Compensation of residual time-frequency errors in communication

Abstract

Devices, methods, and computer programs for compensation of residual time-frequency error(s) in communications between a network node device and a client device are disclosed. A network node determines an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication comprising presence information and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in a physical downlink channel transmission. The network node device transmits, to a client device, an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel in accordance with the determined auxiliary reference signal indication. The client device uses the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for residual time-frequency error(s) in the communications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to communication networks, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to the compensation of residual time-frequency errors in communication. Background Technology

[0002] In cellular communication networks, user equipment (UE) requires time synchronization to access the network and establish a data communication link with the base station. In fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) wireless networks, the need for accurate time and frequency synchronization is further increased because waveform and multiple access technologies are based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). Without time and frequency synchronization, the received signal will be severely degraded due to interference such as inter-block interference (IBI) and inter-carrier interference (ICI). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples that can be used to understand the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] An example embodiment of a network node device includes components for performing the following: determining an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in physical downlink channel transmission, the auxiliary reference signal being used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the network node device and a client device; and causing the network node device to send an auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel to the client device according to the determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0005] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is further configured to perform: causing the network node device to send a determined auxiliary reference signal indication to the client device before sending the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel.

[0006] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: an explicit presence and / or location indication to be included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the explicit presence and / or location indication indicating the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or an implicit presence and / or location indication to be included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the implicit presence and / or location indication including derived information for deriving the presence or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted on the physical downlink channel.

[0007] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the auxiliary reference signal includes at least one of the following: a demodulation reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location of common search space TYPE0; or a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1; or one or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal repeating after K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel; or repeating after L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols of a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel or a first symbol reserved for the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1 or a first symbol reserved for the demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

[0008] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is also configured to perform: determining the type of demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 based on the auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0009] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the location information includes frequency / time location information or symbol / physical resource block location information.

[0010] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause execution of the network node device.

[0011] An example embodiment of one method includes: a network node device determining an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in physical downlink channel transmission, the auxiliary reference signal being used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the network node device and a client device; and the network node device transmitting the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel to the client device based on the determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0012] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes the network node device sending a determined auxiliary reference signal indication to the client device before sending an auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel.

[0013] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: an explicit presence and / or location indication to be included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the explicit presence and / or location indication indicating the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or an implicit presence and / or location indication to be included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the implicit presence and / or location indication including derived information for deriving the presence or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted on the physical downlink channel.

[0014] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the auxiliary reference signal includes at least one of the following: a demodulation reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location of common search space TYPE0; or a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1; or one or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal repeating after K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel; or repeating after L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols of a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel or a first symbol reserved for the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1 or a first symbol reserved for the demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

[0015] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes determining the type of demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 based on an auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0016] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the location information includes frequency / time location information or symbol / physical resource block location information.

[0017] An example embodiment of a computer program includes instructions for causing a network node device to perform at least the following: determining an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in physical downlink channel transmission, the auxiliary reference signal being used for compensation of one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the network node device and a client device; and sending the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel to the client device according to the determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0018] An example embodiment of a network node device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the network node device to at least: determine an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in physical downlink channel transmission, the auxiliary reference signal being used for compensation of one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the network node device and a client device; and transmit the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel to the client device according to the determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0019] An example embodiment of a client device includes components for performing the following: causing the client device to receive an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel from a network node device according to an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of the auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission; and using the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the client device and the network node device.

[0020] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is also configured to perform an action that causes the client device to receive an auxiliary reference signal indication from the network node device before receiving an auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel.

[0021] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is further configured to perform: determining the presence and location of the auxiliary reference signal in subsequent physical downlink channel transmission based on the presence and location information in the received auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0022] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: an explicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the explicit presence and / or location indication indicating the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or an implicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the implicit presence and / or location indication including derived information for deriving the presence or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted on the physical downlink channel.

