Patent ID: 12232063

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some wireless communications systems may support beamformed transmissions in different frequency bands, such as FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz-114.25 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz-24.25 GHz), or combinations thereof to take advantage of increased performance, such as increased data rates and increased beamforming gains. In some cases, an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz wide) at the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4) may be utilized across multiple sets of operating frequencies (e.g., 57 GHz to 71 GHz) within the frequency band, which may provide performance and beamforming gains. For example, in some devices, a single radio frequency (RF) chain may be used over an ultra-wide bandwidth range at the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4 frequency bands). However, for beamformed transmissions in an ultra-wide bandwidth range at the upper millimeter wave bands, performance (e.g., array gain performance relative to beam direction) may vary between different operating frequencies (e.g., carrier frequencies). For example, variations between different operating frequencies in the FR4 frequency band may be more pronounced than variations between different operating frequencies in the FR1 frequency band or the FR2 frequency band. Accordingly, in beamformed transmissions at the upper millimeter wave bands, SSBs associated with (e.g., pointing to, mapped to) a given set of SSB resources at a first operating frequency may be associated with a different set of SSB resources when operating at a second operating frequency (e.g., SSBs may drift apart as a function of frequency).

Techniques are described for mapping SSB resources based on operating frequencies being used within a frequency band and an angle of a beamformed transmission. A user equipment (UE) may receive an indication including a mapping that associates one or more sets of SSB resources with operating frequencies within a frequency band (e.g., FR4) and a direction of a beamformed transmission. In some examples, the indication may be received in a system information block (SIB), a master information block (MIB), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and/or downlink control information (DCI). The UE may identify an operating frequency and a direction associated with a beam for communicating information based on receiving the indication. In some aspects, the UE may identify a parameter (e.g., an SSB index) of an SSB conveyed using the frequency band and the direction associated with the beam. In some examples, for a given operating frequency in the frequency band and the direction associated with the beam, the UE may identify the corresponding parameter (e.g., SSB index).

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Examples of processes and signaling exchanges that support SSB mapping across different frequencies are then described. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to SSB mapping across different frequencies.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100includes base stations105, UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, an LTE-A Pro network, or a New Radio (NR) network. In some cases, wireless communications system100may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable communications, low latency communications, or communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices.

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Base stations105described herein 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, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB or giga-NodeB (either of which may be referred to as a gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. Wireless communications system100may include base stations105of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs115described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations105and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

Each base station105may be associated with a particular geographic coverage area110in which communications with various UEs115is supported. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110via communication links125, and communication links125between a base station105and a UE115may utilize one or more carriers. Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink transmissions from a base station105to a UE115. Downlink transmissions may also be called forward link transmissions while uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions.

The geographic coverage area110for a base station105may be divided into sectors making up a portion of the geographic coverage area110, and each sector may be associated with a cell. For example, each base station105may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, a hot spot, or other types of cells, or various combinations thereof. In some examples, a base station105may be movable and therefore provide communication coverage for a moving geographic coverage area110. In some examples, different geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may overlap, and overlapping geographic coverage areas110associated with different technologies may be supported by the same base station105or by different base stations105. The wireless communications system100may include, for example, a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A/LTE-A Pro or NR network in which different types of base stations105provide coverage for various geographic coverage areas110.

The term “cell” refers to a logical communication entity used for communication with a base station105(e.g., over a carrier), and may be associated with an identifier for distinguishing neighboring cells (e.g., a physical cell identifier (PCID), a virtual cell identifier (VCID)) operating via the same or a different carrier. In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., machine-type communication (MTC), narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others) that may provide access for different types of devices. In some cases, the term “cell” may refer to a portion of a geographic coverage area110(e.g., a sector) over which the logical entity operates.

UEs115may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also be referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a handheld device, or a subscriber device, or some other suitable terminology, where the “device” may also be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client. A UE115may also be a personal electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal computer. In some examples, a UE115may also refer to a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or an MTC device, or the like, which may be implemented in various articles such as appliances, vehicles, meters, or the like.

Some UEs115, such as MTC or IoT devices, may be low cost or low complexity devices, and may provide for automated communication between machines (e.g., via Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication). M2M communication or MTC may refer to data communication technologies that allow devices to communicate with one another or a base station105without human intervention. In some examples, M2M communication or MTC may include communications from devices that integrate sensors or meters to measure or capture information and relay that information to a central server or application program that can make use of the information or present the information to humans interacting with the program or application. Some UEs115may be designed to collect information or enable automated behavior of machines. Examples of applications for MTC devices include smart metering, inventory monitoring, water level monitoring, equipment monitoring, healthcare monitoring, wildlife monitoring, weather and geological event monitoring, fleet management and tracking, remote security sensing, physical access control, and transaction-based business charging.

Some UEs115may be configured to employ operating modes that reduce power consumption, such as half-duplex communications (e.g., a mode that supports one-way communication via transmission or reception, but not transmission and reception simultaneously). In some examples, half-duplex communications may be performed at a reduced peak rate. Other power conservation techniques for UEs115include entering a power saving “deep sleep” mode when not engaging in active communications, or operating over a limited bandwidth (e.g., according to narrowband communications). In some cases, UEs115may be designed to support critical functions (e.g., functions related to low-latency communications or ultra-reliable communications), and a wireless communications system100may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

In some cases, a UE115may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs115(e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). One or more of a group of UEs115utilizing D2D communications may be within the geographic coverage area110of a base station105. Other UEs115in such a group may be outside the geographic coverage area110of a base station105, or be otherwise unable to receive transmissions from a base station105. In some cases, groups of UEs115communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system in which each UE115transmits to every other UE115in the group. In some cases, a base station105facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In other cases, D2D communications are carried out between UEs115without the involvement of a base station105.

Base stations105may communicate with the core network130and with one another. For example, base stations105may interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., via an S1, N2, N3, or other interface). Base stations105may communicate with one another over backhaul links134(e.g., via an X2, Xn, or other interface) either directly (e.g., directly between base stations105) or indirectly (e.g., via core network130).

The core network130may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network130may 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 MME may manage non-access stratum (e.g., control plane) functions such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management for UEs115served by base stations105associated with the EPC. User IP packets may be transferred through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation as well as other functions. The P-GW may be connected to the network operators IP services. The operators IP services may include access to the Internet, Intranet(s), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or a Packet-Switched (PS) Streaming Service.

At least some of the network devices, such as a base station105, 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 UEs115through a quantity of other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP). In some configurations, various functions of each access network entity or base station105may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers) or consolidated into a single network device (e.g., a base station105).

Wireless communications system100may operate using one or more frequency bands, typically in the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). Generally, the region from 300 MHz to 3 GHz is known as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) region or decimeter band, because the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may be blocked or redirected by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate structures sufficiently for a macro cell to provide service to UEs115located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves may be associated with smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than 100 km) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies and longer waves of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum below 300 MHz.

Wireless communications system100may also operate in a super high frequency (SHF) region using frequency bands from 3 GHz to 30 GHz, also known as the centimeter band. The SHF region includes bands such as the 5 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands, which may be used opportunistically by devices that may be capable of tolerating interference from other users.

