Rate matching for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission in non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

By adopting beam-specific rate matching technology in NTN, multiple beams are configured to use the same frequency set for SSB transmission, which solves the frequency matching problem of SSB transmission between beams, improves data transmission efficiency and reduces interference.

CN115088201BActive Publication Date: 2025-04-04QUALCOMM INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180012598.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-02-05
Filing Date
2021-02-06
Publication Date
2025-04-04
Estimated Expiration
2041-02-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), there is a frequency matching problem in synchronous signal blocks (SSBs) transmission between beams, resulting in reduced data transmission efficiency and increased interference.

Method used

Beam-specific rate matching technology is adopted to configure multiple beams to use the same frequency set for SSB transmission, solving the frequency matching problem and improving data transmission efficiency.

Benefits of technology

It effectively solves the frequency matching problem of SSB transmission between beams, improves data transmission efficiency, reduces interference, and improves the performance of wireless communication systems.

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Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for rate matching synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). A method that may be performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode.
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Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 168,702, filed on February 5, 2021, which US application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 976,244, filed on February 13, 2020, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application, and are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for rate matching data channels around synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access systems include 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SCFDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems, to name a few.

[0005] These and other multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, or even global level. New radio (e.g., 5G NR) is an example of an emerging telecommunication standard. NR is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard released by 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband Internet access by improving spectral efficiency, reducing costs, improving services, utilizing new spectrum, and better integrating with other open standards using OFDMA with cyclic prefix (CP) on downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). To this end, NR supports beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation.

[0006] As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, further improvements to NR and LTE technologies are needed. These improvements should also apply to other multiple access technologies and the telecommunication standards that adopt them. Summary of the invention

[0007] The systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," one will understand how the features of the present disclosure provide advantages including improved techniques for rate matching of SSB transmissions in NTNs.

[0008] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes: receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured to use the same set of frequencies; receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0009] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a network entity. The method generally includes: determining a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; sending configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching pattern; and sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0010] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication by a UE. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory and the at least one processor are generally configured to: receive configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; receive a data channel using the at least one beam; and process the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0011] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication by a network entity. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory and the at least one processor are generally configured to: determine a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; send configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching pattern; and send a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0012] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication by a UE. The apparatus generally includes: a unit for receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; a unit for receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and a unit for processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0013] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication by a network entity. The apparatus generally includes: a unit for determining a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a user equipment (UE), wherein a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured to use the same set of frequencies; a unit for sending configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching pattern; and a unit for sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0014] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a computer-readable medium having computer-executable code stored thereon. The computer-readable medium having computer-executable code stored thereon generally includes: code for receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; code for receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and code for processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0015] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a computer-readable medium having computer-executable code stored thereon. The computer-readable medium having computer-executable code stored thereon generally includes: code for determining a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a user equipment (UE), wherein a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured using the same set of frequencies; code for sending configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching pattern; and code for sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure provide units, devices, processors and computer-readable media for performing the methods described herein.

[0017] To achieve the foregoing and related purposes, the one or more aspects include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. However, these features are only indicative of some of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects can be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to be able to understand the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure in detail, a more specific description of the above brief summary can be made with reference to various aspects, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and the description may allow for other equally effective aspects.

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example telecommunications system in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating designs of exemplary base stations (BSs) and user equipment (UEs) in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is an example frame format for New Radio (NR) in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4A Conceptually illustrated are example beam coverage areas for satellites in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4B Conceptually illustrates a method for Figure 4A An exemplary SSB transmission of the beam shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 5AAccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4A and 4B Example overlapping beam coverage areas of satellites with beams shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 5B The invention is shown for use according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5A An exemplary SSB transmission of the beam shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating example operations for wireless communications by a UE in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations for wireless communications by a network entity in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 The present invention shows some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5B Example rate matching regions corresponding to SSB transmissions for beams 0 and 1.

[0029] Fig. 9 A communication device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown and may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein.

[0030] Fig.10 A communication device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown and may include various components configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein.

[0031] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one aspect may be beneficially utilized on other aspects without specific recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In a non-terrestrial network (NTN), there may be disadvantages associated with the use of multiple beams that use the same frequency or set of frequencies to transmit their corresponding synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). For example, a user equipment (UE) and / or a network entity (e.g., a base station (BS or satellite)) may use only one bandwidth part (BWP) at a time for transmission and / or reception. Therefore, when a UE is tuned to a BWP assigned to a particular beam, and when the SSB frequency or set of frequencies is not within the BWP of the beam, the UE may need to switch to the SSB frequency or set of frequencies in order to receive the SSB for the beam. In one aspect, when an antenna or antenna array of a transmission entity (e.g., a BS or satellite) switches away from a data BWP assigned to a particular beam to transmit an SSB for the beam, the antenna or antenna array may not be able to transmit data on the data BWP during the SSB transmission. In addition, if a first beam is used to transmit an SSB using a set of frequencies included in a BWP assigned to an adjacent second beam, the SSB transmission for the first beam may cause interference to the second beam.

[0033] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide beam-specific rate matching techniques for rate matching data transmissions around resources (e.g., time and / or frequency resources) used by SSB transmissions in NTNs in order to address potential issues with sequential SSB transmissions between beams on a common frequency or set of frequencies.

[0034] The following description provides an example of rate matching in a wireless communication system. Without departing from the present disclosure, the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed. Various examples may appropriately omit, replace or add various processes or components. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from the order described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described for some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, the present disclosure is intended to cover such a device or method that is practiced using other structures, functions, or structures and functions that are attached to or in addition to the various aspects of the present disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0035] Generally, any number of wireless networks may be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network may support a specific radio access technology (RAT) and may operate on one or more frequencies. RAT may also be referred to as a radio technology, air interface, etc. Frequency may also be referred to as a carrier, subcarrier, frequency channel, tone, subband, etc. Each frequency may support a single RAT in a given geographic area to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs.

[0036] The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless networks and radio technologies. Although terms commonly associated with 3G, 4G and / or new radio (e.g., 5G new radio (NR)) wireless technologies are used herein to describe various aspects, various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to communication systems based on other generations.

[0037] NR access can support various wireless communication services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMMB) targeting wide bandwidth (e.g., 80MHz or higher), millimeter wave (mmW) targeting high carrier frequency (e.g., 25GHz or higher), massive machine type communication MTC (mATC) targeting non-backward compatible MTC technology, and / or mission critical services targeting ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC). These services may include latency and reliability requirements. These services may also have different transmission time intervals (TTIs) to meet corresponding quality of service (QoS) requirements. In addition, these services can coexist in the same subframe. NR supports beamforming, and the beam direction can be dynamically configured. MIMO transmission using precoding can also be supported. The MIMO configuration in DL can support up to 8 transmit antennas, multi-layer DL transmission with up to 8 streams and up to 2 streams per UE. Multi-layer transmission with up to 2 streams per UE can be supported. Aggregation of multiple cells can be supported by up to 8 serving cells.