[0023] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the auxiliary reference signal includes at least one of the following: a demodulation reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location of common search space TYPE0; or a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1; or one or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal repeating after K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel; or repeating after L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols of a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel or a first symbol reserved for the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1 or a first symbol reserved for the demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

[0024] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is also configured to perform: determining the type of demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 based on the auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0025] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the location information includes frequency / time location information or symbol / physical resource block location information.

[0026] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component is also configured to perform: determining presence information based on the subcarrier spacing ratio between the synchronization signal block and the control resource set #0.

[0027] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the component includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the aforementioned execution of the client device.

[0028] An example embodiment of a method includes: receiving, at a client device, an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel from a network node device according to an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission; and having the client device use the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the client device and the network node device.

[0029] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes receiving an auxiliary reference signal indication from a network node device before the client device receives an auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel.

[0030] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes the client device determining the presence and location of the auxiliary reference signal in subsequent physical downlink channel transmission based on the presence and location information in the received auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0031] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: an explicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the explicit presence and / or location indication indicating the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or an implicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the implicit presence and / or location indication including derived information for deriving the presence or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted on the physical downlink channel.

[0032] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the auxiliary reference signal includes at least one of the following: a demodulation reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location of common search space TYPE0; or a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1; or one or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal repeating after K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel; or repeating after L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols of a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or a first symbol reserved for the type 0 physical downlink control channel or a first symbol reserved for the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1 or a first symbol reserved for the demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

[0033] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes determining the type of demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 based on an auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0034] In the example embodiments, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiments, the location information includes frequency / time location information or symbol / physical resource block location information.

[0035] In an example embodiment, as an alternative or supplement to the above example embodiment, the method further includes determining presence information based on the subcarrier spacing ratio between the synchronization signal block and the control resource set #0.

[0036] An example embodiment of a computer program includes instructions for causing a client device to perform at least the following: receiving an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel from a network node device according to an auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of an auxiliary reference signal in the transmission of the physical downlink channel; and using the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the client device and the network node device.

[0037] An example embodiment of a client device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to at least: receive an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel from a network node device, the auxiliary reference signal indicating the presence and location of an auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission; and use the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the client device and the network node device. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the specification, help to explain the principles of the embodiments. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 Example embodiments of the subject matter described herein are shown, illustrating example systems in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0040] Figure 2A An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown, illustrating a network node device;

[0041] Figure 2B An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown, illustrating a client device;

[0042] Figure 3 An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown, illustrating a method;

[0043] Figure 4 Example embodiments of the subject matter described herein are shown, illustrating extended reuse patterns; and

[0044] Figures 5A-5C An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown, illustrating a reuse pattern.

[0045] The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to denote the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of the present example and not as representing the only form in which the present example can be constructed or utilized. The specification sets forth the functionality of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functionality and sequence can be implemented through different examples.

[0047] Figure 1 Example system 100 in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. System 100 may include a fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) network 110. An example representation of system 100 is shown, depicting a network node device 200 and a client device 210. In at least some embodiments, the 5G NR network 110 may utilize high carrier frequencies, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, in at least some communications between the network node device 200 and the client device 210. In at least some embodiments, the mmWave band may include a carrier frequency range of 52.6 GHz and above. In at least some embodiments, the mmWave band may include a carrier frequency range from 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz. In at least some embodiments, the mmWave band may be used for, for example, industrial private networks, time-sensitive networks, high-accuracy positioning, environmental sensing (such as radar applications), and / or audiovisual interaction (such as wireless augmented reality applications).

[0048] Client device 210 may include, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or any handheld or portable device, or a device used for sidechain communication. Client device 210 may also be referred to as user equipment (UE). Network node device 200 may be a base station. The base station may include, for example, a fifth-generation base station (gNB) or any such device suitable for providing an air interface for client devices to connect to the wireless network via wireless transmission.

[0049] Various example embodiments will be discussed below. At least some of these example embodiments allow for residual timing error compensation for network deployments with high carrier frequencies (e.g., above 52.6 GHz). In this case, the subcarrier spacing associated with the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) GHz transmission can be smaller compared to the Control Resource Set #0 (CORESET#0) / Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) / Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). This objective can be achieved by means of an auxiliary reference signal that can be associated with the SSB transmission.