Wireless communications system100may also operate in an extremely high frequency (EHF) region of the spectrum (e.g., from 30 GHz to 300 GHz), also known as the millimeter band. In some examples, wireless communications system100may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UEs115and base stations105, and EHF antennas of the respective devices may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some cases, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a UE115. However, the propagation of EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than SHF or UHF transmissions. Techniques disclosed herein may be employed across transmissions that use one or more different frequency regions, and designated use of bands across these frequency regions may differ by country or regulating body.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless communications system100may employ License Assisted Access (LAA), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) radio access technology, or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the 5 GHz ISM band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations105and UEs115may employ listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to ensure a frequency channel is clear before transmitting data. In some cases, operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a carrier aggregation configuration in conjunction with component carriers operating in a licensed band (e.g., LAA). Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, peer-to-peer transmissions, or a combination of these. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), or a combination of both.

In some examples, base station105or UE115may be equipped with multiple antennas, which may be used to employ techniques such as transmit diversity, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, or beamforming. For example, wireless communications system100may use a transmission scheme between a transmitting device (e.g., a base station105) and a receiving device (e.g., a UE115), where the transmitting device is equipped with multiple antennas and the receiving device is equipped with one or more antennas. MIMO communications may employ multipath signal propagation to increase the spectral efficiency by transmitting or receiving multiple signals via different spatial layers, which may be referred to as spatial multiplexing. The multiple signals may, for example, be transmitted by the transmitting device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Likewise, the multiple signals may be received by the receiving device via different antennas or different combinations of antennas. Each of the multiple signals may be referred to as a separate spatial stream, and may carry bits associated with the same data stream (e.g., the same codeword) or different data streams. Different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting. MIMO techniques include single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to the same receiving device, and multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) where multiple spatial layers are transmitted to multiple devices.

Beamforming, which may also be referred to as spatial filtering, directional transmission, or directional reception, is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitting device or a receiving device (e.g., a base station105or a UE115) to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitting device and the receiving device. Beamforming may be achieved by combining the signals communicated via antenna elements of an antenna array such that signals propagating at particular orientations with respect to an antenna array experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference. The adjustment of signals communicated via the antenna elements may include a transmitting device or a receiving device applying certain amplitude and phase offsets to signals carried via each of the antenna elements associated with the device. The adjustments associated with each of the antenna elements may be defined by a beamforming weight set associated with a particular orientation (e.g., with respect to the antenna array of the transmitting device or receiving device, or with respect to some other orientation).

In one example, a base station105may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE115. For instance, some signals (e.g., synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals) may be transmitted by a base station105multiple times in different directions, which may include a signal being transmitted according to different beamforming weight sets associated with different directions of transmission. Transmissions in different beam directions may be used to identify (e.g., by the base station105or a receiving device, such as a UE115) a beam direction for subsequent transmission and/or reception by the base station105.

Some signals, such as data signals associated with a particular receiving device, may be transmitted by a base station105in a single beam direction (e.g., a direction associated with the receiving device, such as a UE115). In some examples, the beam direction associated with transmissions along a single beam direction may be determined based at least in in part on a signal that was transmitted in different beam directions. For example, a UE115may receive one or more of the signals transmitted by the base station105in different directions, and the UE115may report to the base station105an indication of the signal it received with a highest signal quality, or an otherwise acceptable signal quality. Although these techniques are described with reference to signals transmitted in one or more directions by a base station105, a UE115may employ similar techniques for transmitting signals multiple times in different directions (e.g., for identifying a beam direction for subsequent transmission or reception by the UE115), or transmitting a signal in a single direction (e.g., for transmitting data to a receiving device).

A receiving device (e.g., a UE115, which may be an example of a mmW receiving device) may try multiple receive beams when receiving various signals from the base station105, such as synchronization signals, reference signals, beam selection signals, or other control signals. For example, a receiving device may try multiple receive directions by receiving via different antenna subarrays, by processing received signals according to different antenna subarrays, by receiving according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array, or by processing received signals according to different receive beamforming weight sets applied to signals received at a plurality of antenna elements of an antenna array, any of which may be referred to as “listening” according to different receive beams or receive directions. In some examples a receiving device may use a single receive beam to receive along a single beam direction (e.g., when receiving a data signal). The single receive beam may be aligned in a beam direction determined based at least in part on listening according to different receive beam directions (e.g., a beam direction determined to have a highest signal strength, highest signal-to-noise ratio, or otherwise acceptable signal quality based at least in part on listening according to multiple beam directions).

In some cases, the antennas of a base station105or UE115may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support MIMO operations, or transmit or receive beamforming. For example, one or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be co-located at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some cases, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station105may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station105may have an antenna array with a quantity of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station105may use to support beamforming of communications with a UE115. Likewise, a UE115may have one or more antenna arrays that may support various MIMO or beamforming operations.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may be a packet-based network that operate according to a layered protocol stack. In the user plane, communications at the bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may be IP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may 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. The MAC layer may also use hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE115and a base station105or core network130supporting radio bearers for user plane data. At the Physical layer, transport channels may be mapped to physical channels.

In some cases, UEs115and base stations105may support retransmissions of data to increase the likelihood that data is received successfully. HARQ feedback is one technique of increasing the likelihood that data is received correctly over a communication link125. HARQ may include a combination of error detection (e.g., using a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)), forward error correction (FEC), and retransmission (e.g., automatic repeat request (ARQ)). HARQ may improve throughput at the MAC layer in poor radio conditions (e.g., signal-to-noise conditions). In some cases, a wireless device may support same-slot HARQ feedback, where the device may provide HARQ feedback in a specific slot for data received in a previous symbol in the slot. In other cases, the device may provide HARQ feedback in a subsequent slot, or according to some other time interval.

Time intervals in LTE or NR may be expressed in multiples of a basic time unit, which may, for example, refer to a sampling period of Ts=1/30,720,000 seconds. Time intervals of a communications resource may be organized according to radio frames each having a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms), where the frame period may be expressed as Tf=307,200 Ts. The radio frames may be identified by a system frame number (SFN) ranging from 0 to 1023. Each frame may include 10 subframes numbered from 0 to 9, and each subframe may have a duration of 1 ms. A subframe may be further divided into 2 slots each having a duration of 0.5 ms, and each slot may contain 6 or 7 modulation symbol periods (e.g., depending on the length of the cyclic prefix prepended to each symbol period). Excluding the cyclic prefix, each symbol period may contain 2048 sampling periods. In some cases, a subframe may be the smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100, and may be referred to as a transmission time interval (TTI). In other cases, a smallest scheduling unit of the wireless communications system100may be shorter than a subframe or may be dynamically selected (e.g., in bursts of shortened TTIs (sTTIs) or in selected component carriers using sTTIs).

In some wireless communications systems, a slot may further be divided into multiple mini-slots containing one or more symbols. In some instances, a symbol of a mini-slot or a mini-slot may be the smallest unit of scheduling. Each symbol may vary in duration depending on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation, for example. Further, some wireless communications systems may implement slot aggregation in which multiple slots or mini-slots are aggregated together and used for communication between a UE115and a base station105.

The term “carrier” refers to a set of radio frequency spectrum resources having a defined physical layer structure for supporting communications over a communication link125. For example, a carrier of a communication link125may include a portion of a radio frequency spectrum band that is operated according to physical layer channels for a given radio access technology. Each physical layer channel may carry user data, control information, or other signaling. A carrier may be associated with a pre-defined frequency channel (e.g., an evolved universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) absolute radio frequency channel number (EARFCN)), and may be positioned according to a channel raster for discovery by UEs115. Carriers may be downlink or uplink (e.g., in an FDD mode), or be configured to carry downlink and uplink communications (e.g., in a TDD mode). In some examples, signal waveforms transmitted over a carrier may be made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., using multi-carrier modulation (MCM) techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM)).

