Wireless communication methods and devices and computer-readable memory.

Abstract

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems, methods, and techniques related to signaling and determining interval and mini-interval structures. A first wireless communication device transmits a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing. The first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing. The first wireless communication device transmits a second signal according to the second numerology. The first signal includes a physical transmission channel (pbch) signal. The second numerology is independent of the first numerology. Different interval / mini-interval structures can be used by various channel types to support mixed numerology arrangements.Modalities may utilize single-interval and variable-interval structures; single-interval structures may be decoupled from transmission numerology, and variable-interval structures may be defined based on reference numerology. Other aspects, modalities, and characteristics are also claimed and described.

Description

1 / 51 Wireless communication methods and devices and computer-readable memory. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 15 / 712,761, filed September 22, 2017; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 402,966, filed September 30, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully presented below and for all applicable purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology discussed in the present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to the signaling and determination of partition and mini-partition structures (e.g., for use with 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network implementations). Embodiments enable and provide solutions and techniques for wireless communication devices to communicate multiple transmission numerologies that can be decoupled from a reference partition structure defining a programming unit. INTRODUCTION

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely used to provide various types of communication, such as voice, data, video, etc. These systems can be multiple access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple access terminals by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmission power). Examples of such multiple access systems include systems Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 6 / 136 2 / 51 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems. Typically, a wireless communication system comprises multiple base stations (BSs), where each BS communicates with a mobile station or user equipment (UE) using a forward link and each mobile station (or access terminal) communicates with base station(s) using a reverse link.

[0004] NR 5G is a next-generation wireless technology designed to meet the growing demand for wireless data traffic. NR is a system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) that supports scalable numerologies including various tone spacings such as 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 kilohertz (kHz). A brief summary of some examples.

[0005] The following summarizes some aspects of the present invention to provide a basic understanding of the technology discussed. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of all contemplated features of the invention, nor is it intended to identify critical or key elements of all aspects of the invention, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the invention in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms and techniques for signaling partition structures, mini-partition structures and / or numerologies of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 7 / 136 3 / 51 Transmission. A network may employ multiple (or mixed) numerologies (e.g., subcarrier spacing or tone spacing) for communications. In one embodiment, a base station (BS) may transmit synchronization signals and system information signals based on a predetermined numerology and a predetermined partition structure to enable user equipment (UEs) to perform initial network access. System information signals may indicate a numerology for subsequent communications, for example, to communicate other system information signals and / or random access signals. In some embodiments, after initial network access, the BS may still indicate multiple transmission numerologies for communication with UEs in a connected mode.

[0007] For example, in one aspect of the invention, a method of wireless communication includes transmitting, by a first wireless communication device, a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing. A first signal may indicate a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing. The method may also include transmitting, by the first wireless communication device, a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, a method of wireless communication includes receiving, by a first wireless communication device, a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and receiving, by the first device of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 8 / 136 4 / 51 wireless communication, a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to transmit a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and to transmit a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0010] In a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to receive a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and to receive a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0011] Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific and illustrative embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Although the features of the present invention may be discussed in relation to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of these features may be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. Similarly, although embodiments Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 9 / 136 5 / 51 examples can be discussed below as device, system, or method modalities; it should be understood that such illustrative modalities can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication network according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a subframe configuration according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a subframe transmission method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a subframe configuration according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a time-division duplexing (TDD) configuration in a macrocell according to embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment (UE) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates an independent subframe according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9 illustrates a partition / mini-partition signaling method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a partition / mini-partition signaling method according to embodiments of the invention. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 10 / 136 6 / 51

[0022] Figure 11 is a table illustrating examples for defining numerologies for various channels according to modalities of the invention.

[0023] Figure 12 illustrates a partition / mini-partition signaling method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0024] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a partition / mini-partition structure signaling method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a signal reception method based on partition / mini-partition structures according to embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The detailed description presented below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended to be a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a complete understanding of various concepts. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0027] The techniques described in this document can be used for various wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), frequency division multiple access Petition 870240093856, dated 11 / 01 / 2024, p. 11 / 136 Orthogonal Frequency Control (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Control (SCFDMA), and other networks. The terms network and system are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network can implement a radio technology, such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. cdma2000 encompasses the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS856 standards. A TDMA network can implement a radio technology, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network can implement a radio technology, such as Enhanced UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Long Term Evolution (LTE) 3GPP and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are newer versions of UMTS that utilize E-UTRA.UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). The techniques described here can be used for the wireless networks and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies, such as next-generation networks (e.g., 5th Generation (5G)).

[0028] A network (for example, an NR network) may employ partitions and mini-partitions for transmission. Partition and mini-partition structures may be defined based on reference transmission numerologies. However, different channel signals may be transmitted. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 12 / 136 8 / 51 using different transmission numerologies. Therefore, there is a need for techniques to signal and / or determine partition structures, mini-partition structures, and / or transmission numerologies.

[0029] The present invention describes mechanisms and techniques for signaling partition / mini-partition structures and transmission numerologies. These innovations can be useful in mixed numerology systems, where partition structure determinations can be challenging. In one embodiment, a single partition structure is used for communication on all channels. In one example, a partition structure can be used for a particular frequency band in a network. In one example, a BS transmits a physical broadcast channel signal (PBCH) to signal a numerology (e.g., a tone spacing) and a partition structure that is defined based on the numerology. Partition structures can be decoupled from a transmission numerology (i.e., unrelated to or independent of causing ambiguity). In another embodiment, different partition structures are defined for different channel signals.For example, a BS transmits a PBCH to signal a downlink control (DL) transmission numerology for a partition structure. The BS can transmit a DL control message (e.g., a grant) according to the DL control transmission numerology. DL control messages can indicate a data transmission numerology for data transmissions.

[0030] Although aspects and modalities are described in this application, those skilled in the art will understand Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 13 / 136 9 / 51 that implementations and use cases can occur in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described in this document can be implemented on many different types of platforms, formats, sizes, package arrangements, for example, through embedded chip modalities and other non-modular component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some modalities may or may not be specifically targeted to applications or use cases, a wide variety of applicability of the innovations described can occur.Implementations can range across a spectrum from modular or chip-level components to non-modular and non-chip-level implementations, and even to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems that incorporate one or more aspects of the innovations described.

[0031] Returning now specifically to the Figures, Figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication network 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. The network 100 may include a number of UEs 102, as well as a number of BSs 104. A BS 104 may be a station that communicates with UEs 102 and may also be referred to as a transceiver base station, a B node, an evolved B node (eNodeB) or a next-generation B node (gNB), an access point, and the like.

[0032] BSs 104 may include an evolved B node (eNodeB). A BS 104 may be a station that communicates with UEs 102 and may also be referred to as a transceiver base station, a B node, an access point, and Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 14 / 136 10 / 51 similar.

[0033] BSs 104 communicate with UEs 102 as indicated by communication signals 106. A UE 102 can communicate with BS 104 via an uplink (UL) and a downlink (DL). The downlink (or direct link) refers to the communication link from BS 104 to UE 102. The UL (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from UE 102 to BS 104. BSs 104 can also communicate with each other, directly or indirectly, via wired and / or wireless connections, as indicated by communication signals 108.

