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5G NR RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR Measurements Explained

This page provides a comprehensive explanation of the RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR measurements used in 5G NR (New Radio) systems. We’ll define these key performance indicators (KPIs) and discuss their application in 5G NR. Furthermore, we will explore the RRC (Radio Resource Control) Information Elements (IEs) that carry these measurements. Specifically, we will define SS-RSRP, CSI-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, CSI-RSRQ, SS-SINR, and CSI-SINR.

Introduction

In LTE (Long-Term Evolution), RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) are associated with CRS (Cell-specific Reference Signals).
In 5G NR, CRS is not used. Instead, SS (Synchronization Signal) and CSI (Channel State Information) are employed.
Consequently, RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) are associated with SS and CSI.
These measurements are defined for both FR1 (Frequency Range 1) and FR2 (Frequency Range 2).
- FR1 spans from 450 MHz to 6000 MHz.
- FR2 spans from 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz.
- FR1 uses subcarrier spacings of 15/30/60 kHz, while FR2 uses 60/120 kHz.
- FR1 supports transmission bandwidths from 5 MHz (minimum) to 100 MHz (maximum).
- FR2 supports 50 MHz (minimum), 100 MHz, 200 MHz, and 400 MHz (maximum).

5G NR RSRP: SS-RSRP and CSI-RSRP

SS-RSRP (SS Reference Signal Received Power)

Definition: SS-RSRP stands for Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power.
It’s defined as the linear average of the power contributions (in Watts) of the resource elements carrying secondary synchronization signals (SSS).
The measurement time resources for SS-RSRP are confined within the SS/PBCH Block Measurement Time Configuration (SMTC) window duration.
Frequency Range 1 (FR1): The reference point for SS-RSRP is the antenna connector of the UE (User Equipment).
Frequency Range 2 (FR2): SS-RSRP is measured based on the combined signal from antenna elements corresponding to a given receiver branch.

SS-RSRP is used in the following scenarios:

If SS-RSRP is used for L1-RSRP: RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency.
Otherwise: RRC_IDLE intra-frequency, RRC_IDLE inter-frequency, RRC_INACTIVE intra-frequency, RRC_INACTIVE inter-frequency, RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency, RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency.

CSI-RSRP (CSI Reference Signal Received Power)

Definition: CSI-RSRP stands for Channel State Information Reference Signal Received Power.
It’s defined as the linear average of the power contributions (in Watts) of the resource elements carrying CSI reference signals configured for RSRP measurements.
For CSI-RSRP determination, CSI reference signals are transmitted on antenna port 3000 (as per TS 38.211).
Frequency Range 1 (FR1): The reference point for CSI-RSRP is the antenna connector of the UE.
Frequency Range 2 (FR2): CSI-RSRP is measured based on the combined signal from antenna elements corresponding to a given receiver branch.

CSI-RSRP is used in the following scenarios:

If CSI-RSRP is used for L1-RSRP: RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency.
Otherwise: RRC_CONNECTED intra-frequency, RRC_CONNECTED inter-frequency.

5G NR RSRQ: SS-RSRQ and CSI-RSRQ

SS-RSRQ (SS Reference Signal Received Quality)

Definition: SS-RSRQ stands for Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Quality.
It’s defined as the ratio of N x SS-RSRP / NR carrier RSSI.
- N refers to the number of resource blocks in the NR carrier RSSI measurement bandwidth.
- The measurements in the numerator (N x SS-RSRP) and denominator (NR carrier RSSI) must be made over the same set of resource blocks (RBs).
NR carrier RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is the linear average of the total received power (Watts). It’s observed only in specific OFDM symbols within the measurement time resources, across the measurement bandwidth, over N resource blocks from all sources.
- These sources include co-channel serving and non-serving cells, adjacent channel interference, thermal noise, etc.

SS-RSRQ is used in the following scenarios: