted during a transmission time interval (TTI) of a downlink channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region and one or more UE-specific control regions).

A UE <NUM> may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE <NUM> may also be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a personal electronic device, a handheld device, a personal computer, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an appliance, an automobile, or the like.

In some cases, an MTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving "deep sleep" mode when they are not engaging in active communications. In some cases, MTC or IoT devices may be designed to support mission critical functions. Wireless communications system <NUM> may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

For example, base stations <NUM> may interface with the core network <NUM> through backhaul links <NUM> (e.g., S1, S2, etc.). Base stations <NUM> may communicate with one another over backhaul links <NUM> (e.g., X1, X2, etc.) either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network <NUM>).

The core network may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobility management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW).

The core network <NUM> may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, IP connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some of the network devices, such as base station <NUM>, may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity may communicate with a number of UEs <NUM> through a number of other access network transmission entities, each of which may be an example of a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP).

Wireless communications system <NUM> may operate in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency region using frequency bands from <NUM> megahertz (MHz) to <NUM> (<NUM> gigahertz (GHz)), although some networks (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)) may use frequencies as high as <NUM>. This region may also be known as the decimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may propagate mainly by line of sight, and may be blocked by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate walls sufficiently to provide service to UEs <NUM> located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves is characterized by smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than <NUM>) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies (and longer waves) of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum. In some cases, wireless communications system <NUM> may also utilize extremely high frequency (EHF) portions of the spectrum (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>). This region may also be known as the millimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one millimeter to one centimeter in length. Thus, EHF antennas may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate the use of antenna arrays within a UE <NUM> (e.g., for directional beamforming). However, EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than UHF transmissions.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UEs <NUM> and base stations <NUM>. Devices operating in mmW or EHF bands may have multiple antennas to allow beamforming. For example, a base station <NUM> may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>. Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering or directional transmission) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitter (e.g., a base station <NUM>) to shape and/or steer an overall antenna beam in the direction of a target receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>). This may be achieved by combining elements in an antenna array in such a way that transmitted signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use a transmission scheme between a transmitter (e.g., a base station <NUM>) and a receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>), where both transmitter and receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Some portions of wireless communications system <NUM> may use beamforming. For example, a base station <NUM> may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station <NUM> may use for beamforming in its communication with a UE <NUM>. Signals may be transmitted multiple times in different directions (e.g., each transmission may be beamformed differently). A mmW receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>) may try multiple beams (e.g., antenna subarrays) while receiving SSs.

In some cases, the antennas of a base station <NUM> or UE <NUM> may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support beamforming or MIMO operation. One or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be collocated at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. A base station <NUM> may multiple use antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>.

A radio link control (RLC) layer may in some cases perform packet segmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. A medium access control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling and multiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. In the control plane, the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE <NUM> and a network device or core network <NUM> supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the physical (PHY) layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

Time intervals in LTE or NR may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit (which may be a sampling period of Ts = <NUM>/<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> seconds). Time resources may be organized according to radio frames of length of <NUM> (Tf = 307200Ts), which may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. Each frame may include ten <NUM> millisecond (ms) subframes numbered from <NUM> to <NUM>. A subframe may be further divided into two <NUM> slots, each of which contains <NUM> or <NUM> modulation symbol periods (depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol contains <NUM> sample periods. In some cases the subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit, also known as a TTI. In other cases, a TTI may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in short TTI bursts or in selected component carriers using short TTIs).

A resource element may consist of one symbol period and one subcarrier (e.g., a <NUM> frequency range). A resource block may contain <NUM> consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and, for a normal cyclic prefix in each orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbol, <NUM> consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain (<NUM> slot), or <NUM> resource elements. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (the configuration of symbols that may be selected during each symbol period). Thus, the more resource blocks that a UE <NUM> receives and the higher the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may support operation on multiple cells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrier aggregation (CA) or multi-carrier operation. A carrier may also be referred to as a component carrier (CC), a layer, a channel, etc. The terms "carrier," "component carrier," "cell," and "channel" may be used interchangeably herein. A UE <NUM> may be configured with multiple downlink CCs and one or more uplink CCs for carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexed (FDD) and time division duplexed (TDD) component carriers.