[0038] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication network 100 is shown in which various aspects of the present disclosure may be performed. For example, the wireless communication network 100 may be a NR system (e.g., a 5G NR network). Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication network 100 may communicate with a core network 132. The core network 132 may communicate with one or more BSs 110 and / or UEs 120 in the wireless communication network 100 via one or more interfaces.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the wireless communication network 100 may include multiple BSs 110a-z (each BS is also individually referred to as BS 110 or collectively referred to as BS 110 in this document) and other network entities. BS 110 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area, which is sometimes referred to as a "cell", which can be stationary or can move depending on the location of the mobile BS 110. In some examples, BS 110 can be interconnected with each other and / or to one or more other BSs or network nodes (not shown) in the wireless communication network 100 through various types of backhaul interfaces (e.g., direct physical connections, wireless connections, virtual networks, etc.) using any suitable transmission network. Figure 1 In the example shown, BSs 110a, 110b, and 110c may be macro BSs for macro cells 102a, 102b, and 102c, respectively. BS 110x may be a pico BS for pico cell 102x. BSs 110y and 110z may be femto BSs for femto cells 102y and 102z, respectively. A BS may support one or more cells. A network controller 130 may be coupled to a set of BSs 110 and provide coordination and control for these BSs 110 (e.g., via a backhaul).

[0040] BS 110 communicates with UEs 120a-y (each UE is also referred to herein individually as UE 120 or collectively as UE 120) in the wireless communication network 100. UEs 120 (e.g., 120x, 120y, etc.) may be dispersed throughout the wireless communication network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. The wireless communication network 100 may also include a relay station (e.g., relay station 110r), also referred to as a relay, etc., which receives transmissions of data and / or other information from an upstream station (e.g., BS 110a or UE 120r) and sends transmissions of data and / or other information to a downstream station (e.g., UE 120 or BS 110), or relays transmissions between UEs 120 to facilitate communication between devices.

[0041] According to certain aspects, BS 110 and UE 120 may be configured for rate matching in an NTN. Figure 1 As shown, BS 110a includes a rate matching manager 112. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the rate matching manager 112 may be configured to: determine a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; send configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching mode; and send a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching mode. Figure 1As shown, UE 120a includes a rate matching manager 122. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the rate matching manager 122 may be configured to: receive configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; receive a data channel using the at least one beam; and process the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0042] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary BS and UE (eg, Figure 1 A block diagram of a design of a BS 110a and a UE 120a in a wireless communication network 100 is shown.

[0043] At BS 110a, transmit processor 220 may receive data from data source 212 and control information from controller / processor 240. Control information may be used for a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a group common PDCCH (GC PDCCH), etc. Data may be used for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), etc. A medium access control (MAC) control element (MACCE) is a MAC layer communication structure that may be used for control command exchange between wireless nodes. The MACCE may be carried in a shared channel, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH).

[0044] The processor 220 may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols, such as for a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols (if applicable), and may provide an output symbol stream to a modulator (MOD) 232a-232t. Each modulator 232 may process its own output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from modulators 232a-232t may be sent via antennas 234a-234t, respectively.

[0045] At UE 120a, antennas 252a-252r can receive downlink signals from BS 110a and can provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) in transceivers 254a-254r, respectively. Each demodulator in transceiver 254a-254r can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert and digitize) the respective received signals to obtain input samples. Each demodulator can further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain received symbols from all demodulators in transceiver 254a-254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide detected symbols. Receive processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 120a to data sink 260, and provide decoded control information to controller / processor 280.

[0046] On the uplink (UL), at the UE 120a, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 (e.g., for a PUSCH) and control information from a controller / processor 280 (e.g., for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., for a sounding reference signal (SRS)). The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266 (if applicable), further processed by a modulator in a transceiver 254a-254r (e.g., for single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM), etc.), and sent to the BS 110a. At the BS 110a, the UL signal from the UE 120a may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the modulator 232, detected by the MIMO detector 236 (if applicable), and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 120a. The receive processor 238 may provide decoded data to a data sink 239 and decoded control information to a controller / processor 240 .

[0047] Memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for BS 110a and UE 120a, respectively.A scheduler 244 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0048] The various techniques and methods described herein may be performed using antenna 252, processors 266, 258, 264, and / or controller / processor 280 of UE 120a and / or antenna 234, processors 220, 230, 238, and / or controller / processor 240 of BS 110a. Figure 2 As shown, according to various aspects described herein, the controller / processor 240 of the BS 110a has a rate matching manager 112, which can be configured to: determine a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; send configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching mode; and send a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching mode. Figure 2 As shown, according to aspects described herein, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120a has a rate matching manager 122, which can be configured to: receive configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies; receive a data channel using the at least one beam; and process the data channel based on the rate matching mode. Although shown at the controller / processor, other components of the UE 120a and the BS 110a can be used to perform the operations described herein.

[0049] NR can utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) on the uplink and downlink. NR can support half-duplex operation using time division duplex (TDD). OFDM and single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) divide the system bandwidth into multiple orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as tones, frequency bands, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Modulation symbols can be sent in the frequency domain using OFDM and in the time domain using SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers can depend on the system bandwidth. The minimum resource allocation, called a resource block (RB), can be 12 consecutive subcarriers. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover multiple RBs. NR can support a basic subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 15KHz, and other SCSs (e.g., 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, etc.) can be defined relative to the basic SCS.

[0050] Figure 3300 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format for NR. The transmission timeline of each of the downlink (DL) and UL can be divided into radio frame units. Each radio frame can have a predetermined duration (e.g., 10ms) and can be divided into 10 subframes, each subframe having 1ms, indexed from 0 to 9. Each subframe can include a variable number of slots (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, ... slots) depending on the SCS. Each slot can include a variable number of symbol periods (e.g., 7 or 14 symbols) depending on the SCS. The symbol period in each slot can be assigned an index. A micro slot can be referred to as a subslot structure, which refers to a transmission time interval having a duration (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 symbols) less than one slot. Each symbol in a slot can indicate a link direction (e.g., DL, UL, or flexible) for data transmission, and the link direction of each subframe can be dynamically switched. The link direction can be based on the slot format. Each slot can include DL / UL data and DL / UL control information.

[0051] Example rate matching for synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission in non-terrestrial network (NTN)

[0052] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) refer to networks or network segments that use airborne or spaceborne vehicles for transmission. Airborne vehicles refer to high altitude platforms (HAPs) containing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including tethered UAS, lighter-than-air UAS and heavier-than-air UAS, all operating at altitudes between approximately 8 and 50 km, quasi-stationary. These NTNs have the features in Technical Report (TR) 38.811 "Study on NR to support non-terrestrial networks" of the Technical Specification Group (TSG) Radio Access Network (RAN). NTNs are expected to help facilitate the deployment of 5G services in non-served or underserved areas to improve the performance of terrestrial networks, enhance service reliability by providing service continuity for user equipment (UE) or mobile platforms (e.g., passenger vehicles - aircraft, ships, high-speed trains, buses), increase ubiquitous service availability (especially for critical communications, future rail / maritime / aeronautical communications), and enable 5G network scalability by providing efficient multicast / broadcast resources for data delivery to the network edge or even directly to the UE.

[0053] Typically in an NTN, a satellite can be configured as a single cell with N beams and M bandwidth parts (BWPs). Each antenna or antenna array on the satellite forms a fixed beam, and the switching between beams within the satellite is usually the same as the BWP switching, thereby avoiding cell switching overhead. SSBs of different beams can be sent at the same frequency range (e.g., using the same set of one or more frequencies) for faster initial search by the UE. In addition, frequency reuse can be employed between beams for higher spectral efficiency. For example, the same BWP can be assigned to multiple beams.

