Method and apparatus for control information of sidelink reference signal in wireless communication system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for control information of a sidelink reference signal in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for a sidelink data transmission and a sidelink reference signal transmission. The apparatus determines to perform the sidelink reference signal transmission in a first transmission time interval of the sidelink resource pool, wherein the sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a destination identity and a source identity, and the sidelink reference signal transmission has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels with pending sidelink data. The apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet based on a first sidelink logical channel with first pending sidelink data, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with the destination identity and the source identity. The apparatus performs the sidelink reference signal transmission and the sidelink data transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first transmission time interval.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 435,600, filed December 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication networks, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for sidelink control information for sidelink reference signals in a wireless communication system. Background Technology

[0004] With the rapid growth in demand for transmitting large amounts of data to and from mobile communication devices, traditional mobile voice communication networks have evolved into networks that communicate using Internet Protocol (IP) data packets. This IP data packet communication can provide users of mobile communication devices with IP-bearing voice, multimedia, multicast, and video-on-demand communication services.

[0005] An exemplary network architecture is the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). E-UTRAN systems can provide high data throughput to enable the aforementioned IP-based voice and multimedia services. Currently, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization is discussing new next-generation (e.g., 5G) radio technologies. Therefore, changes to the current body of the 3GPP standards are being submitted and considered to evolve and finalize the 3GPP standards. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, one or more apparatuses and / or methods are provided. In an example from the perspective of a first apparatus, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first transmission time interval (TTI) of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination identification (ID) and a first source ID. The first sidelink reference signal transmission has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data. The first apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet based on a first sidelink logical channel having pending sidelink data, where the first sidelink data packet is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. The first apparatus performs the first sidelink reference signal transmission and a first sidelink data transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI.

[0007] In an example from the perspective of a first apparatus, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The first apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet based on a first sidelink logical channel having a first pending sidelink data for transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink data packet is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID. The first sidelink logical channel has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data. The first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. The first apparatus performs the first sidelink reference signal transmission and a first sidelink data transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI.

[0008] In an example from the perspective of a first apparatus, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination identification (ID) and a first source ID. The first apparatus performs the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting sidelink data from one or more sidelink logical channels in the first TTI. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating a wireless communication system, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2is a block diagram of a transmitter system (also referred to as an access network) and a receiver system (also referred to as a user equipment or UE) in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of a communication system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 5 shows a resource grid representing a context associated with transmissions in a time slot in a shared resource pool with sidelink communications in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 6 shows a resource grid representing a context associated with transmissions in a time slot in a shared resource pool with sidelink communications in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 11 is a flowchart in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The exemplary wireless communication systems and apparatuses described below employ wireless communication systems supporting broadcast services. Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice, data, and so on. These systems can be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), etc. Examples of wireless communication systems that can employ the exemplary methods and apparatuses described herein include a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN), a Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) IX, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, etc. rdLong Term Evolution (LTE) wireless access, 3GPP2 Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), WiMax, 3GPP New Radio (NR) wireless access for 5G, or some other modulation technique.

[0021] In particular, the example wireless communication system apparatus described below can be designed to support one or more standards, such as those provided by the consortium known herein as 3GPP, the “3rd Generation Partnership Project,” including: 3GPP TS 38.213 V17.3.0 (2022-09) 3GPP; TSG RAN; NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Control (Release 17); 3GPP TS 38.214 V17.3.0 (2022-09) 3GPP; TSG RAN; NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Data (Release 17); 3GPP TS 38.212 V17.3.0 (2022-09) 3GPP; TSG RAN; NR; Multiplexing and Channel Coding (Release 17); 3GPP TS 38.211 V17.3.0 (2022-09) 3GPP; TSG RAN; NR; Physical Channels and Modulation (Release 17); RP-213588, “Revised SID on Study on expanded and improved NR positioning,” Intel; Chairman’s Notes, RAN1 Chairman’s Notes, RAN1#109-e; Chairman’s Notes, RAN1#110; Chairman’s Notes, RAN1#110bis-e; R1-2211012 Discussion of vivo potential solutions for sidelink positioning; R1-2211203 Further discussion of CATT, GOHIGH potential solutions for SL positioning; R1-2211268 Discussion of LG Electronics potential solutions for SL positioning. The standards and documents listed above are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0022] Figure 1 A multiple access wireless communication system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is presented. An access network (AN) 100 includes multiple antenna groups, one group comprising 104 and 106, another group comprising 108 and 110, and an additional group comprising 112 and 114. In Figure 1Each antenna group is shown with only two antennas, however, more or fewer antennas can be utilized for each antenna group. An access terminal (AT) 116 is in communication with the antennas 112 and 114, where the antennas 112 and 114 transmit information to the access terminal 116 over a forward link 120 and receive information from the access terminal 116 over a reverse link 118. An AT 122 is in communication with the antennas 106 and 108, where the antennas 106 and 108 transmit information to the AT 122 over a forward link 126 and receive information from the AT 122 over a reverse link 124. In a frequency-division duplexing (FDD) system, the communication links 118, 120, 124 and 126 can use different frequencies for communication. For example, the forward link 120 can use a different frequency than that used by the reverse link 118.

[0023] The antennas of each group and / or the areas in which they are designed to communicate are often referred to as a sector of the access network. In embodiments, the antenna groups can each be designed to communicate with access terminals in a sector of the area covered by the access network 100.

[0024] In communication over the forward links 120 and 126, the transmitting antennas of access network 100 can utilize beamforming to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the forward links for the different access terminals 116 and 122. Also, an access network using beamforming to transmit to access terminals dispersed randomly through its coverage area generally causes less interference to access terminals in neighboring cells than an access network transmitting through a single antenna to all its access terminals.

[0025] An access network (AN) can be a fixed station or base station used for communicating with the terminals and can also be called an access point, Node B, Base Station, Enhanced Base Station, eNodeB (eNB), Next Generation NodeB (gNB), or some other terminology. An access terminal (AT) can also be called a user equipment (UE), a wireless communication device, terminal, access terminal, or some other terminology.

[0026] Figure 2 Embodiments of a transmitter system 210 (also referred to as an access network) and a receiver system 250 (also referred to as an access terminal (AT) or user equipment (UE)) in a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) system 200 are presented. At the transmitter system 210, traffic data for a number of data streams can be provided from a data source 212 to a transmit (TX) data processor 214.

[0027] In one embodiment, each data stream is transmitted via a corresponding transmit antenna. The TX data processor 214 formats, encodes, and interleaves the service data of the data streams based on a specific encoding scheme selected for each data stream to provide encoded data.

[0028] Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) technology can be used to multiplex the coded data and pilot data of each data stream. The pilot data can typically be a known data pattern processed in a known manner and can be used at the receiver system to estimate the channel response. The multiplexed pilots and coded data of the data streams can then be modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) based on a specific modulation scheme selected for each data stream (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-ary phase shift keying (M-PSK), or M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM), etc.) to provide modulated symbols. Instructions executed by processor 230 can determine the data rate, coding, and / or modulation for each data stream.

[0029] The modulation symbols of the data stream are then provided to the TX MIMO processor 220, which can further process the modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). The TX MIMO processor 220 then... T A modulation symbol stream is provided to N T Transmitters (TMTRs) 222a to 222t. In some embodiments, the TX MIMO processor 220 may apply beamforming weights to symbols in the data stream and to the antennas transmitting said symbols therefrom.

[0030] Each transmitter 222 receives and processes a corresponding symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further modulates (e.g., amplifies, filters, and / or up-converts) the analog signals to provide modulated signals suitable for transmission via a MIMO channel. Then, signals can be transmitted from N... T Antennas 224a to 224t transmit N from transmitters 222a to 222t. T A modulated signal.

[0031] At receiver system 250, by N RThe transmitted modulated signals are received by NRantennas 252a through 252r and the received signal from each antenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 254a through 254r. Each receiver 254 can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, and downconvert) a respective received signal, digitize the conditioned signal to provide samples, and / or further process the samples to provide a corresponding "received" symbol stream.

[0032] Next, a RX data processor 260 at the receiver system 250 then receives and processes the N R received symbol streams from N R receivers 254, as a function of the particular receiver processing technique being used, to provide N T "detected" symbol streams. The RX data processor 260 can then demodulate, deinterleave, and decode each detected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by the RX data processor 260 can be complementary to that performed by the TX MIMO processor 220 and the TX data processor 214 at the transmitter system 210.

[0033] The processor 270 can determine, on a regular basis, which precoding matrix to use (discussed below). The processor 270 formulates a reverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.

[0034] The reverse link message can comprise various types of information regarding the communication link and / or the received data stream. The reverse link message is then processed by a TX data processor 238, which can also receive traffic data for a number of data streams from a data source 236, modulated by a modulator 280, conditioned by transmitters 254a through 254r, and transmitted to the transmitter system 210.

[0035] At the transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from the receiver system 250 are received by antennas 224, conditioned by receivers 222, demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a RX data processor 242 to extract the reverse link message transmitted by the receiver system 250. The processor 230 can then determine which precoding matrix to use to determine the beamforming weights, and can process the extracted message.

[0036] Figure 3 A simplified alternative functional block diagram of a communication device in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is presented. As Figure 3 shown, a communication device 300 in a wireless communication system can be implemented Figure 1 as the UE (or AT) 116 and 122 in FIG. 1 or Figure 1The communication device 300 includes a base station (or AN) 100, and the wireless communication system can be an LTE system or an NR system. The communication device 300 may include an input device 302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central processing unit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, program code 312, and a transceiver 314. The control circuit 306 executes the program code 312 in the memory 310 via the CPU 308, thereby controlling the operation of the communication device 300. The communication device 300 can receive signals input by a user via the input device 302 (e.g., a keyboard or keypad) and can output images and sounds via the output device 304 (e.g., a display or speaker). The transceiver 314 is used to receive and transmit wireless signals, transmit received signals to the control circuit 306, and wirelessly output signals generated by the control circuit 306. Alternatively, the communication device 300 in a wireless communication system can also be used. Figure 1 AN 100 in the middle.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an embodiment based on the disclosed subject matter. Figure 3 The diagram shows a simplified block diagram of program code 312. In this embodiment, program code 312 includes an application layer 400, a layer 3 portion 402, and a layer 2 portion 404, and is coupled to a layer 1 portion 406. Layer 3 portion 402 can perform radio resource control. Layer 2 portion 404 can perform link control. Layer 1 portion 406 can perform and / or implement physical connections.

[0038] The procedures related to the side link (SL) for control are described in 3GPP TS 38.213V17.3.0, and one or more parts of it are quoted below:

[0039] 16 UE programs for side links

[0040] A BWP (SL BWP) for SL transmission is provided to a UE by SL-BWP-Config with base parameters and resource grid determined as described in [4, TS 38.211]. For a resource pool within the SL BWP, a number of sub-channels is provided to the UE by sl-NumSubchannel, where each sub-channel contains a number of contiguous RBs provided by sl-SubchannelSize. The first RB of the first sub-channel in the SL BWP is indicated by sl-StartRB-Subchannel. The available slots for the resource pool are provided by sl-TimeResource and occur with a periodicity of 10240 ms. For available slots without S-SS / PSBCH block, SL transmission can start from the first symbol indicated by sl-StartSymbol and within a number of consecutive symbols indicated by sl-LengthSymbols.

[0041] …

[0042] 16.3 UE procedures for reporting and obtaining control information in PSFCH

[0043] The control information provided by PSFCH transmission contains HARQ-ACK information or collision information.

[0044] 16.3.0 UE procedures for transmitting PSFCH with control information

[0045] A UE can be indicated by the scheduling PSSCH-receiving SCI format to transmit PSFCH with HARQ-ACK information in response to the PSSCH reception. The UE provides HARQ-ACK information containing ACK or NACK or NACK only.

[0046] A number of slots in a resource pool within a periodicity of PSFCH transmission occasion resources can be provided to a UE by sl-PSFCH-Period. If the number is zero, PSFCH transmission from the UE in the resource pool is disabled.

[0047] …

[0048] 16.3.1 UE procedures for receiving PSFCH with control information

[0049] A UE indicated to transmit PSSCH scheduled by SCI format 2-A / 2-B / 2-C with HARQ feedback enabled attempts to receive the associated PSFCH with HARQ-ACK information according to the PSFCH resource determined as described in clause 16.3.0. The UE determines the ACK or NACK value of the HARQ-ACK information provided in each PSFCH resource as described in [8-4, TS 38.101-4]. The UE does not determine both ACK value and NACK value for a PSFCH resource at the same time.

[0050] 16.4 UE procedure for transmitting PSCCH

[0051] For PSCCH transmission with SCI format 1-A, the number of symbols in the resource pool starting from the second symbol available for SL transmission in a slot is provided to the UE by sl-TimeResourcePSCCH, and the number of PRBs in the resource pool starting from the lowest PRB of the lowest subchannel of the associated PSSCH is provided to the UE by sl-FreqResourcePSCCH.

[0052] A UE transmitting PSCCH with SCI format 1-A using sidelink resource allocation mode 2 [6, TS 38.214].

[0053] - The "resource reservation period" is set to the index in sl-ResourceReservePeriodList corresponding to the reservation period provided by higher layers [11, TS 38.321], provided that the UE is provided with sl-MultiReserveResource.

[0054] - The values of the frequency resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field indicate N resources from the set of resources {R y} selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321], where N is the number of minimum time slot indices y i for 0 ≤ i ≤ N - 1, such that y0< y1< … < y N-1 ≤ y0+ 31, where:

[0055] - N = min(N 所选 , N max_reserve ), where N 所选 is the number of resources in the set {R j} with time slot indices y y for 0 ≤ j ≤ N 所选 - 1, such that and N max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve

[0056] - each resource from the resource set {R y} corresponds to L subCH sub-channels and a set of time slots in the time slot set , where L subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH / PSCCH transmission in the time slot

[0057] - is a set of time slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214]

[0058] - y0 is the index of the time slot in which the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted.

[0059] A UE transmitting PSCCH with SCI format 1-A using sidelink resource allocation mode 1 [6, TS 38.214] sets

[0060] - the values of the frequency resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field for SCI format 1-A transmitted in the m-th resource for PSCCH / PSSCH transmission provided by a dynamic grant or by a SL configured grant, where m = {1, …, M} and M is the total number of resources for PSCCH / PSSCH transmission provided by a dynamic grant or the number of resources for PSCCH / PSSCH transmission in a period provided by a SL configured grant Type 1 or a SL configured grant Type 2 are set as follows:

[0061] - the frequency resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field indicate the m-th to M-th resources as described in [6, TS 38.214].

[0062] For the decoding of SCI format 1-A, the UE can assume that the number of bits provided by sl-NumReservedBits can have any value as described in [4, TS 38.212].

[0063] SL related procedures for data are discussed in 3GPP TS 38.214 V17.3.0, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0064] 8. Physical Sidelink Shared Channel related procedures

[0065] A UE can be configured by higher layers with one or more sidelink resource pools. A sidelink resource pool can be used for transmission of PSSCH as described in clause 8.1, or for reception of PSSCH as described in clause 8.3, and can be associated with sidelink resource allocation mode 1 or sidelink resource allocation mode 2.

[0066] In frequency domain, a sidelink resource pool consists of sl-NumSubchannel consecutive sub-channels. A sub-channel consists of sl-SubchannelSize consecutive PRBs, where sl-NumSubchannel and sl-SubchannelSize are higher layer parameters.

[0067] A set of slots that can belong to a sidelink resource pool is denoted as where

[0068] -

[0069] - the slot index is related to slot#0 of the radio frame corresponding to SFN 0 or DFN 0 of the serving cell,

[0070] - the set contains all slots except

[0071] - N S-SSB slots where an S-SS / PSBCH block (S-SSB) is configured,

[0072] - N 非SL slots where, in each of them, at least one of the Y-th, (Y+1)-th,..., (Y+X-1)-th OFDM symbols is not semi-statically configured as UL according to the higher layer parameter tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon (if provided) or sl-TDD-Configuration (if provided) of the serving cell or sl-TDD-Config (if provided) of the received PSBCH, where Y and X are set by the higher layer parameters sl-StartSymbol and sl-LengthSymbols, respectively.

[0073] -…

[0074] - the slots in the set are arranged in increasing order of slot index.

[0075] The UE determines the set of slots assigned to a sidelink resource pool as follows:

[0076] - using a bitmap associated with the resource pool where the length of the bitmap L 位图 is configured by higher layers.

[0077] - if b k′ = 1, the slot belongs to the set, where k' = k mod L 位图 .

[0078] - the slots in the set are re-indexed so that the remaining slots The subscript i is consecutive {0, 1, …, T 最大 -1} where T 最大 is the number of remaining slots in the set.

[0079] The UE determines the set of resource blocks assigned to the sidelink resource pool as follows:

[0080] - The resource block pool consists of N PRB PRBs.

[0081] - For m = 0, 1, …, numSubchannel - 1, the subchannel m consists of a set of n PRB = n subCHRBstart +m·n subCHsize +j (where j = 0, 1, …, n subCHsize -1) contiguous resource blocks with a number of physical resource blocks n subCHsize , where n subCHRBstart and n subCHsize are given by the higher layer parameters sl-StartRB-Subchannel and sl-SubchannelSize, respectively

[0082] The UE is not expected to use the last N PRB mod n subCHsize PRBs in the resource pool.

[0083] 8.1 UE procedure for transmitting a physical sidelink shared channel

[0084] Each PSSCH transmission is associated with a PSCCH transmission.

[0085] The PSCCH transmission carries the 1st stage SCI associated with the PSSCH transmission; the 2nd stage associated SCI is carried within the resources of the PSSCH.

[0086] If the UE transmits SCI format 1-A on PSCCH according to the PSCCH resource configuration in slot n and PSCCH resource m, for the associated PSSCH transmission in the same slot

[0087] - One transport block is transmitted at most in two layers;

[0088] - The number of layers (v) is determined according to the 'Number of DMRS ports' field in the SCI;

[0089] - The set of consecutive symbols within the slot for transmitting the PSSCH is determined according to clause 8.1.2.1;

[0090] - The set of contiguous resource blocks for transmitting the PSSCH is determined according to clause 8.1.2.2;

[0091] PSSCH transmission does not support transform precoding.

[0092] PSSCH transmission only supports wideband precoding.

[0093] The DM-RS antenna ports in Clause 8.4.1.1.2 of [4,TS38.211] are determined according to the order of the DM-RS ports given in Table 8.3.1.1-3 of Clause 8.3.1.1 of [5,TS 38.212].

[0094] The UE should configure the content of SCI format 2-A as follows:

[0095] - The UE should set the value of the 'HARQ process number' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0096] - The UE should set the value of the 'NDI' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0097] - The UE should set the value of the 'Redundant Version' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0098] - The UE should set the value of the 'Source ID' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0099] - The UE should set the value of the 'Destination ID' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0100] - The UE should set the value of the 'HARQ Feedback Enable / Disable Indicator' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0101] - The UE should set the value of the 'Broadcast Type Indicator' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0102] - The UE should set the value of the 'CSI Request' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0103] The UE should be configured with the following SCI format 2-B content:

[0104] - The UE should set the value of the 'HARQ process number' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0105] - The UE should set the value of the 'NDI' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0106] - The UE should set the value of the 'Redundant Version' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0107] - The UE should set the value of the 'Source ID' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0108] - The UE should set the value of the 'Destination ID' field as instructed by the higher layer.

[0109] - The UE shall set the value of the 'HARQ feedback enabled / disabled indicator' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0110] - The UE shall set the value of the 'Zone ID' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0111] - The UE shall set the 'Communication range requirement' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0112] The UE shall set the content of the SCI format 2-C as follows:

[0113] - The UE shall set the value of the 'HARQ process number' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0114] - The UE shall set the value of the 'NDI' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0115] - The UE shall set the value of the 'Redundancy version' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0116] - The UE shall set the value of the 'Source ID' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0117] - The UE shall set the value of the 'Destination ID' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0118] - The UE shall set the value of the 'HARQ feedback enabled / disabled indicator' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0119] - The UE shall set the value of the 'CSI request' field as indicated by higher layers.

[0120] - The UE shall set the value of the [Request / coordination information flag] field as indicated by higher layers.

[0121] - …

[0122] 8.1.1 Transmission scheme

[0123] One transmission scheme is defined for PSSCH only, and the transmission scheme is used for all PSSCH transmissions.

[0124] PSSCH transmission is performed by up to two antenna ports, where antenna ports 1000-1001 are defined as in clause 8.2.4 of [4, TS 38.211].

[0125] 8.1.2 Resource allocation

[0126] In sidelink resource allocation mode 1:

[0127] - For PSSCH and PSCCH transmissions, dynamic grant, configured grant Type 1 and configured grant Type 2 are supported. Configured grant Type 2 sidelink transmissions are semi-statically scheduled by SL grant in active DCI according to clause 10.2A of [6, TS 38.213].

[0128] 8.1.2.1 Resource allocation in time domain

[0129] The UE shall transmit PSSCH in the same slot as the associated PSCCH.

[0130] The minimum resource allocation unit in time domain is a slot.

[0131] The UE shall transmit PSSCH in consecutive symbols within a slot, subject to the following restrictions:

[0132] - The UE shall not transmit PSSCH in symbols not configured for sidelink. The symbols for sidelink are configured according to higher layer parameters sl-StartSymbol and sl-LengthSymbols, where sl-StartSymbol is the symbol index of the first symbol of sl-LengthSymbols consecutive symbols configured for sidelink.

[0133] - Within a slot, PSSCH resource allocation starts at symbol sl-StartSymbol + 1.

[0134] - If PSFCH is configured in this slot, the UE shall not transmit PSSCH in symbols configured for PSFCH.

[0135] - The UE shall not transmit PSSCH in the last symbol configured for sidelink.

[0136] - If PSFCH is configured in this slot, the UE shall not transmit PSSCH in the symbol immediately preceding the symbol configured for PSFCH.