[0034] The UEs 102 can be dispersed in the network 100, as shown, and each UE 102 can be stationary or mobile. The UE 102 can also be referred to as a terminal, a mobile station, a subscriber unit, etc. The UE 102 can be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a digital personal assistant, a wireless modem, a laptop, a tablet, an IoT device, a vehicle, a medical device, industrial equipment, wearable equipment, sports equipment, an implantable device, etc. The network 100 is an example of a network to which various aspects of the invention apply.

[0035] Each BS 104 can provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In 3GPP, the term cell can refer to a coverage area of ​​a BS and / or BS subsystem that serves the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In this sense, a BS 104 can provide communication coverage for a macrocell, a picocell, a femtocell, and / or other cell types. A macrocell typically covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., radius of several Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 15 / 136 A picocell can generally cover a relatively small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femtocell can also generally cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a house) and, in addition to unrestricted access, can also provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femtocell (e.g., UEs in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), UEs for home users, and the like). A BS for a macrocell can be referred to as a macro-BS. A BS for a picocell can be referred to as a pico-BS. A BS for a femtocell can be referred to as a femto-BS or a home BS.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 1, BSs 104a, 104b, and 104c are examples of macro-BSs for coverage areas 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. BSs 104d and 104e are examples of pico- and / or femto-BSs for coverage areas HOd and HOe, respectively. As will be recognized, a BS 104 can support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells.

[0037] The 100 network may also include relay stations. A relay station is a station that receives a data transmission and / or other information from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or a UE, or similar) and sends a transmission of the data and / or other information to a downstream station (e.g., another UE, other BS, or similar). A relay station may also be a UE that relays transmissions to Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 16 / 136 12 / 51 other UEs. A relay station may also be referred to as a relay BS, a relay UE, a relay, and the like.

[0038] Network 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the BSs 104 can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs can be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, the BSs can have different frame timings, and transmissions from different BSs can be time-aligned.

[0039] In some implementations, the 100 network uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the UL. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as tones, boxes, or similar. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain with OFDM and in the time domain with SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can be dependent on the system bandwidth. For example, K can be equal to 72, 180, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 for a system bandwidth of 1, 4, 3, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz), respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into sub-bands.For example, a sub-band might cover 1.08 MHz, and there could be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 sub-bands for the corresponding system bandwidth of 1, 4, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 MHz, respectively. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 17 / 136 13 / 51

[0040] In one embodiment, BSs 104 can assign or schedule transmission resources (e.g., in the form of time-frequency resource blocks) for DL ​​and UL transmissions on the 100 network. Communication can be in the form of radio frames. A radio frame can be divided into a plurality of subframes. In an FDD mode, simultaneous UL and DL transmissions can occur in different frequency bands. In a TDD mode, UL and DL transmissions occur at different time periods using the same frequency band. For example, a subset of the subframes in a radio frame can be used for DL ​​transmissions and another subset of the subframes can be used for UL transmissions. The DL and UL subframes can be shared between BSs 104 and UEs 102, respectively.

[0041] DL subframes and UL subframes can be further divided into several regions. For example, each DL or UL subframe can have predefined regions for reference signal transmissions, control information, and data. Reference signals are predetermined signals that facilitate communication between BSs 104 and UEs 102. For example, a reference signal may have a particular pilot structure or pattern, where pilot tones may extend over a bandwidth or operating frequency band, each positioned at a predefined time and frequency. Control information may include resource assignments and protocol controls. Data may include protocol data and / or operational data.

[0042] In one embodiment, the BSs 104 can Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 18 / 136 14 / 51 transmit synchronization signals (e.g., including a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) on network 100 to facilitate synchronization. BSs 104 can transmit system information associated with network 100 (e.g., including a main information block (MIB), remaining minimum system information (RMSI), and other system information (OSI)) to facilitate initial network access.

[0043] In one embodiment, a UE 102 attempting to access network 100 can perform an initial cell lookup by detecting a PSS from a BS 104. The PSS may enable period timing synchronization and may indicate a physical layer identity value. The UE 102 can then detect an SSS. The SSS may enable radio frame synchronization and may provide a cell identity value, which can be combined with the physical layer identity value to identify the cell. The SSS may also enable detection of a duplexing mode and a cyclic prefix length. Some systems, such as TDD systems, may transmit an SSS but not a PSS. After receiving the PSS and the SSS, the UE 102 may receive a MIB from a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The MIB may include system information for initial network access and programming information for RMSI and / or OSI. After decoding the MIB, UE 102 can convert it to RMSI and / or OSI.The RMSI and / or OSI may include radio resource configuration (RRC) information related to random access channel (RACH), paging, uplink physical control channel (PUCCH), uplink shared physical channel (PUSCH), power control, SRS, downlink physical control channel (PDCCH). Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 19 / 136 15 / 51 shared physical downlink channel (PDSCH), shared physical sidelink channel (PSSCH). For example, a UE 102 can exchange signals and messages using the RACK for initial network access. A UE 102 can transmit UL control information (e.g., scheduling requests, acknowledgments, and / or channel quality reports) and UL data on the PUCCH and PUSCH, respectively. A BS 104 can transmit DL control information (e.g., UL and DL grants) and DL data on the PDCCH and PDSCH, respectively. UE 102s can communicate with each other on the PSSCH.

[0044] In one embodiment, a UE 102 can initiate an initial network access or random access procedure by transmitting a random access preamble (e.g., a physical signal including a predetermined sequence without data bits). When a BS 104 detects the random access preamble, the BS can respond with a random access response (RAR). The UE 102 can monitor the RAR within a RAR window (e.g., a specified time duration). The UE 102 can configure the RAR window based on a random access transmission time. Upon detecting the RAR, the UE 102 can transmit a connection request to the BS 104 to establish an RRC connection with the BS 104. The BS 104 can respond with a connection response. In some modes, the random access preamble, the RAR, the connection request, and the connection response may be referred to as Msg 1, Msg 2, Msg 3, and Msg 4, respectively.

[0045] After completing the initial network access, UE 102 and BS 104 can enter an operational stage. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 20 / 136 16 / 51 normal, where operational data can be exchanged. BS 104 can assign a UE identifier (ID) to UE 102 to identify UE 102 on the 100 network. Data exchange between BS 104 and UE 102 during normal operation can be based on the assigned UE ID.

