Multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values

Abstract

The invention relates to multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values. An apparatus, method, and system for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values are disclosed. A method (900) includes receiving (902) an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. The method (900) includes receiving (904) a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. The method (900) comprises determining (906) a multiplexing pattern of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with the second subcarrier spacing value.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application which entered the Chinese national phase on September 6, 2022, with PCT application number PCT / IB2021 / 052009, international application date March 11, 2021, Chinese application number 202180019296.X, and invention name “Determination of multiplexing mode based on subcarrier spacing value”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 988,136 filed by Ankit Bhamri on March 11, 2020, entitled “APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR REFERENCE SIGNAL CONFIGURATIONS FOR CHANNEL ESTIMATION ANDPHASE TRACKING FOR HIGHER SUBCARRIER SPACING,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values. Background Art

[0005] In some wireless communication networks, changes in subcarrier spacing may affect the design and / or performance of transmissions. For example, changes in subcarrier spacing may affect demodulation reference signals and / or phase tracking reference signals. Summary of the invention

[0006] Methods for determining a multiplexing mode based on a subcarrier spacing value are disclosed. Apparatus and systems also perform the functions of these methods. One embodiment of the method includes receiving an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a multiplexing mode of a demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of a demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0007] An apparatus for determining a multiplexing mode based on a subcarrier spacing value includes: a receiver that receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; and receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes: a processor that determines the multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or the number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0008] Another embodiment of a method for multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values ​​includes receiving an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0009] Another apparatus for multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values ​​includes a receiver that receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; and receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor that determines a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to a second subcarrier spacing value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless communication system for determining a multiplexing pattern based on a subcarrier spacing value;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values;

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a reference signal as a function of SCS;

[0015] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a reference signal as a function of SCS;

[0016] Figure 6is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of determining the value of function F;

[0017] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a reference signal as a function of F;

[0018] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a reference signal as a function of F;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values; and

[0020] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as systems, devices, methods or program products. Thus, the embodiments may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may be generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." In addition, the embodiments may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices stored in machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code, hereinafter referred to as code. The storage device may be tangible, non-temporary, and / or non-transmitting. The storage device may not embody a signal. In a certain embodiment, the storage device employs only a signal for accessing the code.

[0022] Certain functional units described in this specification may be labeled as modules in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit including a custom very large scale integrated ("VLSI") circuit or gate array, an off-the-shelf semiconductor such as a logic chip, a transistor, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array, a programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, or the like.

[0023] Modules may also be implemented in code and / or software to be executed by various types of processors. An identified module of code may, for example, include one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code, which may, for example, be organized as objects, procedures, or functions. However, the executable files of the identified modules need not be physically located together, but may include unrelated instructions stored in different locations that, when logically joined together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose of the module.

[0024] In fact, code module can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed on several different code segments, among different programs and across several memory devices.Similarly, in this article, operating data can be identified and illustrated in the module, and can be embodied and organized in the data structure of any appropriate type in any appropriate form.Operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed in different locations, which are included on different computer-readable storage devices.When a module or a part of a module is implemented in software, the software part is stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0025] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device storing code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0026] More specific examples of storage devices (a non-exhaustive list) would include the following: an electrical connection with one or more cables, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory ("RAM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM" or flash memory), a portable compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0027] The code for performing the operations of the embodiments may be any number of lines and may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, and the like, and commonly used procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language, and / or machine languages ​​such as assembly languages. The code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a separate software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network including a local area network ("LAN") or a wide area network ("WAN"), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0028] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification, the occurrence of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language may, but need not, all refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments." Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "include," "comprises," "has," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to." Unless otherwise expressly stated, a list of enumerated items does not imply that any or all items are mutually exclusive. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "one," "an," and "the" also refer to "one or more."

[0029] In addition, the features, structures or characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in any appropriate manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring various aspects of the embodiments.

[0030] Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference to schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams of the methods, devices, systems, and program products according to the embodiments. It will be understood that each frame of the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams and the combination of frames in the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams can be implemented by code. The code can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create a device for implementing the functions / operations specified in one or more frames of the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0031] The code may also be stored in a storage device that is capable of directing a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the functions / operations specified in one or more boxes of the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0032] The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the code executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provides a process for implementing the functions / operations specified in a box or multiple boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0033] The schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functions and operations of possible implementations of devices, systems, methods and program products according to different embodiments. In this regard, each box in the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, a fragment or a portion of a code, which includes one or more executable instructions of a code for implementing a specified (one or more) logical function.

[0034] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions annotated in the blocks may not occur in the order annotated in the drawings. For example, depending on the functions involved, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It is conceivable that other steps and methods are equivalent in function, logic or effect to one or more blocks or portions thereof of the illustrated drawings.

[0035] Although various arrow types and line types can be adopted in flow chart and / or block diagram, it is understood that they do not limit the scope of corresponding embodiment.In fact, some arrows or other connectors can only be used to indicate the logical flow of the described embodiment.For example, the waiting or monitoring period of the unspecified duration between the steps of the enumeration of the described embodiment can be indicated by an arrow.It will also be noted that each frame of the block diagram and / or flow chart and the combination of the frames in the block diagram and / or flow chart can be realized by a system based on special-purpose hardware or by a combination of special-purpose hardware and code that performs a specific function or operation.

[0036] The description of an element in each figure may refer to an element of the previous figure. In all figures, the same numerals refer to the same elements, including alternative embodiments of the same elements.

[0037] Figure 1 An embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values ​​is depicted. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a network unit 104. Although Figure 1 A specific number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are depicted in FIG. 1 , but one skilled in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0038] In one embodiment, the remote unit 102 may include a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including a security camera), a car computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, a modem), an air vehicle, a drone, etc. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 includes a wearable device such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head-mounted display, etc. In addition, the remote unit 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a UE, a user terminal, a device, or other terms used in the art. The remote unit 102 may communicate directly with one or more network units 104 via UL communication signals. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may communicate directly with other remote units 102 via side link communications.

[0039] The network elements 104 may be distributed over a geographic area. In some embodiments, the network elements 104 may also be referred to as and / or may include access points, access terminals, base stations, base stations, node Bs, evolved node Bs (“eNBs”), 5G node Bs (“gNBs”), home node-Bs, relay nodes, devices, core networks, air servers, radio access nodes, access points (“APs”), new radios (“NRs”), network entities, access and mobility management functions (“AMFs”), unified data management (“UDMs”), unified data repositories (“UDRs”), UDM / UDRs, policy control functions (“PCFs”), radio access networks (“RANs”), network slice selection functions (“NSSFs”), operations, administration and maintenance (“OAMs”), session management functions (“SMFs”), user plane functions (“UPFs”), application functions, authentication server functions (“AUSFs”), security anchor functions (“SEAFs”), trusted non-3GPP gateway functions (“TNGFs”), or one or more of any other terms used in the art. The network elements 104 are typically part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding network elements 104. The radio access network is typically communicatively coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks, such as the Internet and the public switched telephone network. These and other elements of the radio access and core networks are not shown, but are generally well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 complies with the NR protocol standardized in the Third Generation Partnership Project ("3GPP"), wherein the network unit 104 transmits on the downlink ("DL") using an OFDM modulation scheme, and the remote unit 102 transmits on the uplink ("UL") using a single carrier frequency division multiple access ("SC-FDMA") scheme or an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ("OFDM") scheme. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocol, such as WiMAX, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ("IEEE") 802.11 variants, Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM"), General Packet Radio Service ("GPRS"), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UMTS"), Long Term Evolution ("LTE") variants, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 ("CDMA2000"), Bluetooth®, ZigBee, Sigfoxx, and other protocols. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0041] The network unit 104 may serve multiple remote units 102 within a service area, such as a cell or cell sector, via wireless communication links. The network unit 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve the remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and / or spatial domains.