An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including: wider bandwidth, shorter symbol duration, shorter TTIs, and modified control channel configuration. An eCC may also be configured for use in unlicensed spectrum or shared spectrum (where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by wide bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by UEs <NUM> that are not capable of monitoring the whole bandwidth or prefer to use a limited bandwidth (e.g., to conserve power).

A shorter symbol duration is associated with increased subcarrier spacing. A device, such as a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM>, utilizing eCCs may transmit wideband signals (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) at reduced symbol durations (e.g., <NUM> microseconds (µs)). A TTI in eCC may consist of one or multiple symbols. In some cases, the TTI duration (that is, the number of symbols in a TTI) may be variable.

A shared radio frequency spectrum band may be utilized in an NR shared spectrum system. For example, an NR shared spectrum may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrums, among others. The flexibility of eCC symbol duration and subcarrier spacing may allow for the use of eCC across multiple spectrums. In some examples, NR shared spectrum may increase spectrum utilization and spectral efficiency, specifically through dynamic vertical (e.g., across frequency) and horizontal (e.g., across time) sharing of resources.

For example, wireless communications system <NUM> may employ LTE License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or LTE Unlicensed (LTE U) radio access technology or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the <NUM> Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations <NUM> and UEs <NUM> may employ listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to ensure the channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a CA configuration in conjunction with CCs operating in a licensed band. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, or both. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on FDD, TDD, or a combination of both.

Synchronization (e.g., for purposes of cell acquisition) may be performed using SSs or channels transmitted by a network entity (e.g., a base station <NUM>). In some cases, a base station <NUM> may transmit SS blocks (i.e., a group of signals transmitted over a set of time and frequency resources), which may contain discovery reference signals or other SSs. For example, an SS block may include a PSS, an SSS, a PBCH, or other synchronization signals. In some examples, the signals included in an SS block may be time division multiplexed, such as a time division multiplexed first PBCH, SSS, second PBCH, and PSS (transmitted in the indicated order), or a time division multiplexed first PBCH, SSS, PSS, and second PBCH (transmitted in the indicated order), etc. In other examples, PBCH transmissions may be transmitted in a subset of SS block time resources (e.g., in two symbols of an SS block), and synchronization signals (e.g., PSS and SSS) may be transmitted in another subset of SS block time resources. Further, in deployments that use mmW transmission frequencies, multiple SS blocks may be transmitted in different directions using beam sweeping in an SS burst, and the SS bursts may be periodically transmitted according to a SS burst set.

A UE <NUM> attempting to access a wireless network may perform an initial cell search by detecting a PSS from a base station <NUM>. The PSS may enable synchronization of symbol timing and may indicate a physical layer identity value. The PSS may be utilized to acquire timing and frequency as well as a physical layer identifier. The UE <NUM> may then receive an SSS. The SSS may enable radio frame synchronization, and may provide a cell group identity value. The cell group identity value may be combined with the physical layer identifier to form the physical cell identifier (PCID), which serves to identify the cell. The SSS may also enable detection of a duplexing mode and a cyclic prefix (CP) length. An SSS may be used to acquire other system information (e.g., subframe index). The PBCH may be used to acquire additional system information needed for acquisition (e.g., bandwidth, frame index, etc.). In some cases, the PBCH may carry master information block (MIB) and one or more system information blocks (SIBs) for a given cell.

For example, after receiving the MIB, a UE <NUM> may receive one or more SIBs which may be defined according to the type of system information conveyed. In some cases, a SIB1 may be transmitted in the fifth subframe of every eighth frame (SFN mod <NUM> = <NUM>) and rebroadcast every other frame (<NUM>). SIB1 includes access information, including cell identity information, and it may also indicate whether a UE <NUM> is allowed to camp on a cell. SIB1 also includes cell selection information (or cell selection parameters). Additionally, SIB1 includes scheduling information for other SIBs. SIB2 may be scheduled dynamically according to the information in SIB1, and includes access information and parameters related to common and shared channels.