[0054] In certain aspects, there may be disadvantages associated with the use of multiple beams that use the same frequency or set of frequencies to transmit their corresponding SSBs. For example, a UE and / or a network entity (e.g., a base station (BS) or a satellite) may use only one BWP at a time for transmission and / or reception. Therefore, when a UE is tuned to a BWP assigned to a particular beam, and when the SSB frequency or set of frequencies is not within the BWP for that beam, the UE may need to switch to the SSB frequency or set of frequencies in order to receive the SSB for that beam. In one aspect, when an antenna or antenna array of a network entity (e.g., a BS or a satellite, or a network) switches away from a data BWP assigned to a particular beam to transmit an SSB for that beam, the antenna or antenna array may not be able to transmit data on the data BWP during the SSB transmission. In addition, if a first beam is used to transmit an SSB using a set of frequencies in a BWP assigned to an adjacent second beam, the SSB transmission for the first beam may cause interference to the second beam.

[0055] For the purposes of the following discussion, the SSB frequency of a beam refers to the set of frequencies (eg, may be a single frequency) used for SSB transmissions for that beam. The data BWP of a beam refers to the BWP assigned to that beam and used for downlink (DL) data transmissions for that beam.

[0056] Figure 4A Conceptually illustrated are example beam coverage areas for satellites in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4AEight beam coverage areas (shown as beams 0-7) that can be seen by a UE on the surface of the earth are conceptually shown. A satellite (not shown) can transmit on any of beams 0-7. As shown, a BWP (e.g., a data BWP) can be assigned to each beam, which can be used for DL ​​data transmission of that beam. Four BWPs (shown as BWPs 0-3) can be shared among the eight beams, with each BWP assigned to two different beams. As shown, BWP0 can be assigned to beams 0 and 4, BWP1 can be assigned to beams 1 and 5, BWP2 can be assigned to beams 2 and 6, and BWP3 can be assigned to beams 3 and 7.

[0057] Figure 4A The specific assignment of BWPs shown is for exemplary purposes only, and BWPs may be assigned and shared in any other manner. For example, a specific BWP may be assigned to any one or more beams.

[0058] Figure 4B Conceptually illustrates a method for Figure 4A As described above, in an NTN, for example, SSBs corresponding to multiple beams supported by a satellite may be transmitted on a common SSB frequency or set of frequencies to facilitate fast initial search by a UE. Thus, it may be assumed that SSBs corresponding to beams 0-7 (e.g., all beams) may be transmitted using a common SSB frequency or set of frequencies. Figure 4B For the example, it can be assumed that the common SSB frequency is contained within BWP1. However, Figure 4B The examples shown in are for exemplary purposes only, and the common SSB frequency may be contained within any of BWPs 0-3.

[0059] Figure 4B The y-axis shown in may show the SSB transmissions for each of beams 0-7 over time (rather than indicating frequency). Figure 4B The time positions of the SSB transmissions corresponding to beams 0-7 may be shown. Furthermore, although each SSB transmission corresponding to a particular beam is shown within the BWP assigned to the corresponding beam (e.g., BWP0 is assigned to both beams 0 and 4), all SSB transmissions for all beams may actually be sent using a common SSB frequency contained within BWP1.

[0060] As described above, a satellite beam may be capable of transmitting on only one BWP at a time. This means that a satellite beam may not be able to transmit multiple BWPs simultaneously; however, the satellite may be able to transmit multiple BWPs simultaneously in different beams. Therefore, even when the SSB for a particular beam is transmitted on a frequency set that is not included in the data BWP for that beam, the satellite may not transmit data on the unused resources of the data BWP during SSB transmission. For example, if Figure 4B As shown in , although the SSB for beam 0 (SSB0) is transmitted within BWP1, unused resources of BWP 0 (e.g., blank spaces around the SSB) may not be used for DL ​​data transmission on beam 0 during SSB transmission.

[0061] In some respects, although Figure 4A The beam coverage areas of the beams are conceptually shown to not overlap with each other, but in reality, the beam coverage areas may overlap and a UE may see multiple beams at any location on the Earth's surface.

[0062] Figure 5A According to certain aspects of the present disclosure Figure 4A and 4B Example overlapping beam coverage areas of beam satellites shown in . Figure 5B The invention is shown for use according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5A An exemplary SSB transmission of the beam shown in FIG.

[0063] In one aspect, because multiple beams may have overlapping beam coverage areas, transmissions on a particular beam may interfere with transmissions on adjacent beams having overlapping beam coverage areas. Figure 5A As shown, beam 1 may have a beam coverage area that overlaps with beam 0, beam 2, and beam 3. Therefore, transmissions using BWP1 assigned to beam 1 on any of the neighboring beams 0, 2, and 3 are likely to interfere with data transmissions using BWP1 on beam 1. Figure 5B As shown in Figure 5B As shown, the SSB transmissions on beams 0, 2, and 3 using the common SSB frequency contained in BWP1 interfere with the data transmission on beam 1 using BWP1. Similarly, the beam coverage area of ​​beam 5 overlaps with the beam coverage area of ​​beams 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Therefore, Figure 5B As shown, the SSB transmissions on beams 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 using the common SSB frequency contained in BWP1 interfere with the data transmission on beam 5 using BWP1. Figure 5BAs shown in , each SSB transmission can be identified by an SSB index. For example, the SSB transmission of beam 0 can be identified by SSB 0, the SSB transmission of beam 1 can be identified by SSB 1, and so on.

[0064] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide beam-specific rate matching techniques for rate matching data transmissions around resources (e.g., time and / or frequency resources) used by SSB transmissions in NTNs to address potential issues with sequential SSB transmissions between beams on a common frequency or set of frequencies. Techniques discussed herein include techniques for rate matching data transmissions around SSB resources that may not be used for data transmission (e.g., due to antenna tuning away) or that may be interfered with by SSB transmissions of adjacent beams.

[0065] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations 600 for wireless communications by a UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0066] Operations 600 begin at 602 when a UE receives configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use a same set of frequencies.

[0067] At 604, the UE receives a data channel (eg, PDSCH) using the at least one beam.

[0068] At 606, the UE processes the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0069] Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations 700 for wireless communications by a network entity (eg, a BS or satellite), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0070] Operation 700 begins at 702, when a network entity determines a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use a same set of frequencies.

[0071] At 704, the network entity sends configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode.

[0072] At 706, the network entity transmits the data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0073] In certain aspects, a beam-specific rate matching pattern may define one or more rate matching regions for a beam. Data transmissions on a data channel on a beam (e.g., a PDSCH transmission) may be rate matched around the rate matching region defined for the beam. In one aspect, each rate matching region defined for a beam may include time resources (e.g., symbols) and / or frequency resources (e.g., frequencies in a data BWP). Data transmissions may be rate matched around the time and / or frequency resources of the defined rate matching region.

[0074] In certain aspects, each rate matching region for a beam may correspond to an SSB transmission for the particular beam (including the SSB transmission of the beam itself) and depend on whether the SSB frequency of the SSB transmission is contained (e.g., at least partially contained) within the data BWP of the particular beam.

[0075] As described above, SSB transmissions of multiple beams may use a common SSB frequency. On the one hand, assuming that a common SSB frequency is used between several beams, three different types of rate matching regions may be defined for the beam-specific rate matching mode of the beam. The first type may include a rate matching region corresponding to an SSB transmission of a beam when the SSB frequency is not contained within the data BWP of the beam. The second type may include a rate matching region corresponding to an SSB transmission of a beam when the SSB frequency is contained within the data BWP of the beam. The third type may include a rate matching region corresponding to an SSB transmission of an adjacent beam (having overlapping beam coverage areas) when the SSB frequency is contained within the data BWP of the beam.