[0137] In sidelink resource allocation mode 1:

[0138] - For sidelink dynamic grant, PSSCH transmission is scheduled by DCI format 3_0.

[0139] - For sidelink configured grant Type 2, configured grant is activated by DCI format 3_0.

[0140] - For sidelink dynamic grant and sidelink configured grant Type 2:

[0141] - The 'Time Gap' field value m of DCI format 3_0 provides index m+1 into a table of slot offsets. The table is given by the higher layer parameter sl-DCI-ToSL-Trans, and the table value at index m+1 will be referred to as the slot offset K SL .

[0142] - The slot of the first sidelink transmission scheduled by the DCI is the first SL slot of the corresponding resource pool, which starts no earlier than where T DL is the start time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received, K SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by the DCI, and T 时隙 is the SL slot duration.

[0143] - The 'Config Index' field (if provided and not reserved) of DCI format 3_0 indicates the index of sidelink configured Type 2.

[0144] - For sidelink configured grant Type 1:

[0145] - The slot of the first sidelink transmission follows the higher layer configuration according to [10, TS 38.321].

[0146] 8.1.2.2 Resource allocation in frequency domain

[0147] The unit of resource allocation in frequency domain is subchannel.

[0148] The subchannel assignment for a sidelink transmission is determined using the 'Frequency Resource Assignment' field in the associated SCI.

[0149] The lowest subchannel for a sidelink transmission is the subchannel of the lowest PRB on which the associated PSCCH is transmitted.

[0150] If a PSSCH scheduled by a PSCCH will overlap with the resources containing the PSCCH, the resources corresponding to the union of the PSCCH and the associated PSCCH DM-RS of the scheduled PSSCH are not available for the PSSCH.

[0151] …

[0152] 8.1.4 UE procedure for determining the subset of resources to report to higher layers in PSSCH resource selection in sidelink resource allocation mode 2

[0153] In resource allocation mode 2, the higher layer can request the UE to determine a subset of resources from which the higher layer will select resources for a PSSCH / PSCCH transmission. To trigger this procedure, in slot n, the higher layer provides the following parameters for this PSSCH / PSCCH transmission:

[0154] - a resource pool from which resources are to be reported;

[0155] - L1 priority prio TX ;

[0156] - remaining packet delay budget;

[0157] - number of sub-channels L to be used for the PSSCH / PSCCH transmission in the slot subCH ;

[0158] - optionally, a resource reservation interval P rsvp_TX in ms.

[0159] - if the UE is requested by the higher layer to determine a subset of resources from which the higher layer will select resources for a PSSCH / PSCCH transmission as part of a re-evaluation or pre-emption procedure, the higher layer provides the set of resources that can be subject to re-evaluation (r0, r1, r2,...) and the set of resources that can be subject to pre-emption (r'0, r'1, r'2,...).

[0160] - it is up to the UE implementation to determine the subset of resources before or after T3 as requested by the higher layer in slot r" i - T3, where r" i is the slot with the smallest slot index among (r0, r1, r2,...) and (r'0, r'1, r'2,...) and T3 is equal to where is defined in Table 8.1.4-2 in slots where SL is the SCS configuration of the SL BWP.

[0161] - optionally, an indication of the resource selection mechanism as allowedResourceSelectionConfig, which can include full sensing only, partial sensing only, random resource selection only, or any combination thereof.

[0162] …

[0163] 8.1.5 UE procedure for determining slots and resource blocks for a PSSCH transmission associated with SCI format 1-A

[0164] The set of slots and resource blocks used for PSSCH transmission is determined by the resources used for PSCCH transmission containing the associated SCI format 1-A and the fields 'Frequency resource assignment', 'Time resource assignment' of the associated SCI format 1-A, as described below.

[0165] …

[0166] 8.1.7 UE procedure for determining the number of logical slots for a reservation period

[0167] Given resource reservation period P in milliseconds rsvp Conversion into period P' in logical slots rsvp As follows:

[0168]

[0169] where T' 最大 is the number of slots belonging to the resource pool, as defined in clause 8.

[0170] 8.2 UE procedure for transmitting a sidelink reference signal

[0171] 8.2.1 CSI-RS transmission procedure

[0172] A UE transmits a sidelink CSI-RS within a unicast PSSCH transmission if the following conditions are true:

[0173] - the CSI report is enabled by the higher layer parameter sl-CSI-Acquisition; and

[0174] - the 'CSI request' field of the corresponding SCI format 2-A is set to 1.

[0175] The following parameters for CSI-RS transmission are configured per CSI-RS configuration:

[0176] - sl-CSI-RS-FirstSymbol indicates the first OFDM symbol in the PRB used for SL CSI-RS

[0177] - sl-CSI-RS-FreqAllocation indicates the number of antenna ports and the frequency domain allocation used for SL CSI-RS.

[0178] When a UE is configured with Q p = {1, 2} CSI-RS ports and the number of scheduled layers is when,

[0179] - the CSI-RS scaling factor β specified in clause 8.4.1.5.3 of [4, TS 38.211]CSIRS By is given by is the scaling factor for the corresponding PSSCH specified in clause 8.3.1.5 of [4, TS 38.211].

[0180] 8.2.2 PSSCH DM-RS transmission procedure

[0181] The UE selects the DM-RS time domain pattern from the patterns configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList using the resources on which the PSSCH will be transmitted. If more than one DM-RS time domain pattern is configured, the selected pattern is indicated by the 'DMRS pattern' field of the SCI format 1-A associated with the PSSCH transmission.

[0182] If the PSSCH DM-RS and PSCCH are mapped to the same OFDM symbol, this mapping within a single subchannel is only supported if the higher layer parameter sl-SubchannelSize >= 20, i.e. the subchannel size is at least 20 PRBs.

[0183] When the subchannel size is smaller than 20 PRBs and the size of the PSCCH is smaller than the subchannel size, the UE is not expected to select a PSSCH DM-RS pattern that will be transmitted in the same OFDM symbol as the PSCCH.

[0184] 8.2.3 PT-RS transmission procedure

[0185] The transmission of PT-RS is only supported in frequency range 2.

[0186] The UE PT-RS transmission procedure specified in clause 6.2.3.1 applies to derive the PT-RS parameters L PT-RS and K PT-RS , and to determine the PT-RS presence with the following changes:

[0187] - timeDensity and frequencyDensity in PT-RS-UplinkConfig are replaced by sl-PTRS-TimeDensity and sl-PTRS-FreqDensity in SL-PTRS-Config, respectively, and SL-PTRS-Config is (pre-)configured per resource pool;

[0188] - the number of antenna ports is the same as the number of PSSCH DM-RS antenna ports, and the association between PT-RS antenna ports and PSSCH DM-RS antenna ports is fixed.

[0189] 8.3 UE procedure for receiving physical sidelink shared channel

[0190] For sidelink resource allocation mode 1, upon detecting SCI format 1-A on PSCCH, the UE can decode PSSCH according to the detected SCI format 2-A and 2-B and the associated PSSCH resource configuration configured by higher layers. The UE is not required to decode more than one PSCCH at each PSCCH resource candidate.

[0191] For sidelink resource allocation mode 2, upon detecting SCI format 1-A on PSCCH, the UE can decode PSSCH according to the detected SCI format 2-A and 2-B and the associated PSSCH resource configuration configured by higher layers. The UE is not required to decode more than one PSCCH at each PSCCH resource candidate.

[0192] If the SCI format 1-A indicates an MCS table not supported by the UE, the UE is not required to decode neither the corresponding SCI format 2-A and 2-B nor the PSSCH associated with the SCI format 1-A.

[0193] 8.4 UE procedure for receiving reference signals

[0194] 8.4.1 CSI-RS reception procedure

[0195] The CSI-RS defined in clause 8.4.1.5 of [4, TS 38.211] can be used for CSI computation.

[0196] 8.4.2 DM-RS reception procedure for RSRP computation

[0197] 8.4.2.1 RSRP for resource selection in sidelink resource allocation mode 2

[0198] In sidelink resource allocation mode 2, the UE measures the RSRP for resource selection as follows:

[0199] - If the higher layer parameter sl-RS-ForSensing is set to 'pssch', it is the PSSCH-RSRP on the DM-RS resource elements for PSSCH according to the received SCI format 1-A, and

[0200] - If the higher layer parameter sl-RS-ForSensing is set to 'pscch', it is the PSCCH-RSRP on the DM-RS resource elements for PSCCH carried to the received SCI format 1-A.

[0201] 8.4.3 PT-RS reception procedure

[0202] The reception of PT-RS is only supported in frequency range 2.

[0203] The UE PT-RS reception procedure specified in clause 5.1.6.3 applies to derive PT-RS parameters L PT-RS and K PT-RS and to determine the presence of PT-RS with the following changes:

[0204] - timeDensity and frequencyDensity in PT-RS-DownlinkConfig are replaced by sl-PTRS-TimeDensity and sl-PTRS-FreqDensity in SL-PTRS-Config, respectively, and SL-PTRS-Config is (pre-)configured according to the resource pool;

[0205] - the number of antenna ports is the same as the number of PSSCH DM-RS antenna ports, and the association between PT-RS antenna ports and PSSCH DM-RS antenna ports is fixed.

[0206] 8.5 UE procedure for reporting channel state information (CSI)

[0207] 8.5.1 Channel state information framework

[0208] CSI consists of a channel quality indicator (CQI) and a rank indicator (RI). CQI and RI are always reported together.

[0209] 8.5.1.1 Reporting configuration

[0210] The UE shall assume the following dependencies between CSI parameters, if reported, to calculate the CSI parameters, if reported

[0211] - CQI shall be calculated conditioned on the reported RI.

[0212] CSI reporting can be aperiodic (using [10, TS 38.321]). Table 8.5.1.1-1 shows the supported combinations of CSI reporting configuration and CSI-RS configuration and how to trigger CSI reporting for a CSI-RS configuration. Aperiodic CSI-RS is configured and triggered / activated as described in clause 8.5.1.2.

[0213] Table 8.5.1.1-1: Triggering / activation of CSI reporting for possible CSI-RS configurations

[0214] CSI-RS configuration Aperiodic CSI reporting Aperiodic CSI-RS Triggered by SCI.

[0215] For CSI reporting, wideband CQI reporting is supported. Wideband CQI is reported for a single codeword for the entire CSI reporting band.

[0216] 8.5.1.2 Triggering of sidelink CSI reporting

[0217] A CSI-triggered UE is not allowed to trigger another aperiodic CSI report for the same UE prior to the last slot of the expected reception or completion of the ongoing aperiodic CSI report associated with SCI format 2-A with the 'CSI request' field set to 1, where the last slot of the expected reception of the ongoing aperiodic CSI report is given by [10, TS 38.321].

[0218] An aperiodic CSI report is triggered by SCI format 2-A with the 'CSI request' field set to 1.

[0219] A UE is not expected to transmit overlapping sidelink CSI-RS and sidelink PT-RS.

[0220] 8.5.2 Channel state information

[0221] 8.5.2.1 Number of CSI reports

[0222] 8.5.2.1.1 Channel quality indicator (CQI)

[0223] The UE shall derive the CQI as specified in clause 5.2.2.1 with the following changes

[0224] - PDSCH is replaced by PSSCH

[0225] - Uplink time slot is replaced by Sidelink time slot

[0226] - Downlink physical resource block is replaced by Sidelink physical resource block

[0227] - Transport block size determination according to clause 8.1.3.2

[0228] - CSI reference resource according to clause 8.5.2.3

[0229] - Interference measurement is not supported

[0230] - Subband CQI is not supported

[0231] - cqi-Table is determined as follows

[0232] - If Table 5.1.3.1-1 is determined as the MCS table according to clause 8.1.3.1 of [6, 38.214], cqi-Table = 'table1',

[0233] - If table 5.1.3.1-2 is determined to be the MCS table according to clause 8.1.3.1 of [6, 38.214], cqi-Table = 'table2',

[0234] - If table 5.1.3.1-3 is determined to be the MCS table according to clause 8.1.3.1 of [6, 38.214], cqi-Table = 'table3'

[0235] 8.5.2.2 Reference signals (CSI-RS)

[0236] A UE can be configured with one CSI-RS pattern as indicated by the higher layer parameters sl-CSI-RS-FreqAllocation, sl-CSI-RS-FirstSymbol in SL-CSI-RS-Config.

[0237] Parameters according to clause 8.2.1 that the UE shall assume the non-zero transmission power of the CSI-RS.

[0238] It is not expected that a UE will be configured such that a CSI-RS and the corresponding PSCCH can be mapped to the same resource elements. It is not expected that a UE receives a sidelink CSI-RS and PSSCH DM-RS on the same symbol, nor a CSI-RS and a 2ndstage SCI.

[0239] A sidelink CSI-RS shall be transmitted according to [4, TS 38.211] in the resource blocks used for the PSSCH associated with the SCI format 2-A that triggered the report.

[0240] 8.5.2.3 CSI reference resource definition

[0241] The CSI reference resource in sidelink is defined as follows:

[0242] - In the frequency domain, the CSI reference resource is defined by the sidelink PRB group containing the sidelink CSI-RS to which the derived CSI is associated.

[0243] - In the time domain, the CSI reference resource is defined by a single sidelink slot n CSI_ref The CSI reference resource for a CSI report in a sidelink slot n is defined, where n CSI_ref is the same sidelink slot as the corresponding CSI request.

[0244] If configured to report CQI index and RI index, in the CSI reference resource, the UE shall assume the following for deriving the CQI index and RI index:

[0245] - The reference resource uses the CP length and subcarrier spacing configured for the SL BWP.

[0246] - Redundancy version 0.

[0247] - PSCCH occupies 2 OFDM symbols.

[0248] - The number of PSSCH and DM-RS symbols is equal to sl-LenghSymbols-2.

[0249] - It is assumed that no RE is allocated for sidelink CSI-RS.

[0250] - It is assumed that no RE is allocated for sidelink CSI-RS.

[0251] - It is assumed that the same number of DM-RS symbols as the minimum number configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList.

[0252] - It is assumed that no RE is allocated for sidelink PT-RS.

[0253] - It is assumed that the sidelink CSI-RS RE power is the same as the PSSCH RE power.

[0254] - PSSCH transmission scheme where the UE can assume that PSSCH transmission will be performed with at most 2 transmission layers as defined in clause 8.3.1.4 of [4, TS 38.211]. For CQI computation, the UE shall assume that the PSSCH signal on the set of antenna ports [1000,..., 1000+ν-1] for ν layers would result in a signal equivalent to the corresponding symbols transmitted on antenna ports [3000,..., 3000+P-1] as given below

[0255]

[0256] where x(i) = [x (0) (i)...x (v-1) (i)] T is the vector of PSSCH symbols from the layer mapping defined in clause 8.3.1.4 of [4, TS 38.211], P ∈ [1, 2] is the number of CSI-RS ports. If only one CSI-RS port is configured, W(i) is 1. Otherwise, W(i) is the identity matrix.

[0257] 8.5.3 CSI reporting

[0258] The UE can be configured with one CSI reporting latency bound as indicated by the higher layer parameter sl-LatencyBoundCSI-Report. The CSI reporting is aperiodic and described in [10, TS 38.321].

[0259] Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats and / or SL grants and / or Sidelink Control Information (SCI) formats for sidelink are discussed in 3GPP TS 38.212 V17.3.0, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0260] 7.3.1.4 DCI formats for scheduling of sidelink

[0261] 7.3.1.4.1 Format 3_0

[0262] DCI format 3_0 is used for the scheduling of NR PSCCH and NR PSSCH in one cell.

[0263] The following information is transmitted by means of DCI format 3_0 with CRC scrambled by SL-RNTI or SL-CS-RNTI:

[0264] - Resource pool index - bits, where I is the number of resource pools configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling for transmission.

[0265] - Time gap - 3 bits determined by the higher layer parameter sl-DCI-ToSL-Trans as defined in clause 8.1.2.1 of [6, TS 38.214]

[0266] - HARQ process number - 4 bits.

[0267] - New data indicator - 1 bit.

[0268] - Latest index of subchannel allocation to initial transmission - as defined in clause 8.1.2.2 of [6, TS 38.214] bits

[0269] - SCI format 1-A fields according to clause 8.3.1.1:

[0270] - Frequency resource assignment.

[0271] - Time resource assignment.

[0272] - PSFCH to HARQ feedback timing indicator - bits, where N fb_timing is the number of entries in the higher layer parameter sl-PSFCH-ToPUCCH as defined in clause 16.5 of [5, TS 38.213]

[0273] - PUCCH resource indicator - 3 bits as defined in clause 16.5 of [5, TS 38.213].

[0274] - …

[0275] - padding bits (if needed)

[0276] …

[0277] 8.3 Sidelink Control Information on PSCCH

[0278] The SCI carried on PSCCH is a 1st-stage SCI, which conveys sidelink scheduling information.

[0279] 8.3.1 1st-stage SCI format

[0280] …

[0281] 8.3.1.1 SCI format 1-A

[0282] SCI format 1-A is used to schedule PSSCH and 2nd-stage SCI on PSSCH

[0283] The following information is conveyed by means of SCI format 1-A:

[0284] - Priority - 3 bits as specified in clause 5.4.3.3 of [12, TS 23.287] and clause 5.22.1.3.1 of [8, TS 38.321]. The value '000' of the Priority field corresponds to the priority value '1', the value '001' of the Priority field corresponds to the priority value '2', and so on.

[0285] - Frequency resource assignment - bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured as 2; otherwise bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured as 3 as defined in clause 8.1.5 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0286] - Time resource assignment - 5 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured as 2; otherwise 9 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured as 3 as defined in clause 8.1.5 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0287] - Resource reservation period - bits as defined in clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213], where N rsv_period is the number of entries in the higher layer parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise 0 bits.

[0288] - DMRS pattern - bits as defined in [4, TS 38.211] clause 8.4.1.1.2, where N 模式 is the number of DMRS patterns configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList.

[0289] - 2nd SCI format-2 bits as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-1.

[0290] - Beta_offset indicator - 2 bits as provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI and Table 8.3.1.1-2.

[0291] - Number of DMRS ports - 1 bit as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-3.

[0292] - Modulation and coding scheme - 5 bits as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.3.

[0293] - Additional MCS table indicator - 1 bit if one MCS table is configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table; 2 bits if two MCS tables are configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table; otherwise 0 bits as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.3.1.

[0294] - PSFCH overhead indication - 1 bit as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.3.2 in case the higher layer parameter sl-PSFCH-Period = 2 or 4; otherwise 0 bits.

[0295] - Reserved - number of bits determined by:

[0296] N 预留 bits as configured by the higher layer parameter sl-NumReservedBits, where if the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is not configured, or if the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is configured to ‘deactivated’, the value is set to zero;

[0297] - Otherwise (N 预留 - 1) bits, where the value is set to zero.

[0298] - Collision information receiver flag - 0 or 1 bit

[0299] - If the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is configured to 'enabled', then it is 1 bit, where a bit value of 0 indicates that the UE is not possible to be a UE receiving the collision information and a bit value of 1 indicates that the UE can be a UE receiving the collision information, as defined in [5, TS 38.213] clause 16.3.0;

[0300] - Otherwise, it is 0 bit.

[0301] Table 8.3.1.1-1: 2nd-stage SCI format

[0302] Value of the 2nd stage SCI format field 2nd stage SCI format 00 SCI format 2-A 01 SCI format 2-B 10 SCI format 2-C 11 Reserved

[0303] …

[0304] 8.4 Sidelink Control Information on PSSCH

[0305] The SCI carried on PSSCH is the 2nd-stage SCI, which conveys sidelink scheduling information and / or inter-UE coordination related information.

[0306] 8.4.1 2nd-stage SCI format

[0307] …

[0308] 8.4.1.1 SCI format 2-A

[0309] SCI format 2-A is used for decoding PSSCH by HARQ operation when HARQ-ACK information contains ACK or NACK, when HARQ-ACK information contains only NACK or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information.

[0310] The following information is conveyed by means of SCI format 2-A:

[0311] - HARQ Process Number - 4 bits.

[0312] - New data indicator - 1 bit.

[0313] - Redundancy version - 2 bits, as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2.

[0314] - Source ID - 8 bits, as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0315] - Destination ID - 16 bits, as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0316] - HARQ feedback enabled / disabled indicator - 1 bit, as defined in [5, TS 38.213] clause 16.3.

[0317] - Broadcast Type Indicator - 2 bits as defined in Table 8.4.1.1-1 and in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0318] - CSI Request - 1 bit as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.2.1 and in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0319] Table 8.4.1.1-1: Broadcast Type Indicator

[0320]

[0321]

[0322] 8.4.1.2 SCI format 2-B

[0323] SCI format 2-B is used for decoding PSSCH by HARQ operation when HARQ-ACK information contains only NACK or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information.

[0324] The following information is conveyed by means of SCI format 2-B:

[0325] - HARQ Process Number - 4 bits.

[0326] - New Data Indicator - 1 bit.

[0327] - Redundancy Version - 2 bits as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2.

[0328] - Source ID - 8 bits as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0329] - Destination ID - 16 bits as defined in [6, TS 38.214] clause 8.1.

[0330] - HARQ Feedback Enabling / Disabling Indicator - 1 bit as defined in [5, TS 38.213] clause 16.3.

[0331] - Zone ID - 12 bits as defined in [9, TS 38.331] clause 5.8.11.

[0332] - Communication Range Requirement - 4 bits determined by the higher layer parameter sl-ZoneConfigMCR-Index.

[0333] 8.4.1.3 SCI format 2-C

[0334] SCI format 2-C is used for decoding of PSSCH and providing or requesting inter-UE coordination information. SCI format 2-C can be used only for unicast.