After the UE <NUM> decodes SIB2, it may transmit a random access channel (RACH) preamble to a base station <NUM>. For example, the RACH preamble may be randomly selected from a set of <NUM> predetermined sequences. This may enable the base station <NUM> to distinguish between multiple UEs <NUM> trying to access the system simultaneously. The base station <NUM> may respond with a random access response that provides an uplink resource grant, a timing advance and a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). The UE <NUM> may then transmit an RRC connection request along with a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI) (if the UE <NUM> has previously been connected to the same wireless network) or a random identifier. The RRC connection request may also indicate the reason the UE <NUM> is connecting to the network (e.g., emergency, signaling, data exchange, etc.). The base station <NUM> may respond to the connection request with a contention resolution message addressed to the UE <NUM>, which may provide a new C-RNTI. If the UE <NUM> receives a contention resolution message with the correct identification, it may proceed with RRC setup. If the UE <NUM> does not receive a contention resolution message (e.g., if there is a conflict with another UE <NUM>), the UE <NUM> may repeat the RACH process by transmitting a new RACH preamble.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may support the transmission of signaling that indicates an RF band associated with an SS block detected by a UE <NUM>. For example, a base station <NUM> may transmit a set of SS blocks to multiple UEs <NUM>, where the SS blocks may be frequency division multiplexed such that each SS block is transmitted on a respective RF band. A UE <NUM> may receive one or more of the transmitted SS blocks and determine a preferred SS block from the received SS blocks. For instance, the UE <NUM> may receive multiple SS blocks and determine the preferred SS block as an SS block having a highest SNR or a highest received signal power of the multiple received SS blocks. The UE <NUM> may in turn transmit an indication to the base station <NUM> that indicates the RF band of the preferred SS block. In some cases, the base station may optionally transmit a request to the UE <NUM> to transmit the indication of the RF band. For example, the base station <NUM> may include the request in broadcast information sent to the UE <NUM>. The base station <NUM> may use the received information associated with the RF band of the SS block to perform efficient scheduling for subsequent communications with the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communications system <NUM>. Wireless communications system includes a UE <NUM>-a and base station <NUM>-a, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference to <FIG>.

Base station <NUM>-a may be an example of a serving base station <NUM>, and UE <NUM>-a may listen for SSs transmitted by base station <NUM>-a to acquire synchronization with base station <NUM>-a for communication with a network. In such cases, base station <NUM>-a may transmit SS sequences in the frequency domain, and UE <NUM>-a may correlate the received SS signals with the SS sequences. In some examples, the SSs may be transmitted by base station <NUM>-a using one or more SS blocks <NUM> (or using an SS burst).

Base station <NUM>-a may transmit SS blocks <NUM> using a predetermined multiplexing configuration. For example, base station <NUM>-a may transmit multiple SS blocks <NUM> using FDM. Using FDM to transmit SS blocks <NUM> may result in transmissions that are robust to certain types of interference (e.g., frequency selective fading). Additionally or alternatively, different UEs <NUM> (e.g., including UE <NUM>-a) may be configured to operate in different RF bands. For instance, UE <NUM>-a may receive SS block <NUM> transmissions using a first RF band and another UE <NUM> (not shown) may receive SS block <NUM> transmissions using a second, different, RF band.

After detecting one or more SS blocks <NUM> sent by base station <NUM>-a, UE <NUM>-a may transmit a random access message (e.g., a RACH message) to base station <NUM>-a to connect to the network. However, base station <NUM>-a may be unable to determine a frequency raster for the SS block that UE <NUM>-a used for transmitting the random access message, which may be due to the FDM used for transmitting SS blocks <NUM>. Additionally, when multiple SS blocks <NUM> are received at UE <NUM>-a, base station <NUM>-a may not be able to infer which SS block <NUM> was a preferred SS block <NUM> used by UE <NUM>-a (e.g., an SS block <NUM> received with a highest signal strength at UE <NUM>-a). As described herein, a frequency raster may also be referred to as an RF band, and the frequency raster may correspond to a set of locations (e.g., RF bands) where SS signals can be placed for transmission. For instance, a frequency raster may be <NUM> and a SS bandwidth may be, for example, <NUM>. The SS may accordingly be placed at different locations in a system bandwidth, such as from <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc. RF band information may be utilized at base station <NUM>-a for scheduling purposes, enabling base station <NUM>-a to efficiently schedule resources on RF bands at which UE <NUM>-a may efficiently receive signaling from base station <NUM>-a. But in cases where the RF band information is not known by base station <NUM>-a, subsequent communications may not be as efficient as possible.

In some cases, UE <NUM>-a may be configured to transmit an indication <NUM> of the RF band (e.g., frequency location information) corresponding to the preferred SS block <NUM> received at UE <NUM>-a. As described in further detail below, the indication may be triggered by a request received from base station <NUM>-a to send the indication of the RF band information for a preferred SS block <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, UE <NUM>-a may be configured to automatically transmit indication <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a upon detection of SS blocks <NUM>. For example, UE <NUM>-a may detect more than one SS block <NUM>, and the multiple detected SS blocks <NUM> may serve as a trigger for UE <NUM>-a to transmit the indication <NUM> of the RF band information to base station <NUM>-a. In such cases, UE <NUM>-a may determine the preferred SS block <NUM> to signal in indication <NUM> based on a predetermined metric (e.g., received signal strength, SNR, signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, different SS sequences or waveforms of the SS blocks <NUM> may trigger the transmission of indication <NUM>. For example, a base station <NUM> may transmit SS blocks <NUM> comprising a first SS sequence and a second SS sequence to UE <NUM>-a. Receiving the first SS sequence may indicate, to UE <NUM>-a, a request to transmit an indication of the RF band, while receiving the second SS sequence may indicate that the base station <NUM> did not request the RF band information. In some cases, the first SS sequence and the second SS sequence may be shifts of each other (e.g., shifts in time, cyclic shifts, etc.).

UE <NUM>-a may transmit indication <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a using signaling in a random access message, such as a RACH message <NUM>. In some cases, UE <NUM>-a may transmit indication <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a using various other signaling techniques. For example, indication <NUM> may be represented by a coded number of bits (e.g., <NUM> bits), or may be inferred through the timing of a RACH message. Indication <NUM> may also be sent using other signaling techniques. In some cases, indication <NUM> may include an index of the RF band corresponding to a received SS block <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, UE <NUM>-a may signal, within indication <NUM>, a physical resource block (PRB) corresponding to the preferred SS block <NUM>.

In some cases, UE <NUM>-a may provide an indication of frequency location information for one or more SS blocks <NUM> (or SS bursts) received by UE <NUM>-a that are used for measurements. For instance, an SS block <NUM> may be configured for channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)-based radio resource management (RRM) measurements (e.g., channel quality indication (CQI), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indication (RSSI), etc.), and frequency information for the associated SS block <NUM> may be provided to base station <NUM>-a. Additionally or alternatively, an indication of the frequency information may be provided for an SS block <NUM> that is located outside of a SS raster (e.g., for SSBs transmitted/received on a primary serving cell (PSCell) not on the raster).

In some examples, a timing associated with the transmission of a random access message is sent by UE <NUM>-a may indicate a respective RF band for a preferred SS block <NUM> received at UE <NUM>-a. For example, UE <NUM>-a may transmit a RACH message <NUM> during a first time period, and base station <NUM>-a may determine that an SS block <NUM> was received by UE <NUM>-a in a first RF band based on the timing of the transmitted RACH message <NUM>, whereas another RACH message transmitted during a second time period may indicate another SS block <NUM> was received on a second RF band.

UE <NUM>-a may be configured to operate in different feedback modes for signaling RF bands for SS blocks. For example, UE <NUM>-a may have a first feedback mode and a second feedback mode. In the first feedback mode (e.g., a default mode), UE <NUM>-a may be configured not to send indication <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a upon detection of SS blocks <NUM>. In the second feedback mode, UE <NUM>-a may be configured to send indication <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a upon detection of SS blocks <NUM>. In some examples, base station <NUM>-a may transmit a signal to UE <NUM>-a, requesting UE <NUM>-a to switch modes (i.e., to turn on or turn off an RF band indication).

As mentioned above, base station <NUM>-a may transmit a request to UE <NUM>-a to report the indication of the respective RF bands of received SS blocks <NUM>. For example, base station <NUM>-a may send signaling requesting that UE <NUM>-a report a RF band of received SS blocks <NUM> after base station <NUM>-a transmits the SS blocks <NUM>. In other cases, base station <NUM>-a may request that UE <NUM>-a report RF band information at the same time that the SS blocks <NUM> are transmitted (e.g., the request may be transmitted along with the SS blocks <NUM>). Additionally or alternatively, base station <NUM>-a may send signaling indicating to UE <NUM>-a to start or stop sending indication <NUM> of the RF bands. Base station <NUM>-a may transmit the request using a predetermined downlink channel (e.g., using PBCH). For example, the request for RF band information may be indicated by a number of bits in the PBCH (e.g., one bit in the PBCH).

