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Title:
APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/083488
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

Inventors:
DE BENEDITTIS ROSSELLA (DE)
SCHOPP MICHAEL (DE)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2018/079230
Publication Date:
April 30, 2020
Filing Date:
October 25, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY (FI)
International Classes:
H04J11/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2018175891A12018-09-27
Other References:
MEDIATEK INC: "Measurement Gaps in NR", vol. RAN WG2, no. Qingdao, China; 20170627 - 20170629, 26 June 2017 (2017-06-26), XP051301256, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20170626]
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BERTHIER, Karine (FR)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition;

cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition,

wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second measurement gap repetition is dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

3. The apparatus of any of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the periodical time offset is lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the maximum periodical time offset is dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 2 to claim 4, wherein the periodical time offset period is lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the maximum periodical time offset period is dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period. 7. The apparatus of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the periodical time offset is determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition are part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein N is dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

10. The apparatus of any of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions comprises reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time.

11. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

cause a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted ;

cause a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted,

wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the second synchronization block repetition is dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

13. The apparatus of any of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the periodical time offset is lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the maximum periodical time offset is dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 12 to claim 14, wherein the periodical time offset period is lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the maximum periodical time offset period is dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the periodical time offset is determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition are part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein N is dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

20. A method comprising:

cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition;

cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition,

wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

21. A method comprising:

cause a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted ;

cause a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted,

wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

22. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions which when run on one or more processors perform the steps of the method of claim 20 or claim 21.

Description:
APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Field of the disclosure The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for facilitating the detection of a neighbouring cell whilst being connected to a serving cell.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations/access points and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet. In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station or access point, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of an architecture that is known as the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. Another example communication system is so called 5G radio or NR (new radio) access technology.

Summary

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second measurement gap repetition may be dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period. The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency. The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition may be part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions.

N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. Generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions may comprise reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: causing a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; causing a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second measurement gap repetition may be dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition may be part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions. N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

Generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions may comprise reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to: cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second measurement gap repetition may be dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency. The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition may be part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions.

N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. Generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions may comprise reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time. According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: causing a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; causing a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second measurement gap repetition may be dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition may be part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions. N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

Generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions may comprise reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time.

According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: cause a first measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a first system synchronization block repetition; cause a second measurement gap repetition to be used to attempt to receive a second synchronization block repetition, wherein the first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition. The second measurement gap repetition may be dependent on the first measurement gap repetition, a measurement gap repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbouring cell frequency. The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between the measurement gap repetition period and a system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first measurement gap repetition and the second measurement gap measurement repetition may be part of a measurement gap repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N measurement gap repetitions.

N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. Generating a measurement gap repetition pattern based on the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions may comprise reordering the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions and/or spreading the sequence of N measurement gap repetitions over time. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: cause a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted; cause a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted, wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition. The second synchronization block repetition may be dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset.

The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition may be part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions. N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: causing a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted; causing a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted, wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second synchronization block repetition may be dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period. The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition may be part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions.

N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to: cause a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted; cause a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted, wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second synchronization block repetition may be dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset. The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition may be part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions.

N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: causing a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted; causing a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted, wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition.

The second synchronization block repetition may be dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset.

The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency. The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition may be part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions. N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: cause a first system synchronization block repetition to be transmitted; cause a second synchronization block repetition to be transmitted, wherein the first system synchronization block repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition are configured so that a first time difference between the first measurement gap repetition and the first system synchronization block repetition is different from a second time difference between the second measurement gap repetition and the second system synchronization block repetition. The second synchronization block repetition may be dependent on the first synchronization block repetition, a synchronization block repetition period, a periodical time offset and a periodical time offset period.

The periodical time offset may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset.

The maximum periodical time offset may be dependent on a system synchronization block length, a measurement gap length and a time to switch a receiver of a user equipment from a serving cell frequency to a neighbour cell frequency.

The periodical time offset period may be lower than or equal to a maximum periodical time offset period.

