Systems and methods for configuring symbols and symbol block parameters in wireless communications

Abstract

In one embodiment, a current frame structure in Long Term Evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE) and New Radio, NR) imparts some restrictions to symbols transmitted in a frame, e.g., restrictions related to the duration of each symbol. In the disclosed embodiments, multi-carrier symbol and / or single-carrier symbol blocks have configurable parameters, such as configurable length and / or configurable location, such that scheduling and transmission of the symbols and / or symbol blocks are more flexible. Some embodiments are directed to implementing the configurable parameters in a manner attempting to reduce signaling overhead.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202080081208.4, and the original application date is November 4, 2020. The entire content of the original application is incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to configuring parameters of symbols and / or symbol blocks, such as duration and / or position of symbols or symbol blocks. Background Art

[0003] In some wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) wirelessly communicates with one or more base stations. Wireless communication from a UE to a base station is called uplink communication. Wireless communication from a base station to a UE is called downlink communication. Performing uplink and downlink communication requires resources. For example, a base station may use downlink communication to wirelessly send data to a UE at a specific frequency and for a specific duration. Frequency and duration are examples of resources.

[0004] Time-frequency resources are allocated for communication between UEs and the base station. Multiple access occurs when multiple UEs are scheduled on a set of time-frequency resources. Each UE uses a portion of the time-frequency resources to receive data from the base station (in the case of downlink communication) or to send data to the base station (in the case of uplink communication).

[0005] The frame structure is a characteristic of the wireless communication physical layer that defines the structure of time-domain signal transmission, allowing for timing reference and timing adjustment of basic time-domain transmission units. Wireless communications between a user equipment terminal and one or more base stations occur over time-frequency resources controlled by the frame structure. The frame structure is sometimes referred to as the radio frame structure.

[0006] The current frame structure in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) imposes some restrictions on the symbols transmitted in a frame, for example, restrictions related to the duration of each symbol. For example, in the NR frame structure, the time domain granularity is limited by the duration of the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, and a restriction is imposed on the length of the cyclic prefix (CP). Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the disclosed embodiments, multi-carrier symbols and / or single-carrier symbol blocks have configurable parameters, such as configurable length and / or configurable position, so that the scheduling and transmission of the symbols and / or symbol blocks are more flexible, thereby meeting the needs of different services. The configurable position can be in the frequency domain (e.g., a configurable frequency position) and / or in the time domain (e.g., a configurable time position, such as relative to a reference point in a frame).

[0008] In some embodiments, the multi-carrier symbols and / or single-carrier symbol blocks may be transmitted in a frame structure that also has certain configurable parameters relative to the previous NR or LTE frame structure. For example, the following parameters of the frame may be configurable: the length of the frame, and / or the length of the subframe (if subframes are defined), and / or the length of the time slot, and / or the number of symbols or symbol blocks in the time slot (if time slots are defined), and / or the length of the downlink / uplink switching gap, etc.

[0009] Configurable parameters, such as configurable length and / or position of symbols or symbol blocks, are defined so that a single frame can accommodate many different application scenarios, such as autonomous vehicle communications, smart meters, device-to-device communications via side channels, delay-tolerant communications, delay-sensitive (e.g., low-latency) communications, etc. Multiple application scenarios can even exist within the same frame, depending on the implementation.

[0010] However, having configurable parameters (e.g., configurable length and / or position of a symbol or symbol block) results in increased control signaling overhead compared to non-configurable parameters, as the configuration needs to be sent from the base station to the UE.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing signaling that allows for configuration of certain symbol and / or symbol block parameters. Still other embodiments are directed to implementing such configuration in a manner that attempts to reduce signaling overhead. For example, in some embodiments, a base station can schedule symbols and / or symbol blocks of varying lengths within the same frame, achieving this flexibility with minimal signaling overhead, e.g., by simply signaling the selection of one of a predefined number of configurations known in advance to the UE and base station.