In some cases, base station <NUM>-a may also send transmission configuration information to UE <NUM>-a using the request for the respective RF bands. For example, in addition to a signal requesting that UE <NUM>-a report the RF band of received SS blocks <NUM>, the request may also include an indication of signaling parameters that UE <NUM>-a may use for transmitting indication <NUM>. In such cases, base station <NUM>-a may specify a format, resources, timing information, and the like, for transmitting indication <NUM>. In other cases, base station <NUM>-a may send an indication of signaling parameters separate from other transmissions.

Base station <NUM>-a may use the indication of the RF band to assist in scheduling, where, upon receiving indication <NUM> from UE <NUM>-a, base station <NUM>-a may determine to schedule resources for communication with UE <NUM>-a based on information included in indication <NUM>. For example, base station <NUM>-a may use information contained in indication <NUM> to determine whether to schedule subsequent communications with UE <NUM>-a by using a RF band corresponding to a preferred SS block <NUM>. Using indication <NUM> may allow base station <NUM>-a to perform efficient scheduling of resources to communicate with UE <NUM>-a.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an SS block transmission <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, SS block transmission <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communications system <NUM>. SS block transmission may be an example of SS blocks multiplexed using FDM, and transmitted by a base station <NUM> to one or more UEs <NUM>. The UEs <NUM> receiving SS block transmission <NUM> may indicate a respective RF band associated with one or more received SS blocks.

For example, SS block transmission <NUM> may include one or more SS blocks <NUM> transmitted by a base station <NUM> during symbol periods <NUM>. In the case of frequency division multiplexed SS blocks, the SS blocks may each be transmitted in a respective RF band <NUM> during the same symbol period <NUM>. For example, a first SS block <NUM>-a may be transmitted in a first RF band <NUM>-a, where a second SS block <NUM>-b may be transmitted in a second RF band <NUM>-b. In some cases, RF bands <NUM> may be different RF bands of a CC or may be representative of one or more CCs in a system bandwidth. In one example, multiple SS blocks may be transmitted in a single CC, where the multiple SS blocks may be transmitted in different bandwidth portions within the same CC.

A UE <NUM>, may use the SS blocks <NUM> transmitted in symbol period <NUM> to acquire synchronization with the base station <NUM>. In such cases, the UE <NUM> may receive one or more SS blocks <NUM> sent by the base station <NUM>, and may further use the one or more SS blocks <NUM> for transmitting a random access message, for example, when the UE <NUM> is attempting to establish an RRC connection (e.g., from an RRC_IDLE mode). As described above, to improve communications efficiency, the UE <NUM> may transmit additional signaling that indicates the respective RF band <NUM> that corresponds to the one or more SS blocks <NUM> received at the UE <NUM>.

For example, the UE <NUM> may receive first SS block <NUM>-a and may indicate first RF band <NUM>-a for first SS block <NUM>-a. In such cases, first SS block <NUM>-a may be determined to be a preferred SS block <NUM>-a, which may correspond to the SS block <NUM> that has a highest signal strength that the UE <NUM> may utilize for transmitting a subsequent random access message. In another example, the UE <NUM> may receive both first SS block <NUM>-a and second SS block <NUM>-b. In such cases, the UE <NUM> may determine which SS block <NUM> has a higher signal strength (e.g., a received signal power or highest SNR). Accordingly, the SS block with the highest signal strength may be determined to be the preferred SS block (first SS block <NUM>-a in this example, but any other SS block <NUM> out of the multiple received SS blocks <NUM> may have a higher signal strength), and the UE <NUM> may indicate RF band <NUM>-a (that corresponds to first SS block <NUM>-a) to the base station <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow <NUM> may implement aspects of wireless communications system <NUM>. For example, process flow <NUM> includes UE <NUM>-b and base station <NUM>-b, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Process flow <NUM> may illustrate an example of signaling sent to base station <NUM>-b that indicates an RF band of an SS block detected by UE <NUM>-b.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may transmit multiple SS blocks to one or more UEs <NUM> (e.g., including UE <NUM>-b). In some examples, the multiple SS blocks may be transmitted to UE <NUM>-b using a FDM configuration, as described above. For example, base station <NUM>-b may transmit, and UE <NUM>-b may receive, one or more SS blocks, where each of the one or more SS blocks is transmitted at a respective RF band.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may optionally transmit signaling that indicates a request to UE <NUM>-b to signal the respective RF band for one or more SS blocks received by UE <NUM>-b. In some cases, the signaling including the request may be transmitted at the same time as the SS blocks sent at <NUM>. In other cases, the request may be sent before or after the transmission of the SS blocks at <NUM>. In some examples, the signaling of the request sent by base station <NUM>-b may be transmitted using a predetermined downlink channel (e.g., using PBCH) and indicated by a number of bits (e.g., one bit). In some cases, base station <NUM>-b may send signaling parameters to UE <NUM>-b along with the signaling that indicates the request. In such cases, base station <NUM>-b may determine the signaling parameters that may include a format, resources, or timing for transmitting an indication of a RF band for a detected SS block.