The maximum periodical time offset period may be dependent on a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period. The periodical time offset may be determined based on the maximum periodical time offset, a minimum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period and a maximum between a measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

The first synchronization block repetition and the second synchronization block repetition may be part of a synchronization block repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of N synchronization block repetitions. N may be dependent on the periodical time offset and the maximum between the measurement gap repetition period and the system synchronization block repetition period.

According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims. List of abbreviations

BRP: Burst Repetition Period

LTE: Long Term Evolution

MG: Measurement Gap

MGL: Measurement Gap Length

MGRP: Measurement Gap Repetition Period

NR: New radio

PBCH: Physical Broadcast channel

PCI: Physical Cell Identity

PSS: Primary Synchronisation Signal

PTO: Periodical Time Offset

PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel

SFN: System Frame Number

SS: Synchronisation Signal

SSBL: Synchronisation Signal Block Length

SSBRP: Synchronisation Signal Block Repetition Period

SSS: Secondary Synchronisation Signal

TS: Time to switch

UE: User Equipment

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a communication system;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control apparatus; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a communication device; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a base station transmitting SS blocks in a single beam cell;

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a base station transmitting SS block bursts in a multi beam cell;

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 40ms;

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 40ms;

Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 8ms applied every 40ms;

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 80ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 40ms;

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 5ms applied every 40ms; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms, wherein the MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 8ms applied every 40ms; Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a method facilitating the detection of a neighbouring cell whilst being connected to a serving cell; Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of another method facilitating the detection of a neighbouring cell whilst being connected to a serving cell performed by a base station; and

Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method of Figures 13 and 14.

Detailed Description of the Figures

In the following certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 comprises wireless communication devices 102, 104, 105. The wireless communication devices 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station 106 and 107 or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. Base stations 106 and 107 are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus. The controller apparatus may be part of the base stations 106 and 107. Base stations 106 and 107 are connected to a wider communications network 113 via gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network. Base stations 116, 118 and 120 associated with smaller cells may also be connected to the network 113, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the macro level stations. The base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like. In the example, base stations 116 and 118 are connected via a gateway 111 whilst base station 120 connects via the base station 106. In some embodiments, the smaller base stationsl 16, 118 and 120 may not be provided.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for a node, for example to be integrated with, coupled to and/or otherwise for controlling a base station, such as the base station 106, 107, 116, 118 or 120 shown on Figure 1. The control apparatus 200 can be arranged to allow communications between a user equipment and a core network. For this purpose the control apparatus comprises at least one random access memory (RAM) 211 a and at least on read only memory (ROM) 211 b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input/output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 is coupled to the RAM 211 a and the ROM 211 b. Via the interface the control apparatus 200 can be coupled to relevant other components of the base station. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215 for example to perform the method of Figure 14. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211 b. It shall be appreciated that similar components can be provided in a control apparatus provided elsewhere in the network system, for example in a core network entity. The control apparatus 200 can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus 200 and functions may be distributed between several control units. In some embodiments, each base station can comprise a control apparatus. In alternative embodiments, two or more base stations may share a control apparatus.

Base stations and associated controllers may communicate with each other via a fixed line connection and/or via a radio interface. The logical connection between the base stations can be provided for example by an X2 or the like interface. This interface can be used for example for coordination of operation of the base stations and performing reselection or handover operations. Figure 3 illustrates an example of a user equipment or wireless communication device

300, such as the wireless communication device 102, 104 or 105 shown on Figure 1. The wireless communication device 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communications MTC devices, loT type communication devices or any combinations of these or the like. A device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on. The device 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

The wireless communication device 300 may be provided with at least one processor

301 , at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 211 a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308 for example to perform the method of Figure 13. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 211 b.

The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as key pad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device. One or more of examples described herein relate to New Radio (NR) systems and in particular to the detection by a User Equipment (UE) of synchronization signals (SS) transmitted by a neighbouring NR cell on a frequency whilst being connected to a serving NR cell or a serving LTE cell on another frequency. The SSs may conventionally comprise a Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), a Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The PSS and SSS may carry a Physical Cell Identity (PCI). The acquisition of the PSS and SSS by a UE may provide frame, slot and symbol synchronization with a cell. PBCH may carry a System Frame Number (SFN). The acquisition of the PBCH may provide SFN synchronization with a cell.