[0050] Figure 2A This is a block diagram of a network node device 200 according to an example embodiment.

[0051] Network node device 200 includes components 202 and 204 for inducing execution of network node device 200. Components 202 and 204 may include one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204 including computer program code. At least one memory 204 and computer program code may be configured to induce execution of network node device 200 together with at least one processor 202. Network node device 200 may also include other elements, such as transceiver 206.

[0052] Although network node device 200 is described as including only one processor 202, network node device 200 may include more processors. In one embodiment, memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Furthermore, memory 204 may include storage means that can be used to store at least some of the information and data used, for example, in the disclosed embodiments.

[0053] Furthermore, processor 202 is capable of executing stored instructions. In one embodiment, processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry system with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, application-specific computer chips, etc.). In one embodiment, processor 202 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. In one embodiment, processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions specifically configure processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0054] Memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, memory 204 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0055] Network node device 200 may be a base station. A base station may include, for example, a fifth-generation base station (gNB) or any such device that provides an air interface for client devices to connect to the wireless network via wireless transmission.

[0056] Components 202 and 204 are configured to perform the determination of an auxiliary reference signal indication. The auxiliary reference signal indication includes information on the presence and location (e.g., in time and / or frequency and / or multiplexing) of an auxiliary reference signal in physical downlink channel transmissions (such as Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) transmissions or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) transmissions). The auxiliary reference signal will be used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between network node device 200 and client device 210. Hereinafter, the term "time-frequency error" refers to time-domain error and / or frequency-domain error. At least in some embodiments, the location information may include frequency / time location information or symbol / physical resource block (PRB) location information. This allows client device 210 to know the frequency-domain location of the auxiliary reference signal (i.e., the PRB allocation for CORESET#0).

[0057] In other words, to enable UE 210 to compensate for residual timing errors (multiple), an auxiliary reference signal is introduced into the SSB and / or MIB transmission. This signal is present when a trigger condition is met. Network node device 200 can send an SSB or MIB with trigger condition information (i.e., an auxiliary reference signal indication and its presence and location information) to UE 210. The trigger condition information allows UE 210 to determine whether the auxiliary reference signal (RS) will be available in the PDCCH / PDSCH. Furthermore, the trigger condition information allows UE 210 to determine the location of the auxiliary RS. The auxiliary reference signal can be used by UE 210 to detect and / or compensate for residual time-frequency errors at higher carrier frequencies (such as above 52.6 GHz) in downlink and / or uplink transmissions. As will be discussed in more detail below, UE 210 receives the MIB and trigger condition information from network node device 200, and UE 210 determines whether the trigger condition is met based on the MIB and trigger condition information. Network node device 200 sends the PDCCH / PDSCH and auxiliary RS to UE 210 at a designated location in the PDCCH / PDSCH. If the triggering condition is met, UE 210 identifies the auxiliary RS within the PDCCH / PDSCH at that location.

[0058] For example, presence and location information may include explicit presence and / or location indications. Explicit presence and / or location indications will be included in the Master Information Block (MIB) carried by the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). Explicit presence and / or location indications specify the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal.

[0059] In other words, the triggering condition can be indicated via an explicit indication as part of the MIB (in the PBCH). For example, signal / RS multiplexing and occurrence modes can be explicitly provided or indicated as part of the MIB. The MIB size can remain unchanged. Explicit indication can be implemented, for example, by providing it in free bits, or by reducing the configurability of the current MIB and borrowing / reusing the reduced bits for explicit indication.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, presence and location information may include implicit presence and / or location indications. Implicit presence and / or location indications will be included in the MIB carried by the PBCH. Implicit presence and / or location indications include derived information used to derive the presence and / or location of auxiliary reference signals transmitted on physical downlink channels (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH).