[0046] In one embodiment, a BS 104 can program UL and / or DL ​​communications with a UE 102 in partition units, which may include time-frequency features spanning a number of frequency subcarriers and a number of time symbols, as described in greater detail here. The 100 network can operate in multiple frequency bands. The 100 network can predefine a predetermined transmission numerology for each frequency band. A partition in a particular frequency band can be defined in symbol units (e.g., OFDM symbols) based on a corresponding predetermined transmission numerology. For example, a partition might have a duration of about 1 millisecond (ms). A predetermined numerology might indicate a partition with a subcarrier spacing of about 15 kHz and about 14 OFDM symbols.A signal transmission can use any integer multiples of the tone spacing (e.g., around 15 kHz, around 30 kHz, or around 60 kHz). Alternatively, a predetermined numerology can indicate a partition with subcarrier spacing of around 30 kHz and 7 OFDM symbols. Mechanisms for signal transmission numerologies are described in greater detail here.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a subframe configuration 200 according to embodiments of the present invention. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 21 / 136 17 / 51 Configuration 200 can be used by BSs 104 and UEs 102 for transmission. In Figure 2, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. Configuration 200 shows two independent subframes 210 and 220. Subframes 210 and 220 can be configured for UL transmission or DL ​​transmission. As an example, subframe 210 is configured for UL transmission and subframe 220 is configured for DL ​​transmission. Thus, subframe 210 can be referred to as a UL-centered subframe and subframe 220 can be referred to as a DL-centered subframe. Subframe 210 includes a DL control portion 212 for carrying DL control, a UL data portion 214 for carrying UL data, and a UL control portion 216 for carrying UL control.Subframe 220 includes a DL control portion 222 to carry DL control, a DL data portion 224 to carry DL data, and a UL control portion 226 to carry UL control. As shown, subframe 210 further includes a guard band 218 between the DL control portion 212 and the UL data portion 214. Subframe 220 also includes a guard band 228 between the DL data portion 224 and the UL data portion 226. Guard bands 218 and 228 allow switching between transmit and receive. As shown, configuration 200 allows dynamic TDD operations.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates a subframe transmission method 300 according to embodiments of the present invention. Method 300 can be employed by BSs 104 and UEs 102 for transmission. In Figure 3, the x-axis Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 22 / 136 18 / 51 represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Configuration 300 illustrates subframes 210 and 220 in operation. For example, a BS can employ subframe 210 to grant a UE for UL transmission. As shown, the BS can transmit a UL grant in the DL control portion 212, and the UE can transmit UL data in the UL data portion 214 and UL control in the UL control portion 216. The BS can employ subframe 220 to transmit DL data to the UE. As shown, the BS can transmit a DL grant in the DL control portion 222, and DL data in the DL data portion 224, where the UE can send an acknowledgment to the UE in the UL control portion, 216. Thus, method 300 can allow modular operation and low latency.

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates a 400 subframe configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. The 400 configuration can be employed by BSs 104 and UEs 102 for transmission. In Figure 4, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. The 400 configuration shows an independent subframe centered on UL 410 and an independent subframe centered on DL 420. Subframe 410 is similar to subframe 210 but includes an additional portion 432. Similarly, subframe 420 is similar to subframe 220 but includes an additional portion 434. The additional portions 432 and 434 can be used to carry other signals, which may include data or control information. Thus, the 400 configuration allows for direct compatibility. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 23 / 136 19 / 51

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a TDD 500 configuration in a macrocell according to embodiments of the invention. The 500 configuration can be employed by BSs 104 and UEs 102 for transmission. In Figure 5, the x-axis represents time in some constant units and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. As shown, a BS and UEs can communicate through a plurality of UL 510-centered subframes and DL 520-centered subframes. The 510 subframes can be similar to the 210 and 410 subframes. The 520 subframes can be similar to the 220 and 420 subframes. In one embodiment, a group of 550 of the 510 and 520 subframes can span a duration of about 2 milliseconds (ms). In one embodiment, both the 510 and 520 subframes can carry OFDM waveforms.In one embodiment, the 510 subframe can optionally carry SC-FDM waveforms, which can provide a better link budget for UEs located near or at the edges of macrocells.

[0051] In configuration 500, the BS can transmit a downlink physical control channel (PDCCH) signal in a DL 222 control portion of subframe 520 and a downlink shared physical channel (PDSCH) signal in a DL 224 data portion of subframe 510. The PDSCH signal can carry DL data. The PDCCH signal can carry DL control information, for example, including DL grants indicating transmission settings for the PDSCH signal. A UE can transmit a common UL burst in the UL 226 control portion of subframe 520. Common UL bursts can include UL control information, for example, including Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 24 / 136 20 / 51 channel quality reports and / or programming requests.

[0052] Similarly, the BS can transmit a PDCCH in a DL 212 control portion of subframe 510. The UE can transmit UL data in the UL 214 data portion of subframe 510 and a common UL burst in the UL 216 control portion of subframe 510. In one embodiment, both subframes 510 and 520 can carry OFDM waveforms. In another embodiment, subframe 510 can optionally carry SC-FDM waveforms, which can provide better liquidation budget for the edge UE in macrocells. The cell edge UEs cannot use the common UL burst transmission for PUSCH.

[0053] Subframes 210, 220, 410, 420, 510 and 520 can be split into partitions and / or mini-partitions to define shorter durations for UL and / or DL ​​transmission, as described in more detail here.

[0054] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary UE 600 according to embodiments of the present invention. The UE 600 may be a UE 102 as discussed above. As shown, the UE 600 may include a processor 602, a memory 604, a partition / mini-partition processing module 608, a transceiver 610 including a modem subsystem 612 and an RF unit 614, and an antenna 616. These elements may be in direct or indirect communication with each other, for example, through one or more buses.

[0055] The 602 processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, and a programmable gate array in Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 25 / 136 21 / 51 field (FPGA), another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof, configured to perform the operations described herein. The 602 processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors together with a DSP core, or any other configuration of this type.

[0056] Memory 604 may include a cache memory (e.g., a processor cache memory 602), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), programmable erasable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory device, hard disk drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different memory types. In one embodiment, memory 604 includes a non-transient computer-readable medium. Memory 604 may store instructions 606. Instructions 606 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 602, cause processor 602 to perform the operations described herein with reference to UEs 102 in relation to embodiments of the present invention. Instructions 606 may also be referred to as code.The terms instructions and code should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable instruction(s). For example, the terms instructions and code can refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, etc. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 26 / 136 22 / 51 Instructions and code can include a single computer-readable instruction or many computer-readable instructions.

[0057] The partition / mini-partition processing module 608 can be implemented through hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the partition / mini-partition processing module 608 can be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 606 stored in memory 604 and executed by the processor 602. The partition / mini-partition processing module 608 can be used for various aspects of the present invention. For example, the partition / mini-partition processing module 608 is configured to receive configuration information associated with partition / mini-partition structures and / or transmission numerologies and to communicate with a BS (e.g., BSs 104) based on the received configuration information, as described in greater detail in this document.

[0058] As shown, the 610 transceiver can include the 612 modem subsystem and the 614 RF unit. The 610 transceiver can be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as the BSs 104. The 612 modem subsystem can be configured to modulate and / or encode the data from the 604 memory and / or the 608 partition / mini-partition processing module according to a modulation and encoding scheme (MCS), for example, a low-density parity-check (LDPC) encoding scheme, a turbo encoding scheme, a convolutional encoding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc. The 614 RF unit can Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 27 / 136 23 / 51 can be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) modulated / encoded data from modem subsystem 612 (in outgoing transmissions) or from transmissions originating from another source, such as a UE 102 or a BS 104. Although shown as integrated into transceiver 610, modem subsystem 612 and RF unit 614 may be separate devices that are coupled together in UE 102 to allow UE 102 to communicate with other devices.