PSS and SSS may occupy one symbol each. PBCH may occupies two symbols. The symbol duration may depend on the applied sub-carrier spacing (i.e. on the applied numerology). For example with a 15KHz sub-carrier spacing the symbol duration may be about 71.43 us.

PSS, SSS and PBCH may be part of a System Synchronization Block (SS block). PSS and SSS may always be transmitted in an SS block. PBCH may be omitted in an SS- Block.

The way SS blocks are transmitted may be varied dependent on the transmission mode applied by a NR cell. For example in a single beam NR cell, the SS blocks may be transmitted with a sector wide beam once every predefined period, named SS block repetition period (SSBRP). In a multi beam NR cell, SS blocks may be transmitted in a burst, named SS block burst, with each SS block of the SS block burst transmitted via a different beam. The SS block burst (or the SS block burst set (e.g. if different SS block bursts serve different beam combination) may be repeated every predefined period, named SS block burst (or SS block burst set) repetition period. Within a burst, the SS blocks may or may not be sent contiguously in time.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of NR Base station (BS) transmitting SS blocks in a single beam NR cell. A UE A uses Beam 1 to synchronise with the single beam NR cell.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of NR BS transmitting SS block bursts in a multi beam NR cell. A UE A uses Beam 1 to synchronise with the multi beam NR cell. A UE B uses Beam 3 to synchronise with the multi beam NR cell.

One or more examples describes herein relate to the configuration of a UE connected to a serving cell so that it can acquire SS blocks of a neighbouring cell via measurement gaps (MGs).

An MG is a time interval with a Measurement Gap Length (MGL) which repeats periodically with a Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP). During an MG, a UE may switch a receiver from a frequency of a serving cell to the frequency of a neighbouring cell so that it can attempt to detect SS blocks of the neighbouring cell.

3GPP (TS 36.133) allows so far a UE to be configured with eight different MG repetition patterns. There are four uniform MG repetition patterns with two possible MGL (6ms and 3ms) and two possible MGRP (40ms and 80ms). There are four non- uniform MG repetition pattern, with one MGL (6ms) and one MGRP (40ms), which can repeat only a fixed number of times (13) within a pre-defined Burst Repetition Period (BRP) of four possible values (1.28s, 2.56s, 5.12s and 10.24s).

The uniform MG repetition patterns with short MGL (3ms) may minimise the service interruption when the serving cell and the neighbouring cell are frame synchronised. The non-uniform measurement gap patterns may minimise the service impacts when not time-critical measurements are required. Both uniform and non-uniform MG repetition patterns may rely on the fact that at least one SS block repetition overlap with a useful part of an MG repetition so that the UE may receive the SS block. The useful part may correspond to the MG repetition minus a time to switch (TS) a receiver of the UE from the frequency of the LTE or NR serving cell to the frequency of the NR service cell on each side of the MG repetition. However, the useful part may be defined differently.

The condition may be fulfilled if the MGL lasts at least the duration of the relevant channel(s) to detect plus minimum shift between two repetitions of the relevant channel(s) to detect plus twice a receiver (or synthesiser) switching time of the UE from the frequency of the serving cell to the frequency of the neighbouring cell.

The condition may be fulfilled when the neighbouring cell is an LTE cell, an UMTS cell or a GSM cell. When the neighbouring cell is an NR cell, such condition is more difficult to be fulfilled due to the following reasons.

The duration of an SS block burst as well as its period may vary depending on the NR cell’s frequency band and/or the deployment scenarios (see e.g. R4-1711936; R4- 17111940; R2-1713426): The SS block burst length may assume any of the following values: 6ms, 4ms, 3ms, (5+x) ms, (2.25+x) ms and (1 +x) ms (where“x” is a margin to account for the UE’s synthesizer switching time plus inter-cell synchronization offset). The SS block burst period can be of 20ms, 40ms, 80ms or 160ms.

LTE and NR cells have the same frame duration. Besides, the so far defined SSBRP and MGRP are multiple of each other. This means that, for certain time offsets between the NR or LTE serving cell and the NR neighbour cell, no SS block repetition from the NR neighbour cell may ever overlap the useful part of the MG repetition. In other words, it may not be possible to exploit a sliding effect between frames of different duration, which makes possible for a UE connected to an LTE serving cell to detect and measure GSM cells applying the MG patterns defined in TS 36.133. None of such MG repetition patterns may guarantee that a UE connected to a serving LTE or an NR cell may detect and measure a neighbouring NR cell, if phase synchronization between the serving LTE or NR cell and the neighbouring NR cell is not known.