[0076] Figure 8 The present invention shows some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5B Example rate matching regions corresponding to SSB transmissions for beams 0 and 1.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the rate matching region 810 for beam 0 can correspond to the SSB transmission of beam 0 (shown as SSB0). The rate matching region 810 can be a first type of rate matching region (e.g., a rate matching region corresponding to the SSB transmission of a beam when the SSB frequency is not included in the data BWP of the beam). Figure 5B As described above, a common SSB frequency (e.g., a common SSB frequency between beams 0-7) may be included in BWP1 assigned to beam 1. Therefore, SSB0 transmission of beam 0 may use the SSB frequency included in BWP1 of beam 1. Since the SSB frequency used for SSB0 transmission is not included in BWP0 assigned to beam 0, the satellite may switch frequencies to transmit SSB0. In this case, Figure 8As shown, the rate matching region 810 may include the entire BWP0 in the frequency domain for a duration 810b in the time domain (e.g., 810a extends Figure 8 The duration 810b of the rate matching region 810 may include an SSB0 transmission (shown as 4 SSB orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols), a first guard period (shown as guard time 1), and a second guard period (shown as guard time 2).

[0078] In one aspect, the duration 810b of the rate matching region 810 may be defined as,

[0079] ceiling(T / (duration of one data OFDM symbol))×(duration of one data OFDM symbol)

[0080] Where T = (guard time 1) + (4 SSB OFDM symbol duration) + (guard time 2). The duration of the rate matching region and the duration of T can be defined based on the data OFDM symbol duration; however, according to the above equation, the two durations may not be equal. A ceiling function may be necessary because T may not be an integer multiple of the data OFDM symbol duration.

[0081] In one aspect, guard time 1 may represent the duration of a frequency switch from data BWP 0 to an SSB frequency, and guard time 2 may represent the duration of a frequency switch from an SSB frequency back to BWP 0. In one aspect, guard times 1 and 2 may be determined based on specified minimum UE requirements for switching between frequencies.

[0082] In one aspect, the use of SSB OFDM symbols and data OFDM symbols in the above expressions may indicate that the subcarrier spacing (SCS) may be different for SSB transmission and data transmission.

[0083] In certain aspects, it may be desirable to consider the impact of phase continuity on channel estimation when rate matching is performed around rate matching region 810. For example, a receiving UE may need to estimate the channel again after the duration of rate matching region 810 (e.g., in some aspects as given by the above expression) expires for use in further data reception.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, the rate matching region 812 for beam 1 may correspond to the SSB transmission of beam 1 (shown as SSB1). The rate matching region 812 may be a second type of rate matching region (e.g., a rate matching region corresponding to the SSB transmission of a beam when the SSB frequency is contained within the data BWP of the beam). Figure 8As shown, the SSB1 transmission of beam 1 may use the SSB frequency contained within BWP1 of beam 1. The rate matching region 812 may include a portion of BWP1 in the frequency domain for SSB1 transmission (e.g., 812a includes only frequency resources for SSB1 transmission), and a duration of the SSB1 transmission in the time domain (e.g., 812b includes only OFDM symbols for SSB1 transmission).

[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, the rate matching region 814 for beam 1 can correspond to the SSB0 transmission of beam 0. Because the SSB frequency used for SSB0 transmission is contained within BWP1 and the beam coverage area of ​​beam 0 overlaps with the beam coverage area of ​​beam 1, data may not be transmitted on beam 1 during the transmission period of SSB0. In one aspect, the data transmission of beam 1 can be rate matched around the resources (e.g., time and frequency resources) used for SSB0 transmission.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the rate matching region 814 may include a portion of BWP1 in the frequency domain for SSB0 transmission, and a duration of SSB0 transmission in the time domain. However, as shown, the rate matching region 814 may be larger than the time and frequency resources used for SSB0 transmission. For example, as shown, the rate matching region 814 may include additional frequencies below and above the SSB frequency (e.g., 814a includes frequency resources for SSB0 transmission plus additional frequencies below and above the SSB frequency) and additional durations (e.g., additional OFDM symbols) before and after SSB0 transmission (e.g., 814b includes OFDM symbols for SSB0 transmission plus additional OFDM symbols before and after the SSB frequency). On the one hand, the additional time and frequency resources address the loss of orthogonality due to different frequency compensation for beam 0 and beam 1. Due to different Doppler shifts, the frequency compensation of UEs in the coverage area of ​​beam 0 and the frequency compensation of UEs in the coverage area of ​​beam 1 may be different. Therefore, beam 0 may not be able to set a frequency compensation for SSB transmission that is useful to UEs in the coverage area of ​​beam 0 while also ensuring that the same frequency compensation is useful to UEs in the coverage area of ​​beam 1 (which perceive the SSB transmission as interference).

[0087] In certain aspects, for a given beam, a network entity (e.g., a BS or satellite) may determine whether to rate match for each SSB transmission of the beam (including the SSB transmission of the beam itself), e.g., based on whether the SSB frequency is within the assigned BWP of the beam or whether the resources of the BWP are prohibited from being used for data transmission during SSB transmission (e.g., during antenna tune-away, as described above). After the network entity determines that rate matching may be performed for the SSB transmission, the network entity may select a mode for rate matching. In one aspect, the selection of the rate matching mode may be based on whether the SSB frequency is within the assigned BWP of the beam or whether the resources of the BWP are prohibited from being used for data transmission during SSB transmission (e.g., during antenna tune-away).

[0088] In the first rate matching mode, the network entity may select a transmission time between the duration and the guard time of the SSB transmission (e.g., Figure 8 In one aspect, when the time and frequency resources of the BWP of the beam are prohibited from being used for data transmission during SSB transmission (e.g., during antenna tune-away), the network entity may select a first rate matching mode corresponding to SSB transmission.

[0089] In a second mode, the network entity may rate match around the time and frequency resources used for the SSB transmission. In one aspect, when the SSB frequency is within the assigned BWP of the beam, the network entity may select a rate matching region corresponding to the SSB transmission. In one aspect, the network entity may select a corresponding rate matching region for rate matching to be the same as the SSB transmission resource region (e.g., for the beam's own SSB transmission) (e.g., may select Figure 8 rate matching region 812).

[0090] In a third mode, the network entity may rate match around the time and frequency resources used for SSB transmissions. In one aspect, the network entity may select a rate matching region corresponding to the SSB transmission when the SSB frequency is not within the assigned BWP of the beam. In one aspect, the network entity may select a corresponding rate matching region for the rate matching region to include the SSB transmission resource region and have additional time and frequency resources to allow for potential orthogonality loss caused by different frequency offset values ​​between adjacent beams (e.g., for SSB transmissions of adjacent beams) (e.g., may select Figure 8 rate matching region 814).

[0091] In certain aspects, a network entity may configure a UE with a beam-specific rate matching mode for beam-specific rate matching on a data channel (e.g., PDSCH) during sequential SSB transmissions between beams on a common SSB frequency.

[0092] In certain aspects, a network entity may use system information (eg, using a system information block (SIB)) to configure the SSB rate matching behavior.