The organizational structure of the carriers may be different for different radio access technologies (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR). For example, communications over a carrier may be organized according to TTIs or slots, each of which may include user data as well as control information or signaling to support decoding the user data. A carrier may also include dedicated acquisition signaling (e.g., synchronization signals or system information, etc.) and control signaling that coordinates operation for the carrier. In some examples (e.g., in a carrier aggregation configuration), a carrier may also have acquisition signaling or control signaling that coordinates operations for other carriers.

Physical channels may be multiplexed on a carrier according to various techniques. A physical control channel and a physical data channel may be multiplexed on a downlink carrier, for example, using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, control information transmitted in a physical control channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region or common search space and one or more UE-specific control regions or UE-specific search spaces).

A carrier may be associated with a particular bandwidth of the radio frequency spectrum, and in some examples the carrier bandwidth may be referred to as a “system bandwidth” of the carrier or the wireless communications system100. For example, the carrier bandwidth may be one of a quantity of predetermined bandwidths for carriers of a particular radio access technology (e.g., 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, or 80 MHz). In some examples, each served UE115may be configured for operating over portions or all of the carrier bandwidth. In other examples, some UEs115may be configured for operation using a narrowband protocol type that is associated with a predefined portion or range (e.g., set of subcarriers or RB s) within a carrier (e.g., “in-band” deployment of a narrowband protocol type).

In a system employing MCM techniques, a resource element may consist of one symbol period (e.g., a duration of one modulation symbol) and one subcarrier, where the symbol period and subcarrier spacing are inversely related. The quantity of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (e.g., the order of the modulation scheme). Thus, the more resource elements that a UE115receives and the higher the order of the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be for the UE115. In MIMO systems, a wireless communications resource may refer to a combination of a radio frequency spectrum resource, a time resource, and a spatial resource (e.g., spatial layers), and the use of multiple spatial layers may further increase the data rate for communications with a UE115.

Devices of the wireless communications system100(e.g., base stations105or UEs115) may have a hardware configuration that supports communications over a particular carrier bandwidth, or may be configurable to support communications over one of a set of carrier bandwidths. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may include base stations105and/or UEs115that support simultaneous communications via carriers associated with more than one different carrier bandwidth.

Wireless communications system100may support communication with a UE115on multiple cells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrier aggregation or multi-carrier operation. A UE115may be configured with multiple downlink component carriers and one or more uplink component carriers according to a carrier aggregation configuration. Carrier aggregation may be used with both FDD and TDD component carriers.

In some cases, wireless communications system100may utilize enhanced component carriers (eCCs). An eCC may be characterized by one or more features including wider carrier or frequency channel bandwidth, shorter symbol duration, shorter TTI duration, or modified control channel configuration. In some cases, an eCC may be associated with a carrier aggregation configuration or a dual connectivity configuration (e.g., when multiple serving cells have a suboptimal or non-ideal backhaul link). An eCC may also be configured for use in unlicensed spectrum or shared spectrum (e.g., where more than one operator is allowed to use the spectrum). An eCC characterized by wide carrier bandwidth may include one or more segments that may be utilized by UEs115that are not capable of monitoring the whole carrier bandwidth or are otherwise configured to use a limited carrier bandwidth (e.g., to conserve power).

In some cases, an eCC may utilize a different symbol duration than other component carriers, which may include use of a reduced symbol duration as compared with symbol durations of the other component carriers. A shorter symbol duration may be associated with increased spacing between adjacent subcarriers. A device, such as a UE115or base station105, utilizing eCCs may transmit wideband signals (e.g., according to frequency channel or carrier bandwidths of 20, 40, 60, 80 MHz, etc.) at reduced symbol durations (e.g., 16.67 microseconds). A TTI in eCC may consist of one or multiple symbol periods. In some cases, the TTI duration (that is, the quantity of symbol periods in a TTI) may be variable.

Wireless communications system100may be an NR system that may utilize any combination of licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum bands, 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 the frequency domain) and horizontal (e.g., across the time domain) sharing of resources.

The wireless communications system100may support beamforming for communications between base stations105and UEs115. Beamforming may be used to improve link margin deteriorated due to path, penetration, and blockage losses. The base stations105and the UEs115may be configured with multiple antenna modules to provide a uniform coverage area for the beamformed communications. An antenna module may include one or more antenna subarrays that the base stations105and the UEs115may use to form directional beams.

A directional beam may be steered over one or multiple directions (e.g., angles), and directional beam scanning (e.g., as part of a beam refinement procedure) may be used to establish a communication link125between a base station105and a UE115. A base station105may transmit multiple SSBs over a predefined bandwidth in predefined symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols) of a slot or TTI. Each SSB may occupy a predefined period of time (e.g., 5 ms) of an SSB period and be transmitted by the base station105according to an interval, and the base station105may repeat transmission of the SSBs at each SSB period. The UE115may receive one or more synchronization signals of an SSB and may use the received information to establish communications with base station105via an uplink message.

In the wireless communications system100, each of the SSBs may be associated with an SSB index (e.g., a numerical identifier) allocated by the wireless communications system100. The SSB indices may be included, for example, in a table. In some cases, the base station105may transmit each SSB via a beam in a beam direction (e.g., the base station105may transmit a first SSB via a beam radiated in a first beam direction and the base station105-amay transmit a second SSB via a beam radiated in a second beam direction). The UE115may measure the signal strength of each SSB the UE115detects over a time period (a time period equal to one SSB set). Based on the measured signal strengths, the UE115may identify the corresponding SSB and SSB index having the highest signal strength. The UE115may identify the SSB having the highest signal strength as being associated with the best beam for the UE115. In some cases, each SSB may include a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). For each SSB, the SSB index of the SSB may be carried in multiple parts, over a PBCH reference signal (e.g., PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS)) and a PBCH payload of the SSB.

The wireless communications system100may support higher frequency bands, such as FR2, FR4, or other frequencies above 24.25 GHz. Antenna subarrays may support communications at these higher frequency ranges. For example, an antenna subarray configured for communications at these high frequency ranges may have an inter-element spacing of λ/2, in which λ denotes wavelength. The inter-element spacing may correspond to half the wavelength for a frequency in the high frequency range. Techniques are proposed for dynamically mapping SSB resources as a function of frequency and for reporting the mapping. Using the dynamic mapping of SSB resources, the wireless communications system100may account for performance variation associated with different operating frequencies at higher frequency bands, such as FR4.

A UE115may receive from a base station105a mapping associated with a set of SSB resources and a set of frequency bands (also referred to as frequency spectrum bands). The mapping may include an association between operating frequencies of the frequency band and parameters (e.g., SSB indices) of SSBs conveyed using the operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some aspects, the mapping may indicate a reference frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) associated with the mapping and an array gain performance (in dB) at the reference frequency with respect to beam directions (e.g., transmit beam directions, receive beam directions) associated with a channel for communicating information. The mapping may indicate array gain performance (in dB) at different operating frequencies (e.g., operating frequencies within a range of the reference frequency such as over the 57-71 GHz range) with respect to the beam directions. In some aspects, the UE115may receive the indication in a SIB, a MIB, RRC signaling, or DCI.