One or more of the examples described herein propose an efficient and flexible way to detect and measure a neighbouring NR cell via measurement gaps, without limiting the period of an SS block burst of the neighbouring NR cell nor requiring the neighbouring NR cell to be time synchronised with a serving LTE or NR cell.

One or more of the example described herein minimise impact on periodic signals in the serving LTE or NR cell (e.g. periodic Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmissions). One or more of the example described herein realise a Self-Organised Network (SON) like function which helps a serving LTE or NR cell to learn the timing offset of SS block burst transmissions and radio frame timing per neighbouring NR cell or neighbouring frequency layer. It will be understood that the example described herein refer to a serving LTE or NR cell and a neighbouring NR cell. However, the serving cell and the neighbouring cell could have different radio access technologies and are not limited to LTE and NR as a problem similar to the ones described above may arise in other radio access technologies.

A first option for defining an appropriate MG repetition pattern may be to configure a long MG equal to or greater than (160+y) ms, with“y” accounting for the SS block duration and receiver retuning. The first option may have important service impacts due to the long connection interruption between the UE and the serving LTE or NR cell. Besides it may not be applicable to all established radio bearers (e.g. to voice E- RABs). A second option for defining an appropriate MG repetition pattern may alternatively require the LTE or NR serving cell to know the SS block burst period as well as the phase timing applied by the NR neighbouring cell that need to be measured and align the MG repetition pattern to that. The second option may require coordination among the nodes in the RAN or a time synchronised RAN, so that the LTE or NR serving cell can configure the MG repetition pattern with the appropriate time offset. However, while in TDD systems it can be assumed that all cells (NR as well as LTE) are phase synchronised, this assumption does not generally hold for FDD systems. Imposing such requirement for solving the measurement issue adds operational costs to the operator who may have to spend additional money to install GNSS receivers or IEEE1588v2. If this may not be a big issue for collocated deployments and among nodes from the same vendor, it may be an issue in no collocated scenarios and between nodes from different vendors. The second option is the one that seems to be assumed by MG repetition patterns as they are currently defined by 3GPP. In particular, it should be noted that all currently defined gap repetition patterns have a period that is a multiple of 40ms (in order to allow the serving cell to co-ordinate measurement gaps with periodic allocation of physical resources in the source system, e.g. for PUCCH).

One or more of the examples described herein introduce an artificial time shift between the MG repetition pattern and the SS block repetition pattern in such a way that at least one SS block repetition overlaps with the useful part of at least one measurement gap repetition to be detected and measured by a UE.

Different options are proposed as to how generate this artificial time shift. Depending on the options, different aspects of the measurements can be optimised. For example, some options may minimise time to detect or minimise impact on transmission in the LTE or NR source cell (e.g. burst impact on periodic PUCCH transmissions in the LTE or NR source cell may be spread over longer periods of time). Some options which minimise impact on the LTE or NR source cell may also be used to create autonomous MGs unknown and/or coordinated with the network. For all options described below the following remarks apply.

A purpose is to allow a UE to detect, measure and report the PCI of an NR neighbour cell. The SS block that the UE needs to detect comprises at least the PSS and SSS. This includes also detection of burst of SS blocks.

The serving cell may be an LTE or an NR cell. It is assumed, without loss of generality, that TS is 0.5ms, the MGL is equal to 6ms and the SS block lasts for about 1 ms so that a maximum Periodical time offset (PTO) is 4ms.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. Such configuration does not allow the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 40ms or 2ms every 20ms. This leads to ten or twenty different relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration allows the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. The maximum SS block detection time is 400ms (i.e. 10 c 4ms or 20 x 2ms).

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 40ms or 2ms every 20ms. This leads to ten or twenty different relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration allows the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. The maximum SS block detection time is 400ms (i.e. 10 c 40ms or 20 x 20ms). Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 20ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 8ms applied every 40ms or 4ms every 20ms. This leads to five or ten different relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration allows the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. The maximum SS block detection time is 200ms (i.e. 5 c 40ms or 10 x 20ms).