[0012] In some embodiments, a method is provided, which may include receiving control signaling for configuring at least one parameter for single-carrier symbols and / or multi-carrier symbols. The method may also include receiving a scheduling grant for scheduling the single-carrier symbols and / or multi-carrier symbols for transmission. The method may also include sending or receiving the single-carrier symbols and / or multi-carrier symbols based on the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter. Examples of the at least one parameter are disclosed herein. For example, the at least one parameter may include the number of data symbols, occupied bandwidth, and / or IDFT size. In some embodiments, the control signaling is at least one of: DCI, RRC signaling, and / or MAC layer signaling. For example, the first one or more parameters may be configured in RRC signaling, and the second one or more parameters may be configured in DCI. In some embodiments, the method may operate in a grant-free transmission scheme (i.e., a transmission scheme without dynamic scheduling grants), in which case the step of receiving the scheduling grant may be omitted. Instead, a grant-free uplink transmission may be transmitted from the UE based on the at least one parameter. In some embodiments, an apparatus or network device is provided for performing the method disclosed herein.

[0013] Although the following embodiments will be discussed primarily in the context of downlink and uplink communications between a UE and a base station, these embodiments are also applicable to sidelink communications between two UEs. These embodiments are also applicable to various different applications, such as satellite communications and / or the Internet of Vehicles (IoV).

[0014] Please note that "length" and "duration" are used interchangeably in this article. The term "length" refers to the length in the time domain, that is, the length of time. In addition, "control signaling" and "signaling" are used interchangeably in this article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following are merely examples of various embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a network diagram of an exemplary communication system;

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device;

[0018] Figure 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary electronic device;

[0019] Figure 4 is a block diagram of exemplary component modules;

[0020] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment and a base station;

[0021] Figure 6 An exemplary frame structure in LTE is shown;

[0022] Figure 7 An exemplary frame structure in NR is shown;

[0023] Figure 8 The generation of a single carrier symbol block provided by one embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 9 FIG. 2 shows a bandwidth divided into five bandwidth parts (BWPs) provided by one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10 An embodiment provides a frame divided into four durations;

[0026] Figure 11 The generation of multi-carrier symbols provided by one embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 12 Another embodiment provides a frame divided into four durations;

[0028] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The embodiments provide methods performed by network devices and apparatuses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] For illustrative purposes, specific exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Exemplary Communication Systems and Devices

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary communication system 100 is shown. Generally speaking, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the communication system 100 can be to provide content such as voice, data, video, and / or text via broadcast, narrowcast, user device to user device, etc. The communication system 100 can operate by sharing resources (e.g., bandwidth).

[0032] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a-110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Figure 1A certain number of such components or elements are shown in FIG, but any reasonable number of such components or elements may be included in the communication system 100.

[0033] The electronic devices 110a–110c are configured to operate and / or communicate in the communication system 100. For example, the electronic devices 110a to 110c are configured to transmit and / or receive via a wireless or wired communication channel. The electronic devices 110a–110c represent any suitable end-user device for wireless operation and may include (or may be referred to as): user equipment (UE / user device), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the RAN 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. The base stations 170a and 170b are each configured to wirelessly connect to one or more of the electronic devices 110a-110c to enable access to any other base stations 170a and 170b, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, the base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a Home eNodeB, a gNodeB, a transmission point (TP), a site controller, an access point (AP), or a wireless router. Any electronic device 110a-110c may alternatively or additionally be configured to connect to, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a and 170b, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. The communication system 100 may include a RAN, such as the RAN 120b, where the corresponding base station 170b accesses the core network 130 via the Internet 150.

[0035] The electronic devices 110a-110c and the base stations 170a and 170b are examples of communication devices that may be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a forms part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, components, and / or devices. Any base station 170a, 170b may be a standalone component, as shown, or may be multiple components distributed across the corresponding RAN, and so on. Similarly, base station 170b is part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, components, and / or devices. Each base station 170a and 170b transmits and / or receives wireless signals within a specific geographic area or region (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors, and base stations 170a and 170b may, for example, employ multiple transceivers to provide service to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, there may be established pico or femto cells, which are supported by the radio access technology. In some embodiments, multiple transceivers may be used for each cell using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, etc. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs may be considered when designing the communication system 100.

[0036] Base stations 170a and 170b use wireless communication links such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), etc. to communicate with one or more of the electronic devices 110a-110c through one or more air interfaces 190. The air interface 190 can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, the communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in the air interface 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0037] Base stations 170a and 170b can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (UTRA) to establish an air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In this case, base stations 170a and 170b can implement protocols such as HSPA and HSPA+, where HSPA+ optionally includes HSDPA and / or HSUPA. Alternatively, base stations 170a and 170b can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B with Evolved UTMS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) to establish an air interface 190. It is contemplated that communication system 100 may utilize multi-channel access capabilities, including those described above. Other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may also be utilized.