In an aspect, the UE115may refer to the mapping and identify SSB indices of SSBs which may be conveyed to the UE115at the reference frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) or some other operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz, 61 GHz, 64 GHz, 68 GHz, etc.) included in the mapping. In some aspects, the UE115may identify array gain performance (in dB) and beam directions for conveying the SSBs to the UE115at the reference frequency or the operating frequency. The UE115may identify and select SSB indices corresponding to combinations of beam direction, operating frequency, and associated array gain performance (in dB). In an aspect, for achieving a given gain performance (in dB) at an operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz, 61 GHz, 64 GHz, 68 GHz, etc.), the UE115may determine or select a beam direction, and accordingly, select a corresponding SSB index for receiving an SSB. The UE115may monitor for the SSB based on the SSB index. Accordingly, in some examples, the UE115may communicate information at the operating frequency and in the beam direction over reference signal resources associated with the SSB.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, wireless communications system200may implement aspects of wireless communication system100and may include a UE115-aand a base station105-a, which may be examples of a UE115and a base station105, respectively, described with reference toFIG.1. In some cases, base station105-amay transmit one or more SSBs to UE115-a, and UE115-amay process (e.g., decode) the SSBs in order to receive system information and begin communications with base station105-a.

The wireless communications system200may support beamformed communications between the base station105-aand the UE115-a. In some aspects, the wireless communications system200may support beamformed communications in the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4 between about 52.6 GHz and 114.25 GHz). However, the base station105-aand the UE115-amay experience high variations in performance of the SSBs between operating frequencies included in the FR4 frequency band. In some cases, in the FR4 frequency band, array gain performance associated with a beamforming codebook used by the base station105-aand the UE115-afor codebook-based beam steering may vary widely between a first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) and a second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz). In some cases, some beams (e.g., beam directions) and corresponding sets of SSB resources in the beamforming codebook that are used for beamformed transmissions between the base station105-aand the UE115-aat the first operating frequency may be less useful for beamformed transmissions between the base station105-aand the UE115-aat the second operating frequency. For example, array gain performance associated with the beams and SSB resources for cases in which the beams and SSB resources are used at the second operating frequency may be insufficient (e.g., due to reductions in gain by about 2 to 3 dB) compared to cases in which the beams and SSB resources are used at the first operating frequency.

The wireless communications system200may support dynamically selecting parameters for SSBs based on a mapping of SSB resources as a function of operating frequency and/or beam direction. In some aspects, using the mapping of SSB resources, the wireless communications system200may account for variation in performance (e.g., array gain performance) associated with different operating frequencies (e.g., carrier frequencies) in a frequency band (e.g., the FR4 frequency band). In some examples, the base station105-amay transmit, and the UE115-amay receive, a mapping205between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within the frequency band. The mapping205may include an association between operating frequencies of the frequency band and parameters (e.g., SSB indices) of SSBs conveyed using the operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some aspects, the mapping205may include an association between operating frequencies of the frequency band and reference signal resources associated with the SSBs (e.g., reference signal resource restrictions mapped to operating frequencies).

In some aspects, the mapping205may indicate how reference signals at different operating frequencies (e.g., carrier frequencies) correlate in terms of signal strength or array gain (in dB). For example, the mapping205may indicate a reference frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) associated with the mapping and an array gain performance (in dB) at the reference frequency with respect to beam directions (e.g., transmit beam directions, receive beam directions) associated with a channel for communicating information between the base station105-aand the UE115-a. The mapping205may indicate array gain performance (in dB) at different operating frequencies (e.g., operating frequencies within a range of the reference frequency) with respect to the beam directions.

The UE115-amay receive the mapping205from the base station105-a, for example, in a SIB, a MIB, RRC signaling, or DCI. In some aspects, the base station105-amay configure the mapping205based on a communication from the UE115-a. The communication may include, for example, a request from the UE115-a, an operating frequency reporting message by the UE115-a, or an operating frequency recommendation by the UE115-a. In some other aspects, the UE115-amay report the mapping205to the base station105-a, for example, in a message. In an example, the UE115-amay report the mapping205in combination with an indication of an operating frequency (included in a set of operating frequencies in the mapping205) that the UE115-amay use to report beam measurements.

In some aspects, the UE115-amay refer to the mapping205and identify SSB indices of SSBs which may be conveyed to the UE115-aat the reference frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) or some other operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz, 61 GHz, 64 GHz, 68 GHz, etc.) indicated in the mapping205. In some aspects, the UE115-amay identify array gain performance (in dB) and beam directions for conveying the SSBs to the UE115-aat the reference frequency or the operating frequency. The UE115-amay identify and select SSB indices based on beam direction, operating frequency, associated array gain performance (in dB), or any combination thereof. In an aspect, for achieving a gain performance (in dB) at an operating frequency (e.g., 61 GHz), the UE115-amay determine or select a beam direction, and accordingly, select a corresponding SSB index for receiving an SSB. The UE115-amay monitor for the SSB based on the SSB index. Accordingly, in some examples, the UE115-amay communicate information210at the operating frequency and in the beam direction (e.g., via antenna elements of an antenna array of the UE115-a), over reference signal resources associated with the SSB.

FIG.3illustrates an example of antenna gains300that supports techniques for SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the antenna gains300may implement aspects of the wireless communications systems100and200as described with reference toFIGS.1and2. The antenna gains300may represent different antenna subarray gains with respect to phase (e.g., beam direction) for different directional beams305communicated between a UE115(e.g., the UE115-adescribed with reference toFIG.2) and a base station. Different lines show different responses of directional beams305at different operating frequencies (e.g., 71 GHz and 57 GHz). In some examples, the directional beams305may transmit directional beams. In various examples, the directional beams305may receive directional beams.

The directional beams305may represent a same directional beam of the UE115transmitted at different operating frequencies (e.g., carrier frequencies) in the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4 between about 52.6 GHz-114.25 GHz). In some aspects, the antenna gains300may implement aspects associated with a single RF chain used over an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz wide, for example, from 57 GHz to 71 GHz) at the upper millimeter wave bands. In some cases, because a single RF chain uses a single set of phase shifters and amplitude controls, analog/RF beamforming in the upper millimeter wave bands may be constrained and may result in poor performance at operating frequencies included in the upper millimeter wave bands. Implementing multiple RF chains to accommodate multiple operating frequencies in the upper millimeter wave bands would result in increased complexity and cost. Therefore, techniques for improving performance in the upper millimeter wave bands for a single RF chain are desired.

The antenna gains300are described with reference to an example antenna array of a UE115(e.g., UE115-adescribed with reference toFIG.2). In some aspects, the antenna array may be a 16×1 antenna array with d=λ/2 at 71 GHz, where d is an interelement spacing associated with the antenna array, and λ is wavelength. In the example described with reference toFIG.3, the UE115-amay use the antenna array for communications at operating frequencies included in an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz wide) ranging from 57 GHz to 71 GHz. In some aspects, using the antenna array and a codebook (e.g., a size12codebook, associated with12SSBs), the UE115-amay steer a directional beam over a set of directions (e.g., between zero and fifty degrees from a boresight (e.g., a main direction) of an antenna subarray, or some other angle from the boresight or the main direction). In an example, the codebook may be designed for a reference frequency (e.g., 57 GHz, or 71 GHz) of the ultra-wide bandwidth range. The antenna gains300illustrated inFIG.3are described herein with reference to a reference frequency of 71 GHz (e.g., codebook at 71 GHz).