[0061] In other words, the triggering condition can be indicated implicitly. For example, the triggering condition can be derived based on the ratio of the parameter set (numerology) between CORESET#0 and SSB indicated by the MIB: if this ratio meets a threshold and if the carrier frequency is higher than 52.6 GHz, then UE 210 can determine that network node 200 will be able to guarantee the presence of the auxiliary RS in the PDCCH / PDSCH. Otherwise, UE 210 can determine that the presence of the auxiliary RS in the PDCCH and / or PDSCH is not guaranteed. For example, based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) information of CORESET#0 provided in the MIB, UE 210 can determine the decision value K=SCS. CORESET#0 / SCS SSB If both conditions K≥2 and carrier frequency>52.6GHz are valid, then UE 210 can determine that the auxiliary reference signal exists and can be used for residual timing error compensation. Otherwise, UE 210 can determine that the existence of the auxiliary reference signal is not guaranteed.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the triggering conditions may be indicated, for example, by using dedicated signaling from the UE 210 regarding the appropriate target frequency band or range.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the triggering conditions may be derived based on other criteria, such as pre-specifying each second SSB position in the frequency as an inference that "auxiliary RS will exist" and pre-specifying the remaining positions as an inference that "auxiliary signal RS will not exist".

[0064] For example, the auxiliary reference signal may include a demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 associated with at least one location of common search space TYPE0. In other words, the "normally open" Type0-PDCCH DMRS associated with CORESET#0 can be used as an auxiliary RS, in which case UE 210 can assume the presence of Type0-PDCCH DMRS when the trigger condition is met. In at least some embodiments, the wideband DMRS can become an attribute of CORESET when the trigger condition is met. "Normal open" may allow UE 210 to determine in this case that CORESET#0 DMRS is transmitted even in the absence of control data.

[0065] The common search space for type 0 PDCCH is a subset of the NR PDCCH search space, which can be dedicated to sending PDCCHs for decoding System Information (SI) messages (System Information Block SIBs).

[0066] In this document, DMRS “normally open” may include at least one of the following:

[0067] - It involves the timing of PDCCH monitoring determined by the type 0 PDCCH public search space;

[0068] - The number of antenna ports is equal to 1;

[0069] - The pre-encoder granularity is determined based on the consecutive PRBs of CORESET#0;

[0070] - Precoder granularity is determined based on MIB;

[0071] -DMRS type is "narrowband"; or

[0072] -DMRS type is "broadband".

[0073] Precoder granularity parameters can relate to a precoder-cycle-based transmit diversity scheme (1-port), where the gNB can modify the phase of the Tx antenna / beam based on a predefined PRB and OFDM symbol grid. Frequency-based precoder granularity defines the PRB in which the UE can assume phase continuity, while time-based precoder granularity defines the OFDM symbols in which the UE can assume phase continuity. The UE can assume that consecutive OFDM symbols in the CORESET are transmitted using the same precoder. In other words, time-based precoder granularity can correspond to the number of OFDM symbols in the CORESET. Frequency-based precoder granularity can be a configuration parameter or implicitly derived from another DMRS attribute. An example of implicit signaling is defining the frequency-based precoder granularity based on consecutive PRBs in the CORESET when wideband DMRS is already configured.

[0074] Alternatively / additionally, the auxiliary reference signal may include the first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of the PDSCH carrying system information block #1 (SIB1). In other words, the auxiliary RS or time-frequency tracking reference signal (TRS) may be included in the first OFDM symbol of the PDSCH carrying SIB1.

[0075] Alternatively / additionally, one or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal may repeat over K consecutive symbols following the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or the first symbol reserved for type 0 PDCCH, or repeat over L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols following the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or the first symbol reserved for type 0 PDCCH or the first symbol reserved for PDSCH carrying system information block #1 or DMRS carrying system information block #1 PDSCH.

[0076] In other words, UE 210 may assume that the resources of the auxiliary RS repeat over K consecutive symbols following the configured / reserved beam-switching symbol or the first symbol reserved for type 0 PDCCH, or that the resources of the auxiliary RS repeat over L symbols following K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols following the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol or the first symbol reserved for type 0 PDCCH or for the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1 or for the DMRS carrying system information block #1. Alternatively, when no control information is multiplexed with the auxiliary RS, UE 210 may determine that the resources of the auxiliary RS are power-boosted relative to embodiments multiplexed with control information.