[0335] The following information is conveyed with the help of SCI format 2-C:

[0336] - HARQ Process Number - 4 bits

[0337] - New data indicator - 1 bit

[0338] - Redundancy version - 2 bits, as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2

[0339] - Source ID - 8 bits, as defined in clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214]

[0340] - Destination ID - 16 bits, as defined in clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214]

[0341] - HARQ feedback enabled / disabled indicator - 1 bit, as defined in clause 16.3 of [5, TS 38.213]

[0342] - CSI request - 1 bit, as defined in clause 8.2.1 of [6, TS 38.214] and clause 8.1 of [6, TS 38.214]

[0343] - Provide / request indicator - 1 bit, where a value of 0 indicates that the SCI format 2-C is used for providing inter-UE coordination information and a value of 1 indicates that the SCI format 2-C is used for requesting inter-UE coordination information

[0344] …

[0345] 8.4.4 Rate matching

[0346] For 2nd stage SCI transmission on PSSCH with SL-SCH, the number of coded modulation symbols produced for 2nd stage SCI transmission before repetition for layer 2 (if present) is denoted as Q' SCI2 which is determined as follows:

[0347] …

[0348] 8.4.5 Multiplexing of coded 2nd stage SCI bits onto PSSCH

[0349] The coded 2nd stage SCI bits are multiplexed onto PSSCH according to the procedure in clause 8.2.1.

[0350] Sidelink reference signals and sidelink channels are discussed in 3GPP TS 38.211 V17.3.0, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0351] 8.3 Physical channels

[0352] 8.3.1 Physical Sidelink Shared Channel

[0353] 8.3.1.1 Scrambling

[0354] For a single codeword, q = 0, the block of bits where is the number of bits in the codeword q transmitted on the physical channel as defined in [4, TS 38.212].

[0355] …

[0356] 8.3.1.5 Mapping to virtual resource blocks

[0357] For each of the antenna ports used for transmission of PSSCH, the block of complex-valued symbols will be multiplied with the amplitude scaling factor to comply with the transmission power specified in [5, TS 38.213] and to map to the resource elements (k', l) in the virtual resource blocks assigned for transmission p,μ where k' = 0 is the first subcarrier in the lowest-numbered virtual resource block assigned for transmission.

[0358] The mapping operation will be done in two steps:

[0359] - First, the complex-valued symbols corresponding to the bits of the 2nd stage SCI, in increasing order, first the index k' on the assigned virtual resource block, then the index l, starting from the first PSSCH symbol carrying the associated DM-RS and complying with all of the following criteria:

[0360] - the corresponding resource element in the corresponding physical resource block is not used for transmission of associated DM-RS, PT-RS or PSCCH;

[0361] - Second, the complex-valued modulation symbols not corresponding to the 2nd stage SCI, in increasing order, first the index k' on the assigned virtual resource block, then the index l, where the starting position is given by [6, TS 38.214] and complying with all of the following criteria:

[0362] - the resource element is not used for the 2nd stage SCI in the first step;

[0363] - the corresponding resource element in the corresponding physical resource block is not used for transmission of associated DM-RS, PT-RS, CSI-RS or PSCCH.

[0364] For resource elements for PSSCH in the first OFDM symbol in the above mapping operation, any DM-RS, PT-RS or CSI-RS occurring in the first OFDM symbol shall be duplicated in the preceding OFDM symbol in the mapping.

[0365] 8.3.1.6 Mapping from virtual resource blocks to physical resource blocks

[0366] Virtual resource blocks shall be mapped to physical resource blocks according to non-interleaved mapping.

[0367] For non-interleaved VRB-to-PRB mapping, virtual resource block n is mapped to physical resource block n.

[0368] 8.3.2 Physical Sidelink Control Channel

[0369] …8.3.2.3 Mapping to physical resources

[0370] The set of complex-valued modulation symbols d(0), …, d(M 符号 -1) shall be multiplied with the amplitude scaling factor to comply with the transmit power specified in [5, TS 38.213] and mapped in increasing order from d(0) first to the resource elements (k, l) assigned for transmission according to clause 16.4 of [5, TS 38.213], and not used for demodulation reference signals associated with PSCCH, in the increasing order, first the index k on the assigned physical resource, then the index l on antenna port p = 2000. p,μ

[0371] For resource elements for PSCCH in the first OFDM symbol in the above mapping operation, any DM-RS, PT-RS or CSI-RS occurring in the first OFDM symbol shall be duplicated in the preceding OFDM symbol.

[0372] …

[0373] 8.4 Physical Signals

[0374] 8.4.1 Reference Signals

[0375] 8.4.1.1 Demodulation Reference Signals for PSSCH

[0376] 8.4.1.1.1 Sequence Generation

[0377] The sequence r(m) shall be generated according to l

[0378]

[0379] ​​where the pseudo-random sequence c(m) is defined in clause 5.2.1. The pseudo-random sequence generator shall be initialized with:

[0380]

[0381] where l is the number of OFDM symbols within a slot, is the number of slots within a frame, and where according to p and L are given by clause 7.3.2 in [4, TS 38.212], the quantity is equal to the decimal representation of the CRC on the PSCCH associated with the PSSCH.

[0382] 8.4.1.1.2 Mapping to physical resources

[0383] According to clause 6.4.1.1.3 with configuration type 1 and without transform precoding, the sequence r(m) is mapped to the intermediate quantity and where w f (k′), w t (l′) and Δ are given by Table 8.4.1.1.2-2, and r(m) is specified in clause 8.4.1.1.1.

[0384] The pattern used for PSSCH DM-RS is indicated in the SCI as described in clause 8.3.1.1 in [4, TS 38.212].

[0385] The intermediate quantity shall be multiplied with the amplitude scaling factor specified in clause 8.3.1.5 and mapped to the physical resources according to:

[0386]

[0387] where

[0388] - the precoding matrix W is given by clause 8.3.1.4,

[0389] - the set of antenna ports {p0,...,p ρ-1} is given by clause 8.3.1.4, and

[0390] - the set of antenna ports is given by [6, TS 38.214];

[0391] and the following conditions are satisfied:

[0392] - the resource elements are within the common resource blocks allocated for the PSSCH transmission.

[0393] The number k is defined relative to subcarrier 0 in common resource block 0 and the number l is defined relative to the start of the scheduled resources used for transmission of PSSCH and associated PSCCH, including OFDM symbols copied as described in Clauses 8.3.1.5 and 8.3.2.3.

[0394] The location of the DM-RS symbols is given by Table 8.4.1.1.2-1 according to where the number of PSSCH DM-RS is indicated in SCI and l d is the duration of the scheduled resources used for transmission of PSSCH and associated PSCCH, including OFDM symbols copied as described in Clauses 8.3.1.5 and 8.3.2.3.

[0395] …

[0396] 8.4.1.2 Phase tracking reference signal for PSSCH

[0397] 8.4.1.2.1 Sequence generation

[0398] The precoded sidelink phase tracking reference signal for subcarrier k on layer j is given by

[0399]

[0400] where

[0401] - Antenna port associated with PT-RS transmission or is given by Clause 8.2.3 of [6, TS 38.214];

[0402] - r(m) is given by Clause 8.4.1.1.1 at the location of the first PSSCH symbol carrying the associated DM-RS.

[0403] 8.4.1.2.2 Mapping to physical resources

[0404] A UE shall only transmit a phase tracking reference signal in resource blocks used for PSSCH and only when the procedure in [6, TS 38.214] indicates that a phase tracking reference signal is being used.

[0405] The PSSCH PT-RS is mapped to resource elements according to

[0406]

[0407] k = 4n + 2k' + Δ

[0408] When all of the following conditions are met,

[0409] - l is the number of OFDM symbols allocated for the PSSCH transmission within a slot;

[0410] - resource element (k, l) is not used for PSCCH nor for DM-RS associated with PSSCH;

[0411] - k' and Δ correspond to

[0412] …

[0413] 8.4.1.3 Demodulation reference signals for PSCCH

[0414] 8.4.1.3.1 Sequence generation

[0415] The sequence r will be generated according to l (m):

[0416]

[0417] where the pseudo-random sequence c(m) is defined in clause 5.2.1. The pseudo-random sequence generator shall be initialized with:

[0418]

[0419] where

[0420] - l is the number of OFDM symbols within a slot,

[0421] - is the number of slots within a frame, and

[0422] - N ID ∈ {0, 1, …, 65535} is given by the higher layer parameter sl-DMRS-ScrambleID.

[0423] 8.4.1.3.2 Mapping to physical resources

[0424] The sequence r l (m) will be multiplied with the amplitude scaling factor to comply with the transmit power specified in [5, 38.213], and mapped in a slot on antenna port p = 2000 according to l starting from r p,μ to resource element (k, l)

[0425]

[0426]

[0427] k' = 0, 1, 2

[0428] n = 0, 1, …

[0429] where the following conditions are satisfied:

[0430] - they are within the resource elements constituting the PSCCH

[0431] The number w f,i (k') is given by Table 8.4.1.3.2-1, and i e {0, 1, 2} is to be randomly selected by the UE.

[0432] The reference point for k is subcarrier 0 in common resource block 0.

[0433] The number l is the number of OFDM symbols within a slot.

[0434] …

[0435] 8.4.1.5 CSI reference signals

[0436] 8.4.1.5.1 General

[0437] 8.4.1.5.2 Sequence generation

[0438] The sequence r will be generated according to l (m):

[0439]

[0440] where the pseudo-random sequence c(i) is defined in clause 5.2.1. The pseudo-random sequence generator shall be initialized with:

[0441]

[0442] at the start of each OFDM symbol, where is the number of slots within a radio frame, l is the number of OFDM symbols within a slot, and where according to p and L are given by clause 7.3.2 in [4, TS 38.212], the number

[0443] is equal to the decimal representation of the CRC mapped to the sidelink control information associated with the CSI-RS.

[0444] 8.4.1.5.3 Mapping to physical resources

[0445] The mapping to resource elements will be according to clause 7.4.1.5.3 with the following exceptions:

[0446] - Only 1 and 2 antenna ports are supported, X e {1, 2};

[0447] - Only density p = 1 is supported;​

[0448] - Zero-power CSI-RS is not supported;

[0449] - Number of beams CSIRS is the amplitude scaling factor for the transmit power as specified in clause 8.2.1 of [6, TS 38.214].

[0450] The Study Item description (SID) for extended and / or improved NR positioning was introduced in RP-213588, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0451] 3 Adjustments

[0452] 4 Objectives

[0453] 4.1 Objectives of the SI or Core part WIs or Test part WIs

[0454] • Study solutions for sidelink positioning considering the following: [RAN1, RAN2]

[0455] • Scenarios / requirements…

[0456] •

[0457] • Define evaluation methods to evaluate SL positioning for use cases and coverage scenarios, reusing existing methods for sidelink communication and positioning as much as possible [RAN1].

[0458] • Consider relative positioning, ranging and absolute positioning, study and evaluate the performance and feasibility of possible solutions for SL positioning: [RAN1, RAN2]

[0459] o Evaluate bandwidth requirements needed to meet identified accuracy requirements [RAN1]

[0460] o Study of positioning methods (e.g., TDOA, RTT, AOA / D, etc.) that include combinations of SL positioning measurements and other RAT-dependent positioning measurements (e.g., Uu-based measurements) [RAN1]

[0461] o Study of sidelink reference signals for positioning purposes from a physical layer perspective, including signal design, resource allocation, measurements, associated procedures, etc., reusing existing reference signals, procedures, etc. for sidelink communication and positioning as much as possible [RAN1]

[0462] o Study on positioning architecture and signaling procedures (e.g., configuration, measurement reporting, etc.) to enable sidelink positioning covering both UE-based and network-based positioning [RAN2, including coordination and alignment with RAN3 and SA2 as needed] Some agreements on sidelink positioning are discussed in the RAN1 Chairman’s Notes of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #109-e, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0463] Agreement

[0464] • For SL positioning evaluation, analog bandwidth of 10, 20, 40 and 100 MHz in FR1 can be used.

[0465] • For SL positioning evaluation, analog bandwidth of 100, 200 and 400 MHz in FR2 can be used.

[0466] Agreement

[0467] For the purpose of RAN1 discussion during this study item, at least the following terminology is used:

[0468] ■ Target UE: UE to be positioned (in this context, using SL, i.e., PC5 interface).

[0469] ■ Sidelink positioning: Positioning of a UE using reference signals transmitted over SL, i.e., PC5 interface, to obtain absolute position, relative position or ranging information.

[0470] ■ Ranging: Determination of distance and / or direction between a UE and another entity (e.g., anchor UE).

[0471] ■ Sidelink Positioning Reference Signal (SL PRS): Reference signal transmitted over SL for positioning purposes.

[0472] ■ SL PRS (pre-)configuration: Parameters (not excluding other parameters) of the (pre-)configuration of SL PRS, including its bandwidth and periodicity.

[0473] ■ Continue discussion on additional terminology explanation, e.g., initiator UE, responder UE, sidelink positioning group, reference UE, etc., including whether such terminology is needed within RAN1 discussion.

[0474] Agreement

[0475] For the purpose of RAN1 discussion during this study item, at least the following terminology is used:

[0476] ■ Anchor UE: UE that supports positioning of a target UE, e.g., by transmitting and / or receiving reference signals for positioning over SL interface, providing positioning related information, etc.

[0477] o To be further studied: Clarification of the knowledge of the location of the anchoring UE

[0478] Agreement

[0479] For frequency domain patterns, further study comb-N SL-PRS design. Study at least the following aspects:

[0480] ■N >= 1 (where N = 1 corresponds to full RE mapping pattern)

[0481] ■Fully staggered SL-PRS pattern (e.g., M symbols of SL-PRS with comb-N, where M = N and different RE offsets are used at each symbol), partially staggered SL-PRS pattern (e.g., M symbols of SL-PRS with comb-N, where M < N, different RE offsets are used at each symbol), non-staggered SL-PRS pattern (e.g., M symbols of SL-PRS with comb-N, same RE offset is used at each symbol, N > 1)

[0482] ■Number of symbols of SL-PRS within a slot

[0483] o Any relationship with comb-N options

[0484] o RE offset pattern repetition within a slot

[0485] ■To be further studied: Other frequency domain patterns

[0486] Agreement

[0487] For SL positioning resource allocation, further study the following 2 options for SL positioning resource (pre-) configuration:

[0488] ■Option 1: Dedicated resource pool for SL-PRS

[0489] o Include at least the following aspects in the study:

[0490] - Which slots, SL frame structure, SL positioning slot structure, multiplexing of SL-PRS with control information (if included in the same slot) can be used

[0491] - Positioning measurement reporting

[0492] - Whether SL PRS needs dedicated frequency allocation (e.g., layer / BWP)

[0493] - Resource allocation procedure for SL-PRS

[0494] - This option can or can not include control information for the purpose of SL positioning operation (i.e., configuration / activation / deactivation / triggering of SL-PRS)

[0495] Option 2: Shared resource pool with sidelink communication.

[0496] o Include at least the following aspects in the study:

[0497] Coexistence between SL communication and SL positioning, backward compatibility

[0498] Multiplexing considerations of SL-PRS with other PHY channels (PSCCH, PSSCH, PSFCH) and any modification in SL slot structure are discussed in the Chairman’s Notes of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #110, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0499] Agreements

[0500] New reference signals should be introduced to support SL positioning / ranging.

[0501] Agreements

[0502] Regarding SL-PRS resource allocation, both Scheme 1 and Scheme 2 should be introduced to support SL positioning / ranging:

[0503] Scheme 1: Network centric operation SL-PRS resource allocation (e.g., similar to legacy Mode 1 solution)

[0504] o Network (e.g., gNB, LMF, gNB and LMF) allocates resources for SL-PRS.

[0505] Scheme 2: UE autonomous SL-PRS resource allocation (e.g., similar to legacy Mode 2 solution)

[0506] o At least one of the UEs involved in the sidelink positioning operation allocates resources for SL-PRS

[0507] Agreements

[0508] Regarding SL positioning resource allocation, one of the following alternatives should be introduced to support SL positioning / ranging:

[0509] Alternative 1: Only a dedicated resource pool can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS

[0510] Alternative 2: A dedicated resource pool and / or a shared resource pool with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS

[0511] Note: It can be further discussed whether other signals / channels can be present in the dedicated resource pool

[0512] Agreements

[0513] Regarding frequency domain pattern, comb-N SL-PRS with M symbol occupation design should be introduced to support NR SL positioning

[0514] • Note: M, N can have multiple values Some agreements on sidelink positioning were discussed in the RAN1 Chair Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #110bis-e, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0515] Agreement

[0516] Regarding Scheme 1 SL-PRS resource allocation, the transmitting UE receives SL-PRS resource allocation signaling from the network. Consider one or more of the following options:

[0517] • Option 1: From LMF through higher layer

[0518] • Option 2: From gNB through dynamic grant or through configured grant Type 1 / Type 2

[0519] • Which one or more of these are applicable is to be further discussed

[0520] Agreement

[0521] From RAN1 perspective, the following cast types of SL-PRS transmission for SL positioning can be introduced:

[0522] • Broadcast (as working assumption).

[0523] Agreement

[0524] The frequency domain and time domain pattern of SL-PRS resources within a slot has the following characteristics:

[0525] • The value of N (comb size) and the number of SL-PRS symbols within a slot excludes symbols for AGC training / RxTx turnaround:

[0526] • At least the following values are considered as potential candidate values for N = {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12}

[0527] • To be further studied: values considered as potential candidate values for M

[0528] • To be further studied 1: whether N > 12 is considered as potential candidate value

[0529] • The symbols of SL-PRS resources within a slot are contiguous symbols

[0530] • To be further studied: contiguous and / or non-contiguous symbols for shared resource pool (if supported)

[0531] • To be further studied: RE offset sequence within SL-PRS resource, whether to have the same symbol of RE offset at the end of SL-PRS pattern as the first symbol for phase tracking purpose

[0532] Agreement

[0533] For dedicated resource pool for SL positioning,

[0534] • Regarding what channels can be contained in the resource pool in addition to SL-PRS, consider the following options:

[0535] • Option 1: No other channels can be contained in addition to SL-PRS

[0536] • Option 2: Contain PSCCH carrying SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission

[0537] • Option 3: Contain PSCCH carrying SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission and PSSCH associated with SL-PRS transmission

[0538] • To be further studied: details

[0539] • To be further studied: definition of PSSCH associated with SL-PRS transmission

[0540] • Note: Companies are encouraged to provide analysis and views on the above issues

[0541] Agreement

[0542] Regarding SL positioning resource allocation, for (pre-)configuration of SL positioning resources in the shared resource pool with Rel-16 / 17 / 18 sidelink communication (if supported), backward compatibility with legacy Rel-16 / 17 UEs should be ensured.

[0543] Agreement

[0544] Regarding SL signaling for reservation / indication of SL-PRS resources in dedicated resource pool and shared resource pool (if supported) for positioning:

[0545] • Option A.1: SCI can be used to reserve / indicate one or more SL-PRS resources

[0546] • Note: This does not mean only SCI is used. There can still be higher layer signaling for the purpose of indicating part of SL-PRS configuration.

[0547] • To be further studied: whether it is single-stage SCI or two-stage SCI

[0548] • To be further studied: SL-MAC-CE or other higher layer signaling to reserve / indicate SL-PRS is discussed in R1-2211012 for some actions of RAN1#111 associated with sidelink positioning, the following quotes one or more parts of it:

[0549] For the configuration of SL-PRS, Option 2 is preferred. We think higher layer signaling is involved in configuring some SL-PRS parameters (e.g., comb-N, number of symbols M, configuration of resource pool and resources, etc.). The higher layer signaling can be

[0550] Option a: RRC or LPP between network and UE

[0551] Option b: PC5-SLPP between UEs

[0552] Option c: pre-configured RRC

[0553] In addition, we also think lower layer is involved in some SL-PRS parameters (e.g., PRS timing / frequency resources, SL-PRS sequence ID, periodicity indication, priority, and RE offset).

[0554] Furthermore, according to previous meetings, SCI is supported for SL-PRS resource reservation. Considering the content of SCI, the following information should be carried in SCI at least: SL PRS timing / frequency resources, destination ID, source ID, periodicity indication, priority, and RE offset.

[0555] Proposal 9

[0556] • For the configuration of SL-PRS, Option 2 is preferred o Option 2: both high layer and lower layer signaling are involved in SL-PRS configuration.

[0557] Proposal 10

[0558] • For the SCI used for reservation / indication of SL-PRS, the following information should be carried in SCI.

[0559] o SL PRS timing / frequency resources, destination ID, source ID, periodicity indication, priority, and RE offset.

[0560] Some actions of RAN1#111 associated with sidelink positioning are discussed in R1-2211203, the following quotes one or more parts of it:

[0561] In Rel-16 / 17 NR V2X, a 2nd SCI has been introduced for resource allocation of PSSCH and IUC scheme for PSSCH. The new SCI design for SL-PRS in Rel-18 should reuse as much as possible the existing SCI design for PSSCH in Rel-16 / 17 NR V2X to reduce the workload of standardization and complexity of UE implementation. Therefore, a 2nd SCI should be introduced for resource allocation of SL-PRS and potential IUC scheme for SL-PRS.

[0562] Proposal 29: The new SCI design for SL-PRS in Rel-18 should reuse as much as possible the existing SCI design for PSSCH in Rel-16 / 17 NR V2X to reduce the workload of standardization and complexity of UE implementation.

[0563] Proposal 30: A 2nd SCI should be supported to indicate resource allocation and other information of SL-PRS transmission in Rel-18.

[0564] Considering the backward compatibility with R16 / 17 sidelink UEs and the simplicity of design, it would be a reasonable solution to put the 2nd SCI together with SL-PRS in a dedicated resource pool. In other words, in addition to SL-PRS, the PSCCH carrying 1st SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission and the PSSCH carrying 2nd SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission should also be included in the dedicated resource pool. However, whether the PSSCH carrying measurement report associated with SL-PRS transmission should also be included in the dedicated resource pool needs further study.