In some examples, a directional beam305-amay correspond to a beamformed transmission at a first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) based on a codebook designed for the first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz). A directional beam305-bmay correspond to a beamformed transmission at a second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) based on the codebook designed for the first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz). Referring to the antenna gains300, array gain performance may vary based on an operating frequency of a directional beam305. The antenna gains300is a non-limiting example of an antenna subarray gain, and other antenna subarray gains at other operating frequencies are possible.

For a directional beam305pointing in a given direction, characteristics (e.g., gain, direction) of the directional beam305with respect to a main lobe and one or more respective side lobes (for clarity side lobes are not illustrated) may vary in both direction and gain based on operating frequency. For example, for the directional beam305-aat the first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz), a response310-acorresponding to a certain SSB (e.g., SSB0) may have a peak (illustrated by marker315-a) (e.g., a 10 dB gain) for a beam direction (e.g., phase angle) of −45 degrees. In an aspect, the UE115-amay select the SSB index of zero (e.g., SSB0) to transmit in the beam direction of −45 degrees at the 10 dB gain and the first operating frequency. In some cases, in which the UE115-auses the same SSB index (e.g., SSB0) to transmit at the second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) (e.g., as part of a channel hopping procedure), the UE115-amay experience a different gain (e.g., 2 to 3 dB drop).

For example, if the UE115-auses the same SSB index (e.g., SSB0) to transmit at the first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) and the second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz), the directional beam305-bmay have different gains. For instance, the SSB at 57 GHz may have a 3 dB drop compared to the transmitting at the first operating frequency and/or may be pointed in a beam direction (e.g., phase angle) of −70 degrees, as illustrated by the response310-band marker315-b. In some cases, referring to the response310-b, the directional beam305-bmay have a −5 dB gain (e.g., a 15 dB drop compared to the transmitting at the first operating frequency) for the beam direction (e.g., phase angle) of −45 degrees. The response310-aand the response310-bmay be at an edge of coverage associated with the antenna array and a codebook (e.g., a size12codebook, associated with12SSBs).

Aspects of the antenna gains300described herein are also applicable to other reference frequencies (e.g., 57 GHz). For example, for a reference frequency of 57 GHz (e.g., codebook at 57 GHz), the directional beam305-aat the first operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) and the directional beam305-bat the second operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) may have a different response (e.g., array gain compared to phase) than that illustrated inFIG.3. However, the example aspects illustrated inFIG.3may be applicable to the reference frequency of 57 GHz. That is, performance (e.g., gain, beam direction) associated with an SSB index (e.g., SSB0) may vary across operating frequencies (e.g., 71 GHz compared to 61 GHz, 57 GHz compared to 71 GHz).

Accordingly, due to a wideband effect (e.g., expansion in the frequency domain) in an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz) in the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4 between about 52.6 GHz and 114.25 GHz), the UE115-amay be unable to use the same SSB parameter (e.g., SSB index) to transmit in the same beam direction across different frequencies in such an ultra-wide bandwidth range in the upper millimeter wave bands. That is, in some cases, an SSB0at 57 GHz may map to an SSB1at 71 GHz. The same directional beam305at 57 GHz may point in a different direction (degrees) at 71 GHz. In some cases, the impact of the wideband effect (e.g., shift in directions, difference in array gain, change in SSB mapping) described with reference to the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4) may be negligible or marginal in other frequency bands such as frequency range 1 (FR1 between about 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), frequency range 2 (FR2 between about 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), and frequency range 3 (FR3 between about 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz).

Referring to the antenna gains300, the directional beams305may have a low correlation with respect to operating frequency (e.g., independent of design). In some aspects, switching between different beam indexes may be beneficial when switching between different operating frequencies in the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., especially towards an edge of coverage). In such cases, selecting an SSB parameter based on both the operating frequency and the direction may be beneficial. For example, depending on a beam direction (beam angle) of interest, using different beams from either 57 GHz or 71 GHz could achieve improvements in reducing loss in array gain. In some aspects, the UE115-a(and the base station105-a) may utilize a smaller codebook size at an operating frequency of 71 GHz to cover the same area as that covered with an operating frequency of 57 GHz.

In an example, with reference toFIG.2, the mapping205may include an association between operating frequencies in an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz) in the upper millimeter wave bands (e.g., FR4 between about 52.6 GHz and 114.25 GHz) described herein and parameters (e.g., SSB indices) of SSBs conveyed using the operating frequencies included in the mapping205. In some aspects, the mapping205may indicate how reference signals at different operating frequencies (e.g., 57 GHz and 61 GHz, 57 GHz and 71 GHz) correlate in terms of signal strength or array gain (in dB). For example, the mapping205may indicate a reference frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) associated with the mapping205and the antenna gains300at the reference frequency with respect to directional beams305. The mapping205may indicate the antenna gains300at different operating frequencies (e.g., operating frequencies within the ultra-wide bandwidth range of 14 GHz) with respect to the beam directions.

The UE115-amay refer to the mapping205and identify SSB indices of SSBs which may be conveyed to the UE115-aat the reference frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) or some other operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz, 61 GHz, any operating frequency within the ultra-wide bandwidth range of 14 GHz) indicated in the mapping205. In some aspects, the UE115-amay identify array gain performance (in dB) and beam directions for conveying the SSBs to the UE115-aat the reference frequency or the operating frequency. The UE115-amay identify and select SSB indices corresponding to combinations of beam direction, operating frequency, and associated array gain performance (in dB). In an aspect, for achieving a gain performance (in dB) (e.g., a gain performance selected by the UE115-a) at an operating frequency (e.g., 61 GHz), the UE115-amay determine or select a beam direction, and accordingly, select a corresponding SSB index for receiving an SSB. The UE115-amay monitor for the SSB based on the SSB index. Accordingly, in some examples, the UE115-amay communicate information210at the operating frequency and in the beam direction (e.g., via antenna elements of an antenna array of the UE115-a), over reference signal resources associated with the SSB.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a process flow400that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, process flow400may implement aspects of wireless communications systems100or200. Additionally, process flow400may be implemented by a UE115-cand a base station105-c, which may be examples of a UE115, a UE115-a, a base station105, and a base station105-adescribed with reference toFIGS.1and2.

In the following description of the process flow400, the operations between UE115-cand base station105-cmay be transmitted in a different order than the order shown, or the operations performed by base station105-cand UE115-cmay be performed in different orders or at different times. Certain operations may also be left out of the process flow400, or other operations may be added to the process flow400. It is to be understood that while base station105-cand UE115-care shown performing a quantity of the operations of process flow400, any wireless device may perform the operations shown.

At405, the UE115-cmay receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band (e.g., FR4, or an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz) in FR4). In some aspects, the UE115-cmay receive the mapping from the base station105-c. The mapping may include an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and/or the direction of a beam and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some aspects, the parameters may include SSB indices associated with the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band.

In an example, the mapping may include a mapping of SSB parameters across different operating frequencies within a frequency band (e.g., FR4, or an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz) in FR4). For example, the mapping may indicate that an SSB0at a first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) maps to a first gain and/or a first direction while SSB0at a second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) maps to a second gain and/or a second direction. In another example, the mapping may indicate that an SSB11at the first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) maps to an SSB10at the second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz).