[0038] The RANs 120a and 120b communicate with the core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to the electronic devices 110a–110c. The RANs 120a and 120b and / or the core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by the core network 130 and may or may not employ the same radio access technology as the RANs 120a and / or RANs 120b. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) the RANs 120a and 120b and / or the electronic devices 110a–110c, and (ii) other networks (e.g., the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160). In addition, some or all of the electronic devices 110a–110c may include functionality to communicate with different wireless networks over different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of (or in addition to) wireless communication, the electronic devices may communicate with a service provider or switch (not shown) and the Internet 150 via a wired communication channel. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). Internet 150 may include computer networks and / or subnets (intranets) and may include protocols such as IP, TCP, and UDP. Electronic devices 110a–110c may be multimode devices capable of operating in accordance with multiple wireless access technologies and may include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0039] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary device that can implement the methods and guidance provided by the present invention is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 An exemplary electronic device 110 is shown, Figure 3 An exemplary base station 170 is shown. These components may be used in the communication system 100 or any other suitable system.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, electronic device 110 includes at least one processing unit 200. Processing unit 200 implements various processing operations of electronic device 110. For example, processing unit 200 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables electronic device 110 to operate in system 100. Processing unit 200 can also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in detail herein. Each processing unit 200 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processing unit 200 can include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0041] The electronic device 110 also includes at least one transceiver 202. The transceiver 202 is used to modulate data or other content, wherein the data or other content is used to be transmitted via at least one antenna or a network interface controller (NIC) 204. The transceiver 202 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver 202 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received via wireless or wired means. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 202 can be used in the electronic device 110. One or more antennas 204 can be used in the electronic device 110. Although the transceiver 202 is shown as a single functional unit, it can also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0042] The electronic device 110 also includes one or more input / output devices 206 or interfaces (e.g., a wired interface to the Internet 150). The one or more input / output devices 206 can interact with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device 206 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touch screen, including network interface communications.

[0043] In addition, the electronic device 110 includes at least one memory 208. The memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the electronic device 110. For example, the memory 208 can store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and executed by one or more processing units 200. Each memory 208 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and one or more retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, base station 170 includes at least one processing unit 250, at least one transmitter 252, at least one receiver 254, one or more antennas 256, at least one memory 258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 266. Transceivers (not shown) may be used in place of transmitter 252 and receiver 254. A scheduler 253 may be coupled to processing unit 250. Scheduler 253 may be included within base station 170 or operate independently of base station 170. Processing unit 250 implements various processing operations for base station 170, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions. Processing unit 250 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in detail herein. Each processing unit 250 comprises any suitable processing device or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 250 may comprise a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, or the like.

[0045] Each transmitter 252 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to or from one or more electronic devices or other devices. Each receiver 254 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wired from one or more electronic devices or other devices. Although shown as separate components, at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 may be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 256 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a shared antenna 256 is shown coupled to both transmitter 252 and receiver 254, one or more antennas 256 may be coupled to one or more transmitters 252, and one or more separate antennas 256 may be coupled to one or more receivers 254. Each memory 258 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and one or more retrieval devices, such as those described above in connection with electronic device 110. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by base station 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functionality and / or embodiments described herein and executed by processing unit 250.

[0046] Each input / output device 266 can interact with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device 266 includes any suitable structure for providing information to a user or receiving / providing information from a user, including network interface communications.

[0047] One or more steps of the example methods provided herein may be performed according to Figure 4 The corresponding units or modules shown are executed. Figure 41 shows units or modules in a device (e.g., electronic device 110 or base station 170). For example, a signal may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal may be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal may be processed by a processing unit or processing module. The processing module may include units / modules described later, specifically processor 210 or processor 260. Figure 4 Other units / modules may be included, but are not shown. The individual units / modules may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units / modules may be integrated circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are software, these modules can be retrieved by the processor in whole or in part as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0048] Other details about the electronic device 110 and the base station 170 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, these details are omitted here.

