GB2562023A

GB2562023A - Synchronisation in cellular networks

Info

Publication number: GB2562023A
Application number: GB1701811.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Palgy Michal; Assouline Benny; Ron Roy; Toledano Ron; Liu Guang; Vivier Guillaume
Original assignee: TCL Communication Ltd
Current assignee: TCL Communication Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-03
Filing date: 2017-02-03
Publication date: 2018-11-07
Also published as: WO2018141184A1; GB201701811D0; CN110431811A

Abstract

Initial access of a mobile device to a cellular radio network is described, in particular for the communication of timing information from a base station to a mobile device. The cellular radio network may utilize Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDM technology. A base station sequentially transmits a number of synchronization blocks, each comprising a synchronization sequence spread across a number of subcarriers. The synchronization sequence of each synchronization block is the same sequence but cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronization block and according to the time of their transmission. The synchronization sequence may be a Primary or Secondary Synchronisation Sequence (PSS or SSS). This allows a mobile device to derive timing information. The above is particularly appropriate for systems using beam forming in which synchronisation data may be transmitted in variable positions in transmitted radio frames.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

TCL Communication Limited

1910-12A, Tower 3, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,

Kowloon, Hong Kong, China (72) Inventor(s):

Michal Palgy Benny Assouline Roy Ron Ron Toledano Guang Liu Guillaume Vivier (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Simmons & Simmons LLP

CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street, London, EC2Y 9SS, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

H04W 56/00 (2009.01) H04W16/28 (2009.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2512394 A WO 2017/189080 A1

WO 2008/000069 A1

On scrambling R1-1700699 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL H04B, H04L, H04W Other: WPI, EPODOC, XP3GPP (54) Title of the Invention: Synchronisation in cellular networks Abstract Title: Synchronisation in Cellular Networks (57) Initial access of a mobile device to a cellular radio network is described, in particular for the communication of timing information from a base station to a mobile device. The cellular radio network may utilize Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDM technology. A base station sequentially transmits a number of synchronization blocks, each comprising a synchronization sequence spread across a number of subcarriers. The synchronization sequence of each Subcarrier synchronization block is the same sequence but cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronization block and according to the time of their transmission. The synchronization sequence may be a Primary or Secondary Synchronisation Sequence (PSS or SSS).

This allows a mobile device to derive timing information.

The above is particularly appropriate for systems using beam forming in which synchronisation data may be transmitted in variable positions in transmitted radio frames.

Time Figure 3

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Frame 1

Frame 2

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dO	d58		d54
dl	d59		d55
d2	d60		d56
d3	d61		d57
d4	do		d58
d5	dl		d59
d6	d2		d60
d7	d3		d61
d8	d4		dO
d9	d5		dl
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d61	d57		d53

d4 d55 d56 d57 d58 d59 d60 d61 dO dl d2 d3

Time

Figure 3

Synchronisation in Cellular Networks

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to the transmission of synchronisation information in a cellular network, and in particular in such networks utilising beam forming.

Background [0002] Wireless communication systems, such as the third-generation (3G) of mobile telephone standards and technology are well known. Such 3G standards and technology have been developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 3^rd generation of wireless communications has generally been developed to support macro-cell mobile phone communications. Communication systems and networks have developed towards a broadband and mobile system. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project has developed the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, namely, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Territorial Radio Access Network, (E-UTRAN), for a mobile access network where one or more macrocells are supported by a base station known as an eNodeB or eNB (evolved NodeB). More recently, LTE is evolving further towards the so-called 5G or NR (New Radio).

[0003] 5G or NR proposes a new radio link standard for the UE to base station link. One feature of the NR radio link is the provision of beam forming to allow radio signals to be directed to improve coverage in the selected directions.

[0004] The radio link is proposed to utilise a similar synchronisation scheme to that utilised in LTE. A Synchronisation Signal (SS) comprising a Primary Synchronisation Signal (PSS) and a Secondary Synchronisation Signal (SSS) is utilised. In LTE the PSS is transmitted in a known timing location to allow extraction of timing information. For example, in LTE-FDD the PSS is transmitted in the last OFDM symbol of the 1^st slot in subframes 0 and 5. Once a UE identifies the PSS it is thus able to infer subframe timing (i.e. OFDM symbol boundary and index). The UE can then identify the SSS to extract subframe index, and then can decode the PBCH to obtain the system frame number.