[0077] Components 202 and 204 may optionally also be configured to perform the determination of the type (i.e., narrowband or wideband) of the demodulation reference signal for control resource set #0 based on the auxiliary reference signal indication. In at least some embodiments, the wideband demodulation reference signal may correspond to the case where the DMRS is transmitted via all PRBs of control resource set #0, while the narrowband demodulation reference signal may correspond to the case where the DMRS is transmitted via a PRB containing downlink control information.

[0078] In at least some embodiments, according to SCS CORESETThe bandwidth of the associated auxiliary RS can be at least 20 Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs). In some other embodiments, the bandwidth of the associated auxiliary RS can be equal to the bandwidth of CORESET#0, 24, 48, or 96 PRBs, and the auxiliary RS can exist in all symbols of CORESET#0. In at least some embodiments, this allows the auxiliary RS to be used for PDCCH demodulation with low implementation complexity.

[0079] In at least some embodiments, time-division multiplexing (TDM) can be used between the auxiliary RS and the SSB. In at least some embodiments, this can maximize SSB coverage. This may also result in situations where the auxiliary RS exists in a subset of the supported SSB multiplexing modes, such as... Figure 5A Mode 1 and Figure 5B In the case of Mode 2.

[0080] Components 202 and 204 are also configured to cause network node device 210 to send an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) to client device 210 according to a determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0081] Components 202 and 204 may optionally also be configured to cause network node device 200 to send a determined auxiliary reference signal indication to client device 210 before transmitting auxiliary reference signals associated with physical downlink channels (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH). In at least some embodiments, the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel may include an auxiliary reference signal associated with CORESET#0 and / or the search space set. In at least some embodiments, this may indicate that CORESET#0 may contain a broadband auxiliary reference signal that can be used for PDCCH demodulation purposes.

[0082] Figure 2B This is a block diagram of a client device 210 according to an example embodiment.

[0083] Client device 210 includes components 212 and 214 for inducing execution of client device 210. Components 212 and 214 may include one or more processors 212 and one or more memories 214 including computer program code. At least one memory 214 and the computer program code may be configured to induce execution of client device 210 together with at least one processor 212. Client device 210 may also include other elements, such as transceiver 216.

[0084] Although client device 210 is depicted as including only one processor 212, client device 210 may include more processors. In one embodiment, memory 214 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Furthermore, memory 214 may include storage means that can be used to store at least some of the information and data used, for example, in the disclosed embodiments.

[0085] Furthermore, processor 212 is capable of executing stored instructions. In one embodiment, processor 212 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, processor 212 may be embodied as one or more of a variety of processing devices, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry system with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microcontroller units (MCUs), hardware accelerators, application-specific computer chips, etc.). In one embodiment, processor 212 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. In one embodiment, processor 212 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions specifically configure processor 212 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0086] Memory 214 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, memory 214 may be embodied as a semiconductor memory (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0087] Client device 210 can be any type of device that is directly used by the end-user entity and is capable of communicating in a wireless network, such as user equipment (UE). Such devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sidechain communication devices, etc.

[0088] Components 212 and 214 are configured to cause client device 210 to receive, based on an auxiliary reference signal indication, an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) from network node device 200. As described above, the auxiliary reference signal indication includes information on the presence and location of auxiliary reference signals during transmission of the physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH or PDSCH).

[0089] Components 212 and 214 are also configured to use the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in the communication between the client device 210 and the network node device 200.

[0090] Components 212 and 214 may also be optionally configured to perform an instruction to cause client device 210 to receive an auxiliary reference signal from network node device 200 before receiving an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH).