[0042] In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to the second subcarrier spacing value. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be configured to determine a multiplexing mode based on a subcarrier spacing value.

[0043] In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to the second subcarrier spacing value. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be configured to determine a multiplexing pattern based on a subcarrier spacing value.

[0044] Figure 2One embodiment of an apparatus 200 that may be used for multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values ​​is depicted. Apparatus 200 includes one embodiment of a remote unit 102. In addition, remote unit 102 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, a transmitter 210, and a receiver 212. In some embodiments, input device 206 and display 208 are combined into a single device, such as a touch screen. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 may not include any input device 206 and / or display 208. In various embodiments, remote unit 102 may include one or more of processor 202, memory 204, transmitter 210, and receiver 212, and may not include input device 206 and / or display 208.

[0045] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include any known controller capable of running computer-readable instructions and / or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or a similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212.

[0046] In one embodiment, memory 204 is a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include RAM, including dynamic RAM ("DRAM"), synchronous dynamic RAM ("SDRAM"), and / or static RAM ("SRAM"). In some embodiments, memory 204 includes non-volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include a hard drive, flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and associated data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on remote unit 102.

[0047] In one embodiment, input device 206 may include any known computer input device, including a touchpad, buttons, keyboard, stylus, microphone, etc. In some embodiments, input device 206 may be integrated with display 208, for example, as a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes a touch screen so that text can be entered using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touch screen and / or by handwriting on the touch screen. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes two or more different devices such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0048] In one embodiment, the display 208 may include any known electronically controllable display or display device. The display 208 may be designed to output visual, auditory and / or tactile signals. In some embodiments, the display 208 includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the display 208 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a light emitting diode ("LED") display, an organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display, a projector, or a similar display device capable of outputting images, text, etc. to a user. As another non-limiting example, the display 208 may include a wearable display such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a head-up display, etc. In addition, the display 208 may be a component of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a desktop computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more speakers for generating sounds. For example, the display 208 can generate an audible alarm or notification (e.g., a buzzer or beep). In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more tactile devices for generating vibration, motion, or other tactile feedback. In some embodiments, all or part of the display 208 can be integrated with the input device 206. For example, the input device 206 and the display 208 can form a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, the display 208 can be positioned near the input device 206.

[0050] In some embodiments, the receiver 212: receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In various embodiments, the processor 202 determines a multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0051] In some embodiments, the receiver 212: receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In various embodiments, the processor 202 determines a frequency domain multiplexing mode of the phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0052] Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are shown, the remote unit 102 may have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be part of a transceiver.

[0053] Figure 3 One embodiment of an apparatus 300 that may be used for multiplexing pattern determination based on subcarrier spacing values ​​is depicted. The apparatus 300 includes one embodiment of a network unit 104. In addition, the network unit 104 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, a transmitter 310, and a receiver 312. It is understood that the processor 302, the memory 304, the input device 306, the display 308, the transmitter 310, and the receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212 of the remote unit 102, respectively.

[0054] In certain embodiments, there may be an impact on the configuration, activation, and / or indication of a demodulation reference signal ("DM-RS") ("DMRS") and / or a phase tracking reference signal ("PT-RS") ("PTRS") due to higher subcarrier spacing ("SCS"). In such embodiments, there may be a specific configuration based on the SCS requirements and the corresponding bandwidth usage for the DMRS and / or PTRS.

[0055] In some embodiments, a reduced capacity reference signal design (e.g., in terms of the number of ports, overhead for channel estimation, phase noise tracking, and / or Doppler estimation) may be configured and / or used. In such an embodiment, the value of the subcarrier spacing may be above a predetermined threshold. In various embodiments, the number of ports and / or the overhead of the reference signal may be a function of one or more parameters (e.g., SCS value). In certain embodiments, the reference signal design may use a common signal for both DM-RS and PT-RS. In some embodiments, there may be different signal designs for DM-RS and PT-RS. In such an embodiment, there may be a one-to-one association (e.g., the number of ports for DM-RS and PT-RS may be the same). In some embodiments, the overhead of the reference signal may be implied based on a parameter or a combination of parameters (e.g., carrier frequency, SCS, BWP size, modulation and coding scheme ("MCS"), and waveform type).