[0093] In one aspect, a network entity may send a common SIB message for all N beams of a satellite. The SIB message may include N rate matching configurations (one for one of the N beams), wherein each of the N rate matching configurations defines a beam-specific rate matching mode for a beam, the beam-specific rate matching mode defining one or more rate matching regions for the beam. Assuming there is one SSB transmission for each of the N beams, each beam may be identified by a corresponding SSB index. Each of the N beam-specific rate matching configurations may include a rate matching information element (IE) (e.g., an SSB rate matching IE) for each of the N SSB transmissions for the N beams, wherein the SSB rate matching IE may take one of three different values. In one example, a value of "0" may define no rate matching and a value of "1" may define rate matching mode 1, which includes rate matching over the entire BWP for the duration of the SSB transmission and guard times 1 and 2 (e.g., as Figure 8 ), a value of "2" may define rate matching mode 2, which includes a rate matching region including SSB transmission resources and additional time and frequency resources (e.g., as Figure 8 814), and a value of "3" may define rate matching mode 3, which includes the same rate matching region as the SSB transmission resource region (e.g., Figure 8 rate matching region 812 as shown).

[0094] In one aspect, the network entity may additionally send (e.g., in a SIB) a phase continuity indicator (e.g., PhaseContinuity IE) for rate matching mode 1. A value of "0" for the phase continuity indicator may indicate that phase continuity is not maintained and the UE may need to re-estimate the channel. In one aspect, when the beam switches from the SSB frequency back to the data BWP of the beam, the network entity may configure an additional demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for channel estimation. A value of "1" for the phase continuity indicator may indicate that phase continuity is maintained and the UE does not need to re-estimate the channel after switching back to the data BWP. In one aspect, the phase continuity indicator may be signaled separately or jointly with the rate matching configuration.

[0095] Table 1 illustrates example rate matching configurations for N=7 beams included in a SIB message in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0096] Beam SSB0 SSB1 SSB2 SSB3 SSB4 SSB5 SSB6 SSB7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

[0097] Table-1

[0098] In certain aspects, SSB rate matching and PhaseContinuity IE may be jointly encoded.

[0099] In one aspect, a beam-specific SIB message may be sent. The SIB message may include a rate matching configuration associated with only one beam. In this case, the rate matching configuration of the beam may be similar to one of the N rate matching configurations described above.

[0100] In one aspect, the UE may use the rate matching configuration received in the SIB and SSB burst information to derive the rate matching region for each beam.

[0101] In certain aspects, a network entity may configure a beam-specific rate matching mode using IE RateMatchPattern as defined in a 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331). The RateMatchPattern IE may be used to configure a rate matching pattern for a PDSCH. In one aspect, for each beam identified by an SSB index, a pair of bitmaps (e.g., a bitmaps IE of the RateMatchPattern IE) may be used to specify a rate matching region. The Bitmaps IE may indicate a rate matching mode via a pair of bitmaps, ResourceBlocks IE and symbolsInResourceBlock IE, to define a rate matching mode within one or two time slots. The ResourceBlocks IE may be a bitmap at a resource block (RB) level in the frequency domain, and may specify the frequency of a rate matching region at an RB granularity. The symbolsInResourceBlock IE may be a bitmap at a symbol level in the time domain, and may specify the symbols of a rate matching region.

[0102] In one aspect, the network may additionally send a phase continuity indicator (e.g., PhaseContinuity IE) for rate matching mode 1. A value of "0" for the phase continuity indicator may indicate that phase continuity is not maintained and the UE may need to re-estimate the channel. A value of "1" for the phase continuity indicator may indicate that phase continuity is maintained and the UE does not need to re-estimate the channel after switching back to the data BWP.

[0103] In certain aspects, additionally or alternatively, for each beam identified by an SSB index, a control resource set (CORESET) may be defined using the ControlResourceSet IE of the RateMatchPattern IE, and the UE may rate match around the configured CORESET. The IE of the RateMatchPattern IE, the ControlResourceSet IE, may define the CORESET used as the PDSCH rate matching pattern (i.e., around which PDSCH reception may be rate matched). In the frequency domain, the resources may be determined by the frequency domain resources of the CORESET with the corresponding CORESET ID. The time domain resources may be determined by the parameters of the associated search space of the CORESET.

[0104] In one aspect, a CORESET may be defined (eg, a beam-specific rate matching pattern may be defined), and an identifier (ID) of the defined CORESET may be passed as a ControlResourceSet IE to the RateMatchPattern IE. The UE may perform rate matching around the defined CORESET.

[0105] In one aspect, the frequencyDomainResources IE of the ControlResourceSet IE may specify the CORESET resources in the frequency domain, and the duration IE of the ControlResourceSet IE may specify the CORESET resources in the time domain. In one aspect, the duration IE may specify the continuous duration of the CORESET in number of symbols. In one aspect, the associated SearchSpace IE may be used to specify the time domain location of the symbol to be rate matched around. The IESearchSpace may define how / where to search for PDCCH candidates. Each search space may be associated with one ControlResourceSet.

[0106] In one aspect, the network entity may additionally send a phase continuity indicator (eg, PhaseContinuity IE) for rate matching mode 1 as described above.

[0107] In certain aspects, a network entity may define a block rate matching pattern to specify a rate matching region for SSB transmissions in an NTN. In one aspect, the block rate pattern may be beam specific. The network entity may pass various parameters defining the block rate matching pattern to the UE. These parameters may include one or more of an offset, a frequency interval, a time interval, and a PeriodityAndPatternIE.

[0108] In some aspects, the offset may specify a rate matching region (e.g., Figure 8 The offset may include an RB index and a symbol index to identify the time and frequency position of the lower left corner of the rate matching region. The RB index may be the index of the RB closest to the rate matching region and outside the rate matching region. The symbol index may be the index of the OFDM symbol closest to the rate matching region and outside the rate matching region.

[0109] In some aspects, the frequency spacing may specify the width of the rate matching region in the frequency domain in terms of the number of RBs. In the first case, when the PDSCH is rate matched over the entire BWP, the frequency spacing may be equal to the number of RBs in the active BWP. In the second case, the frequency spacing may be specified by,

[0110] ceiling(20x(SSB subcarrier spacing) / (data subcarrier spacing))×(data subcarrier spacing)

[0111] In one aspect, the first case may correspond to a case when the SSB frequency of the active beam is not contained within the active BWP of the beam. The second case may correspond to a case when the SSB frequency of the active beam is contained within the active BWP of the beam.

[0112] In one aspect, the frequency interval may be indicated by one bit, wherein "0" indicates the frequency interval according to the first case and "1" indicates the frequency interval according to the second case.

[0113] The time interval can specify the duration of the rate matching region in the time domain in terms of the number of OFDM symbols. In the first case above, the time interval can be specified as,

[0114] ceiling(T / (duration of one data OFDM symbol))×(duration of one data OFDM symbol),

[0115] Where T = (guard time 1) + (4 SSB OFDM symbol duration) + (guard time 2)

[0116] In the second case above, the time interval can be specified as,

[0117] ceiling((4 SSB OFDM symbol duration) / (one data OFDM symbol duration))×(one data OFDM symbol duration)

[0118] The periodicityAndpattern IE may specify the repetition of rate matching. In the first case above, the periodicity period may be equal to the period of the SSB burst set. For the second case above, the periodicity period may be equal to the period of the SSB burst set and the time corresponding to the interfering SSB transmission from the adjacent beam within the SSB burst set period.

[0119] In an aspect, the network entity may additionally send a phase continuity indicator (eg, PhaseContinuity IE) for rate matching mode 1 as described above.