[0565] Proposal 31: The 2nd SCI for scheduling of SL-PRS should be transmitted in a dedicated resource pool for sidelink positioning.

[0566] Proposal 32: For the dedicated resource pool for SL positioning, in addition to SL-PRS, the PSCCH carrying 1st SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission and the PSSCH carrying 2nd SCI associated with SL-PRS transmission should also be included in the dedicated resource pool.

[0567] • To be further studied: whether the PSSCH carrying measurement report associated with SL-PRS transmission should also be included in the dedicated resource pool.

[0568] Regarding the content of the 2nd SCI, the information transmitted by the conventional 1st SCI and 2nd SCI defined in Rel-16 / 17 V2X can be a starting point. At least the following information should be considered:

[0569] - Priority

[0570] - frequency resource assignment

[0571] - time resource assignment

[0572] - resource reservation period

[0573] - SL-PRS pattern

[0574] - source ID

[0575] - destination ID

[0576] - SL-PRS request / indication

[0577] Proposal 33: For the content of the secondary SCI for SL-PRS in Rel-18, the information conveyed by the legacy 1st SCI and 2nd SCI defined in Rel-16 / 17 V2X should be the starting point.

[0578] Some actions of RANI#111 associated with sidelink positioning are discussed in R1-2211268, one or more parts of which are quoted below:

[0579] 5. Resource allocation for SL positioning

[0580] ●

[0581] When a UE selects SL PRS resources based on sensing, in addition to the fields indicated by DCI when the network assigns SL PRS resources, the source / destination ID of the SL PRS TX and RX UE needs to be included. The SCI can also include a flag to indicate whether retransmission request applies to SL PRS. Therefore, the sidelink control channel (SCI) includes at least the following fields for SL PRS resources.

[0582] ● source / destination ID

[0583] ● resource pool index for SL PRS transmission

[0584] ● SL PRS resource information

[0585] ■ resource timing

[0586] ■ periodicity / offset

[0587] ■ comb pattern

[0588] ■ number of symbols

[0589] ■ etc.

[0590] ● retransmission request flag

[0591] The value of each parameter is selected within the allowed set of values (pre)configured in the resource pool. If multiple SL PRS configurations are allowed in the resource pool, the SL PRS configuration index can be included. This issue needs further study.

[0592] Proposal 25: When the UE selects SL PRS resources based on sensing, the 2nd SCI indicates at least source / destination ID and retransmission request flag in addition to resource pool index and SL PRS resource information.

[0593] For sidelink design in New Radio (NR) Release 16 (Rel-16) and / or Release 17 (Rel-17), a sidelink slot can be used for transmission and / or reception of a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) and / or transmission and / or reception of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) / physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) / physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH). In this disclosure, the term “PSCCH / PSSCH / PSFCH” can refer to PSCCH, PSSCH, and / or PSFCH. In some examples, PSBCH can be multiplexed (e.g., time-division multiplexed (TDM)) from PSCCH / PSSCH / PSFCH in a slot level (which can mean that sidelink slots excluding slots for PSBCH can be used for PSCCH / PSSCH / PSFCH transmission / reception). In this disclosure, the term “transmission / reception” can refer to transmission and / or reception. Alternatively and / or additionally, a concept of sidelink resource pool for sidelink communication can be used for PSCCH / PSSCH / PSFCH transmission / reception. A sidelink resource pool can include a set of sidelink slots (e.g., excluding slots for PSBCH) and a set of frequency resources. In some examples, a sidelink resource pool can correspond to a sidelink communication resource pool (e.g., a resource pool for sidelink communication). One, some, and / or all instances of the term “sidelink resource pool” in this disclosure can be replaced with “sidelink communication resource pool.” Different sidelink resource pools can be multiplexed (e.g., TDM and / or frequency-division multiplexed (FDM)). In an example, PSCCH in a sidelink resource pool (e.g., one sidelink resource pool) can schedule PSSCH resources (e.g., only PSSCH resources) in the same sidelink resource pool (e.g., the one sidelink resource pool). In some examples, PSCCH in a sidelink resource pool (e.g., one sidelink resource pool) can not be able to schedule PSSCH resources in other sidelink resource pools. For PSCCH / PSSCH, an associated PSFCH (e.g., a PSFCH associated with PSCCH / PSSCH) can be in the same sidelink resource pool (e.g., as PSCCH / PSSCH) instead of in a different sidelink resource pool. In this disclosure, the term “PSCCH / PSSCH” can refer to PSCCH and / or PSSCH.

[0594] A sidelink resource pool (e.g., one sidelink resource pool) can include a plurality of sub-channels in the frequency domain, where a sub-channel includes a plurality of contiguous physical resource blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain. A PRB (e.g., one PRB) can include a plurality of resource elements (REs) (e.g., a PRB (e.g., one PRB) can consist of 12 REs). A configuration of a sidelink resource pool can indicate (correspond to) a number of PRBs per sub-channel in the sidelink resource pool. For PSSCH, sub-channel based resource allocation in the frequency domain can be supported. For PSSCH resources scheduled by PSCCH in the same sidelink slot, a fixed relationship between PSCCH and PSSCH resources can be indicated (e.g., specified) and / or limited, which can mean that the PSCCH can be located in the lowest sub-channel (e.g., the sub-channel with the smallest index) of the scheduled PSSCH resources. For scheduled PSSCH resources in different slots, the starting frequency location of the scheduled PSSCH resources will be scheduled / indicated by sidelink control information rather than a fixed relationship.

[0595] In some instances, in a sidelink design of NR Rel-16 and / or Rel-17, a sidelink control information (SCI) (e.g., one SCI) can indicate up to three PSSCH resources via a frequency resource assignment and / or a time resource assignment in the SCI. The SCI can include a 1ststage SCI and a 2ndstage SCI. The 1ststage SCI can be transmitted via a PSCCH. The 2ndstage SCI can be transmitted multiplexed via a scheduled PSSCH resource (e.g., scheduled via the 1ststage SCI and / or other signals) in the same sidelink slot (e.g., the same slot as the 1ststage SCI). In an instance, the scheduled PSSCH resource can correspond to a first PSSCH resource of the up to three PSSCH resources. For example, the SCI can schedule up to two PSSCH resources (e.g., a second PSSCH resource and / or a third PSSCH resource) in a later sidelink slot (e.g., one or more slots after the slot in which the 1ststage SCI and / or the 2ndstage SCI is transmitted). The up to three PSSCH resources can be in different slots in a sidelink resource pool. The up to three PSSCH resources can be within 32 contiguous (e.g., consecutive) slots in the sidelink resource pool (e.g., a time difference between an initial PSSCH resource of the three PSSCH resources and a last PSSCH resource of the three PSSCH resources can not be within a time period corresponding to 32 consecutive slots). The up to three PSSCH resources can be associated with (and / or for) a same data packet, such as a same transport block (TB) and / or a same medium access control (MAC) protocol / packet data unit (PDU). In some instances, standalone PSSCH / SCI can not be supported in NR sidelink, which can mean that for each PSSCH transmission in a slot, there can be a corresponding PSCCH / SCI transmission in the same slot, and / or vice versa.

[0596] Alternatively and / or additionally, the SCI resource reservation for the TB (e.g., another TB) can be configured (e.g., preconfigured) in the sidelink resource pool as enabled or not enabled or not configured (e.g., the resource reservation for the TB can be enabled and / or configured for the sidelink resource pool, and / or the resource reservation for the TB can not be enabled and / or can not be configured for the sidelink resource pool). In some instances, whether the SCI resource reservation for another TB is enabled, not enabled, or not configured in the sidelink resource pool can be configured (e.g., whether the resource reservation is enabled, not enabled, or not configured for the sidelink resource pool can be preconfigured for the sidelink resource pool). When the sidelink resource pool is configured (e.g., preconfigured) by enabling such resource reservation (e.g., when the resource reservation is enabled for the sidelink resource pool), the sidelink resource pool is configured with a set of reservation period values. In an instance, the set of reservation period values (e.g., a set of one or more reservation period values) can include 0 milliseconds, 1:99 milliseconds (e.g., a value that is in a range of at least 1 millisecond to at most 99 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, 200 milliseconds, 300 milliseconds, 400 milliseconds, 500 milliseconds, 600 milliseconds, 700 milliseconds, 800 milliseconds, 900 milliseconds, and / or 1000 milliseconds). In some instances, a resource reservation period field in the SCI in the sidelink resource pool can indicate one or more reservation period values for one or more resource reservations (e.g., the resource reservation period field can indicate which reservation period value is to be used for future resource reservations). In some instances, a size of the set of reservation period values (e.g., a number of values of the set of reservation period values) can be from 1 to 16 (e.g., the set of reservation period values can include at most 16 reservation period values).

[0597] In sidelink design for NR Rel-16 and / or Rel-17, there are two sidelink resource allocation modes defined for NR sidelink communication: (i) Mode 1 (e.g., network scheduling mode and / or NR sidelink resource allocation mode 1) is that a base station / network node can schedule sidelink resources to be used by a user equipment (UE) for sidelink transmission, and / or (ii) Mode 2 (e.g., UE selection mode and / or NR sidelink resource allocation mode 2) is that a UE determines (e.g., a base station / network node does not schedule) sidelink transmission resources within sidelink resources configured by the base station / network node and / or preconfigured sidelink resources.

[0598] For a network scheduled mode (e.g., NR sidelink resource allocation mode 1), a network node can transmit a sidelink (SL) grant (e.g., a downlink control information (DCI) format 3 0) on a Uu interface for scheduling PSSCH resources (e.g., up to three PSSCH resources) (e.g., for a same data packet). The sidelink grant can include a “time gap” field and / or one or more “one or more minimum indices of subchannel allocation for initial transmission” fields for indicating a first PSSCH resource and / or a PSCCH resource in a time slot (e.g., a particular time slot) of the PSSCH resources (e.g., up to three PSSCH resources). Alternatively and / or additionally, the sidelink grant can include a “frequency resource assignment” field and / or a “time resource assignment” field for indicating a second PSSCH resource and / or a third PSSCH resource (if present) of the PSSCH resources (e.g., up to three PSSCH resources). Alternatively and / or additionally, the sidelink grant can include a “resource pool index” for indicating a sidelink resource pool (e.g., one sidelink resource pool), where the scheduled PSSCH resources (e.g., up to three PSSCH resources) are within the indicated sidelink resource pool (e.g., one sidelink resource pool). In response to the received sidelink grant, a transmitter UE (TX UE) can perform PSCCH and PSSCH transmissions on a PC5 interface for the data packet. The Uu interface can correspond to a wireless interface for communication between a network and a UE. The PC5 interface can correspond to a wireless interface for communication (e.g., direct communication) between UEs and / or devices.

[0599] For a UE (e.g., autonomous) selection mode (e.g., NR sidelink resource allocation mode 2), since the transmission resources are not scheduled via a network node, a UE can need to perform sensing before selecting resources for transmission (e.g., sensing-based transmission) to avoid resource collision and / or interference from and / or to other UEs (e.g., UEs using NR sidelink). Full sensing can be supported by NR Rel-16 sidelink, while partial sensing can be supported by NR Rel-17 sidelink. Based on a result of the sensing procedure, the UE can determine a set of resources (e.g., a valid / identified set of resources, which can correspond to a set of one or more resources identified and / or determined by the UE as valid, e.g., usable for sidelink transmission). The set of resources (e.g., the valid / identified set of resources) can be reported to a higher layer (e.g., of the UE). The UE can select (e.g., randomly select) one or more resources (e.g., one or more valid / identified resources) from the set of resources (e.g., the valid / identified set of resources) to perform a sidelink transmission from the UE. The sidelink transmission from the UE can include a PSCCH transmission and / or a PSSCH transmission.

[0600] Alternatively and / or additionally, the sidelink control information scheduling the PSSCH transmission would indicate a cast type (e.g., unicast, groupcast, or broadcast) associated with the scheduled PSSCH transmission. Alternatively and / or additionally, the sidelink control information (e.g., 2nd stage SCI) can indicate a source identification (ID) (e.g., Layer 1 source ID) and a destination ID (e.g., Layer 1 destination ID). In some instances, the destination ID (e.g., Layer 1 destination ID) is used by one or more receiver UEs (RX UE) to determine whether to receive and / or decode the scheduled PSSCH transmission. In sidelink communications, a RX UE can need to receive and / or detect one or more PSCCH / PSSCH from one or more TX UEs in a sidelink transmission occasion (e.g., one sidelink transmission occasion). For each PSCCH / PSSCH from each TX UE in one sidelink transmission occasion, the destination of the PSCCH / PSSCH can or can not include the RX UE. The RX UE can need to receive, decode, and / or measure each sidelink control information from the PSCCH and / or corresponding 2nd stage SCI, which can be at least in part due to the destination ID (e.g., Layer 1 destination ID) indicated in the 2nd stage SCI, whereby the RX UE can need to decode the PSCCH and decode the corresponding 2nd stage SCI after decoding the PSCCH. In some instances, if the RX UE receiving the sidelink control information is not associated with the indicated destination ID (e.g., Layer 1 destination ID), the RX UE can not decode the scheduled PSSCH transmission (and / or can not measure a SL channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)). If the RX UE receiving the sidelink control information is associated with the indicated destination ID (e.g., Layer 1 destination ID), the RX UE can receive and / or decode the scheduled PSSCH transmission (and / or measure the SL CSI-RS). In some instances, the source ID (e.g., Layer 1 source ID) is used by the RX UE to determine whether two scheduled PSSCH transmissions are from the same TX UE and / or whether the two scheduled PSSCH transmissions can be combined with a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). For example, when two sidelink control information used to schedule two PSSCH transmissions indicate the same source ID (e.g., the same Layer 1 source ID) and the same destination ID (e.g., the same Layer 1 destination ID) and the same cast type with the same HARQ process number and / or new data indicator (NDI) not toggled, the RX UE can perform HARQ combining of the two scheduled PSSCH transmissions for decoding the data packet. Otherwise, in some instances, the RX UE cannot perform HARQ combining of the two scheduled PSSCH transmissions.

[0601] In NR Release 18 (Rel-18) (e.g., discussed in RP-213588), studies on “NR Positioning Enhancements” can investigate higher accuracy, lower latency positions, high integrity, and / or reliability requirements due to new applications and vertical industries for 5G. NR Rel-18 can (also) consider relative positioning, ranging, and / or absolute positioning to investigate the feasibility of possible solutions for SL positioning, where SL positioning operates in an inter-device interface (e.g., PC5 interface between devices). The devices can be UEs.

[0602] In RAN1 meetings (e.g., discussed in RAN1 Chairman’s Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #109-e, RAN1 Chairman’s Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #110, and / or RAN1 Chairman’s Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #110bis-e), RAN1 agreed to study round trip time (RTT)-like solutions using SL, SL angle of arrival (AoA) (SL-AoA), SL time difference of arrival (TDOA) (SL-TDOA), SL angle of departure (AoD) (SL-AoD), involving positioning methods supported using SL measurements. As a result, enhanced reference signals (e.g., new reference signals) for SL positioning / ranging can be introduced, and existing downlink (DL) positioning reference signals (PRS) or uplink (UL) sounding reference signal - positioning (SRS-Pos) design and SL design framework can be used as a starting point. The enhanced reference signals for SL positioning / ranging can be denoted as SL PRS. To support time-based positioning methods, higher accuracy positioning can require a larger bandwidth for SL PRS. It is possible that the required bandwidth for SL PRS can be 10 megahertz (MHz), 20 MHz, or even larger, especially in higher frequency bands. Regarding SL positioning resource allocation, RAN1 can investigate another Option 1: dedicated resource pool for SL-PRS and / or Option 2: shared resource pool with sidelink communication (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH and / or PSFCH). Shared resource pool with sidelink communication can mean that SL PRS transmissions are multiplexed in a sidelink resource pool with PSCCH / PSSCH resources (e.g., in NR Release 16 / 17 / 18 sidelink resource pool).

[0603] Alternatively and / or additionally, sidelink control information can be provided by the TX UE for scheduling / indicating / allocating SL PRS resources (e.g., the TX UE can provide sidelink control information to let the RX UE know the location and / or time to receive and / or measure one or more corresponding SL PRSs). In this disclosure, the term “scheduling / indicating / allocating” can refer to scheduling, indicating, and / or allocating. The sidelink control information for scheduling / indicating / allocating SL PRS resources can be multiplexed in a dedicated resource pool for SL-PRS of Option 1, or can be transmitted on PSCCH in a shared sidelink resource pool of Option 2.

[0604] Alternatively and / or additionally, in view of the larger bandwidth requirement for SL PRS, a comb-N SL PRS design can be supported for providing more available SL PRS resources, and / or a configured and / or adjusted number of symbols (e.g., an adjustable and / or configurable number of symbols) can be supported as one SL PRS occasion. In some instances, potential candidate values of N can be 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12. According to RAN1#109-e (e.g., discussed in the RAN1 Chairman’s Notes of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #109-e), at least some possible designs of SL PRS patterns in view of M symbols and comb-N are as follows: (i) fully staggered SL PRS pattern, where M = N and / or where different resource element (RE) offsets are used at each symbol, (ii) partially staggered SL PRS pattern, where M < N and / or where different RE offsets are used at each symbol, and / or (iii) non-staggered SL PRS pattern, where N > 1 and / or where the same RE offset is used at each symbol.

[0605] In some instances, for a comb-N SL-PRS design / structure, possible frequency offsets and / or comb offsets can be in the range of 0 to (N-1).

[0606] According to RAN1#110 (e.g., the RAN1 Chairman’s Notes of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #110), Scheme 1 and Scheme 2 are introduced for SL PRS resource allocation. Scheme 1 can correspond to a network-centric operation SL-PRS resource allocation (e.g., similar to the traditional NR Mode 1 solution). In some instances, in Scheme 1, the network (e.g., gNB, location management function (LMF), gNB & LMF) can allocate resources for SL-PRS. Scheme 2 can correspond to a UE autonomous SL-PRS resource allocation (e.g., similar to the traditional NR Mode 2 solution). In some instances, in Scheme 2, at least one of the UEs participating in the sidelink positioning operation can allocate resources for SL-PRS.

[0607] In some instances, for Scheme 1, the network node can transmit a SL grant for scheduling SL PRS resources. There can be some mechanisms / methods for designing the SL grant, which can include (i) defining an extra field in DCI format 3_0 (e.g., the current sidelink grant for scheduling PSSCH resources) to load SL PRS resource information, and / or (2) defining an enhanced DCI format (e.g., a new DCI format) for containing (e.g., exclusively containing) SL PRS resource information, where the enhanced DCI format has a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) scrambled by a SL-PRS-radio network temporary identifier (RNTI).

[0608] In some instances, for Scheme 2, if the concept of legacy NR Mode 2 is applied, the UE can perform sensing on SL PRS resources in a sensing duration, and then can exclude candidate SL PRS resources based on the sensing results. After the excluding step (e.g., after excluding candidate SL PRS resources based on the sensing results), the UE can determine valid candidate SL PRS resources and then select (e.g., randomly select) one or more candidate SL PRS resources from the valid candidate SL PRS resources (e.g., the valid candidate SL PRS resources can not include the excluded candidate SL PRS resources).

[0609] Figure 5 A resource grid 500 representing a scenario associated with the transmission of PSCCH, PSSCH, SL PRS, and / or PSFCH in a slot in a shared resource pool with sidelink communication is shown, according to some embodiments. A PSSCH transmission can occupy a set of PRBs, which can include PRB #x and PRB #y in the frequency domain. In some instances, each PRB of one, some, and / or all of the set of PRBs includes 12 REs. Other numbers of REs for one PRB of the set of PRBs are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some instances, each PRB of one, some, and / or all of the set of PRBs spans 12 subcarriers. Other numbers of subcarriers for one PRB of the set of PRBs are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some instances, an RE is composed of one subcarrier in the frequency domain and one symbol (e.g., an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol) in the time domain. In the resource grid 500, (i) REs for a PSCCH transmission (e.g., the PSCCH transmission can schedule a PSSCH transmission) are shown with a first pattern 502, (ii) REs for a PSSCH transmission are shown with a second pattern 504, (iii) REs for a PSFCH transmission are shown with a third pattern 506, (iv) REs for a 2nd-stage SCI transmission are shown with a fourth pattern 508, (v) REs for a SL PRS transmission are shown with a fifth pattern 510, and / or gap REs and / or blank REs are shown with white blocks.

[0610] A PSCCH transmission scheduling a PSSCH transmission can be transmitted in at least a portion of one or more PRBs (e.g., a single PRB or multiple PRBs) occupied by the PSSCH transmission (e.g., at least a portion of PRBs in a lowest subchannel occupied by the PSSCH transmission). In the example shown in the resource grid 500, the PSCCH transmission (i) can be performed in symbols #1 and #2, (ii) can occupy (and / or include) REs of PRB #x, and / or (iii) does not occupy (and / or include) REs of PRB #y. PRB #x and PRB #y can or can not have a same subchannel. Within the set of PRBs and within symbols #1-#9 in the slot, the REs not included in and / or used for the PSCCH transmission in PRB #y can be used for the PSSCH transmission and / or a 2nd-stage SCI transmission (e.g., the 2nd-stage SCI can be in an earlier symbol than the PSSCH) and / or for SL PRS transmissions. If there is no PSFCH resource in the slot, within the set of PRBs and within symbols #1-#12 in the slot, the REs not included in and / or used for the PSCCH transmission in PRB #y can be used for the PSSCH transmission and / or a 2nd-stage SCI transmission and / or for SL PRS transmissions. It can be appreciated that the PSCCH transmission can include a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for the PSCCH. Alternatively and / or additionally, the PSSCH transmission can include a DMRS, a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), and / or an SL CSI-RS for the PSSCH. Alternatively and / or additionally, the transmission in symbol #1 (e.g., of the PSCCH, the PSSCH, and / or the 2nd-stage SCI) can be duplicated into symbol #0. In some examples, a first symbol (e.g., an initial symbol) that can be used for 2nd-stage SCI mapping is a first PSSCH DMRS symbol (e.g., an initial PSSCH DMRS symbol). In some examples, the first PSSCH DMRS symbol is not an automatic gain control (AGC) symbol. In some examples, if symbol #1 includes the 2nd-stage SCI, duplicating symbol #1 into symbol #0 can cause symbol #0 to include the 2nd-stage SCI. In some examples, one or more PSFCH transmissions in symbol #12 are duplicated into symbol #11. In some examples, symbols #0 and #11 are used for AGC. The TX UE transmitting the PSCCH transmission, the PSSCH transmission, and / or the SL PRS transmission can or can not transmit the PSFCH in the slot. For example, in the slot, the PSFCH transmission can be transmitted from another TX UE different from the TX UE transmitting the PSCCH transmission, the PSSCH transmission, and / or the SL PRS transmission. Thus, symbol #10 can be a gap symbol for a possible TX-to-RX or RX-to-TX switch.Alternatively and / or additionally, symbol #13 can be a gap symbol for a possible TX-to-RX or RX-to-TX switch to perform transmission and / or reception in a subsequent slot (the next slot after the slot associated with resource grid 500). According to documents R1-2211012, R1-2211203, and / or R1-2211268, SL PRS with a comb-N structure can be transmitted within PSSCH resources. In the example shown in resource grid 500, SL PRS transmission in symbols #6 and #7 utilizes REs with comb / RE offset = 0 in a comb-4 structure.