[0005] In order to accommodate beam forming in LTE-NR the SS is proposed to be transmitted in a range of locations. The SS received by a particular UE will depend upon the beam it is receiving and it is not possible to infer timing information in the same manner used in LTE.

[0006] Figure 1 shows the proposed SS structure for LTE-NR. PSS, SSS, and PBCH are transmitted in an SS block. Each SS block corresponds to one or more beams. A set of SS blocks relating to all beams aggregate to form one SS burst. An SS burst set comprises one or more SS bursts.

[0007] As seen in Figure 2 the multiple SS blocks within one SS burst may span more than one subframe and may start on different OFDM symbols. If the same SS sequence is transmitted in all beams within the SS burst (i.e. the SS sequence is the same for each SS block) the UE cannot unambiguously infer timing information of a received SS block within the radio frame.

[0008] A system is thus required to enable the UE to determine timing information. Summary [0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] There is provided a method for transmitting timing information over a wireless link, comprising the steps of sequentially transmitting a plurality of synchronisation blocks, each synchronisation block comprising a synchronisation sequence spread across a plurality of subcarriers, wherein the synchronisation sequence of each synchronisation block is the same sequence, but is cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronisation block.

[0011] The synchronisation sequence may be the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0012] [0013] The synchronisation sequence may be the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0014] The synchronisation sequence may comprise the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence, and the synchronisation block further comprises other data which is not cyclically rotated.

[0015] The other data may comprise the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0016] Different synchronisation blocks, may relate to different subsets of beams in a beam forming system.

[0017] The synchronisation sequence may comprise the same number of elements as there are subcarriers on which the sequence is transmitted, and wherein one element is transmitted on each subcarrier.

[0018] There may be 62 subcarriers and 62 elements in the synchronisation sequence.

[0019] There is also provided a method performed at a mobile device for initialising communications with a base station, the method comprising the steps receiving one or more synchronisation blocks transmitted in a radio signal from a base station; wherein each synchronisation block comprises a synchronisation sequence spread across a plurality of subcarriers; and wherein the synchronisation sequence of each synchronisation block is the same sequence, but is cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronisation block; detecting the synchronisation sequence in at least one received synchronisation block and identifying the synchronisation sequence; and deriving timing information of the synchronisation block in which the identified synchronisation sequence was received.

[0020] The synchronisation sequence may be the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0021] The synchronisation sequence may be the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0022] The synchronisation sequence may comprise the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence, and the synchronisation block further comprises other data which is not cyclically rotated.

[0023] The other data may comprise the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

[0024] Different synchronisation blocks may relate to different subsets of beams in a beam forming system.

[0025] The synchronisation sequence may comprise the same number of elements as there are subcarriers on which the sequence is transmitted, and wherein one element is transmitted on each subcarrier.

[0026] There may be 62 subcarriers and 62 elements in the synchronisation sequence.

[0027] The mobile device may use the derived timing information to obtain the timing of the received radio signals.

[0028] There is provided a base station apparatus configured to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0029] There is also provided a method for transmitting timing information over a wireless link, comprising the steps of initialising a scrambling sequence based on a cell ID and a time location within a radio frame in which the data to be scrambled with the sequence will be transmitted, scrambling data with the scrambling sequence, and transmitting the scrambled data as the physical broadcast channel from the cell identified by the cell ID and in the time location within a radio frame used for initialisation of the scrambling sequence.

[0030] The time location may comprise a slot index in the radio frame.

[0031] The time location may comprise an OFDM symbol index.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0033] The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise at least one from a group consisting of: a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a Read Only Memory, a Programmable Read Only Memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, EPROM, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory and a Flash memory.

Brief description of the drawings [0034] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Like reference numerals have been included in the respective drawings to ease understanding.

Figure 1 shows an example of a synchronisation signal scheme;

Figure 2 exhibits timing ambiguity in a beam-forming system; and

Figure 3 shows an example of cyclic shifting of a synchronisation sequence.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments [0035] Those skilled in the art will recognise and appreciate that the specifics of the examples described are merely illustrative of some embodiments and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable in a variety of alternative settings.

[0036] Timing information could be conveyed to a UE in a number of manners, using either direct or indirect indications via the SSS, PSS, or PBCH signals.

[0037] Although timing could be indicated for each beam in the PBCH signal in each SS block, this would require a different PBCH signal for each SS block timing, thus preventing soft combining of PBCH from multiple, different, SS blocks in consecutive receptions at a UE (either from the same beam or from multiple beams in case UE receives multiple beams).

[0038] Figure 3 shows a diagram of SSS sequence transmission for each SS block (x-axis) and each subcarrier (y-axis). The system of Figure 3 may represent a radio link utilising OFDM transmission. Each dn represents an element of the SSS sequence transmitted in that SS block. In this example the sequence comprises 62 elements and there are 16 SS time indices mapped to 16 start subcarriers. For the first (#0) SS block the first SSS element (dO) is transmitted on the first frequency with subsequent elements (d1 - d61) transmitted on subsequent subcarriers. For the second block (#1) a cyclic shift of 4 elements is applied, such that the first element (dO) is transmitted on the fifth frequency. d58 wraps around to be transmitted on the first frequency. Subsequent cyclic shifts are applied to each subsequent SS block. The effect is that the sequence of each SS block differs from each other. In this example SSS sequence is of length-62 and with a shift of 3 or 4 elements between each block, 16 cyclic shifts across the subcarriers are provided. A length-62 sequence with 16 cyclic shifts requires an average shift of 3.875 between each sequence. A constant number of shifts cannot therefore be used. Hence, in this example a subset of shifts are by 4 subcarriers, and a subset are by 3 carriers, to give an average of 3.875. However, this is only an example and any SSS sequence of length N with T cyclic shifts where T is smaller than N (i.e the offset between adjacent SS blocks is N/T) can be utilised as long as N/T is bigger than the residual CFO error on the SSS divided by the subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0039] At the UE, decoding of the SSS to identify the sequence allows the SS block number to be identified, and hence the subframe timing information can be inferred.

[0040] Any concatenation or interleaving of different sequences to create a longer sequence for SSS can be a base sequence in which we apply the cyclic shifts in the frequency domain.

[0041] In an example, the SSS sequence may be the LTE-SSS which comprises a concatenation of two length-31 scrambled M-sequences to provide a 62-length SSS sequence as used in the example of Figure 3.

[0042] In another example, the SSS sequence may be modified ZC-sequence which is an interleaving of two ZC-sequences with opposite phase, or simply an ordinary ZC-sequence.

[0043] It is possible to utilise different sequences for different beams. For example, with two beams sequences M1 & M2 may be used for a first beam, and sequences M3 & M4 could be used for a second beam. The sequences may not be shifted with respect to each other, but if a plurality of SS blocks are used for each beam, the sequence in each SS block for a particular beam may be cyclically shifted.

[0044] The example discussed above applies a cyclic shift to the SSS. In the LTESSS there are 168 different SSS sequences. To detect SSS at the UE thus requires 3*T*168 correlations, where T are the number of cyclic shifts supported (the multiplication by 3 is to allow for CFO error in SC separation (0, +/-1)). So in the above example 3*16*168 = 8,064 correlations may be required.

[0045] In contrast the PSS only utilises three different sequences and hence the number of additional correlations created by applying the cyclic shifts would be significantly reduced. However, PSS is used for CFO estimation therefore it is not reasonable to apply the further frequency shift of the above method in addition to the frequency shift caused by the CFO. Generally PSS detection is the most challenging part of initial access as blind testing of joint symbol timing and CFO is utilised. Analysis shows that the detection complexity of SSS is smaller than that of PSS, despite the larger number of sequences to search, since the cell-ID is detected on the estimated frequency and time from the results of PSS detection. Therefore it is preferable to signal the additional SS timing information on SSS rather than on PSS.