[0049] Figure 5 Another example of an electronic device 110 and a base station 170 is shown. The electronic device 110 is referred to as user equipment (UE) 110 or apparatus 110 hereinafter.

[0050] In some implementations, base station 170 may be referred to by other names, such as a transmit and receive point (TRP), a base transceiver station, a wireless base station, a network node, a network device, a transmit / receive node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a gNB, a relay station, or a remote radio head. In some embodiments, components of base station 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of base station 170 may be remote from the device housing the antennas of base station 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antennas via a communication link (not shown). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term "base station 170" may also refer to network-side modules that perform processing operations such as resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, and these modules are not necessarily part of the device housing the antennas of base station 170. These modules may also be coupled to other base stations. In some embodiments, base station 170 may actually be multiple base stations that work together to serve UE 110 via coordinated multi-point transmission. Furthermore, the term "base station" as used herein refers to a network device, i.e., a network-side device.

[0051] The base station 170 includes a transmitter 252 and a receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. The transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be integrated into a transceiver. The base station 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations including operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to the UE 110 and operations related to processing uplink transmissions received from the UE 110. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), and generating single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols as described herein. Processing operations related to processing uplink transmissions include demodulating and decoding single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols as described herein. The processor 260 may configure (e.g., select) parameters for the single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols and generate signaling to indicate these parameters to the UE 110. The signaling is then transmitted by the transmitter 252. Base station 170 also includes a scheduler 253 that can schedule uplink resources to be allocated to UE 110 for uplink transmission of single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols. Scheduler 253 can also schedule downlink resources for downlink transmission of single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols. Scheduler 253 can configure (if not executed by processor 260) and schedule single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols with different parameters, such as symbols and / or symbol blocks of different lengths and / or different frequency locations, as described herein. Scheduler 253 can generate control signaling as described herein. Base station 170 also includes a memory 258 for storing information and data.

[0052] Although not shown, the processor 260 may constitute a part of the transmitter 252 and / or the receiver 254. In addition, although not shown, the processor 260 may implement the scheduler 253.

[0053] Each of the processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the processing components of the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, wherein the processors are configured to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the processing components of the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0054] UE 110 also includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. Transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be integrated into a transceiver, e.g. Figure 2The transceiver 202 is shown. The UE 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations including operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmissions to the base station 170 and operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from the base station 170. The processing operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmissions include operations such as encoding, modulation, and generating single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols as described herein. The processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions include demodulating and decoding single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols as described herein. The processor 210 can extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g., by decoding the signaling) to determine parameters of the single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols, such as determining the duration and position of the symbols or symbol blocks that have been scheduled or are to be scheduled. The transmission or reception of the single-carrier symbol blocks and multi-carrier symbols is performed according to a scheduling grant issued by a scheduler and according to the configured parameters of the single-carrier symbol blocks and / or the multi-carrier symbols scheduled by the scheduling grant. For example, if UE 110 receives a transmission with a scheduling grant from base station 170, and the scheduling grant indicates that transmission of a single-carrier symbol block and / or multi-carrier symbol will begin at a specific time-frequency location, UE 110 will transmit or receive the single-carrier symbol block and / or multi-carrier symbol starting at that time-frequency location. If UE 110 also receives control signaling indicating that the single-carrier symbol block and / or multi-carrier symbol will have specific parameters (e.g., a specific duration), UE 110 will transmit or receive the single-carrier symbol block and / or multi-carrier symbol according to that duration. Base station 170 also includes a memory 208 for storing information and data.

[0055] Although not shown, the processor 210 may constitute a part of the transmitter 201 and / or the receiver 203 .

[0056] Each of the processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, wherein the processors are configured to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 208). Alternatively, the processor 210 and some or all of the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may be implemented using dedicated circuits, such as an FPGA, a GPU, or an ASIC.

[0057] In some embodiments, UE 110 is not necessarily a smartphone, but can be any terminal device, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wearable device, a device for vehicle use, a device installed in a vehicle, an in-vehicle device, etc.

[0058] Base station 170 and UE 110 may include other components, but these components have been omitted for clarity.

[0059] Transmission within a frame

[0060] The frame structure defines a time domain signal transmission structure to allow timing reference and timing adjustment of basic time domain transmission units. Wireless communication between a UE and one or more base stations is performed on time-frequency resources that can be controlled by the frame structure.