UE <NUM>-b may receive the one or more SS blocks transmitted at <NUM> by base station <NUM>-b and, at <NUM>, determine a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks. For example, UE <NUM>-b may receive or detect multiple SS blocks and use a predetermined metric (e.g., a highest received signal strength, SNR, etc.) to determine which SS block is the preferred SS block (e.g., the SS block that UE <NUM>-b may base a random access request on).

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-b may transmit a signal to base station <NUM>-b that includes an indication of the RF band (a frequency raster) of the preferred SS block. In some examples, UE <NUM>-b may transmit the indication in accordance with the identified signaling parameters. UE <NUM>-b may use various signaling techniques to indicate the RF band of the detected SS blocks. In one example, UE <NUM>-b may transmit a signal to base station <NUM>-b indicating the index of an RF band corresponding to the preferred SS block. In another example, UE <NUM>-b may determine a timing to transmit signaling responsive to receipt of the one or more SS blocks, where the timing is indicative of the respective RF band. Accordingly, UE <NUM>-b may transmit the signaling in accordance with the determined timing. In yet another example, UE <NUM>-b may transmit a signal to base station <NUM>-b indicating a PRB corresponding to a preferred SS block. In some cases, the signal sent by UE <NUM>-b at <NUM> may be transmitted using a random access message (e.g., using RACH message <NUM>).

In some cases, UE <NUM>-b may detect multiple SS blocks and may automatically generate and transmit an indication of a respective RF band to base station <NUM>-b. For example, base station <NUM>-b may not transmit the optional request for signaling of the RF band to UE <NUM>-b at <NUM>. However, upon detection of multiple SS blocks, UE <NUM>-b may be configured to signal an indication of respective RF bands of detected SS blocks without receiving explicit signaling from base station <NUM>-b to do so. Additionally or alternatively, UE <NUM>-b may determine to indicate the respective RF band on an SS sequence of the received one or more SS blocks.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b and UE <NUM>-b may communicate with each other based on the indicated RF band of the preferred SS block. For example, upon receiving the indication of the RF band, base station <NUM>-b may determine to schedule resources used to communicate UE <NUM>-b based on the indicated RF band (e.g., using the RF band that corresponds to a preferred SS block).

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a UE <NUM> as described herein. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, UE SS block manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

UE SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of UE SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. UE SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of UE SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

UE SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical devices. In some examples, UE SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, UE SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

UE SS block manager <NUM> may receive, at a set of RF bands, one or more SS blocks from a base station <NUM>. Each of the one or more SS blocks may be received at a respective RF band. UE SS block manager <NUM> may determine a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks, and indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a wireless device <NUM> or a UE <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, UE SS block manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to RF band signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

UE SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the UE SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. UE SS block manager <NUM> may also include UE SS component <NUM>, preferred SS block manager <NUM>, and RF band indication manager <NUM>.

UE SS component <NUM> may receive, at a set of RF bands, one or more SS blocks from a base station <NUM>. Each of the one or more SS blocks may be received at a respective RF band. Preferred SS block manager <NUM> may determine a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks and determine the preferred SS block as an SS block having a highest SNR of the determined SNRs or as an SS block having a highest received signal power of the determined received signal powers.

RF band indication manager <NUM> may indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block and transmit the indication based on a received request. In some examples, RF band indication manager <NUM> may transmit the indication in accordance with identified signaling parameters. In some cases, RF band indication manager <NUM> may determine to indicate the respective RF band based on receiving two or more SS blocks.