[0611] Alternatively and / or additionally, for SL PRS transmission, unicast, groupcast, and / or broadcast can be considered.

[0612] Documents R1-2211012, R1-2211203, and / or R1-2211268 propose that some information for reservation and / or indication of SL PRS can be carried in sidelink control information (SCI), where the some information can include SL PRS resources (e.g., timing and / or frequency resources for SL PRS), destination ID, source ID, periodicity, priority, SL-PRS request and / or indication, and / or RE offset (and / or comb offset). The SCI design for SL PRS in Rel-18 can reuse (e.g., as much as possible) at least some of the existing SCI design for PSSCH in Rel-16 / 17 NR sidelink, e.g., a two-stage SCI structure can be supported for SL PRS.

[0613] Accordingly, SL PRS transmission can be associated with a destination ID and a source ID. PSSCH transmission can be associated with a destination ID and a source ID. When a TX UE transmits a PSSCH transmission and a SL PRS transmission in a slot, it is unclear how to handle the respective destination IDs and source IDs associated with the PSSCH transmission and the SL PRS transmission, as some 2nd stage SCI (e.g., SCI format 2-A / B / C) can contain only one destination ID (e.g., only one Layer 1 destination ID) and one source ID (e.g., only one Layer 1 source ID). Moreover, since legacy Rel-16 / 17 UEs are not aware of the existence of SL PRS, mechanisms need to be provided for backward compatibility with legacy Rel-16 / 17 UEs in a shared resource pool with Rel-16 / 17 / 18 sidelink communication and SL PRS.

[0614] One or more of the above issues can be addressed (e.g., resolved and / or avoided) and / or improved using one or more embodiments, concepts, mechanisms, methods, etc. provided herein.

[0615] A TX UE can perform sidelink communications in a sidelink resource pool. A configuration (e.g., a second configuration) of the sidelink resource pool can provide (and / or configure the TX UE to have) a number of time slots and a number of frequency resources (e.g., a number of sub-channels and / or PRBs) for transmission and / or reception of PSCCH and / or PSSCH. In some instances, the sidelink resource pool can be allowed to perform (and / or can be configured for) PSCCH / PSSCH transmission / reception and / or SL PRS transmission / reception / measurement. In this disclosure, the term “transmission / reception / measurement” can refer to transmission, reception, and / or measurement. In some instances, the sidelink resource pool is a shared resource pool with sidelink communications and SL PRS. In some instances, a resource pool for SL PRS can include SL PRS resources, PSCCH / PSSCH resources, and / or PSFCH resources. In some instances, different transmission time intervals (TTIs) in the sidelink resource pool can correspond to PSCCH / PSSCH transmission / reception and / or SL PRS transmission / reception / measurement. Alternatively and / or additionally, different TTIs in the sidelink resource pool can correspond to PSCCH / PSSCH transmission / reception or SL PRS transmission / reception / measurement. Alternatively and / or additionally, at least one TTI in the sidelink resource pool can be allowed to perform (and / or can be used to perform) PSCCH / PSSCH transmission / reception and / or SL PRS transmission / reception / measurement.

[0616] In some instances, the TX UE can determine to perform a SL PRS transmission in a first time slot in the sidelink resource pool. The SL PRS transmission can be associated with a first destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 or Layer 2 destination ID), a first source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 or Layer 2 destination ID), a SL PRS ID, a first priority, and / or a first broadcast type. In some instances, the SL PRS transmission can be in a SL PRS occasion (e.g., one SL PRS occasion) that includes M symbols and has a comb-N structure (e.g., the SL PRS transmission and / or the SL PRS occasion can have a comb-N structure).

[0617] When the TX UE performs the SL PRS transmission in the first slot, the TX UE can transmit first sidelink control information for scheduling the SL PRS transmission / resource. In this disclosure, the term “transmission / resource” can refer to transmission and / or resource. For example, the SL PRS transmission / resource can refer to the SL PRS transmission and / or resource to perform the SL PRS transmission. The first sidelink control information can include an indication of a first destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID), a first source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 source ID), a SL PRS ID, a first priority, and / or a first cast type. The first sidelink control information can indicate frequency resources (e.g., frequency resources can be represented in units of subchannels or PRBs) of the SL PRS transmission, time resources (e.g., a SL PRS occasion, e.g., M symbols of one SL PRS occasion) of the PSSCH transmission, and / or a comb / RE offset (e.g., an integer in [0, N-1]).

[0618] Alternatively and / or additionally, the TX UE can determine to perform a PSSCH transmission for transmitting a sidelink data packet in the first slot in the sidelink resource pool. The PSSCH transmission and / or the sidelink data packet can be associated with a second destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 or Layer 2 destination ID), a second source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 or Layer 2 source ID), a second priority, and / or a second cast type. In some instances, the second destination ID is different from the first destination ID, the second source ID is different from the first source ID, the second priority is different from the first priority, and / or the second cast type is different from the first cast type.

[0619] When the TX UE performs the PSSCH transmission in the first slot, the TX UE can (i) transmit an associated 1st-stage SCI (e.g., SCI format 1-A) via the PSCCH transmission in the first slot, and (ii) transmit an associated 2nd-stage SCI (e.g., SCI format 2-A / 2-B / 2-C) in the first slot. The associated 2nd-stage SCI transmission can be multiplexed with the PSSCH transmission / resource (e.g., the PSSCH transmission and / or the resource to perform the PSSCH transmission). In some instances, the PSCCH transmission and the associated 2nd-stage SCI transmission can include second sidelink control information for scheduling the PSSCH transmission / resource. The second sidelink control information can include a second destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID), a second source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 source ID), a second priority, and / or a second cast type. In some instances, the PSCCH transmission can indicate information of the second priority, frequency resources (e.g., frequency resources can be represented in units of subchannels) of the PSSCH transmission, and / or the second cast type. The 2nd-stage SCI transmission can include information of the second destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID), the second source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 source ID), and / or the second cast type.

[0620] Concept A

[0621] In Concept A of the disclosure, when a TX UE performs a PSSCH transmission and a SL PRS transmission in a first time slot in a sidelink resource pool, the TX UE can transmit first sidelink control information and second sidelink control information.

[0622] The first embodiment can design an enhanced 2nd-stage SCI (e.g., a new 2nd-stage SCI) to include both (i) the first sidelink control information and (ii) at least a portion of the second sidelink control information. In some instances, the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI can include a first portion of the second sidelink control information and / or can not include a second portion of the second sidelink control information. The second portion of the second sidelink control information can be included in the PSCCH transmission. The 1st-stage SCI included in the PSCCH transmission can indicate (the presence of) the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI. In instances, the 1st-stage SCI can indicate whether a subsequent 2nd-stage SCI is an enhanced 2nd-stage SCI or a 2nd-stage SCI of other version (e.g., a previous version). Thus, based on the indication of the 1st-stage SCI, the RX UE can determine to receive (and / or decode) the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI and can obtain the first sidelink control information for scheduling the SL PRS transmission / resource. The TX UE can multiplex the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI transmission with the PSSCH transmission / resource. The TX UE can rate match with the PSSCH considering the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI (e.g., based on the presence of the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI). In some instances, the TX UE can first place the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI bits in the PSSCH resource and then place the PSSCH bits. In instances, among the PSSCH resource (e.g., for performing the PSSCH transmission), the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI bits (e.g., bits of the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI) can be included in a first set of the PSSCH resource and / or the PSSCH bits (e.g., bits of a sidelink data packet transmitted via the PSSCH transmission) can be included in a second set of the PSSCH resource (e.g., the first set can precede the second set).

[0623] Figure 6 A resource grid 600 representing a scenario associated with transmissions of PSCCH, PSSCH, SL PRS, and / or PSFCH in a time slot in a shared resource pool with sidelink communications is shown in accordance with some embodiments. In the resource grid 600, the REs of the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI are shown with a sixth pattern 602.

[0624] Figure 6The 2nd stage SCI in the first slot can be an enhanced (e.g., new) 2nd stage SCI. In some instances, the enhanced 2nd stage SCI can be transmitted in one or more symbols that do not overlap with the SL PRS transmission. In other words, the enhanced (e.g., new) 2nd stage SCI can be transmitted in non-overlapping symbols with the SL PRS transmission.

[0625] A problem associated with the first embodiment can be that some UEs (e.g., UEs with early configurations, and / or Rel-16 and / or 17 RX UEs) can not be able to process and / or know the enhanced 2nd stage SCI, which can mean that Rel-16 / 17 RX UEs can not receive (and / or decode) the PSSCH transmission. Accordingly, the second destination ID (e.g., the second layer 1 destination ID) can be associated with Rel-18 RX UEs (e.g., RX UEs configured with Rel-18 configurations) and / or RX UEs associated with (e.g., configured with) newer releases (e.g., releases after Rel-18). Alternatively and / or additionally, the second (e.g., layer 1) destination ID can not be associated with Rel-16 RX UEs and / or Rel-17 RX UEs (e.g., can be restricted to not be associated with Rel-16 RX UEs and / or Rel-17 RX UEs).

[0626] Concept B

[0627] In Concept B of the present disclosure, when a TX UE performs a PSSCH transmission and a SL PRS transmission in a first slot in a sidelink resource pool, the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet) can be associated with a same defined ID (e.g., a predefined and / or specific ID). For example, the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet) can be restricted to be associated with the same defined ID.

[0628] In some instances, the defined ID can be a (e.g., layer 1) destination ID. In some instances, the same defined ID can be the same destination ID, which can mean that the first (e.g., layer 1) destination ID is the same as the second (e.g., layer 1) destination ID.

[0629] In some instances, the defined ID can be a (e.g., layer 1) source ID. In some instances, the same defined ID can be the same source ID, which can mean that the first (e.g., layer 1) source ID is the same as the second (e.g., layer 1) source ID.

[0630] In some instances, the limiting ID can be a (e.g., layer 1) destination ID and a (e.g., layer 1) source ID. In some instances, the same limiting ID can be the same source ID and the same destination ID, which can mean that the first (e.g., layer 1) source ID is the same as the second (e.g., layer 1) source ID and the first (e.g., layer 1) destination ID is the same as the second (e.g., layer 1) destination ID.

[0631] In some instances, the TX UE can not (and / or can not be able to and / or can be prevented and / or prohibited and / or must not) perform both the PSSCH transmission and the SL PRS transmission in the first slot when the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet) are not associated with the same limiting ID. The TX UE can be configured to (and / or allowed to and / or able to) perform either the PSSCH transmission or the SL PRS transmission in the first slot.

[0632] In some instances, whether the TX UE performs the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet) in the first slot is based on whether the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission are associated with the same limiting ID. In some instances, the same limiting ID is associated with unicast, groupcast, and / or broadcast. In some instances, the same limiting ID is limited to unicast only.

[0633] In some instances, when the TX UE performs the PSSCH transmission and the SL PRS transmission in the first slot in the sidelink resource pool, the SL PRS transmission overlaps (e.g., at least partially overlaps) in the time domain with the PSSCH transmission. In some instances, when the TX UE performs the PSSCH transmission and the SL PRS transmission in the first slot in the sidelink resource pool, M symbols of the SL PRS transmission overlap (e.g., at least partially overlap) in the time domain with symbols occupied by the PSSCH transmission.

[0634] In one embodiment, the TX UE can (e.g., first) determine to perform a SL PRS transmission in a first time slot. The TX UE can generate a sidelink data packet and / or a PSSCH transmission (e.g., if available) such that the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or the sidelink data packet) are associated with the same defined ID. For example, the TX UE can generate the sidelink data packet and / or the PSSCH transmission such that the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or the sidelink data packet) meet the condition that the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission and / or the sidelink data packet are associated with the same defined ID. The TX UE can determine (e.g., select) one or more sidelink logical channels (e.g., having available sidelink data) that have the same defined ID as the SL PRS transmission, and then generate a sidelink data packet in accordance with and / or based on one, some, and / or all of the determined (e.g., selected) sidelink logical channels. In some instances, the TX UE can (e.g., first) determine to perform the SL PRS transmission because a first priority associated with the SL PRS transmission is higher than one or more priorities of one or more sidelink logical channels having pending / available sidelink data. The first priority can be higher than a second priority. A value of the first priority can be less than a value of the second priority (e.g., a value of the first priority being less than a value of the second priority can indicate that the first priority is higher than the second priority). In some instances, once the TX UE determines to perform the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot, the TX UE can check whether there is a pending PSSCH transmission (and / or a pending sidelink data packet) that is to be transmitted with the same destination and / or source as the same defined ID of the SL PRS transmission. In some instances, in response to (and / or when) the PSSCH transmission (e.g., the pending PSSCH transmission) (and / or the sidelink data packet) and the (determined) SL PRS transmission are associated with the same destination and / or the same source, the TX UE can perform the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot (e.g., the TX UE can perform the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in parallel, e.g., simultaneously, in the first time slot).

[0635] In one embodiment, the TX UE can (e.g., first) determine to perform a PSSCH transmission in the first slot. Then, when the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet) are associated with the same defined ID, the TX UE can determine to perform the SL PRS transmission (e.g., if there is a pending SL PRS transmission). The TX UE can determine to perform the SL PRS transmission, where the defined ID of the SL PRS transmission is set based on the defined ID of the PSSCH transmission (and / or sidelink data packet). In some instances, the TX UE can (e.g., first) determine to perform the PSSCH transmission because a second priority associated with the PSSCH transmission is higher than one or more priorities of the pending SL PRS transmission. The second priority can be higher than the first priority. The value of the second priority can be less than the value of the first priority. In some instances, once the TX UE determines to perform the PSSCH transmission in the first slot, the TX UE will check whether there is a pending SL PRS transmission that is to be transmitted with the same destination and / or source as the PSSCH transmission. In some instances, in response to (and / or when) the SL PRS transmission (e.g., the pending SL PRS transmission) and the (determined) PSSCH transmission are associated with the same destination and / or the same source, the TX UE can perform the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in the first slot (e.g., the TX UE can perform the SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in parallel, e.g., simultaneously, in the first slot).

[0636] Concept C

[0637] In Concept C of the disclosure, the TX UE can be configured to (and / or allowed and / or capable of) performing a SL PRS transmission without a transmission of a sidelink data packet in a first slot in a sidelink resource pool. In some instances, for a transmission in a slot, a standalone SL PRS transmission can be allowed (e.g., without a transmission of a sidelink data packet and / or not multiplexed with a PSSCH). In some instances, a sidelink data packet can mean sidelink data from and / or based on one or more sidelink logical channels (e.g., with pending / available sidelink data). The TX UE can or can not perform a PSSCH transmission in the first slot.

[0638] In contrast, in some instances, the TX UE is not configured to (and / or not allowed and / or not capable of) performing a SL CSI-RS transmission without a PSSCH transmission and / or a transmission of a sidelink data packet in the same slot.

[0639] In one embodiment, the TX UE can not perform a PSSCH transmission in the first slot. In some instances, in the first slot, the TX UE can be configured to (and / or allowed and / or capable of) perform a SL PRS transmission, and transmit a 1ststage SCI (e.g., SCI format 1-A) and an enhanced 2ndstage SCI (e.g., SCI format 2-D and / or 2-E) associated with the SL PRS transmission while performing the PSCCH transmission. In some instances, the 1ststage SCI and the enhanced 2ndstage SCI can include first sidelink control information for scheduling the SL PRS transmission / resources. In some instances, the enhanced 2ndstage SCI can be transmitted in one or more symbols that do not overlap with the SL PRS transmission. In some instances, the first sidelink control information can include information of frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission (e.g., the information of frequency resources can indicate frequency resources in units of sub-channels or PRBs). In some instances, the PSCCH transmission including the associated 1ststage SCI can be performed within the frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission (e.g., in a configured number of PRBs within the frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission, or within one sub-channel occupied by the SL PRS transmission). In some instances, the TX UE can receive a SL grant for the SL PRS from a network node, where the SL grant can indicate and / or schedule the SL PRS transmission / resources. The SL grant for the SL PRS can indicate and / or schedule resources of the PSCCH transmission associated with the SL PRS transmission / resources.

[0640] In some instances, the TX UE can perform one or more SL PRS transmissions in one or more SL PRS occasions in the first slot, respectively. In some instances, each SL PRS occasion can occupy a number of symbols (e.g., M symbols and / or other number of symbols). In some instances, the frequency resources of the one or more SL PRS transmissions can be the same (e.g., each of the one or more SL PRS transmissions can use a same set of frequency resources). Alternatively and / or additionally, the frequency resources (e.g., in units of sub-channels or PRBs) of the one or more SL PRS transmissions can be the same or different (e.g., a first SL PRS transmission of the one or more SL PRS transmissions can use a same set as a second SL PRS transmission of the one or more SL PRS transmissions, or a different set of frequency resources than the second SL PRS transmission). In some instances, the first sidelink control information can include information of the one or more SL PRS occasions. The one or more SL PRS occasions can not overlap in time domain. The one or more SL PRS transmissions can have a same comb / RE offset, or can have different comb / RE offsets. In some instances, the one or more SL PRS transmissions can have a same comb-N structure (e.g., for each of the one or more SL PRS transmissions, an associated N value is the same). Alternatively and / or additionally, the one or more SL PRS transmissions can have a same or different comb-N structure (e.g., a first SL PRS transmission of the one or more SL PRS transmissions can be associated with a same N value as a second SL PRS transmission of the one or more SL PRS transmissions, or the first SL PRS transmission is associated with a different N value than the N value associated with the second SL PRS transmission).

[0641] In Figure 6 the example scenario shown in FIG. 15, there can be three SL PRS transmissions on the three SL PRS occasions, respectively. The three SL PRS transmissions can include a transmission “SL PRS 1” on occasion “SL PRS Occasion 1,” a transmission “SL PRS 2” on occasion “SL PRS Occasion 2,” and / or a transmission “SL PRS 3” on occasion “SL PRS Occasion 3.” The three SL PRS transmissions can be scheduled and / or indicated by the first sidelink control information, which can be a 1ststage SCI on a PSCCH transmission and an enhanced 2ndstage SCI transmission.

[0642] Accordingly, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those embodiments provided herein with respect to Concept C and / or elsewhere herein, can provide (and / or can guarantee) backward compatibility with NR Rel-16 / 17 sidelink UEs (e.g., a sidelink UE configured with Rel-16 configuration and / or Rel-17 configuration and / or not configured with Rel-18). The 1st-stage SCI can indicate frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission. Since there is no PSSCH transmission, a legacy Rel-16 / 17 UE can not know the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI (but still know the reserved resources, periodicity, reference signal received power (RSRP) based on the 1st-stage SCI and DMRS for the 1st-stage SCI), the NR Rel-16 / 17 sidelink UE will not need to perform reception (and / or decoding) based on the enhanced 2nd-stage SCI. In some instances, the difference between a Rel-16 / 17 UE and a Rel-18 UE (and / or a newer version UE) can be associated with an indication in the 1st-stage SCI. For example, the 1st-stage SCI can include a 2nd-stage SCI format bit field. The 2nd-stage SCI format bit field can be used to indicate an enhanced 2nd-stage SCI. In some instances, the NR Rel-16 / 17 UE can consider the 1st-stage SCI to indicate a reserved field (e.g., other than 2-A / 2-B / 2-C). For example, the NR Rel-16 / 17 UE can treat the 2nd-stage SCI format bit field as a reserved field. The Rel-18 UE (and / or the newer version UE) can consider the 1st-stage SCI to indicate an enhanced 2nd-stage SCI. For example, the Rel-18 UE (and / or the newer version UE) can interpret the 2nd-stage SCI format bit field to indicate an enhanced 2nd-stage SCI.

[0643] In one embodiment, the TX UE can perform the SL PRS transmission in a symbol of a PSFCH occasion in a first time slot in the sidelink resource pool. In some instances, the first time slot can include one or more PSFCH resources and / or one or more PSFCH occasions. In some instances, the frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission can not overlap with the frequency resources of the PSFCH transmission. In some instances, the sidelink resource pool (configuration) can provide (and / or configure the TX UE with) a first set of PRBs for SL PRS and a second set of PRBs for PSFCH. In some instances, the first set of PRBs and the second set of PRBs can not overlap in the frequency domain. In some instances, the frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission are within (e.g., the frequency resources of the SL PRS transmission are confined to be within) the first set of PRBs. In some instances, the TX UE can or can not perform a PSSCH transmission in the first time slot.