[0061] An example of a frame structure is Figure 6 shown. Figure 6 The frame structure in is an example type of frame structure in LTE. Figure 6 The frame structure in has the following structure: the duration of each frame is 10 ms; each frame has 10 subframes, the duration of each subframe is 1 ms; each subframe includes two time slots, the duration of each time slot is 0.5 ms; each time slot is used to transmit 7 OFDM symbols (assuming normal CP); each OFDM symbol has a symbol duration t and a specific bandwidth (or partial bandwidth or bandwidth partition) related to the number of subcarriers and the subcarrier spacing. Figure 6 The frame structure in OFDM restricts time domain scheduling and symbol duration. For example, the time domain granularity is limited by the OFDM symbol duration and the length of the CP is limited.

[0062] Another example of a frame structure is defined in NR. In NR, multiple subcarrier spacings are supported, each subcarrier spacing corresponds to a corresponding system parameter (numerology). The frame structure depends on the system parameters, but in any case, the frame length is still set to 10ms, consisting of 10 subframes, each subframe is 1ms. The time slot is defined as 14 OFDM symbols, and the time slot length depends on the system parameters. For example, Figure 7 The NR frame structure for a normal CP 15kHz subcarrier spacing ("System Parameter 1") and a normal CP 30kHz subcarrier spacing ("System Parameter 2") are shown. For 15kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 1ms; for 30kHz subcarrier spacing, the slot length is 0.5ms.

[0063] The NR frame structure may have greater flexibility than the LTE frame structure, but the NR frame structure still has obvious limitations on time domain scheduling and symbol duration. For example, the time domain granularity is limited by the OFDM symbol duration, and the CP length options are also limited. The minimum duration that can be retained is limited to one OFDM symbol (or multiple OFDM symbols), and the actual duration (i.e., length) of the OFDM symbol can be scaled (inversely scaled) by the predefined subcarrier spacing options (15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, etc.). For a given subcarrier spacing, the effective symbol duration in the OFDM symbol is fixed. In order to meet the requirements of this fixed spacing, most subcarrier spacings have a fixed normal CP and corresponding effective symbol duration. Only 60kHz subcarrier spacing can be configured with extended CP. The fixed effective symbol duration and limited normal CP / extended CP options in NR may not meet the different needs of different business scenarios.

[0064] In contrast, in the embodiments disclosed herein, there is greater flexibility in configuring and scheduling symbols and / or symbol blocks of different durations and / or different positions (time and / or frequency positions). This makes it possible to meet the needs of different business scenarios in a single frame structure (possibly even in the same frame). For example, it is possible to meet the needs of low-latency and delay-tolerant applications simultaneously within the same frame. The frame structure in which symbols and / or symbol blocks are transmitted is referred to herein as a "flexible frame structure". The flexible frame structure has greater flexibility than the LTE and NR frame structures, at least because the duration and / or time position and / or frequency position of the symbols and / or symbol blocks scheduled in the frame has greater flexibility. Control signaling for configuring symbol and / or symbol block parameters is disclosed, such as configuring the duration and / or time position and / or frequency position of the symbols and / or symbol blocks. In some embodiments, the control signaling is designed to have relatively small overhead.

[0065] The flexible frame structure may optionally have other configurable parameters, such as the length of the frame, and / or the length of the subframe (if subframes are defined), and / or the length of the time slot, and / or the number of symbols or symbol blocks in the time slot (if time slots are defined), and / or the length of the downlink / uplink switching gap, etc.

[0066] Single-carrier symbol blocks with configurable flexible parameters will be discussed first, followed by multi-carrier symbols.

