5G • RAN
PBCH
Physical Broadcast Channel
Broadcast channel within the SSB carrying the Master Information Block (MIB) and essential physical layer timing information.
Technical Explanation
The PBCH occupies symbols 1, 2, and 3 of the SS/PBCH block across 240 subcarriers. It carries the 24-bit MIB payload and 8 physical-layer timing bits (including SFN LSBs, half-frame index, and SSB index). PBCH is encoded using Polar codes and protected by a 24-bit CRC, demodulated via embedded PBCH DMRS.
Key Functions
- Carries Master Information Block (MIB) to all UEs in cell coverage
- Conveys SFN timing and half-frame timing indicator
- Transmits CORESET 0 and Search Space 0 configuration for SIB1 acquisition
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.211, TS 38.212
Interfaces
Uu
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