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 80ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 4ms applied every 80ms or 2ms every 40ms. This leads to twenty or forty different relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration allows the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. The maximum SS block detection time is 1600ms (i.e. 20 c 80ms or 40 x 40ms).

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 5ms applied every 40ms. This leads to eight relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration does not allow the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an SS block repetition pattern with an SSBRP of 40ms and a MG repetition pattern with an MGRP of 40ms. The MG repetition pattern implements a time shift with a PTO of 8ms applied every 40ms or 4ms every 20ms. This leads to five or ten different relative positions of an SS block repetition within an MGRP. Such configuration does not allow the detection of an SS block repetition by a UE. One or more of the examples described herein use an MG repetition pattern generated based on a sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, MGN-I} with respective relative positions within an SSBRP. The sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, MGN-I} may be generated to ensure that at least one SS block repetition overlaps with the useful part of at least one MG repetition to be detected and measured by a UE. The MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} in an original order, i.e.:

[0: MGo, 1 : MGi, 2: MG2, 3: MG3, 4: MG 4 , ..., N-1 : MGN-1]. Other MG repetition pattern may be generated to minimize impact on periodically allocated physical resources in the LTE or NR source cell (e.g. for PUCCH). For example, the MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} in the original order but spread over time, i.e.: [0: MGo , 1 : -, 2: MG1, 3: -, 4: MG2, ..., 2N- 2: MGN-I , 2N-1 : -] by pausing (“-“) usage of MGs for one or more MGRP. Alternatively or additionally, the MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} in a modified order, e.g. [0: MGo, 1 : MG2, 2: MG 4 , ... , N/2: MG1, N/2+1 : MGs, N/2+1 : MGs, .... N-1 : MGN-I] .

The sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} may be generated using a PTO as described above. The PTO allows to create a time shift between MG repetitions and SS block repetitions so that at least one SS block repetition overlaps the useful part of at least one MG repetition to be detected and measured by a UE.

The PTO may be selected such that the sum of the PTO with the SS Block Length (SSBL) and twice the TS of the UE does not exceed the MGL configured at the UE. This condition can be expressed via the following equations.

PTO + SSBL + 2 x TS < MGL (1 )

PTO < MGL - SSBL - 2 x TS (2) In other words, the PTO may be selected to be smaller than or equal to a maximum PTO. This condition can be expressed via the following equation.

PTO < maximum PTO (3)

The maximum PTO may be introduced every SS Block Repetition Period (SSBRP) or every MGRP whichever is the greater. This condition can be expressed by the following equation: maximum PTO may be applied as frequent as every max[MGRP, SSBRP] (4)

Figures 7, 8, and 10 show examples where these rules are applied. Figures 11 and 12 show examples where these rules are not applied. Figure 9 shows a successful example, although the applied PTO does not fulfil equation (3). The reason is that the MGRP is a multiple of the SSBP and. two SSB positions are covered every MGRP.

This may lead to the following generalization of equation (2):

Maximum PTO = (MGL - SSBL - 2 c TS)*max[(SSBP, MGRP)]/min[(SSBP, MGRP)] (5).

It may be noted that applying a PTO greater than the maximum PTO may lead to unsuccessful detections of the SSB repetitions. This case is illustrated on Figure 11.

It may be noted that applying the maximum a PTO more frequently than max[MGRP, SSBRP] may also lead to unsuccessful detections of the SSB repetitions. This case is illustrated on Figure 12. In this case, to lead to successful detections of the SSB repetitions, the PTO should be reduced by a scaling factor related to a ratio between min[MGRP, SSBRP] and max[MGRP, SSBRP] PTO = Maximum PTO c min[MGRP, SSBRP]/ max[MGRP, SSBRP] (6)

When the above conditions are met an SS block repetition can assume‘N’ different positions within a MGPR, with‘N’ given by the following equation.

N = max[MGRP, SSBRP]/PTO (7)

The maximum time to wait for at least one SS block repetition to overlap with at least one MG repetition to be detected and measured by a UE is given by the following equation.