At410, the UE115-cmay identify the frequency band and an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the SSB. At415, the base station105-cmay identify the frequency band and the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the SSB.

At420, the UE115-cmay identify the direction associated with the beam based on the receiving of the mapping. In some examples, the UE115-cmay identify, based on the received mapping, a first gain associated with a first operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and the direction of the beam and a second gain associated with a second operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and a second direction of a second beam. For example, the mapping may indicate how a reference signal at one operating frequency (carrier frequency) maps to signal strength and array gain at a different carrier frequency. At425, the base station105-cmay identify the direction associated with the beam based on the mapping.

At430, the UE115-cmay identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some aspects, the UE115-cmay identify an index of the SSB within an SSB set based on the frequency band and the direction. In some examples, at430, the UE115-cmay identify the parameter based on identifying the first gain and the second gain.

In some aspects, at430, the UE115-cmay identify, based on the mapping received at405, an offset between the parameter (e.g., index) of the SSB conveyed using a first operating frequency (e.g., 71 GHz) of the frequency band relative to a second parameter (e.g., index) of a second SSB conveyed using a second operating frequency (e.g., 57 GHz) of the frequency band. For example, the mapping at405may include a first table indicating an array gain and beam direction corresponding to a set of SSB indices with respect to the first operating frequency. In some aspects, the mapping at405may include a second table indicating an array gain and beam direction corresponding to a set of SSB indices with respect to the second operating frequency. In some other aspects, the mapping at405may include the first table with respect to the first operating frequency in combination with a set of offsets. Using the offsets, the UE115-cmay map the SSB indices for the first operating frequency to SSB indices for the second operating frequency based on the offsets, which may reduce memory usage compared to storing multiple tables.

In some examples, the mapping may indicate a used set of SSB indices across different frequencies (e.g., across frequencies included in FR4, or across frequencies included in an ultra-wide bandwidth range (e.g., 14 GHz, ranging from 57 GHz to 71 GHz) in FR4). In some aspects, the mapping may indicate a first operating frequency (e.g., f0=57 GHz) as a baseline, with a second operating frequency (e.g., f1=60 GHz) using SSB set indices1to20, and a third operating frequency (e.g., f 2=71 GHz) using SSB set indices from 2 to 21

At435, the base station105-cmay identify the parameter (e.g., index) of the SSB based on the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and the direction of the beam for conveying the SSB.

At440, the UE115-cmay identify a set of reference signal resources associated with the SSB in the frequency band based on the mapping and the operating frequency. In some aspects, the UE115-cmay determine that the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies satisfies a criterion, where the set of reference signal resources is associated with the operating frequency. In an aspect, the mapping may be a reference signal resource restriction based on operating frequency (carrier frequency) at the UE115-c. In some aspects, the mapping may include an SSB restriction with respect to operating frequencies.

At445, the UE115-cmay monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter (e.g., the identified index). In some aspects, at445, the UE115-cmay monitor for the SSB based on the offset identified at430.

At450, the UE115-cmay receive the SSB based on the identified parameter (e.g., the identified index).

At455, the UE115-cmay transmit, to the base station105-c, a message indicating the mapping, where the mapping further includes an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some aspects, the UE115-cmay transmit an indication of an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies that is used to report beam measurements, where the indication is included in the message. In some examples, the UE115-cmay indicate the reference frequency with which beam measurements are reported and a set of SSBs from a global set of SSBs useable for the operating frequency (carrier frequency).

At460, the UE115-cmay communicate information (e.g., data) using the set of reference signal resources.

FIG.5shows a block diagram500of a device505that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device505may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described herein. The device505may include a receiver510, a communications manager515, and a transmitter520. The device505may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver510may 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 SSB mapping across different frequencies, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device505. The receiver510may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The receiver510may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager515may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band, identify a parameter of a SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB, and monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter. The communications manager515may be an example of aspects of the communications manager810described herein.

The communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager515, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a 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.

The communications manager515, or its 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 components. In some examples, the communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communications manager515, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an input/output (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.

The actions performed by the communications manager515as described herein may be implemented to realize one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow a UE115to improve quality and reliability of service at the UE115, as performance in the upper millimeter wave bands for a single RF chain are improved.

The transmitter520may transmit signals generated by other components of the device505. In some examples, the transmitter520may be collocated with a receiver510in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter520may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The transmitter520may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.6shows a block diagram600of a device605that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device605may be an example of aspects of a device505, or a UE115as described herein. The device605may include a receiver610, a communications manager615, and a transmitter635. The device605may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver610may 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 SSB mapping across different frequencies, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device605. The receiver610may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The receiver610may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager515as described herein. The communications manager615may include a mapping component620, a parameter component625, and a SSB component630. The communications manager615may be an example of aspects of the communications manager810described herein.

The mapping component620may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. The parameter component625may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. The SSB component630may monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter.

The transmitter635may transmit signals generated by other components of the device605. In some examples, the transmitter635may be collocated with a receiver610in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter635may be an example of aspects of the transceiver820described with reference toFIG.8. The transmitter635may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a communications manager705that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager705may be an example of aspects of a communications manager515, a communications manager615, or a communications manager810described herein. The communications manager705may include a mapping component710, a parameter component715, a SSB component720, an operating frequency component725, a messaging component730, a resource component735, a communication component740, and a gain component745. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The mapping component710may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band.

In some examples, the mapping component710may identify the frequency band and the direction of the beam based on receiving of the mapping.

In some examples, the mapping component710may receive the mapping from a base station, the mapping further including an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some examples, the mapping further includes an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

In some examples, the mapping component710may transmit a request for the mapping. In some examples, the mapping component710may receive the mapping based on transmitting the request. In some examples, the mapping component710may identify, based on receiving the mapping, an offset between the parameter of the SSB conveyed using a first operating frequency of the frequency band relative to a second parameter of a second SSB conveyed using a second operating frequency of the frequency band. In some cases, the mapping is included in a SIB, a MIB, RRC signaling, DCI, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the mapping includes an indication of one or more groups of SSBs and one or more sets of SSBs of the one or more groups of the SSBs.

The parameter component715may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some examples, the parameter component715may identify the parameter based on identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies.

In some examples, the parameter component715may identify the parameter based on identifying the frequency band and the direction. In some examples, the parameter component715may identify the parameter based on identifying the first gain and the second gain. In some cases, the parameters include SSB indices associated with the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band. The SSB component720may monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter. In some examples, the SSB component720may identify an index of the SSB within an SSB set based on the frequency band and the direction. In some examples, the SSB component720may monitor for the SSB based on identifying the index. In some examples, the SSB component720may monitor for the SSB based on identifying the offset. In some cases, the SSB is conveyed over a first set of the set of SSB resources using the frequency band. The operating frequency component725may identify the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the SSB. In some examples, the operating frequency component725may determine that the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies satisfies a criterion.

The messaging component730may transmit, to a base station, a message indicating the mapping. In some examples, the messaging component730may transmit an indication of an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies that is used to report beam measurements. In some examples, the indication may be included in the message.

The resource component735may identify a set of reference signal resources associated with the SSB in the frequency band based on the mapping and the operating frequency. In some examples, the set of reference signal resources may be associated with the operating frequency.