[0644] In some instances, the TX UE can transmit first sidelink control information for scheduling SL PRS transmissions / resources. In some instances, the first sidelink control information can be transmitted in a first slot. In some instances, the first sidelink control information can be transmitted in a slot (e.g., a previous slot) earlier than the first slot. In some instances, the first sidelink control information can be transmitted via one or more of the techniques provided herein with respect to Concept A. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first sidelink control information can be transmitted in a symbol of a PSFCH occasion in a previous slot (e.g., a previous slot with a PSFCH resource) earlier than the first slot. The first sidelink control information can indicate the first slot. In some instances, the first sidelink control information can be transmitted in non-overlapping frequency resources of a PSFCH transmission.

[0645] Concept D

[0646] In Concept D of the disclosure, a sidelink resource pool can provide a defined slot (e.g., a pre-defined and / or specific slot) in the time domain for SL PRS transmission / reception. In some instances, a (first) configuration of the sidelink resource pool can provide / configure the defined slot. In some instances, the defined slot can not overlap in the time domain with a number of slots (e.g., for PSCCH / PSSCH transmission / reception). A TX UE can be configured to (and / or allowed and / or capable of) perform SL PRS transmission in the defined slot in the sidelink resource pool. The TX UE can not be configured to (and / or not allowed and / or capable of) perform SL PRS transmission in a slot in the sidelink resource pool other than the defined slot. In some instances, the defined slot can not be available / available to / configured for a first set of UEs (e.g., NR Release 16 / 17 sidelink UEs). In the disclosure, the term “available / available to / configured for” can refer to available, available to, and / or configured for. In some instances, the defined slot can be available / available to / configured for a second set of UEs (e.g., Rel-18 UEs and / or newer version UEs). In some instances, the defined slot can be indicated via a bitmap configuration and / or a periodic configuration in the sidelink resource pool configuration.

[0647] In a first instance, a TX UE can perform SL PRS transmission and can be configured to (and / or allowed and / or capable of) perform PSSCH transmission in the defined slot. The defined slot can comprise a first slot. In some instances, the SL PRS transmission in Concept A and / or B can be performed within the defined slot.

[0648] In a second instance, a TX UE can perform SL PRS transmission and can not be configured to (and / or not allowed and / or capable of) perform PSSCH transmission in the defined slot. In some instances, the SL PRS transmission discussed with respect to Concept C can be performed within the defined slot.

[0649] One, some and / or all of the foregoing examples, concepts, techniques and / or embodiments can form and / or combine into new embodiments.

[0650] In some examples, embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented independently and / or separately, e.g., embodiments described in relation to Concept A, Concept B, Concept C and Concept D. Alternatively and / or additionally, combinations of embodiments described herein can be implemented, e.g., embodiments described in relation to Concept A, Concept B, Concept C and / or Concept D. Alternatively and / or additionally, combinations of embodiments described herein can be implemented in parallel and / or concurrently, e.g., embodiments described in relation to Concept A, Concept B, Concept C and / or Concept D.

[0651] Various techniques, embodiments, methods and / or alternatives of the present disclosure can be implemented independently and / or separately from one another. Alternatively and / or additionally, various techniques, embodiments, methods and / or alternatives of the present disclosure can be combined and / or implemented using a single system. Alternatively and / or additionally, various techniques, embodiments, methods and / or alternatives of the present disclosure can be implemented in parallel and / or concurrently.

[0652] For one or more embodiments herein, e.g., one or more techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios and / or alternatives described above, in some examples, sidelink reference signals can be replaced and / or substituted (and / or become) SL PRS. In some examples, in the present disclosure, one, some and / or all instances of the term “SL PRS” can be replaced with the term “sidelink reference signal”.

[0653] In relation to one or more embodiments herein, in some examples, a sidelink reference signal can be a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS).

[0654] In relation to one or more embodiments herein, in some examples, a sidelink reference signal can be applied and / or used for (absolute and / or relative) positioning and / or ranging.

[0655] In relation to one or more embodiments herein, in some examples, a sidelink reference signal can be applied and / or used for any of a time-based positioning / ranging method and / or an angle-based positioning / ranging method. In some examples, a sidelink reference signal can be applied and / or used for any of TDoA, RTT-based positioning / ranging, AoA, AoD and / or carrier phase measurement-based positioning.

[0656] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the sidelink reference signal can be a SL beam management reference signal (RS). In some instances, the sidelink reference signal can be a SL CSI-RS (e.g., for beam management). In some instances, the SL CSI-RS is not consolidated within a PSSCH (e.g., PSSCH bandwidth) in the frequency domain. In some instances, the sidelink reference signal can require a large bandwidth (e.g., a bandwidth that is greater than a threshold bandwidth). In some instances, the sidelink reference signal can be for (e.g., high resolution) positioning, sensing, or imaging. In some instances, the sidelink reference signal can be for beam management (e.g., in FR2).

[0657] One or more of the techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios, and / or alternatives provided herein for sidelink reference signals can be applied to other types of reference signals (e.g., in addition to SL PRS). For example, one, some, and / or all of the techniques provided herein with respect to sidelink reference signals (e.g., SL PRS) can be used in conjunction with other types of reference signals (e.g., designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases).

[0658] One or more of the techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios, and / or alternatives provided herein for sidelink reference signals can be applied to SL CSI-RS (e.g., for beam management). For example, one, some, and / or all of the techniques provided herein with respect to transmitting sidelink reference signals (e.g., SL PRS) can be used in conjunction with SL CSI-RS (e.g., for beam management).

[0659] One or more of the techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios, and / or alternatives provided herein for sidelink reference signals can be applied to positioning (e.g., high resolution positioning) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases). For example, one, some, and / or all of the techniques provided herein with respect to sidelink reference signals (e.g., SL PRS) can be used in conjunction with positioning (e.g., high resolution positioning) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases).

[0660] One or more of the techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios, and / or alternatives provided herein for sidelink reference signals can be applied to sensing (e.g., high resolution sensing) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases). For example, one, some, and / or all of the techniques provided herein with respect to sidelink reference signals (e.g., SL PRS) can be used in connection with sensing (e.g., high resolution sensing) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases).

[0661] One or more of the techniques, apparatuses, concepts, methods, example scenarios, and / or alternatives provided herein for sidelink reference signals can be applied to imaging (e.g., high resolution imaging) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases). For example, one, some, and / or all of the techniques provided herein with respect to sidelink reference signals (e.g., SL PRS) can be used in connection with imaging (e.g., high resolution imaging) (e.g., reference signals designed / introduced in future 5G, 6G, etc. releases).

[0662] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, puncturing a (channel / signal) transmission in a resource element can mean creating the (channel / signal) transmission in the resource element, and replacing the (channel / signal) transmission with another (channel / signal) transmission in the resource element.

[0663] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, rate matching a (channel / signal) transmission with respect to / based on a resource element can mean creating the (channel / signal) transmission in the resource element with respect to / based on (e.g., based on utilization / presence / presentation of) the resource element. In some instances, rate matching a (channel / signal) transmission with respect to / based on a resource element can mean creating an output bit sequence from an input channel coded bit sequence (a portion / all of a repetition, segmentation, and / or dropping of the input channel coded bit sequence) with respect to / based on (utilization / presence / presentation of) the resource element for the (channel / signal) transmission. In some instances, the (channel / signal) transmission in the resource element is not copied from a (channel / signal) transmission in another resource element.

[0664] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, rate matching a (channel / signal) transmission in consideration of / based on another (channel / signal) transmission can mean generating the (channel / signal) transmission in consideration of / based on (utilization / presence / presentation of) the other (channel / signal) transmission. In some instances, rate matching a (channel / signal) transmission in consideration of / based on another (channel / signal) transmission can mean generating an output bit sequence from an input channel coded bit sequence (repeating, segmenting, and / or discarding portions / all of the input channel coded bit sequence) for the (channel / signal) transmission in consideration of / based on (utilization / presence / presentation of) the other (channel / signal) transmission. In some instances, the other (channel / signal) transmission does not replace any portion of the generated (channel / signal) transmission.

[0665] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a sidelink resource pool for a sidelink reference signal can be a sidelink resource pool that supports (e.g., implements and / or is configured for) both sidelink data transmission / reception and sidelink reference signal transmission / reception. In some instances, a sidelink resource pool for a sidelink reference signal can include resources for sidelink data transmission and resources for sidelink reference signal. In some instances, a sidelink resource pool for a sidelink reference signal can be a shared sidelink resource pool for both sidelink data transmission and sidelink reference signal.

[0666] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a sidelink data transmission can be a PSSCH.

[0667] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a sidelink reference signal can be any of a SL PRS or a SL beam management RS. In some instances, a sidelink reference signal can be a SL CSI-RS (e.g., for beam management). In some instances, a SL CSI-RS is not consolidated within a PSSCH (e.g., a PSSCH bandwidth) in the frequency domain. In some instances, a sidelink reference signal can require a large bandwidth (e.g., a bandwidth that is larger than a threshold bandwidth). In some instances, a sidelink reference signal can be for (e.g., high resolution) positioning, sensing, and / or imaging. In some instances, a sidelink reference signal can be for beam management (e.g., in FR2). In some instances, a bandwidth of a sidelink reference signal can include a portion of resource blocks of a sidelink resource pool for the sidelink reference signal. In some instances, a bandwidth of a sidelink reference signal can include all resource blocks of a sidelink resource pool for the sidelink reference signal.

[0668] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, one symbol (e.g., one symbol) between a SCI / PSCCH occasion and a subsequent SL PRS occasion (e.g., the subsequent SL PRS occasion can correspond to a next and / or most recent SL PRS occasion after the SCI / PSCCH occasion) can be used for AGC. Alternatively and / or additionally, there can be no AGC symbol (e.g., no symbol for AGC) between the SCI / PSCCH occasion and the subsequent SL PRS occasion.

[0669] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, one symbol between two SL PRS occasions (e.g., two adjacent / neighboring SL PRS occasions) can be used for AGC. In some instances, two symbols between two SL PRS occasions (e.g., two adjacent / neighboring SL PRS occasions) can be used (respectively) for gap / TX-RX_Switch and AGC. Alternatively and / or additionally, there can be no AGC / gap / TX-RX_Switch symbol between two SL PRS occasions (e.g., two adjacent / neighboring SL PRS occasions).

[0670] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a first / initial symbol of one slot or one scheduled / allocated time unit can be used for AGC. In some instances, a last symbol of one slot or one scheduled / allocated time unit can be used as a gap symbol for possible TX-RX switching.

[0671] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, other example structures than the example structures explicitly shown in the figures of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure. Some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure can have differences from the example structures shown in the figures of the present disclosure, where the differences can include one or more differences associated with AGC, SCI / PSCCH, SL PRS, gap, TX-RX switching, and / or distribution of resource pool configuration (e.g., the one or more differences can depend on future design).

[0672] With one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the SCI / PSCCH associated with the SL PRS can include information for scheduling / indicating / allocating SL PRS resources. In some instances, the SCI / PSCCH for SL PRS in a resource pool can not include information for PSSCH / PSFCH. In some instances, the SCI / PSCCH for SL PRS in a resource pool can be different from another SCI / PSCCH in a resource pool with sidelink communications (e.g., PSSCH and / or PSFCH). In some instances, the SCI / PSCCH associated with the SL PRS can be different from another SCI / PSCCH associated with PSSCH and / or PSFCH.

[0673] With one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, sidelink control information for PSSCH can be conveyed / delivered via a 1st SCI and a 2nd SCI. In some instances, sidelink control information for PSSCH can be delivered at least in PSCCH. In some instances, sidelink control information for PSSCH can include a 1st SCI. In some instances, the 1st SCI can be conveyed via PSCCH. In some instances, sidelink control information for PSSCH can include a 2nd SCI. In some instances, the 2nd SCI can be conveyed via multiplexing with PSSCH. In some instances, SCI format 1 or SCI format 1-X is the 1st SCI. In some instances, SCI format 2-A or 2-B or 2-C or 2-X is the 2nd SCI.

[0674] With one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, for transmitting PSSCH in a slot or sub-slot, a TX UE needs to transmit SCI in the slot or sub-slot for scheduling the PSSCH.

[0675] With one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a slot can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a sidelink slot. In some instances, a slot can be denoted and / or replaced as a TTI. In some instances, in the present disclosure, one, some and / or all instances of the term “slot” can be replaced with the term “TTI”.

[0676] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a sidelink slot can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a slot for sidelink. In some instances, a TTI can be a subframe (e.g., for sidelink), a slot (e.g., for sidelink), or a subslot (e.g., for sidelink). In some instances, a TTI includes a number of symbols, e.g., 12, 14, or other number of symbols. In some instances, a TTI can be a slot including sidelink symbols (e.g., a slot can include sidelink symbols completely / partially). In some instances, a TTI can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a transmission time interval for sidelink transmission (e.g., sidelink data transmission). In some instances, a sidelink slot (e.g., a slot for sidelink) can include OFDM symbols (e.g., all OFDM symbols) that can be used for sidelink transmission. In some instances, a sidelink slot (e.g., a slot for sidelink) can include a set of contiguous (e.g., consecutive) symbols that can be used for sidelink transmission. In some instances, a sidelink slot (e.g., a slot for sidelink) can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a slot included in a sidelink resource pool.

[0677] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a symbol can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a symbol indicated / configured for sidelink.

[0678] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a slot can correspond to (e.g., can include and / or can refer to) a sidelink slot associated with a resource pool (e.g., a sidelink resource pool). In some instances, a slot can not correspond to (e.g., can not include and / or can not refer to) a sidelink slot associated with a different resource pool (e.g., a second sidelink resource pool different from the sidelink resource pool).

[0679] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, contiguous (e.g., consecutive) slots can refer to contiguous sidelink slots in (and / or for) a (sidelink) resource pool.

[0680] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, consecutive time slots can or can not be consecutive (e.g., contiguous) physical time slots, which can mean that consecutive time slots in a (sidelink) resource pool can not be consecutive and / or contiguous in terms of physical time slots (e.g., between two consecutive / contiguous time slots in a sidelink resource pool, there can be another time slot that does not belong to the sidelink resource pool). In some instances, in / for a sidelink BWP or a sidelink carrier / cell, consecutive / contiguous time slots can or can not be consecutive / contiguous sidelink time slots, which can mean that consecutive time slots in a (sidelink) resource pool can not be consecutive and / or contiguous in terms of sidelink time slots in the sidelink BWP or the sidelink carrier / cell. In some instances, there can be one or more resource pools (e.g., one or more sidelink resource pools) in a sidelink BWP and / or a sidelink carrier / cell.

[0681] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a subchannel is a unit for sidelink resource allocation and / or scheduling (e.g., for sidelink resource allocation and / or scheduling for PSSCH). In some instances, a subchannel can include a number of consecutive PRBs in a frequency domain. In some instances, the number of PRBs for each subchannel can be configured (e.g., preconfigured) for a sidelink resource pool. In some instances, a sidelink resource pool configuration (e.g., a sidelink resource pool preconfiguration) can indicate and / or configure the number of PRBs for each subchannel. In some instances, the number of PRBs for a subchannel (e.g., each of one, some, and / or all subchannels of a sidelink resource pool) can be 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, and / or other values. In some instances, a subchannel can be denoted as a unit for sidelink resource allocation and / or scheduling. In some instances, a subchannel can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a set of consecutive (e.g., contiguous) PRBs in a frequency domain. In some instances, a subchannel can correspond to (e.g., can be and / or can refer to) a set of consecutive (e.g., contiguous) resource elements in a frequency domain.

[0682] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, a first UE can have (and / or can maintain and / or establish) multiple sidelink links / connections over a PC5 interface. For different sidelink links / connections, the first UE can perform sidelink transmission to different paired UEs / sidelink reception from different paired UEs.

[0683] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the first UE can have (and / or can maintain and / or establish) a first sidelink link / connection and a second sidelink link / connection. A first paired UE of the first sidelink link / connection (e.g., the first UE can communicate with the first paired UE using the first sidelink link / connection) can be different than a second paired UE of the second sidelink link / connection (e.g., the first UE can communicate with the second paired UE using the second sidelink link / connection). In some instances, one or more sidelink logical channels associated with the first sidelink link / connection (e.g., one or more sidelink logical channels associated with the first paired UE of the first sidelink link / connection) are separate and / or independent from one or more sidelink logical channels associated with the second sidelink link / connection (e.g., one or more sidelink logical channels associated with the second paired UE of the second sidelink link / connection).

[0684] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the UE can be and / or include a device.

[0685] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the sidelink transmitting and / or receiving can be inter-UE transmitting and / or receiving. The sidelink transmitting and / or receiving can be inter-device transmitting and / or receiving, can be vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transmitting and / or receiving, and / or can be pedestrian-to-everything (P2X) transmitting and / or receiving. In some instances, the sidelink transmitting and / or receiving can be over a PC5 interface.

[0686] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the PC5 interface can be a wireless interface for communication between devices and devices. The PC5 interface can be a wireless interface for communication between devices and / or UEs. The PC5 interface can be a wireless interface for V2X and / or P2X communication. The Uu interface can be a wireless interface for communication between network nodes and devices. The Uu interface can be a wireless interface for communication between network nodes and UEs.

[0687] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the first UE can be a first device. The first UE can be a vehicle UE and / or a V2X UE.

[0688] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the second UE can be a second device. The second UE can be a vehicle UE and / or a V2X UE.

[0689] With respect to one or more embodiments herein, in some instances, the first UE and the second device are different devices.

[0690] In some instances, in the present disclosure, one, some, and / or all instances of the term“frequency offset” can be replaced with the term“RE offset” and / or the term“comb offset” (e.g., 0 ~ N-1).

[0691] In some instances, in the present disclosure, the terms“frequency offset,”“RE offset,” and / or the term“comb offset” can be used interchangeably.

[0692] Figure 7 A flowchart 700 is in accordance with one example embodiment from the perspective of a first apparatus. In step 705, the first apparatus determines a SL PRS transmission in a first time slot in a sidelink resource pool, where the SL PRS transmission is associated with a defined ID (e.g., a predefined and / or a specific ID). For example, the first apparatus can determine to perform a SL PRS in the first time slot. The sidelink resource pool can include the first time slot. In step 710, the first apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet associated with the (same) defined ID. In some instances, the first sidelink data packet satisfies (e.g., meets) a first condition that the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first time slot associated with the SL PRS transmission) is associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the first condition can be satisfied when the first sidelink data packet and the SL PRS transmission are associated with the same defined ID). For example, the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet to satisfy the first condition. In step 715, the first apparatus performs the SL PRS transmission (associated with the defined ID) and a first PSSCH transmission (associated with the defined ID) for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first time slot. For example, the first PSSCH transmission includes the transmission of the first sidelink data packet.

[0693] In one embodiment, for the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus does not generate a sidelink data packet associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission). For example, for the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus can be prevented and / or prohibited (and / or not allowed) to generate a sidelink data packet associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission). In some instances, the first apparatus is configured to not transmit, in the first time slot, a PSSCH transmission that includes a sidelink data packet associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission). Alternatively and / or additionally, for the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus can not consider a sidelink data packet associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission).

[0694] In one embodiment, the first apparatus considers a data packet that meets the first condition to be suitable for transmission via the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot (e.g., the first apparatus can consider a sidelink data packet associated with a defined ID to be suitable for transmission via the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot). For example, the first apparatus can only consider a data packet that meets the first condition to be suitable for transmission via the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot (e.g., the first apparatus can only consider a sidelink data packet associated with a defined ID to be suitable for transmission via the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot). Alternatively and / or additionally, the first apparatus can consider a data packet that does not meet the first condition (e.g., a data packet associated with an ID that is different from a defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission) to be unsuitable for transmission via the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot.

[0695] In some instances, the first apparatus determines (e.g., in step 705) to perform the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot, then (i) generates (e.g., in step 710) a first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first time slot) and / or (ii) determines to transmit the first sidelink data packet via the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 705) to perform the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first time slot) to meet the first condition. Alternatively and / or additionally, after determining (e.g., in step 705) to perform the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus can determine to transmit the first sidelink data packet via the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot based on the first sidelink data packet meeting the first condition. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 705) to perform the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot, the first apparatus can determine not to perform a PSSCH transmission of a sidelink data packet (e.g., any PSSCH transmission of the sidelink data packet) in the first time slot based on a determination that the sidelink data packet does not meet the first condition (and / or a determination that there is no pending sidelink data packet that meets the first condition).

[0696] In one embodiment, whether the first apparatus performs both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot is based on whether the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID. For example, the first apparatus can perform both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot based on a determination that the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID. Alternatively and / or in addition, the first apparatus can not perform both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot based on a determination that the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the first PSSCH transmission is associated with a different ID than the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission) (e.g., can perform only the SL PRS transmission in the first time slot).

[0697] In one embodiment, the first apparatus does not perform both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot when the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the first PSSCH transmission is associated with a different ID than the defined ID associated with the SL PRS transmission). In some instances, the first apparatus can be blocked and / or prohibited (and / or not permitted) to perform both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot when the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID. In some instances, the first apparatus is configured to not perform both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot when the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID.

[0698] In one embodiment, the first PSSCH transmission overlaps (e.g., at least partially overlaps) in the time domain with the SL PRS transmission when the first apparatus performs both the SL PRS transmission and the first PSSCH transmission in the first time slot in the sidelink resource pool.

[0699] In one embodiment, the defined ID is a destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID).

[0700] In one embodiment, the defined ID is a source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 source ID).

