Patent attributes
Tracking reference signal designs for deployments without continuous reference signal transmission are described. The tracking reference signals may be extended in the frequency domain from a synchronization signal block and may occupy a subset or all of the symbol periods of the synchronization signal block. The tracking reference signals may have the same subcarrier spacing as synchronization signals and may be punctured in the frequency domain. Alternatively, the tracking reference signals may include common control reference signals transmitted periodically with paired reference signals in a data channel. The common control reference signals and paired reference signals may be transmitted regardless of the presence of control or data. For improved tracking after a transition to a connected mode or a long discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle, a slot including tracking reference signals may be repeated or an additional tracking reference signal pattern may be transmitted.