[0091] Components 212 and 214 may optionally also be configured to perform: determining the presence and location of the auxiliary reference signal in subsequent physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) transmissions based on the presence and location information in the received auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0092] Components 212 and 214 may optionally also be configured to perform: determining presence information based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS) ratio between the synchronization signal block (SSB) and the control resource set #0 (CORESET#0).

[0093] Other features of the client device 210 (such as features related to auxiliary reference signals, auxiliary reference signal indications, presence and location information, explicit presence and location indications, and implicit presence and location indications) are directly generated by the functions and parameters of the network node device 200, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0094] Figure 3 An example signaling diagram of method 300 according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0095] In operation 301, network node device 200 determines an auxiliary reference signal indication, including presence and location information of the auxiliary reference signal, during transmission on a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH). As described above, the auxiliary reference signal will be used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between network node device 200 and client device 210.

[0096] In optional operation 302, network node device 200 sends the determined auxiliary reference signal indication to client device 210.

[0097] In optional operation 303, the client device 210 receives an auxiliary reference signal indication from the network node device 200.

[0098] In optional operation 304, the client device 210 determines the presence and location of the auxiliary reference signal in subsequent physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH or / and PDSCH) transmission based on the presence and location information in the received auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0099] In operation 305, network node device 200 sends an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) to client device 210 based on a determined auxiliary reference signal indication.

[0100] In operation 306, client device 210 receives an auxiliary reference signal associated with a physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH) from network node device 200 based on an auxiliary reference signal indication. As described above, the auxiliary reference signal indication includes information on the presence and location of auxiliary reference signals during transmission of the physical downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and / or PDSCH).

[0101] In operation 307, the client device 210 uses the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in the communication between the client device 210 and the network node device 200.

[0102] Method 300 can be derived from Figure 2A Network node device 200 and Figure 2B The client device 210 executes the operations. Operations 301, 302, and 305 can be executed, for example, by at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Operations 303, 304, 306, and 307 can be executed, for example, by at least one processor 212 and at least one memory 214. Other features of method 300 are directly derived from the functions and parameters of network node device 200 and client device 210, and therefore will not be repeated here. Method 300 can be executed by (multiple) computer programs.

[0103] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of extended multiplexing mode 2 for higher carrier frequencies (above 52.6 GHz) is shown, where a 240 kHz parameter set is used for the SSB, and the 960 kHz CORESET and PDSCH are combined with auxiliary RS for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) residual timing estimation. Figure 4 In the code, element 401 represents the 240kHz SSB, element 402 represents the 960kHz PDSCH+RS, and element 403 represents the 960kHz PDCCH+RS. For example... Figure 4 As shown, multiplexing mode 2 has been extended so that the coverage of type0-PDCCH and PDSCH is the same as that of SSB (SCS=240kHz). This is achieved by introducing the repetition of type0-PDCCH / PDSCH symbols with a factor of 4. Furthermore, an auxiliary "beam switching gap" symbol has been added to the beginning of each half-slot ( Figure 4 (Marked in black) to enable DL transmit (TX) beam switching using a set of parameters (numerology) without performance degradation. The reason is that the length of the cyclic prefix with a 960kHz subcarrier spacing may be too short in time compared to the time used for TX beam switching (i.e., 100ns).

[0104] Figures 5A-5C Examples of reuse patterns 1 to 3 are shown. Figure 5A This represents an example of reuse mode 1. Figure 5B This represents an example of reuse mode 2. Figure 5C This represents an example of reuse mode 3. Figure 5A (Mode 1) Figure 5B and Figure 5C (Modes 2 and 3, respectively) show the time-domain and frequency-domain multiplexing options associated with different parameter sets (numerology) operations, such as 51-71 GHz.

[0105] During the initial access phase, there is no parameterization available to configure the UE210's RRC connection using the auxiliary RS / channel / signaling. Therefore, without knowing the configuration associated with the auxiliary RS, the UE210 may be unable to utilize the presence of the auxiliary RS for residual timing error compensation. One way to provide this information to the UE210 is to explicitly or implicitly configure the parameterization of the auxiliary RS, as described above.