[0120] Fig. 9The diagrams may include a method configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 6 900 includes various components (e.g., corresponding to means plus functional components) of the communication device 900 and the operations shown in FIG. 900. The communication device 900 includes a processing system 902 coupled to a transceiver 908. The transceiver 908 is configured to send and receive signals for the communication device 900, such as the various signals described herein, via an antenna 910. The processing system 902 can be configured to perform processing functions for the communication device 900, including processing signals received and / or to be transmitted by the communication device 900.

[0121] The processing system 902 includes a processor 904 coupled to a computer readable medium / memory 912 via a bus 906. In some aspects, the computer readable medium / memory 912 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer executable code) that, when executed by the processor 904, cause the processor 904 to perform Figure 6 , or other operations for performing various techniques discussed herein. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 912 stores: code 914 for receiving (e.g., for receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies); code 916 for receiving (e.g., for receiving a data channel using the at least one beam); and code 918 for processing (e.g., for processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode). In some aspects, the processor 904 has circuitry configured to implement the code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 912. Processor 904 includes: a circuit 924 for receiving (e.g., for receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies); a circuit 926 for receiving (e.g., for receiving a data channel using the at least one beam); and a circuit 928 for processing (e.g., for processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode).

[0122] Fig.10 The diagrams may include a method configured to perform operations for the techniques disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 71000 includes various components (e.g., corresponding to means plus functional components) of the communication device 1000 and the operation shown in FIG. 1000. The communication device 1000 includes a processing system 1002 coupled to a transceiver 1008. The transceiver 1008 is configured to send and receive signals for the communication device 1000, such as the various signals described herein, via an antenna 1010. The processing system 1002 can be configured to perform processing functions for the communication device 1000, including processing signals received and / or to be transmitted by the communication device 1000.

[0123] The processing system 1002 includes a processor 1004 coupled to a computer readable medium / memory 1012 via a bus 1006. In some aspects, the computer readable medium / memory 1012 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer executable code) that, when executed by the processor 1004, cause the processor 1004 to perform Figure 7 , or other operations for performing various techniques discussed herein. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 1012 stores: code 1014 for determining (e.g., for determining a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein SSB transmissions corresponding to each of the plurality of beams are configured to use the same set of frequencies); code 1016 for sending (e.g., for sending configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching pattern); and code 1018 for sending (e.g., for sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern). In some aspects, the processor 1004 has circuitry configured to implement the code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 1012. Processor 1004 includes: a circuit 1024 for determining (e.g., for determining a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a UE, wherein an SSB transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured to use the same set of frequencies); a circuit 1026 for sending (e.g., for sending configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching mode); and a circuit 1028 for sending (e.g., for sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching mode).

[0124] Exemplary Aspects

[0125] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured to use the same set of frequencies; receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and processing the data channel based on the rate matching mode.

[0126] Aspect 2: A method according to Aspect 1, wherein the rate matching pattern defines at least one of the following: a first rate matching region, corresponding to a first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is not included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel on the at least one beam; a second rate matching region, corresponding to the first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam; or a third rate matching region, corresponding to a second SSB transmission for an adjacent beam among the multiple beams when the frequency set is included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam, wherein the data channel is rate matched around at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region.

[0127] Aspect 3: A method according to Aspect 2, wherein the first rate matching region includes: the entire bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain; and the duration of the first SSB transmission, the first protection period and the second protection period in the time domain.

[0128] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3, wherein the first guard period includes the time taken for the UE to switch from the BWP of the at least one beam to the frequency set used to receive the first SSB transmission.

[0129] Aspect 5: The method according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the second guard period includes the time taken for the UE to switch back from the frequency set to the BWP of the at least one beam.

[0130] Aspect 6: A method according to any one of Aspects 2-5, wherein the second rate matching region includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, the portion being used for the first SSB transmission; and a duration of the first SSB transmission in the time domain.

[0131] Aspect 7: A method according to any one of Aspects 2-6, wherein the third rate matching region includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, wherein the portion includes: another frequency set in the BWP used for the second SSB transmission, and an additional frequency set of at least one item above or below the other frequency set; and a time period including: the duration of the second SSB transmission in the time domain, and an additional duration of at least one item before or after the duration.

[0132] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 7, wherein the additional frequency set and the additional time duration are based on frequency compensation values ​​for the at least one beam and the adjacent beam.

[0133] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of Aspects 2-8 further includes: receiving a bitmap pattern configuring the rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for each SSB transmission of a beam among the multiple beams, the bitmap pattern indicates at least one of the first rate matching area, the second rate matching area, the third rate matching area, or no rate matching.

[0134] Aspect 10: The method according to Aspect 9, wherein the bitmap pattern configures at least one additional rate matching pattern for a different beam among the plurality of beams.

[0135] Aspect 11: The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: receiving the bitmap pattern as part of a system information block (SIB).

[0136] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 9-11 further includes: receiving a phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching area, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching area.

[0137] Aspect 13: The method according to Aspect 12, wherein the bitmap pattern and the phase continuity indicator are jointly encoded.

[0138] Aspect 14: A method according to any one of Aspects 2-13, wherein the rate matching mode for the at least one beam is defined by a control resource set (CORESET), and the method further includes: receiving configuration information for the CORESET, the configuration information including: an identifier of the CORESET; an indication of the frequency domain resources of the CORESET; an indication of the continuous duration of the CORESET; and a search space set indicating an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of at least one of the first rate matching area, the second rate matching area, or the third rate matching area.

[0139] Aspect 15: The method according to Aspect 14 further includes: receiving a phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching area, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching area.

[0140] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 2-15 further includes: receiving configuration information for configuring the rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for at least one of the first rate matching area, the second rate matching area or the third rate matching area, the configuration information includes: a frequency offset including a resource block index; a time offset including an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol index, wherein the combination of the frequency offset and the time offset indicates the lower left corner of the rate matching area; a frequency interval according to the number of resource blocks, the frequency interval indicating the frequency domain resources of the rate matching area; and a time interval according to the number of OFDM symbols, the time interval indicating the time domain resources of the rate matching area.

[0141] Aspect 17: The method according to Aspect 16 further includes: receiving a periodicity indicator indicating a repetition pattern of the rate matching region.

[0142] Aspect 18: The method according to Aspect 16 or 17 further includes: receiving a phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching area, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching area.

[0143] Aspect 19: A method for wireless communication by a network entity, comprising: determining a beam-specific rate matching pattern for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a user equipment (UE), wherein a synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission corresponding to each of the plurality of beams is configured to use the same set of frequencies; sending configuration information indicating the beam-specific rate matching pattern; and sending a data channel using the at least one beam based on the rate matching pattern.

[0144] Aspect 20: A method according to Aspect 19, wherein the rate matching pattern defines at least one of the following: a first rate matching region, corresponding to a first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is not included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel on the at least one beam; a second rate matching region, corresponding to the first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam; or a third rate matching region, corresponding to a second SSB transmission for an adjacent beam among the multiple beams when the frequency set is included in the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam, wherein the data channel is rate matched around at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region.

[0145] Aspect 21: A method according to Aspect 20, wherein the first rate matching region includes: the entire bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain; and the duration of the first SSB transmission, the first protection period and the second protection period in the time domain.