In some cases, indicating the respective RF band may include determining a timing to transmit a signaling responsive to receipt of the one or more SS blocks, where the timing is indicative of the respective RF band. In such cases, RF band indication manager <NUM> may transmit the signaling in accordance with the determined timing. In some cases, indicating the respective RF band may include transmitting, via a RACH message, an index of the respective RF band. Additionally or alternatively, indicating the respective RF band may include transmitting an indication of a PRB corresponding to a preferred SS block.

In some examples, transmitter <NUM> may be collocated with a receiver <NUM> in a transceiver module. Transmitter <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of UE SS block manager <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. UE SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of UE SS block manager <NUM>, UE SS block manager <NUM>, or UE SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. UE SS block manager <NUM> may include UE SS component <NUM>, preferred SS block manager <NUM>, RF band indication manager <NUM>, request manager <NUM>, signaling parameter identification component <NUM>, signal strength manager <NUM>, and SS sequence component <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

UE SS component <NUM> may receive, at a set of radio frequency (RF) bands, one or more synchronization signal (SS) blocks from base station <NUM>, each of the one or more SS blocks being received at a respective RF band.

Preferred SS block manager <NUM> may determine a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks and determine the preferred SS block as an SS block having the highest SNR of the determined SNRs or as an SS block having the highest received signal power of the determined received signal powers.

RF band indication manager <NUM> may indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block and transmit the indication based on a received request. In some examples, RF band indication manager <NUM> may transmit the indication in accordance with the identified signaling parameters. In some cases, RF band indication manager <NUM> may determine to indicate the respective RF band based on receiving two or more SS blocks.

In some cases, indicating the respective RF band may include determining a timing to transmit signaling responsive to receipt of the one or more SS blocks, where the timing is indicative of the respective RF band. In such cases, RF band indication manager <NUM> may transmit the signaling in accordance with the determined timing. In some cases, indicating the respective RF band may include transmitting, via a RACH message, an index of the respective RF band. Additionally or alternatively, indicating the respective RF band may include transmitting an indication of a PRB corresponding to a preferred SS block.

Request manager <NUM> may receive a request from the base station <NUM> to transmit an indication of the respective RF band. In some cases, the request is received via a PBCH. Signaling parameter identification component <NUM> may identify, within the request, signaling parameters including one or more of a format, resources, or timing for transmitting the indication. Signal strength manager <NUM> may determine an SNR or a received signal power associated with each of the received one or more SS blocks. SS sequence component <NUM> may determine to indicate the respective RF band based on an SS sequence of the received one or more SS blocks.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE SS block manager <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and I/O controller <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting RF band signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks).

Software <NUM> may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks. Software <NUM> may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software <NUM> may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a base station <NUM> as described herein. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, base station SS block manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Base station SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the base station SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Base station SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of the base station SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure.

The base station SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical devices. In some examples, base station SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, base station SS block manager <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

Base station SS block manager <NUM> may transmit one or more SS blocks, each of the one or more SS blocks being transmitted at a respective RF band and receive, from a UE <NUM>, an indication of the respective RF band of at least one SS block of the transmitted one or more SS blocks received by the UE <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a wireless device <NUM> or a base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, base station SS block manager <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Base station SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the base station SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Base station SS block manager <NUM> may also include base station SS component <NUM> and indication manager <NUM>.

Base station SS component <NUM> may transmit one or more SS blocks, each of the one or more SS blocks being transmitted at a respective RF band. In some cases, the at least one SS block is a preferred SS block of the one or more SS blocks received by a UE <NUM>, the preferred SS block having a highest SNR or a highest received signal power of the transmitted one or more SS blocks.

Indication manager <NUM> may receive, from the UE <NUM>, an indication of the respective RF band of at least one SS block of the transmitted one or more SS blocks received by the UE. In some cases, indication manager <NUM> may receive the indication based on a transmitted request. In some cases, transmitting the request may include transmitting signaling parameters within the request to the one or more UEs <NUM>. In some cases, receiving the indication of the respective RF band includes receiving, via a RACH message, an index of the respective RF band. Additionally or alternatively, receiving the indication of the respective RF band may include receiving an indication of a PRB corresponding to the at least one SS block.