Maximum time to wait = N c MGRP (8)

A further generalization of the equations above, which does not try to minimize the signal detection time and which applies to any value of the SSBP and MGRP is the following:

Any PTO value applied every MGRP fulfilling equation (9) below leads to successful SSB detection.

LCM[SSBP, MGRP+PTO]/(MGRP+PTO) >= MGRP/Maximum PTO (9)

Any PTO value applied every SSBP that fulfils equation (10) below leads to successful detection of the SSB.

LCM[SSBP+PTO, MGRP]/(SSBP+PTO) >= SSBP/Maximum PTO (10)

Maximum PTO is defined in (5). LCM is the Least Common Multiplicator operator. Then, the MG repetition pattern may be generated based on the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I}. The MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, MGN-I} in an original order, i.e.: [0: MGo, 1 : MGi, 2: MG 2 , 3: MGs, 4: MG 4 , N-1 : MG N -1].

It has however be observed that MG repetitions created via a PTO (e.g. 4 ms) may interfere with periodical resources assignments (e.g. every 40ms) in bursts. See for example in Figures 7, 8, and 10, where subsequent measurement gap repetitions are overlapping in the MG repetition pattern. As a result, the same TTI may be affected in two subsequent MG repetitions. If physical resources in the source cell are assigned to such a TTI (e.g. for PUCCH), it is affected not only once by a MG repetition, but twice in sequence.

This can be mitigated by the two following mechanisms (individually or in combination).

The MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} in an original order but spread over time, i.e.: [0: MGo , 1 : -, 2: MGi, 3: -, 4: MG 2 , ..., 2N-2: MGN-I , 2N-1 : -] by pausing (“-“) usage of measurement gaps for one or more MGRP.

The MG repetition pattern may be generated using the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} in a modified order, e.g. [0: MGo, 1 : MG 2 , 2: MG 4 , ..., N/2: MGi, N/2+1 : MGs, N/2+1 : MGs, .... N-1 : MGN-1].

Spreading the usage of the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ... , MGN-I} over a long period (in particular over very long periods) in combination with shortening MGL to small values offers the possibility to apply the MG pattern autonomously in the UE. This is in contrast with an approach where the base station associated with the source cell and the UE are both aware of the MG pattern (and where the MG pattern is usually configured and commanded by the network). In an example, MGL may be equal to 3ms and PTO may be equal to 1 ms. A sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} may be created for MGRP equal to 40ms. N may be equal to 40. Instead of applying one of the repetitions {MGo, ... , MGN-I} every 40ms, one of the repetitions {MGo, MGN- I } may be applied every 400ms. As a result, instead of scanning through the whole MGRP in 1.6 seconds (i.e. 40x40ms), it may take 16 seconds to do so with only 120ms of MG repetitions (i.e. 40x3ms) in these 16 seconds.

The UE may decide autonomously on the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN- I}, the order of the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} and/or and the duration of time over which it spreads the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN- I }. To minimise impact of uncoordinated MG repetitions, their duration may be short and their frequency may be low. To avoid correlated impact on resources of the source system, a randomization of the sequence of the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I}.

As in the above example, MGL may be equal to 3ms and PTO may be equal to 1 ms. A sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} may be created for MGRP equal to 40ms. N may be equal to 40. Instead of applying one of the repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN- 1} every 40ms, one of the repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} may be applied every 400ms. As a result, instead of scanning through the whole MGRP in 1.6 seconds (i.e. 40x40ms), it may take 16 seconds to do so with only 120ms of MG repetitions (i.e. 40x3ms) in these 16 seconds. However, the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, ...,

MGN-I} may be scrambled prior to applying one of the repetitions {MGo, ..., MGN-I} every 400ms.

Different options are possible to configure the PTO at the UE.

The PTO may be added to an MG pattern configured at the UE. With the first option new MG patterns (on top of the eight legacy ones) may be introduced.

The new MG patterns may be defined as uniform adding new gap offset values to the legacy ones as shown below (addition to TS 36.331 in bold).