[0146] Aspect 22: A method according to Aspect 20 or 21, wherein the second rate matching region includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, the portion being used for the first SSB transmission; and a duration of the first SSB transmission in the time domain.

[0147] Aspect 23: A method according to any one of Aspects 20-22, wherein the third rate matching region includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, wherein the portion includes: another frequency set in the BWP for the second SSB transmission, and an additional frequency set of at least one item above or below the other frequency set; and a time period including: the duration of the second SSB transmission in the time domain, and an additional duration of at least one item before or after the duration.

[0148] Aspect 24: A method according to any one of Aspects 20-23, wherein sending the configuration information includes: sending a bitmap pattern configuring the rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for each SSB transmission of a beam among the multiple beams, the bitmap pattern indicates at least one of the first rate matching area, the second rate matching area, the third rate matching area, or no rate matching.

[0149] Aspect 25: The method according to Aspect 24 further includes: sending a phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching area, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE served by the network entity is to determine a new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching area.

[0150] Aspect 26: A method according to Aspect 25, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates that the UE served by the network entity is to determine the new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching region, and also includes: configuring an additional demodulation reference signal (DMRS) after the duration of the first rate matching region.

[0151] Aspect 27: The method according to any one of Aspects 20-26 further includes: sending the configuration information for configuring the rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for at least one of the first rate matching area, the second rate matching area or the third rate matching area, the configuration information includes: a first bitmap that defines frequency resources at the granularity of resource blocks; and a second bitmap that defines the duration at the granularity of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

[0152] Aspect 28: The method according to Aspect 27 further includes: sending a phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching area, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE served by the network entity is to determine a new channel estimate after the duration of the first rate matching area.

[0153] Aspect 29: An apparatus for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), comprising: a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the memory and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1-18.

[0154] Aspect 30: An apparatus comprising at least one unit for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1-18.

[0155] Aspect 31: A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable code for wireless communication, the computer-executable code, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1-18.

[0156] Aspect 32: An apparatus for wireless communication by a network entity, comprising: a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the memory and the at least one processor configured to perform the method according to any one of aspects 19-28.

[0157] Aspect 33: An apparatus comprising at least one unit for performing the method according to any one of aspects 19-28.

[0158] Aspect 34: A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable code for wireless communication, the computer-executable code, when executed by at least one processor, causes an apparatus to perform a method according to any one of aspects 19-28.

[0159] Other considerations

[0160] The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication technologies, such as NR (e.g., 5G NR), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and other networks. The terms "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, and the like. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. cdma2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). OFDMA networks may implement radio technologies such as NR (e.g., 5G RA), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, and the like. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE and LTE-A are versions of UMTS that use EUTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP), and cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). NR is an emerging wireless communication technology under development.

[0161] In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to the coverage area of ​​a Node B (NB) and / or a NB subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In NR systems, the terms "cell" and BS, next-generation Node B (gNB or gNodeB), access point (AP), distributed unit (DU), carrier or transmit receive point (TRP) can be used interchangeably. The BS can provide communication coverage for macro cells, pico cells, femto cells and / or other types of cells. A macro cell can cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and can allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions. A pico cell can cover a relatively small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access to UEs with service subscriptions. A femto cell can cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and can allow limited access to UEs associated with a femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in a home, etc.). A BS for a macro cell can be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a pico cell can be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for a femto cell can be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS.

[0162] UE may also be referred to as a mobile station, a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a station, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, an appliance, a medical device or medical equipment, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device such as a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring, a smart bracelet, etc.), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, a satellite radio device, etc.), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, an industrial manufacturing device, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium. Some UEs may be considered machine type communication (MTC) devices or evolved MTC (eMTC) devices. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, location tags, etc., which can communicate with a BS, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. A wireless node can provide, for example, a connection to or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via a wired or wireless communication link. Some UEs may be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which may be narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices.

[0163] In some examples, access to the air interface can be scheduled. A scheduling entity (e.g., BS) allocates resources for communicating between some or all devices and apparatuses within its service area or cell. A scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more subordinate entities. That is, for scheduled communications, subordinate entities utilize resources assigned by the scheduling entity. The base station is not the only entity that can be used as a scheduling entity. In some examples, a UE may act as a scheduling entity, and may schedule resources for one or more subordinate entities (e.g., one or more other UEs), and other UEs may utilize resources scheduled by the UE for wireless communications. In some examples, a UE may act as a scheduling entity in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network and / or in a mesh network. In a mesh network example, UEs may communicate directly with each other in addition to communicating with a scheduling entity.

[0164] The method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for implementing the method. The steps and / or actions of the method can be interchangeable with each other. That is, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions can be modified.

[0165] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0166] As used herein, the term "determining" includes a variety of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Also, "determining" may include solving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0167] The previous description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Unless explicitly stated, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more". Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or will be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, none of the contents disclosed herein are intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element should be interpreted according to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), unless the element is explicitly stated with the phrase "unit for...", or in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for..." is used to state the element.

[0168] The various operations of the above method can be performed by any suitable unit capable of performing the corresponding functions. The unit may include various hardware and / or (one or more) software components and / or (one or more) modules, including but not limited to circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or processors. Generally, where there are operations shown in the figure, those operations may have corresponding corresponding units plus functional components with similar numbers.

[0169] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0170] If implemented in hardware, an exemplary hardware configuration may include a processing system in a wireless node. The processing system may be implemented using a bus architecture. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system, the bus may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges. The bus may link together various circuits including a processor, a machine-readable medium, and a bus interface. The bus interface may be used to connect a network adapter, etc., to the processing system via the bus. The network adapter may be used to implement the signal processing functions of the PHY layer. In a user terminal (see Figure 1 ), a user interface (e.g., a keypad, display, mouse, joystick, etc.) may also be connected to the bus. The bus may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, power management circuits, etc., which are well known in the art and will not be described further. The processor may be implemented with one or more general and / or special purpose processors. Examples include microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSP processors, and other circuits capable of executing software. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to best implement the described functionality of the processing system depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the entire system.

[0171] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Software should be broadly interpreted as representing instructions, data, or any combination thereof, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. The processor may be responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software modules stored on a machine-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and can write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. As an example, a machine-readable medium may include a transmission line, a carrier modulated by data, and / or a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon separated from a wireless node, all of which may be accessed by a processor through a bus interface. Alternatively or in addition, a machine-readable medium or any part thereof may be integrated into a processor, such as a cache memory and / or a general register stack. As an example, examples of machine-readable storage media may include RAM (random access memory), flash memory, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory), registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard drives, or any other suitable storage media, or any combination thereof. The machine-readable medium may be included in a computer program product.

[0172] A software module may include a single instruction or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, in different programs, and across multiple storage media. A computer-readable medium may include multiple software modules. A software module includes instructions that, when executed by a device such as a processor, cause a processing system to perform various functions. A software module may include a transmission module and a reception module. Each software module may reside in a single storage device or may be distributed over multiple storage devices. As an example, when a triggering event occurs, a software module may be loaded from a hard drive into a RAM. During the execution of a software module, a processor may load some instructions into a cache memory to increase access speed. One or more cache memory lines may then be loaded into a general register stack for execution by the processor. When the functions of a software module are mentioned below, it will be understood that such functions are implemented by the processor when instructions from the software module are executed.