The communication component740may communicate information using the set of reference signal resources. In some examples, the communication component740may communicate information using the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies based on the monitoring for the SSB.

The gain component745may identify, based on the received mapping, a first gain associated with a first operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and the direction of the beam and a second gain associated with a second operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and a second direction of a second beam.

FIG.8shows a diagram of a system800including a device805that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device805may be an example of or include the components of device505, device605, or a UE115as described herein. The device805may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager810, an I/O controller815, a transceiver820, an antenna825, memory830, and a processor840. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus845).

The communications manager810may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band, identify a parameter of a SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB, and monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter.

The I/O controller815may manage input and output signals for the device805. The I/O controller815may also manage peripherals not integrated into the device805. In some cases, the I/O controller815may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some cases, the I/O controller815may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In other cases, the I/O controller815may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In some cases, the I/O controller815may be implemented as part of a processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the device805via the I/O controller815or via hardware components controlled by the I/O controller815.

The transceiver820may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver820may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver820may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna825. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna825, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The memory830may include random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory830may store computer-readable, computer-executable code835including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory830may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor840may 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, the processor840may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into the processor840. The processor840may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory830) to cause the device805to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting SSB mapping across different frequencies).

The code835may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code835may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code835may not be directly executable by the processor840but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a device905that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device905may be an example of aspects of a base station105as described herein. The device905may include a receiver910, a communications manager915, and a transmitter920. The device905may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver910may 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 SSB mapping across different frequencies, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device905. The receiver910may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The receiver910may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

The communications manager915may transmit a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band, identify a parameter of a SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB, and transmit the SSB based on the identified parameter. The communications manager915may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210described herein.

The communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be implemented in hardware, code (e.g., software or firmware) executed by a processor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communications manager915, or its sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a 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 communications manager915, or its 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 components. In some examples, the communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the communications manager915, or its sub-components, may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an input/output (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.

The actions performed by the communications manager915as described herein may be implemented to realize one or more potential advantages. One implementation may allow a base station105to improve quality and reliability of service at the base station105, as performance in the upper millimeter wave bands for a single RF chain are improved.

The transmitter920may transmit signals generated by other components of the device905. In some examples, the transmitter920may be collocated with a receiver910in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter920may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The transmitter920may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.10shows a block diagram1000of a device1005that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1005may be an example of aspects of a device905, or a base station105as described herein. The device1005may include a receiver1010, a communications manager1015, and a transmitter1035. The device1005may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1010may 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 SSB mapping across different frequencies, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device1005. The receiver1010may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12.

The receiver1010may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas. The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager915as described herein. The communications manager1015may include a mapping component1020, a parameter component1025, and a SSB component1030. The communications manager1015may be an example of aspects of the communications manager1210described herein.

The mapping component1020may transmit a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. The parameter component1025may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. The SSB component1030may transmit the SSB based on the identified parameter.

The transmitter1035may transmit signals generated by other components of the device1005. In some examples, the transmitter1035may be collocated with a receiver1010in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1035may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1220described with reference toFIG.12. The transmitter1035may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a communications manager1105that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager1105may be an example of aspects of a communications manager915, a communications manager1015, or a communications manager1210described herein. The communications manager1105may include a mapping component1110, a parameter component1115, a SSB component1120, an operating frequency component1125, a messaging component1130, a gain component1135, and a communication component1140. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The mapping component1110may transmit a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. In some examples, the mapping component1110may identify the frequency band and the direction associated with the beam based on the mapping. In some examples, the mapping component1110may transmit the mapping to a user equipment, the mapping further including an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

In some examples, the mapping component1110may receive, from a user equipment, a request for the mapping. In some examples, the mapping component1110transmit the mapping based on transmitting the request.

In some examples, the mapping component1110may transmit the mapping based on identifying the offset.

In some cases, the mapping is included in a SIB, a master information block (MIB), RRC signaling, DCI, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the mapping includes an indication of one or more groups of SSBs and one or more sets of SSBs of the one or more groups of the SSBs.

The parameter component1115may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some examples, the parameter component1115may identify the parameter based on identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies. In some examples, the parameter component1115identify the parameter based on identifying the frequency band and the direction. In some examples, the parameter component1115identify the parameter based on identifying the first gain and the second gain. In some examples, the parameter component1115may identify an offset between the parameter of the SSB conveyed using a first operating frequency of the frequency band relative to a second parameter of a second SSB conveyed using a second operating frequency of the frequency band.

In some cases, the parameters include SSB indices associated with the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band.

The SSB component1120may transmit the SSB based on the identified parameter.

In some examples, the SSB component1120may identify an index of the SSB within an SSB set based on the frequency band and the direction.

In some examples, the SSB component1120may transmit the SSB based on identifying the index. In some cases, the SSB is conveyed over a first set of the set of SSB resources using the frequency band.

The operating frequency component1125may identify the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the SSB. In some examples, the operating frequency component1125may receive an indication of an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies that is used to report beam measurements.

The messaging component1130may receive, from a user equipment, a message indicating the mapping, where the mapping further includes an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of SSBs conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping. In some examples, the indication may be included in the message.

The gain component1135may identify, based on the mapping, a first gain associated with a first operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and the direction of the beam and a second gain associated with a second operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and a second direction of a second beam.

The communication component1140may communicate information using the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies based on monitoring for the SSB.

FIG.12shows a diagram of a system1200including a device1205that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device1205may be an example of or include the components of device905, device1005, or a base station105as described herein. The device1205may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including a communications manager1210, a network communications manager1215, a transceiver1220, an antenna1225, memory1230, a processor1240, and an inter-station communications manager1245. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus1250).

The communications manager1210may transmit a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band, identify a parameter of a SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB, and transmit the SSB based on the identified parameter.

The network communications manager1215may manage communications with the core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager1215may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115.

The transceiver1220may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1220may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1220may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1225. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1225, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The memory1230may include RAM, ROM, or a combination thereof. The memory1230may store computer-readable code1235including instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor1240) cause the device to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1230may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor1240may 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, the processor1240may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor1240. The processor1240may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory1230) to cause the device1205to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting SSB mapping across different frequencies).

The inter-station communications manager1245may manage communications with other base station105, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115in cooperation with other base stations105. For example, the inter-station communications manager1245may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager1245may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations105.

The code1235may include instructions to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including instructions to support wireless communications. The code1235may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other type of memory. In some cases, the code1235may not be directly executable by the processor1240but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

FIG.13shows a flowchart illustrating a method1300that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1300may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1300may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1305, the UE may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. The operations of1305may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1305may be performed by a mapping component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1310, the UE may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some aspects, the UE may identify an index of the SSB within an SSB set based on the frequency band and the direction. The operations of1310may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1310may be performed by a parameter component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1315, the UE may monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter. In some aspects, the UE may monitor for the SSB based on identifying the index. The operations of1315may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1315may be performed by an SSB component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

FIG.14shows a flowchart illustrating a method1400that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1400may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1400may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.5through8. In some examples, a UE may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the UE to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a UE may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1405, the UE may receive a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. The operations of1405may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1405may be performed by a mapping component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1410, the UE may identify an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey an SSB. The operations of1410may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1410may be performed by an operating frequency component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1415, the UE may identify a parameter of the SSB based on the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some aspects, the UE may identify the parameter based on identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies. The operations of1415may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1415may be performed by a parameter component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

At1420, the UE may monitor for the SSB based on the identified parameter. The operations of1420may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1420may be performed by a parameter component as described with reference toFIGS.5through8.