[0056] In various embodiments found herein, the benefits can include utilizing highly directional beams in higher frequencies with high SCS by configuring, indicating, and / or activating the number of ports for reference signals as an explicit and / or implicit function of at least the SCS. In such embodiments, the performance gain of high rank may be limited for high frequency transmissions.

[0057] In a first embodiment, a table may be configured by the network and / or transmitted to a user equipment ("UE") to determine a set of parameters for reference signal transmission and / or reception for DL ​​and / or UL. In such an embodiment, reference signals are used for DM-RS and / or PT-RS (e.g., for channel estimation, phase noise tracking, and / or other purposes such as channel measurement). For different SCS values, a single set of values ​​may be configured.

[0058] Figure 4 400 is a graph illustrating one embodiment of a reference signal as a function of SCS. Graph 400 is only one example for determining different modes. The exact values ​​and / or parameters are not limited to graph 400. For example, Figure 5 is a graph 500 illustrating another embodiment of a reference signal as a function of SCS.

[0059] In one implementation of the first embodiment, the time overhead and / or mode may be configured separately as a function of the MCS, but with increasing SCS values.

[0060] In another implementation of the first embodiment, the different parameters of the reference signal and their values ​​may not be functions of the direction of the SCS, but may be functions of one or more additional parameters, such as carrier frequency, SCS, bandwidth part ("BWP") size, MCS and / or waveform type. Examples of such implementations are described in Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Specifically, Figure 6 is a graph 600 illustrating one embodiment of determining the value of the function F, Figure 7 8 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a reference signal as an F function, and 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a reference signal as an F function.

[0061] In some embodiments, the DM-RS and PT-RS configurations are determined separately as a direct function of the SCS or as a function of a combination of several parameters, e.g., function F. In such embodiments, either the DM-RS configuration or the PT-RS configuration may be determined, and if either of these reference signals is not determined as a function of the SCS or F, then another process may be used to determine their configurations.

[0062] In some embodiments, the parameters of the DM-RS may be determined as a subset of an existing configuration type for the DM-RS. In one example, if the SCS value is high, such as 480kHz or 960kHz, the maximum number of ports for DM-RS type 1 may be limited to a lower value, such as 2 for 1-symbol length DMRS and 4 for 2-symbol length DMRS. In such an example, other factors for DM-RS transmission and / or reception may be implicitly determined using an existing configuration. For example, if the maximum number of ports for DM-RS configuration type 1 is more than 2 and up to 4, only 2-symbol DM-RS may be used (e.g., single-symbol DMRS may not be used). In another example, if the SCS value is high, such as 480kHz or 960kHz, the maximum number of ports for DM-RS type 2 may be limited to a lower value, such as 3 for 1-symbol length DMRS and 6 for 2-symbol length DMRS. In such an example, other factors for DM-RS transmission and / or reception may be implicitly determined using an existing configuration. For example, if the maximum number of ports of DM-RS configuration type 1 is more than 3 and up to 6, only 2-symbol DM-RS may be used (eg, single-symbol DMRS may not be used).

[0063] In various embodiments, the DM-RS port indication field in the downlink control information ("DCI") may be dynamically or semi-statically disabled, and if the field is disabled, the UE may assume that the number of ports to be used for transmission and / or reception may be equal to the maximum number of allowed ports. In such an embodiment, the UE uses all configured ports and therefore does not require an explicit port indication table. For high SCS, it may be assumed that low rank transmission is used, the maximum number of ports is low, and all ports may be used for transmission and / or reception.

[0064] In some embodiments, if the DM-RS port indication field in the DCI is enabled, a subset of the existing table may be used, or another implicit determination may be used for port indication.