MeasGapConfig CHOICE { release NULL,

setup SEQUENCE {

gapOffset CHOICE {

gpO INTEGER (0..39+PTO), gpl INTEGER (0..79+PTO), gp2-rl4 INTEGER ( 0 ..39+PTO) , gp3-rl4 INTEGER ( 0..79+PTO) , gp-ncsg0-rl4 INTEGER ( 0..39+PTO) , gp-ncsgl-rl4 INTEGER ( 0..79+PTO) , gp-ncsg2-rl4 INTEGER ( 0..39+PTO) , gp-ncsg3-r!4 INTEGER ( 0..79+PTO)

}

}

PTO INTEGER (0....any)

Here, PTO refers to the periodical time offset to be introduced every MGRP of 40ms or 80ms respectively.

New uniform measurement gap pattern (gpx, gp-ncsgx) with different MG repetition periods and/or different measurement gap length can as well be introduced, as for example: gp2 INTEGER (0..159+PTO)

gp-ncsg4 INTEGER (0..159+PTO)

Alternatively, the new MG patterns can be defined as not uniform adding new gap offset values to the legacy ones addition to TS 36.331 in bold).

MeasGapConfig CHOICE {

release NULL,

setup SEQUENCE {

gapOffset CHOICE

gp-nonUniforml-rl4 INTEGER ( 0 1279+PTO) , gp-nonUniform2-rl4 INTEGER ( 0 2559+PTO) , gp-nonUniform3-rl4 INTEGER ( 0 5119+PTO) , gp-nonUniform4-r!4 INTEGER ( 0 10239+PTO)

}

}

} PTO INTEGER (0....any value)

Also here new not uniform MG repetition patterns (gp-nonUniformx) with different MGRPs and/or different MGL and/or burst repetition periods. The examples above explicitly change the burst repetition periods via the parameter PTO.

It will be understood that a PTO is not necessarily used to generate an MG repetition pattern. Alternatively or additionally, a PTO may be used to generate an SS block repetition pattern transposing the above principles.

Whatever the option, SS block detection by a UE may be guaranteed when equations 1 to 6 are fulfilled. This may imply that both the SSRP and the MGRP are known at the UE using the PTO to generate the MG repetition pattern or at the BS using the PTO to generate the SS block repetition pattern.

The information about the applied MGRP and SSRP may be exchanged between peer nodes over the X2/Xn interface (ref. TS 36.423/TS 38.423). This option may have an impact on the X2/Xn interface.

The UE using the PTO to generate the MG repetition pattern or at the BS using the PTO to generate the SS block repetition pattern may assumes the MGRP and SSRP according to a standard. This option may lead to a longer SS block detection time. For example, if the PTO is used to generate an MG repetition pattern, the NR or LTE UE generating the MG repetition pattern may assume that the SSBRP of the NR neighbouring cell is equal to its maximum possible value (e.g. 160ms).

If the PTO is used to generate an SS block repetition pattern, the NR BS generating the SS block repetition pattern may assume that the MGRP at the UE is equal to of the NR neighbouring cell is equal to its maximum possible value (e.g. 80ms). Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a method facilitating the detection of a cell performed by a UE. In step 1302, the UE determines a sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, MGN-I} with respective relative positions within an SSBRP. In step 1304, the UE generates a MG repetition pattern based on the sequence of MG repetitions {MGo, . .. , MGN-I}. In step 1306, the UE applies the MG repetition pattern.

Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a method facilitating the detection of a cell performed by a base station with respective relative positions within an MGRP. In step 1402, the BS determines a sequence of SS block repetitions {SS Blocko, ..., SS BlockN-i}. In step 1404, the BS generates an SS block repetition pattern based on the sequence of SS Block repetitions {SS Blocko, ..., SS BlockN-i}. In step 1406, the BS applies the SS Block repetition pattern.

Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1500a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1500b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and/or parameters 1502 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Figures 11 and 12. One or more of the example described herein offer a way that does not require time synchronised networks nor dramatically affect the end user performance. It can be used either for regular measurements or for SON-like measurements which help a serving cell to learn the timing of a neighbouring cell and which can then be used to apply MGs in the conventional way again. Since such SON-like measurements are not time-critical, they can even be applied in the form of autonomous MGs that do not require coordination between network and UE.

It is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Figures 13 and 14, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Alternatively or additionally some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and/or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and/or in the communications device.

As used in this application, the term“circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

(i) a combination of analogue and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.