[0106] Regarding implicit indication, SCSs (up to two different SCS candidates) can be defined for certain carrier frequencies associated with an SSB, and the PBCH can carry the SCS information for CORESET#0. In the case of multiple SCS candidates for an SSB, UE 210 can make different assumptions about SSBs with different SCSs. Otherwise, UE 210 knows the SCS associated with the carrier frequency. After determining the SCS for the SSB, UE 210 can receive the SCS for CORESET#0 via the PBCH as part of the MIB. Then, based on this information, UE 210 can determine the decision value K = SCS. CORESET#0 / SCS SSB When both conditions K≥2 and carrier frequency>52.6GHz are met, UE 210 can determine that the time position associated with the resources of the auxiliary RS is indicated by the start symbol of the CORESET#0DL TX beam.

[0107] The time position can be defined as the time offset relative to the start symbol of CORESET#0, also taking into account possible beam-switching gap symbols. UE 210 can determine, based on configurations such as sequence, sequence initialization, and time and frequency positions, that the single-symbol auxiliary RS is a complete copy of the DMRS of the type0-PDCCH associated with CORESET#0. Furthermore, UE 210 can determine, for example, by energy detection or when UE 210 does not detect any PDCCH, that no control information is multiplexed into the same symbol. Since no control information is multiplexed into the symbol, UE 210 can determine that the resource elements associated with the auxiliary RS(s) are power-boosted relative to the control information multiplexing. Alternatively, UE 210 can determine that the auxiliary RS(s) repeats over K consecutive symbols following the configured / reserved beam-switching symbol. Network node device 200 can override the implicit indication with an auxiliary 1-bit payload as part of the PBCH. This bit is already present as a spare bit in the PBCH payload.

[0108] The UE 210 can be explicitly indicated for the occurrence of transmissions of resources associated with the auxiliary RS. This configuration can be indicated, for example, using spare bits in the supported PBCH payload.

[0109] for Figure 5A In multiplexing mode 1, overlapping of TYPE0 CSS (common search space) of multiple beams may occur. For example, this may happen when there are two monitoring opportunities in two consecutive time slots of a beam. In this case, auxiliary RS (such as CORESET WB DMRS) can be "normally open" at the first monitoring position of TYPE0 CSS.

[0110] Network node 200 can use reserved state to indicate a 1-bit payload as part of the PBCH, or alternatively, these can be borrowed / reused from existing signaling bits covering unrelated signaling / information elements. When appropriate bit fields of the PBCH are reused to indicate the presence and location of auxiliary RSs, it avoids the need to specify additional payload bits (which would result in reduced coverage).

[0111] To further illustrate the above example, Table 1 below shows an example set of resource blocks and slot symbols used for the CORESET of the Type 0-PDCCH search space set when the {SS / PBCH block, PDCCH}SCS is {240, 120} kHz. The last row of the table can be used to activate the presence of auxiliary RS.

[0112]

[0113] Table 1

[0114] At least some of the embodiments described herein can allow compensation for residual time-frequency errors(s) in communication.

[0115] Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described herein can allow for the avoidance of CORESET / PDSCH demodulation degradation in DL and / or UL PUSCH reception due to high residual timing errors(s) in the UL. Additionally, at least some of the embodiments described herein can allow for a Type 0-PDCCH monitoring timing design with SSB multiplexing, enabling the use of a higher parameter set (numerology) for CORESET / PDSCH relative to the SSB. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described herein can allow for an overall design with different parameter set (numerology) options and signaling mechanisms, as well as UE procedures, to achieve efficient and flexible operation for SSB and CORESET / PDSCH using different / hybrid parameter set (numerology) options for operation above 52.6 GHz.

[0116] The functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computer program product components, such as software components. According to one embodiment, network node device 200 and / or client device 210 may include a processor configured by program code to perform embodiments of the described operations and functions when the program code is executed. Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0117] Any ranges or device values ​​given herein may be extended or modified without losing the desired effect. Furthermore, any embodiment may be combined with another embodiment unless expressly prohibited.