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500that supports SSB mapping across different frequencies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1500may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1500may be performed by a communications manager as described with reference toFIGS.9through12. In some examples, a base station may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the base station to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, a base station may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At1505, the base station may transmit a mapping between a set of SSB resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band. The operations of1505may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1505may be performed by a mapping component as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1510, the base station may identify a parameter of an SSB based on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the SSB and a direction of a beam for conveying the SSB. In some aspects, the base station may identify an index of the SSB within an SSB set based on the frequency band and the direction. The operations of1510may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1510may be performed by a parameter component as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

At1515, the base station may transmit the SSB based on the identified parameter. In some aspects, the base station may transmit the SSB based on identifying the index. The operations of1515may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1515may be performed by an SSB component as described with reference toFIGS.9through12.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Further, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a UE, comprising: receiving a mapping between a set of synchronization signal block resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band; identifying a parameter of a synchronization signal block based at least in part on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the synchronization signal block and a direction of a beam for conveying the synchronization signal block; and monitoring for the synchronization signal block based at least in part on the identified parameter.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein identifying the parameter of the synchronization signal block comprises: identifying an index of the synchronization signal block within a synchronization signal block set based at least in part on the frequency band and the direction, wherein monitoring for the synchronization signal block is based at least in part on identifying the index.

Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, further comprising: identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the synchronization signal block, wherein identifying the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies.

Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 1 through 3, further comprising: identifying the frequency band and the direction of the beam based at least in part on receiving of the mapping, wherein the identifying of the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the frequency band and the direction.

Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 1 through 4, wherein receiving the mapping comprises: receiving the mapping from a base station, the mapping further comprising an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of synchronization signal blocks conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

Aspect 6: The method of aspect 5, wherein the parameters comprise synchronization signal block indices associated with the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, further comprising: transmitting, to a base station, a message indicating the mapping, wherein the mapping further comprises an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of synchronization signal blocks conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, further comprising: transmitting an indication of an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies that is used to report beam measurements, wherein the indication is included in the message.

Aspect 9: The method of any of aspects 1 through 8, further comprising: identifying a set of reference signal resources associated with the synchronization signal block in the frequency band based at least in part on the mapping and the operating frequency; and communicating information using the set of reference signal resources.

Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, further comprising: determining that the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies satisfies a criterion, wherein the set of reference signal resources is associated with the operating frequency.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, further comprising: identifying, based at least in part on the received mapping, a first gain associated with a first operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and the direction of the beam and a second gain associated with a second operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and a second direction of a second beam, wherein identifying the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the first gain and the second gain.

Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 through 11, further comprising: transmitting a request for the mapping, wherein receiving the mapping is based at least in part on transmitting the request.

Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 1 through 12, further comprising: identifying, based at least in part on receiving the mapping, an offset between the parameter of the synchronization signal block conveyed using a first operating frequency of the frequency band relative to a second parameter of a second synchronization signal block conveyed using a second operating frequency of the frequency band, wherein monitoring for the synchronization signal block is based at least in part on identifying the offset.

Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 1 through 13, further comprising: communicating information using the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies based at least in part on the monitoring for the synchronization signal block.

Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 1 through 14, wherein the mapping is included in an SIB, a master information block (MIB), RRC signaling, DCI, or a combination thereof; and the mapping comprises an indication of one or more groups of synchronization signal blocks and one or more sets of synchronization signal blocks of the one or more groups of the synchronization signal blocks.

Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 1 through 15, wherein the synchronization signal block is conveyed over a first set of the set of synchronization signal block resources using the frequency band.

Aspect 17: A method for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: transmitting a mapping between a set of synchronization signal block resources and a set of operating frequencies within a frequency band; identifying a parameter of a synchronization signal block based at least in part on an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies for conveying the synchronization signal block and a direction of a beam for conveying the synchronization signal block; and transmitting the synchronization signal block based at least in part on the identified parameter.

Aspect 18: The method of aspect 17, wherein identifying the parameter of the synchronization signal block comprises: identifying an index of the synchronization signal block within a synchronization signal block set based at least in part on the frequency band and the direction, wherein transmitting the synchronization signal block is based at least in part on identifying the index.

Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 17 through 18, further comprising: identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies used to convey the synchronization signal block, wherein identifying the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies.

Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 17 through 19, further comprising: identifying the frequency band and the direction associated with the beam based at least in part on the mapping, wherein the identifying of the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the frequency band and the direction.

Aspect 21: The method of any of aspects 17 through 20, wherein transmitting the mapping comprises: transmitting the mapping to a user equipment, the mapping further comprising an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of synchronization signal blocks conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

Aspect 22: The method of aspect 21, wherein the parameters comprise synchronization signal block indices associated with the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band.

Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 17 through 22, further comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, a message indicating the mapping, wherein the mapping further comprises an association between the set of operating frequencies within the frequency band and parameters of synchronization signal blocks conveyed using the set of operating frequencies included in the mapping.

Aspect 24: The method of aspect 23, further comprising: receiving an indication of an operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies that is used to report beam measurements, wherein the indication is included in the message.

Aspect 25: The method of any of aspects 17 through 24, further comprising: identifying, based at least in part on the mapping, a first gain associated with a first operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and the direction of the beam and a second gain associated with a second operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies and a second direction of a second beam, wherein identifying the parameter is based at least in part on identifying the first gain and the second gain.

Aspect 26: The method of any of aspects 17 through 25, further comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, a request for the mapping, wherein transmitting the mapping is based at least in part on transmitting the request.

Aspect 27: The method of any of aspects 17 through 26, further comprising: identifying an offset between the parameter of the synchronization signal block conveyed using a first operating frequency of the frequency band relative to a second parameter of a second synchronization signal block conveyed using a second operating frequency of the frequency band, wherein transmitting the mapping is based at least in part on identifying the offset.

Aspect 28: The method of any of aspects 17 through 27, further comprising: communicating information using the operating frequency of the set of operating frequencies based at least in part on monitoring for the synchronization signal block.

Aspect 29: The method of any of aspects 17 through 28, wherein the mapping is included in an SIB, a master information block (MIB), RRC signaling, DCI, or a combination thereof; and the mapping comprises an indication of one or more groups of synchronization signal blocks and one or more sets of synchronization signal blocks of the one or more groups of the synchronization signal blocks.

Aspect 30: The method of any of aspects 17 through 29, wherein the synchronization signal block is conveyed over a first set of the set of synchronization signal block resources using the frequency band.

Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 16.

Aspect 32: An apparatus for wireless communication at a UE, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 16.

Aspect 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a UE, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 16.

Aspect 34: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising a processor; memory coupled with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method of any of aspects 17 through 30.

Aspect 35: An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 17 through 30.

Aspect 36: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a base station, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method of any of aspects 17 through 30.

Although aspects of an LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, or NR networks. For example, the described techniques may be applicable to various other wireless communications systems such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, as well as other systems and radio technologies not explicitly mentioned herein.

Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a CPU, 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 herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein 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 may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations.

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label.

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “example” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

The description herein is provided to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.