[0059] The RF unit 614 can provide modulated and / or processed data, for example, data packets (or, more generally, data messages that may contain one or more data packets and other information), to the antenna 616 for transmission to one or more other devices. The antenna 616 can also receive data messages transmitted from other devices. This may include, for example, receiving signals based on partition / mini-partition structures according to embodiments of the present invention. The antenna 616 can provide the received data messages for processing and / or demodulation in the transceiver 610. Although Figure 6 illustrates the antenna 616 as a single antenna, the antenna 616 may include multiple antennas of similar or different design to support multiple transmission links. The RF unit 614 can configure the antenna 616. [00 60] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary BS 700 according to embodiments of the present invention. The BS 700 may be a BS 104 as discussed above. As shown, the BS 700 may include a processor 702, a Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 28 / 136 24 / 51 memory 704, a partition / mini-partition configuration module 708, a transceiver 710 including a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714, and an antenna 716. These elements may be in direct or indirect communication with each other, for example, through one or more buses.

[0061] The 702 processor may have various features as a specific type of processor. For example, these may include a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The 702 processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other configuration of this type.

[0062] 704 memory may include cache memory (e.g., a 702 processor cache memory), RAM, MRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a solid-state memory device, one or more hard disks, memristor-based arrays, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different memory types. In some embodiments, 704 memory may include a non-transient computer-readable medium. 704 memory may store 706 instructions. 706 instructions may include instructions that, when executed by the 702 processor, cause the 702 processor to perform the operations described herein. 706 instructions may also be referred to as code, which may be interpreted in a way Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 29 / 136 25 / 51 wide enough to include any type of computer-readable instruction, as discussed above in relation to Figure 6.

[0063] The partition / mini-partition configuration module 708 can be implemented through hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For example, the partition / mini-partition configuration module 708 can be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 706 stored in memory 704 and executed by the processor 702. The partition / mini-partition configuration module 708 can be used for various aspects of the present invention. For example, the partition / mini-partition configuration module 708 can configure and signal partition / mini-partition structures and / or transmission numerologies, as described in greater detail herein.

[0064] As shown, the 710 transceiver can include the 712 modem subsystem and the 714 RF unit. The 710 transceiver can be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as the 102 UEs and / or another core network element. The 712 modem subsystem can be configured to modulate and / or encode data according to an MCS, for example, an LDPC encoding scheme, a turbo encoding scheme, a convolutional encoding scheme, a digital spatial filtering scheme, etc. The 714 RF unit can be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversions, etc.) modulated / encoded data from the 712 modem subsystem (in outgoing transmissions) or from transmissions originating from another source, such as a 102 UE. Although shown as integrated into the 710 transceiver, the 712 modem subsystem and Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 30 / 136 26 / 51 the RF unit 714 can be separate devices that are coupled together in the BS 104 to allow the BS 104 to communicate with other devices.

[0065] The RF unit 714 can provide modulated and / or processed data, for example, data packets (or, more generally, data messages that may contain one or more data packets and other information), to antenna 716 for transmission to one or more other devices. This may include, for example, transmitting information to complete a network connection and communicating with a camped UE 102 according to embodiments of the present invention. Antenna 716 may also receive data messages transmitted from other devices and provide the received data messages for processing and / or demodulation in transceiver 710. Although Figure 7 illustrates antenna 716 as a single antenna, antenna 716 may include multiple antennas of similar or different design to support multiple transmission links.

[0066] Figure 8 illustrates an independent subframe 800 according to embodiments of the present invention. The subframe 800 can be employed by BSs 104 and 700 and by UEs 102 and 600. In Figure 8, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. The subframe 800 can be similar to subframes 210, 220, 410, 420, 510 and 520. The subframe 800 includes plurality M of partitions 820. Each partition 820 includes a plurality K of mini-partitions 830. Each mini-partition 830 can include 1, 2, 3 or 7 symbols.

[0067] In one modality, numerologies for the Petition 870240093856, dated 11 / 01 / 2024, p. 31 / 136 / 51 820 partitions and / or 830 mini-partitions may be scalable. Some examples of numerologies may include a transmission time partition (TTI), a number of symbols per ms, a tone spacing, a signal portion duration, a symbol duration, a cyclic prefix overhead (CP), a carrier bandwidth, and a number of active subcarriers (e.g., tones). The following table shows some examples of scalable numerologies under different scenarios, such as in a rural area, an urban microcell (UMi), an urban macrocell (UMa), and an indoor area: Rural (large cell) UMa & UMi Small Cell Indoor / Millimeter wave (28GHz) SC Multiples 1 2 4 8 TTI (microseconds) 500.00 500.00 250 125.00 Number of symbols / 1 millisecond 14 28 56 112 Tone spacing (kHz) 15 30 60 120 Signal portion (microseconds) 66.67 33.33 16.67 8.33 Symbol duration (microseconds) 71.4 35.7 17.9 8.9 CP overhead (%) 6.67% 6.67% 6.67% 6.67% Carrier Bandwidth (MHz) 20 80 / 100 80 80 / 100 Number of Active Subcarriers 1200 2400 / 3000 1200 600 / 900 Table 1: Scalable Numerologies

[0068] In one embodiment, subframe 800 may include x number of OFDM 840 symbols with a normal CP in a reference numerology (e.g., spacing of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 32 / 136 28 / 51 tone), where x is a positive integer. The reference numerology can be predetermined, for example, defined in a standard specification. A BS can signal a parameter y, where y can be equal to x or (e.g., y=x) or a factor of x (e.g., y=x / 2). An 820 partition can be defined with a duration of y OFDM 840 symbols. An integer number of 820 partitions can fit the duration of the 800 subframe, for example, at least to a tone spacing greater than or equal to the reference numerology. In one embodiment, the structure of an 820 partition may include a control portion (for example, the control portions of DL 212 and 222) at the beginning of the 820 partition. In another embodiment, the structure of an 820 partition may include a control portion (for example, the portions of UL 216 and 226) at the end of the 820 partition.In another embodiment, the structure of an 820 partition may include a control portion (e.g., the control portions of DL 212 and 222) at the beginning of the 820 partition and another control portion (e.g., the control portions of UL 216 and 226) at the end of the 820 partition. An 820 partition may represent a programming unit.

[0069] An 830 mini-partition can at least support shorter transmission than y OFDM symbols in the numerology used for transmission. An 830 mini-partition can include a control portion at the beginning and / or end of the 830 mini-partition. The smallest 830 mini-partition is the smallest allowed programming unit, which can include 1, 2, 3, or 7 840 symbols.