[0118] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0119] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the described problems, nor are they limited to any or all of the embodiments that have the described benefits and advantages. It will be further understood that references to "an" may refer to one or more of these items.

[0120] The steps of the methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Furthermore, individual blocks can be removed from any method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above can be combined with aspects of any other described embodiment to form further embodiments without losing the desired effects.

[0121] The term "comprising" is used herein to mean including the identified method, block, or element, but such block or element does not include an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may include additional blocks or elements.

[0122] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A network node device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the network node device to execute: Before establishing an RRC connection with the client device, an auxiliary reference signal indication is sent to the client device. The auxiliary reference signal indication includes the presence and location information of the auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission. as well as Based on the transmitted auxiliary reference signal indication, the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel is transmitted to the client device. One or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal are repeated over K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or repeated over K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols following L symbols of the following symbols: the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or a first symbol reserved for a physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1, or a first symbol reserved for a demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

2. The network node device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the network node device to execute: Before transmitting the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel, the auxiliary reference signal indication is transmitted to the client device.

3. The network node device according to claim 1, wherein the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: For inclusion in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, an explicit presence and / or location indication is used to specify the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or For inclusion in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, an implicit presence and / or location indication is provided, the implicit presence and / or location indication comprising: Derivation information used to derive the presence or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted in the physical downlink channel.

4. The network node device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary reference signal includes at least one of the following: The demodulated reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location in the public search space TYPE0; or The first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

5. The network node device of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the network node device to perform: determining the type of the demodulation reference signal of the control resource set #0 based on the auxiliary reference signal indication.

6. The network node device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary reference signal is used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the network node device and the client device.

7. A method for communication, comprising: Before establishing an RRC connection with the client device, the network node device sends an auxiliary reference signal indication to the client device. The auxiliary reference signal indication includes the presence and location information of the auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission. as well as The network node device sends the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel to the client device based on the indication given by the transmitted auxiliary reference signal. One or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal are repeated over K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or repeated over K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols following L symbols of the following symbols: the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or a first symbol reserved for a physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1, or a first symbol reserved for a demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary reference signal is used to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in the communication between the network node device and the client device.

9. A client device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to execute: Before establishing an RRC connection with the network node device, an auxiliary reference signal indication is received from the network node device, the auxiliary reference signal indication including the presence and location information of the auxiliary reference signal in the physical downlink channel transmission; as well as Based on the indication of the auxiliary reference signal, the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel is received from the network node device. One or more resources of the auxiliary reference signal are repeated over K consecutive symbols following a configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or repeated over K consecutive or non-consecutive symbols following L symbols of the following symbols: the configured or reserved beam-switching symbol, or a first symbol reserved for a type 0 physical downlink control channel, or a first symbol reserved for a physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1, or a first symbol reserved for a demodulation reference signal of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

10. The client device of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to execute: The auxiliary reference signal indication is received from the network node device before the auxiliary reference signal associated with the physical downlink channel is received.

11. The client device of claim 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to execute: The presence and location of the auxiliary reference signal in subsequent physical downlink channel transmission are determined based on the presence and location information indicated in the received auxiliary reference signal.

12. The client device of claim 9, wherein the presence and location information includes at least one of the following: An explicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel, the explicit presence and / or location indication indicating the multiplexing and / or occurrence mode of the auxiliary reference signal; or The implicit presence and / or location indication included in the main information block carried by the physical broadcast channel includes: Derivation information used to derive the presence and / or location of the auxiliary reference signal transmitted in the physical downlink channel.

13. The client device of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary reference signal comprises at least one of the following: The demodulated reference signal of control resource set #0 associated with at least one location in the public search space TYPE0; or The first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbol of the physical downlink shared channel carrying system information block #1.

14. The client device of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to perform: determining the presence information based on the subcarrier spacing ratio between the synchronization signal block and the control resource set #0.

15. The client device of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the client device to perform: using the received auxiliary reference signal to compensate for one or more residual time-frequency errors in communication between the client device and the network node device.

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