[0701] Referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4In one example embodiment of the first apparatus, the apparatus 300 includes program code 312 stored in the memory 310. The CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to enable the first apparatus to: (i) determine a SL PRS transmission in a first time slot in a sidelink resource pool, where the SL PRS transmission is associated with a defined ID; (ii) generate a first sidelink data packet associated with the (same) defined ID; and (iii) perform the SL PRS transmission and a first PSSCH transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first time slot. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform one, some and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0702] Figure 8 Flowchart 800 is in accordance with one example embodiment from the perspective of the first apparatus. In step 805, the first apparatus determines a PSSCH transmission in a first time slot in a sidelink resource pool, where the PSSCH transmission is associated with a defined ID (e.g., a predefined and / or specific ID). For example, the first apparatus can determine to perform the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot. The sidelink resource pool can include the first time slot. In step 810, the first apparatus determines a first SL PRS transmission, where the first SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID. In step 815, the first apparatus performs the first SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot.

[0703] In some instances, the first SL PRS transmission can correspond to a pending SL PRS transmission. In some instances, in response to a SL PRS (e.g., a reference signal for positioning and / or ranging in a sidelink) being triggered for transmission, the first apparatus includes the first SL PRS transmission (e.g., the first SL PRS transmission can include transmission of SL PRS information) in a queue of pending transmissions. In some instances, the determination by the first apparatus to perform the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot is performed when the first SL PRS transmission is included in the queue of pending transmissions. In some instances, the first apparatus determines to perform the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot when the first SL PRS transmission is included in the queue of pending transmissions.

[0704] In some instances, the first SL PRS transmission satisfies a second condition that the first SL PRS transmission (e.g., to be transmitted in the first time slot associated with the PSSCH transmission) is associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the second condition can be satisfied when the first SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission are associated with the same defined ID). For example, the first apparatus can determine to perform the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot based on the first SL PRS transmission satisfying the second condition.

[0705] In one embodiment, the first device does not transmit SL PRS transmissions associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission) in the first time slot (in which the first device performs the PSSCH transmission). For example, the first device can be prevented and / or prohibited (and / or must not) transmit SL PRS transmissions associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission) in the first time slot (in which the first device performs the PSSCH transmission). In some instances, the first device is configured to not transmit SL PRS transmissions in the first time slot, the SL PRS transmissions being associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission). Alternatively and / or additionally, for the first time slot, the first device can not consider SL PRS transmissions associated with a different ID (different from the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission).

[0706] In one embodiment, the first device considers SL PRS transmissions that satisfy the second condition to be suitable for transmission in the first time slot (e.g., the first device can consider SL PRS transmissions associated with the defined ID to be suitable for transmission in the first time slot). In one embodiment, the first device can only consider SL PRS transmissions that satisfy the second condition to be suitable for transmission in the first time slot (e.g., the first device can only consider SL PRS transmissions associated with the defined ID to be suitable for transmission in the first time slot). Alternatively and / or additionally, the first device can consider SL PRS transmissions that do not satisfy the second condition (e.g., packets associated with an ID different from the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission) to be unsuitable for transmission in the first time slot.

[0707] In some instances, the first device determines (e.g., in step 805) to perform a PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, and subsequently determines (e.g., in step 810) to perform a first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 805) to perform a PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, the first device can determine (e.g., in step 810) to perform the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot based on the first SL PRS transmission satisfying the second condition. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 805) to perform a PSSCH transmission in the first time slot, the first device can determine not to perform SL PRS transmissions (e.g., any SL PRS transmissions) in the first time slot based on a determination that the SL PRS transmissions do not satisfy the second condition (and / or a determination that there are no pending SL PRS transmissions that satisfy the second condition).

[0708] In one embodiment, whether the first apparatus performs both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot is based on whether the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID. For example, the first apparatus can perform both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot based on a determination that the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID. Alternatively and / or in addition, the first apparatus can not perform both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot based on a determination that the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the first SL PRS transmission is associated with a different ID than the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission) (e.g., can only perform the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot).

[0709] In one embodiment, the first apparatus does not perform both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot when the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID (e.g., the first SL PRS transmission is associated with a different ID than the defined ID associated with the PSSCH transmission). In some instances, the first apparatus can be blocked and / or prohibited (and / or not permitted) to perform both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot when the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID. In some instances, the first apparatus is configured to not perform both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot when the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission are not associated with the (same) defined ID.

[0710] In one embodiment, the first SL PRS transmission overlaps (e.g., at least partially overlaps) in the time domain with the PSSCH transmission when the first apparatus performs both the PSSCH transmission and the first SL PRS transmission in the first time slot in the sidelink resource pool.

[0711] In one embodiment, the defined ID is a destination ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID).

[0712] In one embodiment, the defined ID is a source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 source ID).

[0713] Referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4In one example embodiment of the first apparatus, the apparatus 300 includes program code 312 stored in the memory 310. The CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to enable the first apparatus to: (i) determine a PSSCH transmission in a first time slot in a sidelink resource pool, where the PSSCH transmission is associated with a defined ID; (ii) determine a first SL PRS transmission, where the first SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission are associated with the (same) defined ID; and (iii) perform the first SL PRS transmission and the PSSCH transmission in the first time slot. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform one, some and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0714] Figure 9A flowchart 900 is provided according to one exemplary embodiment from the perspective of a first apparatus. In step 905, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The sidelink resource pool can be for communication (e.g., transmission and / or reception) of sidelink data and / or transmission and / or reception of one or more sidelink reference signals. In step 910, the first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID (e.g., a first Layer 2 destination ID and a first Layer 2 source ID). The first sidelink reference signal transmission has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels with pending sidelink data. In some instances, the first apparatus can determine to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI based on a priority determination including (i) one or more first priorities associated with the one or more pending sidelink reference signals, (ii) one or more second priorities associated with the one or more sidelink logical channels with pending sidelink data, and / or (iii) one or more other priorities associated with one or more other signals and / or channels. For example, the priorities can be compared with one another to identify a highest priority among the priorities (associated with the first sidelink reference signal transmission). In step 915, the first apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet based on a first sidelink logical channel with first pending sidelink data, where the first sidelink data packet is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. In some instances, the first sidelink data packet can be generated based on one or more sidelink logical channels with pending sidelink data (e.g., in addition to the first sidelink logical channel with the first pending sidelink data). The first sidelink data packet can include at least some of the first pending sidelink data from the first sidelink logical channel (e.g., the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet to include at least some of the first pending sidelink data). In some instances, the first sidelink data packet satisfies a first condition that the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI) is associated with (i) the first destination ID associated with the first sidelink reference signal transmission and (ii) the first source ID associated with the first sidelink reference signal transmission. For example, the first sidelink data packet can satisfy the first condition when the first sidelink data packet (i) is associated with a same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission and (ii) is associated with a same source ID (e.g., the first source ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission. In some instances, the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet to satisfy the first condition.In step 920, the first apparatus performs, in the first TTI, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and a first sidelink data transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet (e.g., the first sidelink data transmission can include a sidelink transmission of the first sidelink data packet).

[0715] In some examples, in response to determining that the first sidelink reference signal transmission has a highest priority among the one or more pending sidelink reference signals and the one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data (e.g., the priority of the first sidelink reference signal transmission is highest among the priorities including the one or more first priorities and the one or more second priorities), the first apparatus determines (e.g., in step 910) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI. In some examples, one of the one or more sidelink logical channels (e.g., each of the one or more sidelink logical channels) can correspond to one sidelink logical channel having pending sidelink data (e.g., data available for a sidelink transmission).

[0716] In some examples, the first sidelink data packet includes pending sidelink data from a single sidelink logical channel (e.g., the first sidelink logical channel) that is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first sidelink data packet can include pending sidelink data from a plurality of sidelink logical channels including the first sidelink logical channel. The first sidelink logical channel and / or the plurality of sidelink logical channels can be among the one or more sidelink logical channels. In some examples, each of the plurality of sidelink logical channels is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0717] In some examples, the first sidelink reference signal transmission can correspond to a first pending sidelink reference signal. In some examples, in response to the first pending sidelink reference signal (e.g., which can include a reference signal such as for positioning and / or ranging in a sidelink) being triggered for transmission, the first apparatus includes the first pending sidelink reference signal in a queue of pending transmissions. In some examples, the determination by the first apparatus to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI is performed when the first pending sidelink reference signal (e.g., having a highest priority among priorities of transmissions in the queue of pending transmissions) is included in the queue of pending transmissions. In some examples, one or more pending sidelink reference signals are included in the queue of pending transmissions.

[0718] In one embodiment, the first apparatus excludes from inclusion in the first sidelink data packet at least some of the first pending sidelink data of a second sidelink logical channel that is associated with (i) a second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID and / or (ii) a second source ID that is different from the first source ID. The first apparatus can determine that inclusion in the first sidelink data packet of at least some of the second pending sidelink data of the second sidelink logical channel would cause the first sidelink data packet to not satisfy the first condition because the second sidelink logical channel is not (i) associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or (ii) associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0719] In one embodiment, the first apparatus excludes from inclusion in the first sidelink data packet at least some of the first pending sidelink data of a second sidelink logical channel that is associated with (i) a second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID and / or (ii) a second source ID that is different from the first source ID. The first apparatus can determine that inclusion in the first sidelink data packet of at least some of the second pending sidelink data of the second sidelink logical channel would cause the first sidelink data packet to not satisfy the first condition because the second sidelink logical channel is not (i) associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or (ii) associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID) as the first sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0720] In one embodiment, the first apparatus excludes from inclusion in the first sidelink data packet any sidelink data of any sidelink logical channel that has a destination ID that is different from the first destination ID and / or a source ID that is different from the first source ID.

[0721] In one embodiment, the first apparatus does not generate the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination / multiplexed with the first sidelink reference signal transmission) from a sidelink logical channel (e.g., any sidelink logical channel) having a destination ID different from the first destination ID and / or a source ID different from the first source ID. For example, the first apparatus can be prevented and / or prohibited (and / or not permitted) from generating the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination with the first sidelink reference signal transmission) from a sidelink logical channel (e.g., any sidelink logical channel) having a destination ID different from the first destination ID and / or a source ID different from the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first apparatus can not consider sidelink data including a sidelink logical channel (e.g., any sidelink logical channel) having a destination ID different from the first destination ID and / or a source ID different from the first source ID for generation of the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination / multiplexed with the first sidelink reference signal transmission).

[0722] In one embodiment, the first apparatus considers sidelink data (e.g., first pending sidelink data) that meets the first condition as suitable for inclusion in the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination with the first sidelink reference signal transmission). For example, the first apparatus can only consider sidelink data (e.g., first pending sidelink data) that meets the first condition as suitable for inclusion in the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination / multiplexed with the first sidelink reference signal transmission). Alternatively and / or additionally, the first apparatus can consider data (e.g., second pending sidelink data associated with a second destination ID different from the first destination ID and / or a second source ID different from the first source ID) that does not meet the first condition as unsuitable for inclusion in the first sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI in combination with the first sidelink reference signal transmission).

[0723] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are performed in the first TTI based on both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission being associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0724] In some instances, the first apparatus determines (e.g., in step 910) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, then (i) generates (e.g., in step 915) the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) and / or (ii) determines to transmit the first sidelink data packet via the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 910) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) in compliance with the first condition. Alternatively and / or additionally, after determining (e.g., in step 910) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, the first apparatus can determine to transmit the first sidelink data packet via the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI based on the first sidelink data packet being in compliance with the first condition. In some instances, after determining (e.g., in step 910) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, the first apparatus can determine not to transmit the sidelink data packet in the first TTI based on a determination that the sidelink data packet is not in compliance with the first condition (and / or a determination that there is no pending sidelink data packet in compliance with the first condition).

[0725] In one embodiment, whether the first apparatus performs both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI is based on whether the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data are associated with (i) the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and (ii) the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID). For example, based on a determination that the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with (i) the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and (ii) the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID), the first apparatus can perform both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI. Alternatively and / or additionally, based on a determination that the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the second sidelink data transmission are (i) not associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and / or (ii) not associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID) (e.g., the second sidelink data transmission is associated with a different destination ID than the first destination ID and / or a different source ID than the first source ID), the first apparatus can not perform both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the second sidelink data transmission in the first TTI. In some examples, based on a determination that the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the second sidelink data transmission are (i) not associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and / or (ii) not associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID), the first apparatus (i) can perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, (ii) can not perform the second sidelink data transmission in the first TTI, and / or (iii) can perform the second sidelink data transmission in a different TTI, possibly after the first TTI.

[0726] In one embodiment, the first apparatus transmits the first SCI for scheduling the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission, where the first SCI indicates at least a portion of the first destination ID and / or at least a portion of the first source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID and / or a Layer 1 source ID). In some examples, a recipient of the first SCI can determine, based on the first SCI, scheduling information that can be used to receive the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or the first sidelink data transmission. For example, according to the scheduling information, the recipient can listen to one or more resources during the first TTI to receive the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or the first sidelink data transmission from the first apparatus.

[0727] In one embodiment, the first SCI can comprise and / or imply and / or correspond to a SCI format 2-D.

[0728] In one embodiment, the first device performs the transmission of the 1st stage SCI in the first TTI, where the 1st stage SCI includes a field of a 2nd stage SCI format, and where the field indicates SCI format 2-D. For example, the field can be used to indicate the SCI format of the 2nd stage SCI. In some examples, the 2nd stage SCI is transmitted (e.g., by the first device) in the first TTI as the transmission of the 1st stage SCI.

[0729] In one embodiment, the field in the 1st stage SCI in the first TTI does not indicate any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C. Any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C (i) is associated with (e.g., used for) scheduling a sidelink data transmission, and (ii) is not associated with (e.g., not used for) scheduling a sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0730] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission includes a transmission of a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0731] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal (e.g., the first pending sidelink reference signal) can include and / or imply a first sidelink positioning reference signal. A sidelink reference signal can include and / or imply a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0732] In one embodiment, the first sidelink data transmission is (and / or implies) a PSSCH transmission. In some examples, the sidelink data transmission is (and / or implies) a PSSCH transmission.

[0733] In one embodiment, the first TTI corresponds to a first slot.

[0734] In one embodiment, in the first TTI, the first sidelink reference signal transmission does not overlap in the time domain with the first sidelink data transmission.

[0735] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission occupies a first symbol (e.g., a first OFDM symbol) in the first TTI, and the first sidelink data transmission occupies a second symbol (e.g., a second OFDM symbol) in the first TTI.

[0736] In one embodiment, the first symbol is different from the second symbol. In some examples, the first symbol and the second symbol do not share any common symbol (e.g., there is no common symbol for both the first symbol occupied by the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the second symbol occupied by the first sidelink data transmission).

[0737] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with a same cast type. In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with a same cast type.

[0738] In one embodiment, the same cast type is one of unicast, groupcast, or broadcast.

[0739] In one embodiment, the same cast type is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0740] In one embodiment, a sidelink resource pool supports (e.g., is configured for and / or implements) (i) transmission of sidelink data transmissions, (ii) reception of sidelink data transmissions, (iii) transmission of sidelink reference signals, and / or (iv) reception of sidelink reference signals.

[0741] In one embodiment, a sidelink resource pool corresponds to a shared sidelink resource pool for (i) transmission of sidelink data transmissions, (ii) reception of sidelink data transmissions, (iii) transmission of sidelink reference signals, and / or (iv) reception of sidelink reference signals.

[0742] In one embodiment, a sidelink resource pool includes (i) resources for sidelink data transmissions, and / or (ii) resources for sidelink reference signal transmissions.

[0743] In some instances, if there is no pending sidelink data that meets the first condition (e.g., if there is no pending sidelink data associated with the first destination ID and associated with the first source ID in one or more sidelink logical channels that have pending sidelink data), the first apparatus can perform the sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting a sidelink data packet in the first TTI (e.g., the first apparatus can perform the sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting any sidelink data packet from any sidelink logical channel in the first TTI). The sidelink data packet can be generated from one or more sidelink logical channels that have pending sidelink data.

[0744] Referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4In one example embodiment of the first apparatus, the apparatus 300 includes program code 312 stored in the memory 310. The CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to enable the first apparatus to: (i) receive a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions; (ii) determine to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID, and / or wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels with pending sidelink data; (iii) generate a first sidelink data packet based on a first sidelink logical channel with first pending sidelink data, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID; and (iv) perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission and a first sidelink data transmission for transmitting the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform one, some and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0745] Figure 10A flowchart 1000 is provided according to one exemplary embodiment from the perspective of a first apparatus. In step 1005, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The sidelink resource pool can be used for communication (e.g., transmission and / or reception) of sidelink data and / or transmission and / or reception of one or more sidelink reference signals. In step 1010, the first apparatus generates a first sidelink data packet for transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool based on a first sidelink logical channel having first pending sidelink data, where the first sidelink data packet is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID (e.g., a first Layer 2 destination ID and a first Layer 2 source ID). The first sidelink logical channel has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data. In some instances, the first sidelink data packet can be generated based on sidelink logical channels of one or more pending sidelink data (e.g., in addition to the first sidelink logical channel having first pending sidelink data). The first sidelink data packet can include at least some of the first pending sidelink data (e.g., the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet to include at least some of the first pending sidelink data). In some instances, the first pending sidelink data can correspond to data to be transmitted and / or available for transmission (of the first sidelink logical channel). In some instances, the first apparatus can generate the first sidelink data packet and / or determine to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI based on priorities including: (i) one or more first priorities associated with one or more pending sidelink reference signals, (ii) one or more second priorities associated with one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data, and / or (iii) one or more other priorities associated with one or more other signals and / or channels. For example, the priorities can be compared with each other to identify a highest priority (associated with the first sidelink logical channel) among the priorities. In step 1015, the first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. In some instances, the first sidelink reference signal transmission (and / or the first sidelink reference signal) satisfies a second condition that the first sidelink reference signal transmission (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI) and / or the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with (i) the first destination ID associated with the first sidelink data packet and (ii) the first source ID associated with the first sidelink data packet.For example, the first sidelink reference signal transmission can satisfy the second condition when (i) the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) as the first sidelink data packet and (ii) the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID) as the first sidelink data packet. In some examples, the first device can determine to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission (e.g., in combination / multiplexed with transmitting the first sidelink data packet) in the first TTI based on the first sidelink reference signal transmission satisfying the second condition. In step 1020, the first device performs the first sidelink data transmission of the first sidelink data packet and the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI.

[0746] In some examples, the first device can generate the first sidelink data packet to include at least some of the first pending sidelink data, and / or can determine to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI in response to determining that the first sidelink logical channel has the highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data (e.g., a priority of the first sidelink logical channel is highest among the priorities including the one or more first priorities and the one or more second priorities). In some examples, one of the one or more sidelink logical channels (e.g., each of the one or more sidelink logical channels) can correspond to one sidelink logical channel having pending sidelink data (e.g., data available for sidelink transmission).

[0747] In some examples, the first sidelink data packet includes (at least some of) the first pending sidelink data from a single sidelink logical channel (e.g., the first sidelink logical channel), the single sidelink logical channel being associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first sidelink data packet can include pending sidelink data from a plurality of sidelink logical channels, the plurality of sidelink logical channels including the first sidelink logical channel. The first sidelink logical channel and / or the plurality of sidelink logical channels can be among the one or more sidelink logical channels. In some examples, each of the plurality of sidelink logical channels is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0748] In some instances, the first sidelink reference signal transmission can correspond to a first pending sidelink reference signal. In some instances, in response to the first pending sidelink reference signal (e.g., which can include a reference signal such as for positioning and / or ranging in a sidelink) being triggered for transmission, the first device includes the first pending sidelink reference signal in a queue of pending transmissions. In some instances, the first device can generate the first sidelink data packet when the first sidelink logical channel (having the highest priority) is included in the queue of pending transmissions. In some instances, the determination by the first device to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI is performed when the first sidelink data packet is included in the queue of pending transmissions. In some instances, the first sidelink reference signal transmission (and / or the first pending sidelink reference signal) can be among one or more pending sidelink reference signals.

[0749] In one embodiment, the first device determines to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI based on the first sidelink reference signal transmission being associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID (e.g., in conjunction / multiplexed with the first sidelink data transmission of the first sidelink data packet).

[0750] In one embodiment, the first device considers a sidelink reference signal transmission (e.g., the first sidelink reference signal transmission) that meets the second condition to be suitable for transmission in the first TTI. For example, the first device can only consider a sidelink reference signal transmission that meets the second condition to be suitable for transmission in the first TTI (e.g., suitable for multiplexing with the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI). Alternatively and / or additionally, the first device can consider a sidelink reference signal transmission that does not meet the second condition (e.g., a sidelink reference signal transmission that is not associated with the first source ID and / or the first destination ID associated with the first sidelink data packet) to be unsuitable for transmission in the first TTI (e.g., unsuitable for multiplexing with the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI).

[0751] In one embodiment, the first apparatus determines not to perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI based on the second sidelink reference signal transmission being associated with a second destination ID different from the first destination ID and / or a second source ID different from the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first apparatus can determine not to perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI based on the second sidelink reference signal transmission not satisfying a second condition. For example, the first apparatus can determine not to perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI based on the second sidelink reference signal transmission not being associated with the first destination ID associated with the first sidelink data packet and / or the second sidelink reference signal transmission not being associated with the first source ID associated with the first sidelink data packet. In some instances, the second sidelink reference signal transmission can be among one or more pending sidelink reference signals.

[0752] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are performed in the first TTI based on both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission being associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0753] In some instances, the first apparatus generates (e.g., in step 1010) a first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) and / or determines to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI, and subsequently determines (e.g., in step 1015) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI. In some instances, after generating (e.g., in step 1010) the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) and / or determining to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI, the first apparatus can determine (e.g., in step 1015) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission (e.g., in conjunction / multiplexed with the first sidelink data transmission) in the first TTI based on the first sidelink reference signal transmission being associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, after generating (e.g., in step 1010) the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) and / or determining to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI, the first apparatus can determine (e.g., in step 1015) to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission (e.g., in conjunction / multiplexed with the first sidelink data transmission) in the first TTI based on the first sidelink reference signal transmission satisfying the second condition. In some instances, after generating (e.g., in step 1010) the first sidelink data packet (e.g., for transmission in the first TTI) and / or determining to transmit the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI, the first apparatus can determine not to perform transmission of a sidelink reference signal (e.g., any sidelink reference signal transmission of a sidelink reference signal) in the first TTI based on a determination that the sidelink reference signal does not satisfy the second condition (and / or a determination that there is no pending sidelink reference signal that satisfies the second condition).