[0065] In certain embodiments, based on various parameters, a quasi co-located ("QCL") type may be configured by higher layers indicating a spatial relationship between DM-RS and / or PT-RS resources (eg, DM-RS is quasi co-located with PT-RS).

[0066] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 900 for multiplexing mode determination based on subcarrier spacing values. In some embodiments, the method 900 is performed by an apparatus such as the remote unit 102 and / or the network unit 104. In certain embodiments, the method 900 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0067] In various embodiments, the method 900 includes receiving 902 an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the method 900 includes receiving 904 a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In certain embodiments, the method 900 includes determining 906 a multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value is fixed, semi-statically configured, and / or dynamically indicated. In some embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports is reduced in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value. In various embodiments, the multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal includes a frequency domain multiplexing type and / or a time domain multiplexing type.

[0069] In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the frequency domain multiplexing type includes only frequency domain multiplexing combs. In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing type does not include multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes. In some embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480kHz and / or 960kHz.

[0070] In various embodiments, the demodulation reference signal pattern includes parameters that are determined to be a subset of a demodulation reference signal type. In one embodiment, the demodulation reference signal type includes type 1 or type 2. In some embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in the downlink control information.

[0071] In some embodiments, the multiplexing mode depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on the antenna port field indicated in the downlink control information. In various embodiments, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the maximum number of demodulation reference signal ports is equal to the maximum allowed number of demodulation reference signal ports. In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes is not indicated.

[0072] Fig.10 1 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method 1000 for multiplexing mode determination based on a subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, the method 1000 is performed by a device such as the remote unit 102. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0073] In various embodiments, method 1000 includes receiving 1002 an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, method 1000 includes receiving 1004 a configuration of a demodulation reference signal. In certain embodiments, method 1000 includes determining 1006 a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value to a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0074] In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing pattern of the phase tracking reference signal includes reducing the gaps between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value. In some embodiments, there are no gaps between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers. In various embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480 kHz and / or 960 kHz.

[0075] In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; receiving a configuration of a demodulation reference signal; and determining a multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value and a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value is fixed, semi-statically configured, and / or dynamically indicated.

[0077] In some embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports is reduced in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0078] In various embodiments, the multiplexing pattern of the demodulation reference signal includes a frequency domain multiplexing type and / or a time domain multiplexing type.

[0079] In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the frequency domain multiplexing type includes only frequency domain multiplexing combs.

[0080] In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing type does not include multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480 kHz and / or 960 kHz.

[0082] In various embodiments, the demodulation reference signal pattern includes parameters determined as a subset of the demodulation reference signal type.

[0083] In one embodiment, the demodulation reference signal type includes type 1 or type 2.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on the antenna port field indicated in the downlink control information.

[0085] In some embodiments, the multiplexing pattern depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on the antenna port field indicated in the downlink control information.

[0086] In various embodiments, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the maximum number of demodulation reference signal ports is equal to a maximum allowed number of demodulation reference signal ports.

[0087] In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes is not indicated.

[0088] In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a receiver, which: receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; and receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal; and a processor, which determines a multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal and / or a number of demodulation reference signal ports of the demodulation reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value is fixed, semi-statically configured and / or dynamically indicated.

[0090] In some embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports decreases in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0091] In various embodiments, the multiplexing mode of the demodulation reference signal includes a frequency domain multiplexing type and / or a time domain multiplexing type.

[0092] In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the frequency domain multiplexing type includes only frequency domain multiplexing combs.

[0093] In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing type does not include multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480kHz and / or 960kHz.

[0095] In various embodiments, the demodulation reference signal pattern includes parameters determined as a subset of a demodulation reference signal type.

[0096] In one embodiment, the demodulation reference signal type includes type 1 or type 2.

[0097] In some embodiments, the number of demodulation reference signal ports depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in downlink control information.