[0070] In one embodiment, a network may employ different tone spacings for different signals of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 33 / 136 29 / 51 channel. As an example, a PSS, an SSS, and a PBCH signal can be transmitted with a tone spacing of 15 kHz. A BS can transmit the PSS and SSS, and a UE can synchronize to the BS based on the PSS and SSS. A BS can transmit transmission control information (e.g., UL and DL grants) on a PDCCH and transmit DL data on a PDSCH based on the DL grants indicated on the PDCCH. A PDCCH can be transmitted with a 60 kHz spacing. A PDSCH can be transmitted with a 30 kHz tone spacing. A UE can transmit UL data based on the UL to a BS on a PUSCH based on UL grants indicated on a PDCCH, and transmit UL control information (e.g., channel reports, acknowledgments, and / or programming requests) on a PUSCH. A push signal can be transmitted with a tone spacing of 30 kHz. A push signal can be transmitted with a tone spacing of 60 kHz.When different channels have different numerologies and the channels are transmitted in an 820 partition or an 830 mini-partition, the signaling of the 820 partition structures, the 830 mini-partitions, and the different channels is important for communications between BSs and UEs.

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates a 900 partition / mini-partition signaling method according to embodiments of the invention. The 900 method can be employed by BSs, such as BSs 104 and 700, and by UEs, such as UEs 102 and 600, in a network, such as network 100. In Figure 9, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. In the 900 method, the BS can signal a structure to a 920 partition (e.g., 820 partitions) in a 910 PBCH. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 34 / 136 30 / 51 Communications can be in the form of partitions, which may include uplink and / or downlink transmissions. Programming can be in partition units. The network can predefine a reference transmission numerology for each frequency band. A partition in a particular frequency band can be defined in OFDM symbol units based on the corresponding reference transmission numerology.

[0072] The 920 partition structure can be used by all channels. For example, the BS may indicate a reference numerology (e.g., a tone spacing of 922) of the 920 partition and a duration of 924 (e.g., Y number of symbols) in the 920 partition. However, the 920 partition structure can be decoupled from a transmission numerology. For example, the 920 partition may have 7 symbols with a tone spacing of 30 kHz. Transmissions from a PDCCH, a PDSCH, PUSCH and / or PUCCH may use a different numerology, for example, a tone spacing of 60 kHz. It should be noted that BS can transmit PBCH according to a reference numerology and may encompass one or more partitions, which may be the same as or different from partition 920. The reference numerology and duration (e.g., number of partitions) of PBCH 910 can be predetermined and known by the UEs (e.g., UEs 102).For example, in a 2 gigahertz (GHz) band, a BS can transmit PBCH 910 in 7 symbols with a tone spacing of 30 kHz. Alternatively, in a 30 GHz band, a BS can transmit PBCH 910 in 14 symbols with a tone spacing of 120 kHz.

[0073] Figure 10 illustrates a signaling method. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 35 / 136 31 / 51 of partition / mini-partition 1000 according to embodiments of the invention. Method 1000 can be employed by BSs, such as BSs 104 and 700, and by UEs, such as UEs 102 and 600 in a network, such as network 100. In Figure 10, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. In method 1000, a BS can signal a structure for a partition 1020 (e.g., partitions 820 and 920) in a PBCH 1010. The PBCH 1010 can be transmitted according to a predetermined reference numerology known by the UEs (e.g., UEs 102). The partition 1020 structure can be used for DL ​​control transmission. The structure of partition 1020 can be defined with a DL control transmission numerology (e.g., a tone spacing of 1022 and a duration of 1024 in terms of the number of symbols), which may be the same as or different from the reference numerology.

[0074] A BS can signal a structure for a 1040 partition in a 1030 grant. The 1030 grant can be transmitted according to the numerology of the 1020 partition structure. The 1040 partition structure can be used for a channel signal transmission. The 1040 partition structure can be defined with a channel transmission numerology (e.g., a tone spacing of 1042 and a duration of 1044 in terms of number of symbols). Figure 11 is a table 1100 illustrating examples for defining numerologies for various channels according to embodiments of the invention. Table 1100 presents numerology definition mechanisms when using method 1000. Column 1110 presents the data payloads carried out by Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 36 / 136 32 / 51 physical channels are listed in column 1130. Column 1120 shows the concession or signaling that leads to the transmission of the physical channel in column 1130. Column 1140 shows the channels that define the reference numerology of the partition structure for the transmission of the physical channels listed in column 1130.

[0075] Figure 12 illustrates a 1200 partition / mini-partition signaling method according to embodiments of the invention. The 1200 method can be employed by BSs, such as BSs 104 and 700, and by UEs, such as UEs 102 and 600 in a network, such as network 100. In Figure 12, the x-axes represent time in some constant units and the y-axes represent frequency in some constant units. The 1200 method can be used to signal numerologies as shown in table 1100. In some embodiments, the 1200 method can be used in conjunction with methods 900 and / or 1000.

[0076] In the 1200 method, the BS can transmit a PBCH 1210 signal according to a predetermined numerology known by the UEs (e.g., UEs 102 and 600) on a network. In one embodiment, the predetermined numerology can be defined in a specification for a communication protocol used by the network. The specification can define a numerology (e.g., tone spacing) and a partition structure (e.g., number of symbols) based on the numerology for each frequency band. For example, the specification can specify a tone spacing of 30 kHz and a partition structure with 7 OFDM symbols based on the 30 kHz tone spacing. The BS can transmit synchronization signals (e.g., PSS and SSS) in a particular frequency band using the Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 37 / 136 33 / 51 predetermined numerology defined for the particular frequency band.

[0077] The PBCH 1210 can carry system information signals. The PBCH 1210 can include a payload including a main information block (MIB). The MIB can include system information for initial network access. The MIB can indicate an RMSI numerology or a structure for a 1220 partition (e.g., partitions 820, 920, and 1020), for example, including a tone spacing of 1222 and a duration of 1224 in terms of number of symbols. The BS can transmit RMSI 1230 using RMSI numerology. RMSI numerology can also be used for transmissions on shared physical channel downlink in New Radio (NRPDSCH) and shared physical channel downlink control in New Radio (NR-PDCCH). RMSI numerology may be the same as the predetermined numerology (e.g., used to transmit PBCH 1210) or it may be different from the predetermined numerology.The RMSI 1230 can include random access channel (RACH) configurations, for example, for a BS and a UE to exchange Msg 2 and Msg 4, as described above with respect to Figure 1.

[0078] In one embodiment, Msg 2 and / or Msg 4 are transmitted using RMSI numerology (e.g., 1220 partition structure). In one embodiment, after initial network access, the UE can be configured with one or more bandwidth parts (e.g., frequency bands). Each bandwidth part can include a numerology (e.g., including a partition), a Physical Resource Block (PRB) grid for index mapping, a Control Resource Set (CORESET) numerology. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 38 / 136 34 / 51 A PRB grid can include a number of frequency subcarriers and a number of time symbols. 0 CORESET can indicate DL control information (DCI) (e.g., carried in a PDCCH or in the DL control portions 212 and 222). DCI can indicate which of the configured BWPs can be used (e.g., enable or disable) for DL ​​data transmissions (e.g., in a PDSCH or in the DL data portions 224).