[0754] In one embodiment, whether the first apparatus performs both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI is based on whether the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data packet are associated with (i) the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and (ii) the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID). For example, based on a determination that the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with (i) the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and (ii) the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID), the first apparatus can perform both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission of the first sidelink data packet in the first TTI. Alternatively and / or additionally, based on a determination that the second sidelink reference signal (transmission) and the first sidelink data transmission are (i) not associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and / or (ii) not associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID), the first apparatus can not perform both the second sidelink reference signal (transmission) and the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI. In some examples, based on a determination that the second sidelink reference signal (transmission) and the first sidelink data transmission are (i) not associated with the same destination ID (e.g., the first destination ID) and / or (ii) not associated with the same source ID (e.g., the first source ID), the first apparatus (i) can perform the first sidelink data transmission in the first TTI, (ii) can not perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, and / or (iii) can perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in a different TTI (e.g., possibly after the first TTI).

[0755] In one embodiment, the first apparatus transmits the first SCI for scheduling the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission, where the first SCI indicates at least a portion of the first destination ID and / or at least a portion of the first source ID (e.g., a Layer 1 destination ID and / or a Layer 1 source ID). In some examples, a receiver of the first SCI can determine, based on the first SCI, scheduling information that can be used to receive the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or the first sidelink data transmission. For example, according to the scheduling information, the receiver can listen to one or more resources during the first TTI to receive the first sidelink reference signal transmission and / or the first sidelink data transmission from the first apparatus.

[0756] In one embodiment, the first SCI can comprise and / or imply and / or correspond to a SCI format 2-D.

[0757] In one embodiment, the first device performs the transmission of the 1st stage SCI in the first TTI, where the 1st stage SCI includes a field of a 2nd stage SCI format, and where the field indicates SCI format 2-D. For example, the field can be used to indicate the SCI format of the 2nd stage SCI. In some examples, the 2nd stage SCI is transmitted (e.g., by the first device) in the first TTI as the transmission of the 1st stage SCI.

[0758] In one embodiment, the field in the 1st stage SCI in the first TTI does not indicate any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C. Any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, or SCI format 2-C (i) is associated with (e.g., used for) scheduling a sidelink data transmission, and (ii) is not associated with (e.g., not used for) scheduling a sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0759] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission includes a transmission of a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0760] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal (e.g., the first pending sidelink reference signal) can include and / or imply a first sidelink positioning reference signal. A sidelink reference signal can include and / or imply a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0761] In one embodiment, the first sidelink data transmission is (and / or implies) a PSSCH transmission. In some examples, the sidelink data transmission is (and / or implies) a PSSCH transmission.

[0762] In one embodiment, the first TTI corresponds to a first slot.

[0763] In one embodiment, in the first TTI, the first sidelink reference signal transmission does not overlap in the time domain with the first sidelink data transmission.

[0764] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission occupies a first symbol (e.g., a first OFDM symbol) in the first TTI, and the first sidelink data transmission occupies a second symbol (e.g., a second OFDM symbol) in the first TTI.

[0765] In one embodiment, the first symbol is different from the second symbol. In some examples, the first symbol and the second symbol do not share any common symbol (e.g., there is no common symbol for both the first symbol occupied by the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the second symbol occupied by the first sidelink data transmission).

[0766] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data packet are associated with a same cast type. In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with a same cast type.

[0767] In one embodiment, the same cast type is one of unicast, groupcast, or broadcast.

[0768] In one embodiment, the same cast type is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID.

[0769] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool supports (e.g., is configured to be used for and / or implement) (i) transmission of sidelink data transmissions, (ii) reception of sidelink data transmissions, (iii) transmission of sidelink reference signals, and / or (iv) reception of sidelink reference signals.

[0770] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool corresponds to a shared sidelink resource pool for (i) transmission of sidelink data transmissions, (ii) reception of sidelink data transmissions, (iii) transmission of sidelink reference signals, and / or (iv) reception of sidelink reference signals.

[0771] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool includes (i) resources for sidelink data transmissions, and / or (ii) resources for sidelink reference signal transmissions.

[0772] Referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one example embodiment of the first apparatus, the apparatus 300 includes program code 312 stored in the memory 310. The CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to enable the first apparatus to: (i) receive a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions; (ii) generate a first sidelink data packet for transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool based on a first sidelink logical channel having first pending sidelink data, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID, and / or wherein the first sidelink logical channel has a highest priority among one or more pending sidelink reference signals and one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data; (iii) determine to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI, wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID; and (iv) perform the first sidelink data transmission of the first sidelink data packet and the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform one, some, and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0773] Figure 11 A flowchart 1100 is provided according to one example embodiment from the perspective of a first apparatus. In step 1105, the first apparatus receives a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions. The sidelink resource pool can be for communication (e.g., transmission and / or reception) of sidelink data and / or transmission and / or reception of one or more sidelink reference signals. In step 1110, the first apparatus determines to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID (e.g., a first Layer 2 destination ID and a first Layer 2 source ID). In step 1115, the first apparatus performs the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting sidelink data from one or more sidelink logical channels in the first TTI. For example, the first apparatus can perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting any sidelink data from any sidelink logical channel in the first TTI.

[0774] In one embodiment, the first apparatus generates a sidelink data packet to include sidelink data from one or more sidelink logical channels. The one or more sidelink logical channels can be associated with pending sidelink data. For example, the sidelink data included in the sidelink data packet can include at least some of the pending sidelink data from the one or more sidelink logical channels. In some instances, the pending sidelink data can correspond to data (of the one or more sidelink logical channels) to be transmitted and / or available for transmission. In some instances, in response to the pending sidelink data becoming available for transmission, the first apparatus includes the pending sidelink data in a queue of a set of pending data (e.g., a set of sidelink data to be transmitted and / or available for transmission). In some instances, the sidelink data packet can include sidelink data from a single sidelink logical channel or multiple sidelink logical channels.

[0775] In some instances, in response to a first priority associated with the first sidelink reference signal being higher than one or more priorities associated with one or more pending sidelink reference signals and / or one or more priorities associated with one or more sidelink logical channels having pending sidelink data, the first apparatus determines to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0776] In one embodiment, the first apparatus does not transmit the sidelink data (and / or does not transmit the sidelink data packet) in the first TTI based on the sidelink data (packet) being associated with a second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID and / or a second source ID that is different from the first source ID. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first apparatus can not transmit the sidelink data (and / or can not transmit the sidelink data packet) in the first TTI based on the sidelink data (and / or the sidelink data packet) not satisfying a first condition, the first condition being that the sidelink data packet (e.g., to be transmitted in the first TTI) is associated with (i) the first destination ID associated with the first sidelink reference signal transmission and (ii) the first source ID associated with the first sidelink reference signal transmission. For example, the first apparatus can not transmit the sidelink data (and / or can not transmit the sidelink data packet) in the first TTI based on the sidelink data (and / or the sidelink data packet) not being associated with the first destination ID and / or not being associated with the first source ID.

[0777] In some instances, the first apparatus can determine not to perform a sidelink data transmission of the sidelink data (e.g., and / or can determine not to perform any sidelink data transmission of any sidelink data) in the first TTI based on a determination that there is no pending sidelink data (and / or no pending sidelink data packet) that satisfies the first condition.

[0778] In one embodiment, the first sidelink reference signal can comprise and / or imply a first sidelink positioning reference signal. The sidelink reference signal can comprise and / or imply a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0779] In one embodiment, the first TTI corresponds to a first slot.

[0780] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool supports (e.g., is configured for and / or enables) (i) transmission of a sidelink data transmission, (ii) reception of a sidelink data transmission, (iii) transmission of a sidelink reference signal, and / or (iv) reception of a sidelink reference signal.

[0781] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool corresponds to a shared sidelink resource pool for (i) transmission of a sidelink data transmission, (ii) reception of a sidelink data transmission, (iii) transmission of a sidelink reference signal, and / or (iv) reception of a sidelink reference signal.

[0782] In one embodiment, the sidelink resource pool comprises (i) resources for transmission of a sidelink data transmission, and / or (ii) resources for sidelink reference signal transmission.

[0783] Referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4In one example embodiment of the first apparatus, the apparatus 300 includes program code 312 stored in the memory 310. The CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to enable the first apparatus to: (i) receive a configuration of a sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmissions and sidelink reference signal transmissions; (ii) determine to perform a first sidelink reference signal transmission in a first TTI of the sidelink resource pool, where the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination ID and a first source ID; and (iii) perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI without transmitting sidelink data from one or more sidelink logical channels in the first TTI. In addition, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to perform one, some, and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0784] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a transmission (e.g., a sidelink reference signal transmission, a sidelink data transmission of a sidelink data packet, etc.) can be considered to be “associated” with a first destination ID when (i) a destination ID field associated with the transmission is set to the first destination ID and / or (ii) an intended recipient of the transmission corresponds to a first destination identified by the first destination ID and / or a first UE / apparatus.

[0785] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a transmission (e.g., a sidelink reference signal transmission, a sidelink data transmission of a sidelink data packet, etc.) can be considered to be “associated” with a first source ID when (i) a source ID field associated with the transmission is set to the first source ID and / or (ii) a transmitter of the transmission (e.g., a first apparatus) corresponds to a first source identified by the first source ID and / or a UE / apparatus (e.g., a transmitter UE / apparatus).

[0786] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink data packet can be considered to be “associated” with a first destination ID when (i) the sidelink data packet is from a first sidelink logical channel having a configuration (and / or setting) corresponding to the first destination ID and / or (ii) an intended recipient of the sidelink data packet corresponds to a first destination identified by the first destination ID and / or a first UE / apparatus.

[0787] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink data packet can be considered to be “associated” with a first source ID when (i) the sidelink data packet is from a first sidelink logical channel having a configuration (and / or setting) corresponding to the first source ID and / or (ii) a transmitter of the sidelink data packet (e.g., a first apparatus) corresponds to a first source identified by the first source ID and / or a UE / apparatus (e.g., a transmitter UE / apparatus).

[0788] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink logical channel can be considered to be “associated” with a first destination ID when (i) a destination ID field / configuration of the sidelink logical channel is set to the first destination ID and / or (ii) an intended recipient of pending sidelink data from the sidelink logical channel corresponds to a first destination and / or first UE / device identified by the first destination ID.

[0789] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink logical channel can be considered to be “associated” with a first source ID when (i) a source ID field / configuration of the sidelink logical channel is set to the first source ID and / or (ii) a transmitter (e.g., a first device) of pending sidelink data from the sidelink logical channel corresponds to a first source and / or UE / device (e.g., a transmitter UE / device) identified by the first source ID.

[0790] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink reference signal can be considered to be “associated” with a first destination ID when (i) a configuration (and / or setting and / or triggering) of the sidelink reference signal is set to the first destination ID and / or (ii) an intended recipient of the sidelink reference signal corresponds to a first destination and / or first UE / device identified by the first destination ID.

[0791] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a sidelink reference signal can be considered to be “associated” with a first source ID when (i) a configuration (and / or setting and / or triggering) of the sidelink reference signal is set to the first source ID and / or (ii) a transmitter (e.g., a first device) of the sidelink reference signal corresponds to a first source and / or UE / device (e.g., a transmitter UE / device) identified by the first source ID.

[0792] A communication device (e.g., a UE, a base station, a network node, etc.) can be provided, where the communication device can include a control circuit, a processor installed in the control circuit, and / or a memory installed in the control circuit and coupled to the processor. The processor can be configured to execute program code stored in the memory to perform the method steps shown in Figures 7-11 In addition, the processor can execute program code to perform one, some, and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or other actions and steps described herein.

[0793] A computer-readable medium can be provided. The computer-readable medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include at least one of a flash memory device, a hard disk drive, a diskette, and / or a memory stick, a memory semiconductor, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and / or the like, and / or a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), and / or the like. The computer-readable medium can include instructions executable by a processor to cause the method steps shown in FIG. 2 and / or one, some, and / or all of the method steps shown in FIG. 2 and / or one, some, and / or all of the above actions and steps and / or one, some, and / or all of the other actions and steps described herein to be performed. Figures 7-11

[0794] It can be appreciated that applying one or more of the techniques presented herein can yield one or more benefits, including but not limited to improved communication efficiency between devices (e.g., sidelink devices, such as UEs communicating in a sidelink), such as where a first of the devices communicates using a shared sidelink resource pool and / or positioning. The efficiency improvement can be due at least in part to one or more of the techniques provided herein with respect to sidelink control information transmission and / or processing that is backward compatible with legacy UEs and / or devices.

[0795] ​Various aspects of the disclosure have been described. It should be apparent that the teachings herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein can be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus can be implemented or such a method can be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality consistent with the aspects set forth herein. As an example of this, in some aspects, parallel channels can be established based on a pulse repetition frequency. In some aspects, parallel channels can be established based on pulse position or offset. In some aspects, parallel channels can be established based on a time hopping sequence. In some aspects, parallel channels can be established based on a pulse repetition frequency, pulse position or offset, and a time hopping sequence.

[0796] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0797] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two, which can be designed using source coding or some other technique), various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software module"), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality, without reference to a particular

[0798] In addition, various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit ("IC"), an access terminal, or an access point. The IC can include 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, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein, and can execute codes or instructions that reside within the IC, outside of the IC, or both. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0799] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of an illustrative approach. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0800] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module (e.g., including executable instructions and related data) and other data can reside in a data memory such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium can be coupled to a machine such as, for example, a computer / processor (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as a "processor") such that the processor can read information (e.g., code) from, and write information to, the storage medium. An example storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user device. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user device. Alternatively, and / or additionally, in some aspects, any suitable computer-program product can comprise a computer-readable medium comprising codes relating to one or more of the aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects, a computer program product can comprise packaging materials.

[0801] While the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the disclosed subject matter is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the disclosed subject matter that follow, in general, the principles of the disclosed subject matter and include specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter that are disclosed in the specification and claims.

Claims

1. A method using a first apparatus, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the configuration of the sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmission and sidelink reference signal transmission; A first sidelink reference signal transmission is determined to be performed in a first transmission time interval (TTI) of the sidelink resource pool, wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination identifier (ID) and a first source ID, and wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission has the highest priority among one or more sidelink reference signals to be transmitted or triggered for transmission and one or more sidelink logical channels having sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission. A first sidelink data packet is generated based on a first sidelink logical channel having first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with the same first destination ID and the same first source ID, wherein the first sidelink data packet includes at least some of the first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission of the first sidelink logical channel associated with the same first destination ID and the same first source ID; In the first TTI, first sidelink control information (SCI) is transmitted for scheduling first sidelink reference signal transmission and first sidelink data transmission, wherein the first SCI indicates at least a portion of the first destination ID and at least a portion of the first source ID; and In the first TTI, the transmission of the first sidelink reference signal and the transmission of the first sidelink data are performed, wherein the first sidelink data transmission is used to transmit the first sidelink data packets.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The first sidelink logical channel is among the one or more sidelink logical channels; or Generating the first sidelink data packet includes Based on the fact that the second sidelink logical channel is associated with at least one of the following, sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission that is contained in the first sidelink data packet is excluded: A second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID; or The second source ID is different from the first source ID.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Since both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are performed in the first TTI.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The first SCI includes or corresponds to SCI format 2-D at least; The method includes performing a Level 1 SCI transfer in the first TTI, wherein the Level 1 SCI includes fields of a Level 2 SCI format, and wherein the fields indicate the SCI format 2-D; or The field in the first level SCI of the first TTI does not indicate any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B or SCI format 2-C, wherein each of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B and SCI format 2-C is (i) associated with scheduling side link data transmission and (ii) not associated with scheduling side link reference signal transmission.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The first side link reference signal transmission includes the transmission of the side link positioning reference signal; The sidelink data transmission is performed via the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH). The first TTI corresponds to the first time slot; In the first TTI, the transmission of the first side link reference signal does not overlap with the transmission of the first side link data in the time domain. The first side link reference signal transmission and the first side link data transmission are associated with the same broadcast type; or The same broadcast type is one of unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The sidelink resource pool supports: Transmission of data via one or more sidelinks; Receive one or more sidelink data transmissions; Transmission of one or more side link reference signals; as well as Receive one or more side link reference signals; The sidelink resource pool corresponds to a shared sidelink resource pool used for the following operations: Transmission of data via one or more sidelinks; Receive one or more sidelink data transmissions; Transmission of one or more side link reference signals; as well as Receive one or more side link reference signals; or The sidelink resource pool includes: Resources used for data transmission on one or more sidelinks; as well as Resources used for transmitting one or more sidelink reference signals.

7. A method using a first apparatus, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the configuration of the sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmission and sidelink reference signal transmission; A first sidelink data packet is generated based on a first sidelink logical channel having first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission, for transmission in a first transmission time interval (TTI) of the sidelink resource pool, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with a first destination identifier (ID) and a first source ID, and wherein the first sidelink logical channel has the highest priority among one or more sidelink reference signals to be transmitted or triggered for transmission and one or more sidelink logical channels having sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission, wherein the first sidelink data packet includes at least some of the first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission of the first sidelink logical channel associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID; Determine that a first sidelink reference signal transmission is performed in the first TTI, wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with the same first destination ID and the same first source ID; In the first TTI, first sidelink control information (SCI) is transmitted for scheduling first sidelink reference signal transmission and first sidelink data transmission, wherein the first SCI indicates at least a portion of the first destination ID and at least a portion of the first source ID; and In the first TTI, the transmission of the first sidelink reference signal and the transmission of the first sidelink data are performed, wherein the first sidelink data transmission is used to transmit the first sidelink data packets.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The first side link reference signal is transmitted among the one or more side link reference signals to be transmitted or triggered for transmission; The determination to perform the first sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI is based on the association of the first sidelink reference signal transmission with the first destination ID and the first source ID; or The method includes determining, based on the association of the second sidelink reference signal transmission with at least one of the following, not to perform the second sidelink reference signal transmission in the first TTI: A second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID; or The second source ID is different from the first source ID.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Since both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are performed in the first TTI.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: Based on the fact that the second sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with at least one of the following, it is determined that the second sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission will not be performed in the first TTI: A second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID; and The second source ID is different from the first source ID.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The SCI at least includes or corresponds to SCI format 2-D; The method includes performing a Level 1 SCI transfer in the first TTI, wherein the Level 1 SCI includes fields of a Level 2 SCI format, and wherein the fields indicate the SCI format 2-D; or The field in the first level SCI of the first TTI does not indicate any of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B or SCI format 2-C, wherein each of SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B and SCI format 2-C is (i) associated with scheduling side link data transmission and (ii) not used for scheduling side link reference signal transmission.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The transmission of the side link reference signal includes the transmission of the side link positioning reference signal; The sidelink data transmission is performed via the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH). The first TTI corresponds to the first time slot; In the first TTI, the transmission of the first side link reference signal does not overlap with the transmission of the first side link data in the time domain. The first side link reference signal transmission and the first side link data transmission are associated with the same broadcast type; or The same broadcast type is one of unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

13. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The sidelink resource pool supports: Transmission of data via one or more sidelinks; Receive one or more sidelink data transmissions; Transmission of one or more side link reference signals; as well as Receive one or more side link reference signals; The sidelink resource pool corresponds to a shared sidelink resource pool used for the following operations: Transmission of data via one or more sidelinks; Receive one or more sidelink data transmissions; Transmission of one or more side link reference signals; as well as Receive one or more side link reference signals; or The sidelink resource pool includes: Resources used for data transmission on one or more sidelinks; as well as Resources used for transmitting one or more sidelink reference signals.

14. A first device, comprising: Control circuit; The processor is installed in the control circuit; as well as A memory, installed in the control circuit and coupled to the processor; The processor is configured to execute program code stored in the memory to perform: Receive the configuration of the sidelink resource pool for sidelink data transmission and sidelink reference signal transmission; A first sidelink reference signal transmission is determined to be performed in a first transmission time interval (TTI) of the sidelink resource pool, wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission is associated with a first destination identifier (ID) and a first source ID, and wherein the first sidelink reference signal transmission has the highest priority among one or more sidelink reference signals to be transmitted or triggered for transmission and one or more sidelink logical channels having sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission. A first sidelink data packet is generated based on a first sidelink logical channel having first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission, wherein the first sidelink data packet is associated with the same first destination ID and the same first source ID, wherein the first sidelink data packet includes at least some of the first sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission of the first sidelink logical channel associated with the same first destination ID and the same first source ID; In the first TTI, first sidelink control information (SCI) is transmitted for scheduling first sidelink reference signal transmission and first sidelink data transmission, wherein the first SCI indicates at least a portion of the first destination ID and at least a portion of the first source ID; and In the first TTI, the transmission of the first sidelink reference signal and the transmission of the first sidelink data are performed, wherein the first sidelink data transmission is used to transmit the first sidelink data packets.

15. The first apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, At least one of the following exists: The first sidelink logical channel is among the one or more sidelink logical channels; or Generating the first sidelink data packet includes Based on the fact that the second sidelink logical channel is associated with at least one of the following, sidelink data to be transmitted or available for transmission that is contained in the first sidelink data packet is excluded: A second destination ID that is different from the first destination ID; or The second source ID is different from the first source ID.

16. The first apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that: Since both the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are associated with the first destination ID and the first source ID, the first sidelink reference signal transmission and the first sidelink data transmission are performed in the first TTI.

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