In some cases, the transmitter <NUM> may be collocated with a receiver <NUM> in a transceiver module.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a base station SS block manager <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The base station SS block manager <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a base station SS block manager <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The base station SS block manager <NUM> may include base station SS component <NUM>, indication manager <NUM>, indication request component <NUM>, signaling parameter manager <NUM>, and resource manager <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Base station SS component <NUM> may transmit one or more SS blocks, each of the one or more SS blocks being transmitted at a respective RF band. In some cases, the at least one SS block is a preferred SS block of the one or more SS blocks received by the UE, the preferred SS block having a highest SNR or a highest received signal power of the transmitted one or more SS blocks.

Indication request component <NUM> may transmit a request to one or more UEs to signal the indication of the respective RF band. In some cases, the request is transmitted via a PBCH. Signaling parameter manager <NUM> may determine signaling parameters including one or more of a format, resources, or timing for transmitting the indication. Resource manager <NUM> may schedule resources for communication with the UE <NUM> based on the received indication of the respective RF band.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of base station <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station SS block manager <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, network communications manager <NUM>, and inter-station communications manager <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting RF band signaling for detected synchronization signal blocks).

Inter-station communications manager <NUM> may manage communications with other base station <NUM>, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs <NUM> in cooperation with other base stations <NUM>. In some examples, inter-station communications manager <NUM> may provide an X2 interface within an Long Term Evolution (LTE)/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a UE SS block manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may receive, at a plurality of RF bands, one or more SS blocks from a base station <NUM>, each of the one or more SS blocks being received at a respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE SS component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may determine a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based at least in part on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a preferred SS block manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block. For example, the UE <NUM> may transmit signaling to the base station <NUM> that indicates a RF band of a detected SS block. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a RF band indication manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may receive, at a plurality of RF bands, one or more SS blocks from a base station <NUM>. Each of the one or more SS blocks may be received at a respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE SS component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may optionally receive a request from the base station <NUM> to transmit an indication of the respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a request manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block. In such cases, the UE <NUM> may transmit the indication based on the received request. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a RF band indication manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may receive, at a plurality of RF bands, one or more SS blocks from a base station, each of the one or more SS blocks being received at a respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a UE SS component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may determine a SNR or a received signal power associated with each of the received one or more SS blocks. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a preferred SS block manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may determine the preferred SS block as an SS block having a highest SNR of the determined SNRs or as an SS block having a highest received signal power of the determined received signal powers. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a preferred SS block manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the UE <NUM> may indicate to the base station <NUM> the respective RF band of the preferred SS block. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a RF band indication manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a base station SS block manager as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a base station <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM> the base station <NUM> may transmit one or more SS blocks, each of the one or more SS blocks being transmitted at a respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a base station SS component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the base station <NUM> may receive, from a UE <NUM>, an indication of the respective RF band of at least one SS block of the transmitted one or more SS blocks received by the UE <NUM>. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by an indication manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the base station <NUM> may determine signaling parameters comprising one or more of a format, resources, or timing for transmitting an indication by a UE <NUM>. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a signaling parameter manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the base station <NUM> may transmit a request to one or more UEs <NUM> to signal the indication of the respective RF band. In some examples, the request to the one or more UEs may include the determined signaling parameters. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by an indication request component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM> the base station <NUM> may schedule resources for communication with the UE based at least in part on the received indication of the respective RF band. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a resource manager as described with reference to <FIG>.

The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably.

In LTE/LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term evolved node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A or NR network in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB, next generation NodeB (gNB), or base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term "cell" may be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on the context.

Base stations may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), gNB, Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for a base station may be divided into sectors making up only a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication at a user equipment, UE (<NUM>), comprising:
receiving, at a plurality of radio frequency, RF, bands (<NUM>), one or more synchronization signal, SS, blocks (<NUM>) from a base station (<NUM>), each of the one or more SS blocks being received at a respective RF band, wherein the one or more SS blocks comprise a first SS sequence or a second SS sequence;
determining that the one or more SS blocks comprise the first SS sequence or the second SS sequence;
identifying, based on the determination that the one or more SS blocks comprise the first SS sequence or the second SS sequence, a request from the base station to transmit an indication of the respective RF band of a preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks;
determining, based on the identified request, the preferred SS block of the received one or more SS blocks based at least in part on a signal strength of the one or more SS blocks; and
transmitting, to the base station, the indication of the respective RF band of the preferred SS block.