[0046] The offset between cyclic shifts must consider the residual CFO error on the SSS (one subcarrier spacing - {-1,0,1}). For a length-62 SSS sequence and 16 consecutive beams, each with a single SS block, an offset of 3.875 (i.e. 3 or 4) provides a unique sequence for each SS block. This allows a residual CFO of 3*SCS which should give acceptable detection performance. A longer SSS (for example up to 255 elements) allows more offsets between SS blocks to indicate on more SS time indices. Allowing a CFO error of 1 SCS it is found that T must be <= N/2. An additional margin may be provided by ensure T < N/3 but not mandatory.

[0047] The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) is transmitted in each SS block together with the PSS and SSS, but it is not currently possible to utilise this to infer timing information. The signal is scrambled with a cell-specific scrambling code prior to modulation. The scrambling code is defined in the relevant standards (3GPP TS 36.211) and in the current definition is initialised in certain defined frames based on the cell ID (c_init = Nfg¹¹). According to this current definition, the PBCH is thus initialised in the same way for each SS block and cannot be used to distinguish between blocks.

[0048] The base station is aware of the timing information of each SS block, and this can be termed SSTimelndex. Currently Ci_nu is a 9-bit number (cell-1 D), but the scrambling sequence has 31 bits available. The scrambling sequence initialisation may be redefined to include both the cell-ID and SSTimelndex. The PBCH signal received by a UE is thus dependent on the SS block in which it was transmitted, and so the PBCH can be utilised to infer timing information at the UE. The PBCH would be decoded by means of an exhaustive search on SSTimelndex.

[0049] SSTimelndex may be defined based on the slot index in the radio frame and/or the OFDM symbol index in which the SS block will be transmitted.

[0050] In a specific example c_init = Nfg¹¹ + 2⁹ SSTimelndex.

[0051] The signal processing functionality of the embodiments of the invention especially the gNB and the UE may be achieved using computing systems or architectures known to those who are skilled in the relevant art. Computing systems such as, a desktop, laptop or notebook computer, hand-held computing device (PDA, cell phone, palmtop, etc.), mainframe, server, client, or any other type of special or general purpose computing device as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment can be used. The computing system can include one or more processors which can be implemented using a general or special-purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller or other control module.

[0052] The computing system can also include a main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by a processor. Such a main memory also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor. The computing system may likewise include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device for storing static information and instructions for a processor.

[0053] The computing system may also include an information storage system which may include, for example, a media drive and a removable storage interface. The media drive may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video drive (DVD) read or write drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive. Storage media may include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, CD or DVD, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by and written to by media drive. The storage media may include a computer-readable storage medium having particular computer software or data stored therein.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, an information storage system may include other similar components for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system. Such components may include, for example, a removable storage unit and an interface , such as a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory module) and memory slot, and other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit to computing system.

[0055] The computing system can also include a communications interface. Such a communications interface can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between a computing system and external devices. Examples of communications interfaces can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet or other NIC card), a communications port (such as for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port), a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via a communications interface are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, and optical or other signals capable of being received by a communications interface medium.

[0056] In this document, the terms ‘computer program product’, ‘computer-readable medium’ and the like may be used generally to refer to tangible media such as, for example, a memory, storage device, or storage unit. These and other forms of computer-readable media may store one or more instructions for use by the processor comprising the computer system to cause the processor to perform specified operations. Such instructions, generally referred to as ‘computer program code’ (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the computing system to perform functions of embodiments of the present invention. Note that the code may directly cause a processor to perform specified operations, be compiled to do so, and/or be combined with other software, hardware, and/or firmware elements (e.g., libraries for performing standard functions) to do so.

[0057] In an embodiment where the elements are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer-readable medium and loaded into computing system using, for example, removable storage drive. A control module (in this example, software instructions or executable computer program code), when executed by the processor in the computer system, causes a processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

[0058] Furthermore, the inventive concept can be applied to any circuit for performing signal processing functionality within a network element. It is further envisaged that, for example, a semiconductor manufacturer may employ the inventive concept in a design of a stand-alone device, such as a microcontroller of a digital signal processor (DSP), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or any other sub-system element.

[0059] It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the invention with reference to a single processing logic. However, the inventive concept may equally be implemented by way of a plurality of different functional units and processors to provide the signal processing functionality. Thus, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organisation.