[0098] In some embodiments, the multiplexing pattern depends on the demodulation reference signal type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in downlink control information.

[0099] In various embodiments, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the maximum number of demodulation reference signal ports is equal to a maximum allowed number of demodulation reference signal ports.

[0100] In one embodiment, in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, multiplexing based on frequency domain orthogonal cover codes is not indicated.

[0101] In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; receiving a configuration of a demodulation reference signal; and determining a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value and a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0102] In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing pattern of the phase tracking reference signal includes reducing the gap between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0103] In some embodiments, there are no gaps between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers.

[0104] In various embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480 kHz and / or 960 kHz.

[0105] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a receiver that: receives an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; receives a configuration of a demodulation reference signal; and a processor that determines a frequency domain multiplexing pattern of a phase tracking reference signal by comparing the first subcarrier spacing value with a second subcarrier spacing value.

[0106] In some embodiments, the frequency domain multiplexing pattern of the phase tracking reference signal includes reducing the gap between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

[0107] In some embodiments, there are no gaps between the phase tracking reference signal subcarriers.

[0108] In various embodiments, the second subcarrier spacing value includes 480 kHz and / or 960 kHz.

[0109] Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative only and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the preceding description. All changes within the meaning and equivalent range of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. A network device (NE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; as well as at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the NE to: sending an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; and A configuration of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is transmitted, wherein a multiplexing pattern of the DMRS, a number of DMRS ports of the DMRS, or a combination thereof is based on a comparison of the first subcarrier spacing value and a second subcarrier spacing value.

2. The NE according to claim 1, wherein: The NE is a base station.

3. The NE according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the DMRS ports decreases in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

4. The NE according to claim 1, wherein: The multiplexing mode of the DMRS includes frequency domain multiplexing (FDM), time domain multiplexing (TDM), or a combination thereof.

5. The NE according to claim 4, wherein: In response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the FDM comprises an FDM comb.

6. The NE according to claim 5, wherein: The FDM does not include frequency domain orthogonal cover code (OCC) based multiplexing.

7. The NE according to claim 1, wherein: The pattern includes a DMRS type, and wherein the DMRS type includes DMRS type 1 or DMRS type 2.

8. The NE according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to cause the NE to transmit downlink control information (DCI), and wherein the number of DMRS ports depends on the DMRS type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in the DCI.

9. The NE according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to cause the NE to transmit downlink control information (DCI), and wherein the multiplexing pattern depends on the DMRS type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in the DCI.

10. A method for wireless communication, performed or executable by a network equipment (NE), comprising: sending an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; A configuration of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is transmitted, wherein a multiplexing pattern of the DMRS, a number of DMRS ports of the DMRS, or a combination thereof is based on a comparison of the first subcarrier spacing value and a second subcarrier spacing value.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The NE is a base station.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The number of the DMRS ports decreases in response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The multiplexing mode of the DMRS includes frequency domain multiplexing (FDM), time domain multiplexing (TDM), or a combination thereof.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: In response to the first subcarrier spacing value being greater than or equal to the second subcarrier spacing value, the FDM comprises an FDM comb.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The FDM does not include frequency domain orthogonal cover code (OCC) based multiplexing.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The pattern includes a DMRS type, and wherein the DMRS type includes DMRS type 1 or DMRS type 2.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: Further comprising transmitting downlink control information (DCI), and wherein the number of DMRS ports depends on the DMRS type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in the DCI.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: Further comprising transmitting downlink control information (DCI), and wherein the multiplexing pattern depends on the DMRS type and is based on an antenna port field indicated in the DCI.

19. A processor for wireless communications, the processor being operable to execute code comprising instructions such that the processor: sending an indication of a first subcarrier spacing value; A configuration of a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) is transmitted, wherein a multiplexing pattern of the DMRS, a number of DMRS ports of the DMRS, or a combination thereof is based on a comparison of the first subcarrier spacing value and a second subcarrier spacing value.

20. The processor of claim 19, wherein: The processor is a component of a base station.

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