[0079] In one embodiment, a single DL numerology can be used for at least RMSI, Msgs 2 and 4, and OSI transmissions. In one embodiment, at least for an initial network access, a RAR is carried on the NR-PDSCH programmed by the NR-PDCCH. For example, the NR-PDCCH can carry a CORESET indicating a schedule for the RAR, where the CORESET can be indicated in the RACH configuration. The configuration for the CORESET indicated in the RACH configuration may be the same as a CORESET configuration indicated in the PBCH 1210 or different from the CORESET configuration indicated in the PBCH 1210. In one mode, for a single RACH transmission of Msg 1, a corresponding RAR window starts from the first available CORESET after a fixed duration from the end of the Msg 1 transmission. The fixed duration can be defined in units of seconds and can be applied to all RACH occasions (e.g., random access attempts).In one embodiment, for a single RACH transmission of Msg 1, the size or duration of the RAR window may be the same for all RACH occasions. The RAR size and / or RAR start time may be indicated in RMSI. A RAR window may accommodate or consider processing time. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 39 / 136 35 / 51 a gNB (e.g., BSs 104). For example, the maximum RAR window size may be dependent on the worst-case gNB delay after receiving Msg 1 on the gNB. The delay may include processing delay (e.g., for processing Msg 1) and / or scheduling delay (e.g., for scheduling Msg 2) on the gNB. The minimum RAR window size may be dependent on the duration of Msg 2, the CORESET duration, or the scheduling delay (e.g., for scheduling Msg 2).

[0080] In one embodiment, in a contention-based random access procedure, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) (e.g., tone spacing) for Msg 1 is set in the RACH configuration. The SCS for Msg 2 is the same as the numerology for the RMSI. The SCS for Msg 3 is set in the RACH configuration separately from the SCS for Msg 1. The SCS for Msg 4 is the same as the SCS for Msg 2. For a contention-free random access procedure for handover, the SCS for Msg 1 and the SCS for Msg 2 are provided in the handover command.

[0081] In one embodiment, there is a valid initial active bandwidth share pair for a UE until the UE is explicitly configured or reconfigured with one or more bandwidth shares during or after an RRC connection (e.g., Msg 3 and 4 exchanges) is established. The initial active DL / UL bandwidth share is confined within the UE's minimum bandwidth for the given frequency band. Support for enabling / disabling DL and UL bandwidth share may be by explicit indication at least in DCI. Support for enabling / disabling bandwidth share Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 40 / 136 36 / 51 DL and UL bandwidth can be managed via a timer. A timer can allow a UE to switch from the UE's active DL bandwidth portion to or from a standard bandwidth portion. The standard bandwidth portion can be the initial active DL bandwidth portion defined above.

[0082] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a 1300 method for partition / mini-partition structure signaling according to embodiments of the present invention. The steps of the 1300 method can be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit and / or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device, such as the BSs 104 and 700. The 1300 method may employ similar mechanisms as described with respect to the 100 network and methods 900, 1000 and 1200. As illustrated, the 1300 method includes a variety of numbered steps, but embodiments of the 1300 method may include additional steps before, after and between the numbered steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the numbered steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

[0083] In step 1310, method 1300 includes transmitting a first signal (e.g., PBCHs 910, 1010, and 1210) according to a reference numerology. The first signal can be configured to indicate a first numerology of a first partition structure (e.g., partitions 920, 1020, and 1220). The first numerology can be any of the parameters shown in Table 1.

[0084] In step 1320, method 1300 includes Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 41 / 136 37 / 51 transmit a second signal according to a second numerology and the first partition structure. When employing the 900 method, the second signal can be any channel signal. When employing the 1000 method, the second signal can be the 1030 grant. When employing the 1200 method, the second signal can be the RMSI, the NR-PDSCH signal, and / or the NRPDCCH signal.

[0085] Therefore, in some cases, a first wireless communication device transmits a first signal (e.g., PBCH signals 910, 1010, and 1210) according to a first numerology (e.g., a predetermined partition structure) including at least one first tone spacing (e.g., a predetermined tone spacing). The first signal may be configured to indicate a second numerology (e.g., partition structures 920, 1020, and 1220) including at least one second tone spacing (e.g., tone spacing 922, 1022, and 1222). The first wireless communication device transmits a second signal according to the second numerology. The second numerology may be independent of the first numerology (i.e., unrelated, mixed, and / or of different size, shape, and / or frequency).

[0086] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a 1400 method for receiving a signal based on partition / mini-partition structures according to embodiments of the present invention. The steps of the 1400 method can be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuit and / or other suitable component) of a wireless communication device, such as the UEs 102 Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 42 / 136 38 / 51 and 600. The 1400 method may employ mechanisms similar to those described with respect to the 100 network and the 900, 1000, and 1200 methods. As illustrated, the 1400 method includes a variety of enumerated steps, but embodiments of the 1400 method may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

[0087] In step 1410, method 1400 involves receiving a first signal (e.g., PBCHs 910 and 1010) according to a reference numerology, where the first signal indicates a first numerology of a first partition structure (e.g., partitions 920, 1020, and 1220). The first numerology can be any of the parameters presented in Table 1.

[0088] In step 1420, method 1400 involves receiving a second signal according to a second numerology and the first partition structure. When employing method 900, the second signal can be any channel signal. When employing method 1000, the second signal can be grant 1030. When employing method 1200, the second signal can be the RMSI, the NR-PDSCH signal, and / or the NR-PDCCH signal.

[0089] Therefore, in some cases, a first wireless communication device receives a first signal (e.g., the PBCH 910, 1010, and 1210 signals) according to a first numerology (e.g., a predetermined partition structure) including at least one first tone spacing (e.g., a predetermined tone spacing), where the first signal indicates a second numerology (e.g., the structures Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 43 / 136 39 / 51 of the partitions 920, 1020, and 1220) including at least one second tone spacing (e.g., the tone spacing 922, 1022, and 1222). The first wireless communication device receives a second signal according to the second numerology. The second numerology may be independent of the first numerology.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to methods 1300 and 1400, the second signal may carry a channel signal (e.g., in a PBCH, a PDCCH, a PDSCH, an NRPDCCH, or an NR-PDCCH). In one embodiment, the second signal includes a transmission grant (e.g., transmission grant 1030) indicating a third numerology. The first wireless communication device may communicate a third signal with the second wireless communication device according to the third numerology.

[0091] In one embodiment, referring to methods 1300 and 1400, the first signal includes first system information (e.g., a MIB) and the second signal in methods 1300 and 1400 includes second system information (e.g., RMSI or OSI). The first wireless communication device can communicate a random access preamble (e.g., Msg 1 for initial network access) to the second wireless communication device. In response to the random access preamble, the first wireless communication device can communicate a random access response (e.g., Msg 2) to the second wireless communication device according to the second numerology. The first wireless communication device can communicate a connection request (e.g., Msg 3) to the second wireless communication device. In Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 44 / 136 40 / 51 In response to the connection request, the first wireless communication device can communicate a connection response (e.g., Msg 4) to the second wireless communication device according to the second numerology. Subsequently, the first wireless communication device can communicate a configuration indicating one or more numerologies (e.g., for one or more bandwidth parts) to the second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device can communicate a selection indicating one or more numerologies to the second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device can communicate a third signal (e.g., a data signal) to the second wireless communication device according to the selected bandwidth part or numerology.

[0092] Information and signals can be represented using any of several different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description above can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, particles or magnetic fields, particles or optical fields, or any combination thereof.