[0060] Aspects of the invention may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. The invention may optionally be implemented, at least partly, as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors or configurable module components such as FPGA devices. Thus, the elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed, the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units.

[0061] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0062] Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also, the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category, but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim categories, as appropriate.

[0063] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. do not preclude a plurality.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein.

Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognise that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term ‘comprising’ or “including” does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting timing information over a wireless link, comprising the steps of sequentially transmitting a plurality of synchronisation blocks, each synchronisation block comprising a synchronisation sequence spread across a plurality of subcarriers, wherein the synchronisation sequence of each synchronisation block is the same sequence, but is cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronisation block.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the synchronisation sequence is the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the synchronisation sequence is the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the synchronisation sequence comprises the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence, and the synchronisation block further comprises other data which is not cyclically rotated.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the other data comprises the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, in which different synchronisation blocks relate to different subsets of beams in a beam forming system.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the synchronisation sequence comprises the same number of elements as there are subcarriers on which the sequence is transmitted, and wherein one element is transmitted on each subcarrier.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein there are 62 subcarriers and 62 elements in the synchronisation sequence.

9. A method performed at a mobile device for initialising communications with a base station, the method comprising the steps receiving one or more synchronisation blocks transmitted in a radio signal from a base station;

wherein each synchronisation block comprises a synchronisation sequence spread across a plurality of subcarriers; and wherein the synchronisation sequence of each synchronisation block is the same sequence, but is cyclically rotated through the subcarriers by a predetermined amount compared to the preceding synchronisation block;

detecting the synchronisation sequence in at least one received synchronisation block and identifying the synchronisation sequence; and deriving timing information of the synchronisation block in which the identified synchronisation sequence was received.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the synchronisation sequence is the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the synchronisation sequence is the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein the synchronisation sequence comprises the Secondary Synchronisation Sequence, and the synchronisation block further comprises other data which is not cyclically rotated.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the other data comprises the Primary Synchronisation Sequence.

14 A method according to any of claims 9 to 13, in which different synchronisation blocks relate to different subsets of beams in a beam forming system.

15. A method according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the synchronisation sequence comprises the same number of elements as there are subcarriers on which the sequence is transmitted, and wherein one element is transmitted on each subcarrier.

16. A method according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein there are 62 subcarriers and 62 elements in the synchronisation sequence.

17. A method according to any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the mobile device uses the derived timing information to obtain the timing of the received radio signals.

18. A base station apparatus configured to perform the steps of any of claims 1 to

16.

19. A method for transmitting timing information over a wireless link, comprising the steps of initialising a scrambling sequence based on a cell ID and a time location within a radio frame in which the data to be scrambled with the sequence will be transmitted, scrambling data with the scrambling sequence, and

5. A method for receiving timing information of each SS block over a wireless link, comprising the steps of receiving scrambled data as the physical broadcast channel from the cell identified by a cell ID and in a SS block timing information in which the scrambled data was received, performing PBCH decoding by search on the SS block timing information, utilizing based on the SS block timing information from decoded PBCH to infer timing information at the UE wherein timing information is based the slot index in the radio frame and/or the OFDM symbol index in which the scrambled data was.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1701811.0 Examiner: Mr Steve Evans

5 transmitting the scrambled data as the physical broadcast channel from the cell identified by the cell ID and in the time location within a radio frame used for initialisation of the scrambling sequence.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the time location comprises a slot

10 index in the radio frame.

21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the time location comprises an OFDM symbol index.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

Claims

1. A method for transmitting timing information over a wireless link, comprising the steps of initialising a scrambling sequence based on a cell ID and SS block timing information in which the data to be scrambled with the sequence will be transmitted, scrambling data with the scrambling sequence, and transmitting the scrambled data as the physical broadcast channel from the cell identified by the cell ID and in the SS block timing information used for initialisation of the scrambling sequence.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the SS block timing information is based on a slot index in the radio frame.

4 06 18

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the SS block timing information is based on an OFDM symbol index.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein PSS, SSS, and PBCH are transmitted in an SS block.