[0173] In addition, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared (IR), radio, and microwaves are used to transmit software from a website, server, or other remote source, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwaves are included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, disks and optical disks include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and optical discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Therefore, in some aspects, a computer-readable medium may include a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible medium). In addition, for other aspects, a computer-readable medium may include a temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., a signal). The above combination may also be considered as an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0174] Thus, certain aspects may include a computer program product for performing the operations presented herein. For example, such a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium having stored thereon (and / or encoded thereon) instructions, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein, for example, for performing the operations described herein and in Figure 6 and / or Figure 7 The operations shown in the instructions.

[0175] In addition, it should be understood that the modules and / or other appropriate units for performing the methods and techniques described herein can be downloaded and / or otherwise obtained by the user terminal and / or base station when applicable. For example, such a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of units for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, the various methods described herein can be provided via a storage unit (e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or a floppy disk, etc.), so that the user terminal and / or base station can obtain the various methods after coupling or providing the storage unit to the device. In addition, any other suitable technology for providing the methods and techniques described herein to the device can be utilized.

[0176] It is to be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus described above.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: Receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein the beam-specific rate matching mode indicates one of different rate matching modes associated with different rate matching regions for the at least one beam or no rate matching; receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and The data channel is processed based on the beam-specific rate matching pattern.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: One or more synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions corresponding to one or more of the plurality of beams are configured to use a same set of frequencies; and The beam-specific rate matching mode defines at least one of the following: a first rate matching region corresponding to a first SSB transmission for the at least one beam among the one or more SSB transmissions when the frequency set is not included in a frequency resource assigned for receiving the data channel on the at least one beam; a second rate matching region corresponding to the first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is included within the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam; or a third rate matching region corresponding to a second SSB transmission for an adjacent beam of the plurality of beams among the one or more SSB transmissions when the frequency set is included in the frequency resource assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam, The data channel performs rate matching around at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The first rate matching area includes: an entire bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain; and The duration of the first SSB transmission, the first guard period, and the second guard period in the time domain.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The first guard period comprises the time it takes for the UE to switch from the BWP of the at least one beam to the frequency set for receiving the first SSB transmission.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The second guard period includes the time taken for the UE to switch from the frequency set back to the BWP of the at least one beam.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The second rate matching area includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, the portion being used for the first SSB transmission; and The duration of the first SSB transmission in the time domain.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The third rate matching area includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, wherein the portion comprises: another set of frequencies in the BWP for the second SSB transmission, and an additional set of frequencies at least one of above or below the another set of frequencies; and A time period comprising: a duration of the second SSB transmission in the time domain, and an additional duration at least one of before or after the duration.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The additional set of frequencies and the additional time duration are based on frequency compensation values ​​for the at least one beam and the neighboring beam.

9. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: Receive a bitmap pattern for configuring the beam-specific rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for the one or more SSB transmissions corresponding to the one or more beams in the plurality of beams, the bitmap pattern indicates at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, the third rate matching region, or no rate matching.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The bitmap pattern configures at least one additional beam-specific rate matching pattern for a different beam among the plurality of beams.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to receive the bitmap pattern as part of a system information block (SIB).

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: A phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching region is received, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The bitmap pattern and the phase continuity indicator are jointly encoded.

14. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The beam-specific rate matching pattern for the at least one beam is defined by a control resource set (CORESET), wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive configuration information for the CORESET, the configuration information comprising: The identifier of the CORESET; an indication of frequency domain resources of the CORESET; an indication of the continuous duration of the CORESET; and A search space set indicates an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: A phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching region is received, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region.

16. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to receive configuration information for configuring the beam-specific rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region, the configuration information comprises: A frequency offset including a resource block index; a time offset comprising an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol index, wherein a combination of the frequency offset and the time offset indicates a lower left corner of a rate matching region from the at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region; A frequency interval according to the number of resource blocks, the frequency interval indicating the frequency domain resources of the rate matching region; and The time interval is a time interval of the number of OFDM symbols, and the time interval indicates the time domain resource of the rate matching area.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to receive a periodicity indicator indicating a repetition pattern of the rate matching region.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: A phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching region is received, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether the UE is to determine a new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region.

19. An apparatus for wireless communication by a network entity, comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to: determining a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a user equipment (UE), wherein the beam-specific rate matching mode indicates one of different rate matching modes associated with different rate matching regions for the at least one beam or no rate matching; Sending configuration information for indicating the beam-specific rate matching mode; and A data channel is transmitted using the at least one beam based on the beam-specific rate matching pattern.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein One or more synchronization signal block (SSB) transmissions corresponding to one or more of the plurality of beams are configured to use a same set of frequencies; and The beam-specific rate matching mode defines at least one of the following: a first rate matching region corresponding to a first SSB transmission for the at least one beam among the one or more SSB transmissions when the frequency set is not included in a frequency resource assigned for receiving the data channel on the at least one beam; a second rate matching region corresponding to the first SSB transmission for the at least one beam when the frequency set is included within the frequency resources assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam; or a third rate matching region corresponding to a second SSB transmission for an adjacent beam of the plurality of beams among the one or more SSB transmissions when the frequency set is included in the frequency resource assigned for receiving the data channel of the at least one beam, The data channel performs rate matching around at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The first rate matching area includes: an entire bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain; and The duration of the first SSB transmission, the first guard period, and the second guard period in the time domain.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The second rate matching area includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, the portion being used for the first SSB transmission; and The duration of the first SSB transmission in the time domain.

23. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The third rate matching area includes: a portion of a bandwidth part (BWP) assigned to the at least one beam in the frequency domain, wherein the portion comprises: another set of frequencies in the BWP for the second SSB transmission, and an additional set of frequencies at least one of above or below the another set of frequencies; and A time period comprising: a duration of the second SSB transmission in the time domain, and an additional duration at least one of before or after the duration.

24. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to send the configuration information by sending a bitmap pattern for configuring the beam-specific rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for the one or more SSB transmissions corresponding to the one or more beams of the plurality of beams, the bitmap pattern indicates at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, the third rate matching region, or no rate matching.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: A phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching region is transmitted, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether a UE served by the network entity is to determine a new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein The phase continuity indicator indicates that the UE served by the network entity is to determine the new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region, and the at least one processor is further configured to: An additional demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is configured after the duration of the first rate matching region.

27. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to: and sending the configuration information for configuring the beam-specific rate matching mode for the at least one beam, wherein, for at least one of the first rate matching region, the second rate matching region, or the third rate matching region, the configuration information includes: a first bitmap that defines frequency resources at a granularity of resource blocks; and A second bitmap that defines the duration at the granularity of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein The at least one processor is further configured to: A phase continuity indicator corresponding to each configuration of the first rate matching region is transmitted, wherein the phase continuity indicator indicates whether a UE served by the network entity is to determine a new channel estimate after a duration of the first rate matching region.

29. A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Receiving configuration information indicating a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for the UE, wherein the beam-specific rate matching mode indicates one of different rate matching modes associated with different rate matching regions for the at least one beam or no rate matching; receiving a data channel using the at least one beam; and The data channel is processed based on the beam-specific rate matching pattern.

30. A method for wireless communication by a network entity, comprising: determining a beam-specific rate matching mode for at least one beam of a plurality of beams configured for a user equipment (UE), wherein the beam-specific rate matching mode indicates one of different rate matching modes associated with different rate matching regions for the at least one beam or no rate matching; Sending configuration information for indicating the beam-specific rate matching mode; and A data channel is transmitted using the at least one beam based on the beam-specific rate matching pattern.

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