[0093] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the present invention may be implemented with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. A Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 45 / 136 41 / 51 A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors together with a DSP core, or any other configuration).

[0094] The functions described in this document can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored or transmitted through one or more instructions or code in a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the invention and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations thereof. The resources that implement functions can also be physically located in multiple positions, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.Furthermore, as used in this document, including in the claims, "or as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items preceded by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of [at least one of A, B, or C] means A or B or C or AB or AC or ABC (that is, A and B and C). Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 46 / 136 42 / 51

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention further include a wireless communication method comprising transmitting, by a wireless communication device, a first signal according to a reference transmission numerology, wherein the first signal indicates a first transmission numerology of a first partition structure; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a second signal according to a second numerology and the first partition structure.

[0096] The method further includes wherein the first signal is a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal. The method further includes wherein the first numerology and the second numerology are different. The method further includes wherein the first numerology is identical to the second numerology, wherein the second signal carries a transmission grant indicating a third numerology for a second partition structure, and wherein the method further comprises transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a third signal according to the third numerology and the second partition structure. The method further includes wherein the first numerology includes at least one of a tone spacing or a number of symbols in a partition.

[0097] Embodiments of the present invention further include a wireless communication method comprising receiving, by a wireless communication device, a first signal according to a reference numerology, wherein the first signal indicates a first numerology of a first partition structure; and receiving, by the wireless communication device, a second signal according to a second numerology and the first structure of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 47 / 136 43 / 51 partition.

[0098] The method further includes wherein the first signal is a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal. The method further includes wherein the first numerology and the second numerology are different. The method further includes wherein the first numerology is identical to the second numerology, wherein the second signal carries a transmission grant indicating a third numerology for a second partition structure, and wherein the method further comprises receiving, by the wireless communication device, a third signal according to the third numerology and the second partition structure. The method further includes wherein the first numerology includes at least one of a tone spacing or a number of symbols in a partition.

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention further include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to transmit a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and to transmit a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0100] The device also includes wherein the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The device also includes a processor configured to configure the second numerology to indicate a numerology different from the first numerology. The device also includes wherein the second signal includes a broadcast grant indicating a third numerology, Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 48 / 136 44 / 51 and in which the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third signal according to the third numerology. The device further includes in which the first signal includes initial system information associated with a network, and in which the second signal includes secondary system information associated with the network. The device further includes in which the transceiver is further configured to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and to transmit, to the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology.The device further includes wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; to transmit, to the second wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The device further includes wherein the first numerology further includes a number of symbols in a first partition based on the first tone spacing, and wherein the second numerology includes a number of symbols in a second partition based on the second tone spacing.

[0101] Embodiments of the present invention further include an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to receive a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and to receive a second signal according to the second numerology. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 49 / 136 45 / 51

[0102] The device further includes wherein the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal and wherein the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The device further includes wherein the first numerology and the second numerology are different. The device further includes wherein the second signal includes a transmission grant indicating a third numerology, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a third signal according to the third numerology. The device further includes wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal includes second system information associated with the network.The device also includes a configuration where the transceiver is further configured to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and to receive, from the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology. The device also includes a configuration where the transceiver is further configured to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; to receive, from the second wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

[0103] Embodiments of the present invention further include a computer-readable means having program code recorded thereon, the program code comprising code for making a first device of Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 50 / 136 46 / 51 wireless communication transmits a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and code to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0104] The computer-readable medium further includes wherein the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The computer-readable medium further includes wherein the second numerology and the first numerology are different. The computer-readable medium further includes wherein the second signal includes a transmission grant indicating a third numerology, and wherein the computer-readable medium further includes codes to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit a third signal according to the third numerology. The computer-readable medium further includes wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal includes second system information associated with the network.The computer-readable medium further includes code to cause the first wireless communication device to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and code to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit, to the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology. The computer-readable medium further includes... Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 51 / 136 47 / 51 code to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; code to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit, to the second wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and code to cause the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The computer-readable medium further includes wherein the first numerology further includes a number of symbols in a first partition based on the first tone spacing, and wherein the second numerology includes a number of symbols in a second partition based on the second tone spacing.

[0105] Embodiments of the present invention further include a computer-readable means having program code recorded thereon, the program code comprising code for causing a first wireless communication device to receive a first signal in accordance with a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a second signal in accordance with the second numerology.

[0106] The computer-readable medium still includes where the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel signal (PBCH) and where the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The computer-readable medium still Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 52 / 136 48 / 51 includes where the first numerology and the second numerology are different. The computer-readable medium also includes where the second signal includes a transmission grant indicating a third numerology, and where the computer-readable medium also includes code to cause the first wireless communication device to receive a third signal according to the third numerology. The computer-readable medium also includes where the first signal includes receiving first system information associated with a network, and where the second signal includes second system information associated with the network.The computer-readable medium still includes code to cause the first wireless communication device to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and code to cause the first wireless communication device to receive, from the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology.The computer-readable medium also includes code to cause the first wireless communication device to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a setting indicating one or more third numerologies; code to cause the first wireless communication device to receive, from the second wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and code to cause the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention still Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 53 / 136 49 / 51 include an apparatus comprising means for transmitting a first signal according to a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and means for transmitting a second signal according to the second numerology.

[0108] The device further includes wherein the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The device further includes means for configuring the second numerology to indicate a numerology different from the first numerology. The device further includes wherein the second signal includes a transmission grant indicating a third numerology, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third signal in accordance with the third numerology. The device further includes wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal includes second system information associated with the network.The device also includes a transceiver configured to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and to transmit, to the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology. The device also includes means to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; means to transmit, to the second wireless communication device, a third signal. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 54 / 136 50 / 51 indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and means to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The device further includes wherein the first numerology includes a number of symbols in a first partition based on the first tone spacing, and wherein the second numerology includes a number of symbols in a second partition based on the second tone spacing.

[0109] Embodiments of the present invention further include an apparatus comprising means for receiving a first signal in accordance with a first numerology including at least one first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology including at least one second tone spacing; and means for receiving a second signal in accordance with the second numerology.

[0110] The device further includes wherein the first signal includes a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal and wherein the second numerology is independent of the first numerology. The device further includes wherein the first numerology and the second numerology are different. The device further includes wherein the second signal includes a transmission grant indicating a third numerology, and wherein the device further includes means for receiving a third signal according to the third numerology. The device further includes wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal includes second system information associated with a network. The device further includes means for transmitting, to a second wireless communication device, a request for initial network access; and means Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 55 / 136 51 / 51 to receive, from the second wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology. The device further includes means to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; means to receive, from the second wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and means to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

[0111] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, and depending on the particular application, many modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to the materials, apparatus, configurations, and methods of use of the devices of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. In view of this, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein, as they are merely illustrative, but rather should be fully compatible with that of the appended claims and their functional equivalents. Petition 870240093856, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 56 / 136

Claims

1 / 10 CLAIMS 1. Wireless communication method, characterized in that it comprises: transmitting (1310), by a base station in a first frequency band, a first signal based on a first numerology associated with the first frequency band, wherein the first numerology defines a first partition including a first number of symbols based on having a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology defining a second partition including a second number of symbols having a second tone spacing different from the first tone spacing, and wherein the second partition includes a plurality of mini-partitions of different lengths, wherein a first mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions includes a number of symbols different from a second mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions in the second partition;and transmit (1320), by the base station to a wireless communication device, a second signal based on the second numerology during the first mini-partition including a third number of symbols smaller than the second number of symbols in the second partition, wherein the symbol boundaries of the symbols of the first numerology and symbol boundaries of the symbols of the second numerology are aligned in time at least every 1 millisecond time interval.; 2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission (1310) of the first signal includes transmitting a physical broadcast channel signal, PBCH, and in which the second numerology is independent of the first numerology.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission (1310) of the first signal includes transmitting first system information associated with a network, and in that the transmission of the second signal includes transmitting second system information associated with the network.

4. Method, according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the base station from a wireless communication device, a request for access to the initial network; and transmitting, by the base station to the wireless communication device in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology.

5. Method, according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, from the base station to the wireless communication device, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; transmitting, from the base station to the wireless communication device, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and communicating, from the base station, with the wireless communication device based on the selection.

6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: identifying, by the base station, the first numerology among a plurality of predetermined numerologies associated with a plurality of frequency bands based on the first frequency band, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes the first frequency band.

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, from the base station to the wireless communication device, a first semi-static program including a third numerology; and receiving, from the base station of the wireless communication device, a first uplink channel signal based on the third numerology; and / or transmitting, from the base station to the wireless communication device, a second semi-static program including a fourth numerology different from the third numerology; and receiving, from the base station of the wireless communication device, a second uplink channel signal based on the fourth numerology.

8. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the base station, a transmission grant according to the second numerology, the transmission grant indicating a third numerology; and transmitting, by the base station, a third signal according to the third numerology.

9. Wireless communication method, characterized in that it comprises: receiving (1410), by a wireless communication device from a base station in a first frequency band, a first signal based on a first numerology associated with the first frequency band, wherein the first numerology defines a first partition including a first number of symbols having a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology defining a second partition including a second number of symbols having a second tone spacing different from the first tone spacing, and wherein the second partition includes a plurality of mini-partitions of different lengths, wherein a first mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions includes a number of symbols different from a second mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions in the second partition;and receive (1420), by the wireless communication device from a base station, a second signal according to the second numerology during the first mini-partition including a third number of symbols smaller than the second number of symbols in the second partition, wherein the symbol boundaries of the symbols of the first numerology and symbol boundaries of the symbols of the second numerology are aligned in time at least every 1 millisecond time interval.; 10. Method, according to claim 9, characterized in that the reception (1410) of the first signal includes receiving a physical broadcast channel signal, PBCH.

11. Method, according to claim 9, characterized in that the reception (1410) of the first signal includes receiving first system information associated with a network, and in that the reception of the second signal Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, page 8 / 28 5 / 10 includes receiving second system information associated with the network.

12. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the wireless communication device to a base station, a request for access to the initial network; and receiving, by the wireless communication device from the base station in response to the request, a response according to the second numerology.

13. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the wireless communication device from a base station, a configuration indicating one or more third numerologies; receiving, by the wireless communication device of the base station, a third signal indicating a selection of one or more third numerologies; and communicating, by the wireless communication device, with the base station based on the selection.

14. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises: identifying, by the wireless communication device, the first numerology from among a plurality of predetermined numerologies associated with a plurality of frequency bands based on the first frequency band, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes the first frequency band.

15. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises: Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, page 9 / 28 6 / 10 receiving, by the wireless communication device from the base station, a first semi-static program including a third numerology; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the base station, a first uplink channel signal based on the third numerology; and / or the method further comprising: receiving, by the wireless communication device from the base station, a second semi-static program including a fourth numerology different from the third numerology; and transmitting, by the wireless communication device to the base station, a second uplink channel signal based on the fourth numerology.

16. Method, according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by the wireless communication device, a transmission grant according to the second numerology, the transmission grant indicating a third numerology; and receiving, by the wireless communication device, a third signal according to the third numerology.

17. Apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: means adapted for transmitting, in a first frequency band, a first signal based on a first numerology associated with the first frequency band, wherein the first numerology defines a first partition including a first number of symbols having a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, page 1.10 / 28 7 / 10 a second numerology defining a second partition including a second number of symbols having a second tone spacing different from the first tone spacing, and wherein the second partition includes a plurality of mini-partitions of different lengths, wherein a first mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions includes a number of symbols different from a second mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions in the second partition; and means adapted for transmitting, to a wireless communication device, a second signal according to the second numerology during the first mini-partition including a third number of symbols smaller than the second number of symbols in the second partition, wherein the symbol boundaries of the symbols of the first numerology and symbol boundaries of the symbols of the second numerology are aligned in time at least every 1 millisecond time interval.

18. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: means adapted for identifying the first numerology from among a plurality of predetermined numerologies associated with a plurality of frequency bands based on the first frequency band, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes the first frequency band; and / or means adapted for transmitting to the wireless communication device a first semi-static program including a third numerology; and means adapted for receiving from the wireless communication device a first uplink channel signal. Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, p.11 / 28 8 / 10 based on the third numerology; and / or means adapted to transmit, to the wireless communication device, a second semi-static program including a fourth numerology different from the third numerology; and means adapted to receive, from the wireless communication device, a second uplink channel signal based on the fourth numerology; and / or means adapted to transmit the first signal including a physical broadcast channel signal, PBCH.

19. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and in that the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting second system information associated with the network based on the second numerology.

20. Apparatus characterized in that it comprises: means adapted for receiving, from a base station in a first frequency band, a first signal according to a first numerology associated with the first frequency band, wherein the first numerology defines a first partition including a first number of symbols having a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second numerology defining a second partition including a second number of symbols having a second tone spacing different from the first tone spacing, and wherein the second partition includes a plurality of mini-partitions of different lengths, wherein a first mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions... (Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, p. 10)12 / 28 9 / 10 partitions include a number of symbols different from a second mini-partition of the plurality of mini-partitions in the second partition; and means adapted to receive, from the base station, a second signal according to the second numerology during the first mini-partition including a third number of symbols smaller than the second number of symbols in the second partition, wherein the symbol boundaries of the symbols of the first numerology and symbol boundaries of the symbols of the second numerology are aligned in time at least every 1 millisecond time interval.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises: means for identifying the first numerology from among a plurality of predetermined numerologies associated with a plurality of frequency bands based on the first frequency band, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes the first frequency band; means for receiving from the base station a first semi-static program including a third numerology; and means for transmitting to the base station a first uplink channel signal based on the third numerology; and / or means for receiving from the base station a second semi-static program including a fourth numerology different from the third numerology; and transmitting to the base station a second uplink channel signal based on the fourth numerology.means to receive the first signal including a physical broadcast channel signal, PBCH.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and in which the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the base station, second system information associated with the network based on the second numerology.

23. Computer-readable memory characterized in that it has instructions stored therein which, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, and when executed by a wireless communication device, cause the wireless communication device to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 9 to 16. Petition 870260028631, dated 03 / 26 / 2026, p. 14 / 28

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