[0067] Configurable single carrier symbol block

[0068] Figure 8 FIG. 3 shows the generation of a single carrier symbol block provided by one embodiment. A plurality of bits 348 are mapped by a symbol mapper 350 to one or more data symbols X1 to X2. KK is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Each data symbol has a symbol duration t s The symbol duration may also be referred to as a symbol interval or a pulse interval. K data symbols may also be referred to as K pulses. The symbol mapper 350 may be implemented by a modulator (e.g., processor 210 or 260, or a module / unit / circuit). An example type of modulation that may be implemented by the symbol mapper 350 is quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), in which case the one or more data symbols X1 to X2 are modulated. K Each of the data symbols X1 to X is a QAM symbol that carries two or more bits of the plurality of bits 348, depending on the constellation sequence. K A CP is added in front of the K data symbols, as shown at 352, to assist in frequency domain equalization, etc. The content of the CP can be a repetition of one or more data symbols, for example, a repetition of one or more data symbols appearing at the end of a symbol block, as shown at 352. In this case, the symbol carrying the CP can be called a "CP symbol." A symbol block 354 is thus generated, and the symbol block 354 includes the CP and the K data symbols. For example, the CP is at the beginning of the symbol block 354, as shown in the figure. The CP portion has a duration of t CP , the data portion has a duration t Data , which together constitute the duration t of the symbol block 354 SB =t CP +t Data The symbol block 354 is transmitted over a specific occupied bandwidth, as shown at 356. The symbol block 354 may be transmitted in the uplink or downlink. If the symbol block 354 is an uplink transmission sent by the UE 110, then the symbol block 354 may be transmitted in the uplink or downlink. Figure 8 The components shown and the operations described may be implemented by the processor 210; if the symbol block 354 is a downlink transmission sent by the base station 170, then in combination with Figure 8 The components shown and operations described may be implemented by processor 260 .

[0069] exist Figure 8 In FIG, the symbol block 354 is a single carrier symbol, i.e., a single carrier waveform is used. That is, the CP and data symbols are all transmitted one after another in time using the same frequency, such as Figure 8 shown. Figure 8 The single carrier symbol block 354 shown includes a CP. Alternatively, the CP may be omitted from the single carrier symbol block 354, i.e., CP =0.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the following parameters of a single carrier symbol block 354 may be configurable and may change from one symbol block (or group of symbol blocks) to the next:

[0071] (1) The number of symbols K transmitted in a symbol block may be configurable. For example, it may be necessary to change K during operation depending on the application scenario. For example, a longer symbol block length (which may be generated using a larger K) may be used to reduce pilot and CP overhead. However, in low-latency applications, a longer symbol block length may not be required, for example, in low-latency applications, data should be decoded faster, in which case it is better to have a shorter symbol block length, such as a smaller K. Therefore, in some application scenarios (e.g., low-latency applications), a smaller K may be required, while in other application scenarios (e.g., delay-tolerant applications), a larger K may be required. The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the number of symbols K may be sent to a UE for one or more single-carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0072] (a) K may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in downlink control information (DCI). For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the base station may dynamically signal the value of K for the symbol block.

[0073] (b) K can be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in radio resource control (RRC) signaling or the medium access control (MAC) layer. For example, the value of K can remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of K changes, it is changed through RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0074] (c) K can be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for low-latency applications, K is predefined to a specific (smaller) number, and for delay-tolerant applications, K is predefined to a specific (larger) number. The predefined value of K can be fixed or semi-statically configured. In some embodiments, the UE knows the value of K based on the application scenario, so the value of K may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0075] (d) K may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the value of K may be predefined based on the frequency band or carrier frequency in which the UE operates. For another example, the value of K may be predefined based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbol blocks.

[0076] (e) K may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0077] (2) CP length t of a single carrier symbol block CP Can be configurable. CP length can be used as absolute length or as CP length t CP and the data part length t Data The ratio of CP to effective symbol block length or as the CP length t CP With the total symbol block duration t SB Depending on the application scenario and / or channel, a longer CP length, a shorter CP length, or no CP (i.e., t CP = 0). The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the CP length may be signaled to the UE for one or more single carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0078] (a) The CP length may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the CP length of the symbol block may be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0079] (b) The CP length can be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or the MAC layer. For example, the CP length can remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the CP length changes, it is changed through RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0080] (c) The CP length can be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some application scenarios, the CP length is predefined to a specific length; for other application scenarios, the CP length is predefined to another specific length. In some embodiments, the UE knows the CP length based on the application scenario, so the CP length may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0081] (d) The CP length may be a function of the channel conditions, in which case the CP length may not need to be explicitly sent to the UE, for example, if both the UE and the base station are able to determine (or be informed of) the channel conditions and there is a predefined mapping between different channel conditions and different CP lengths.

[0082] (e) The CP length may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the CP length may be predefined based on the value of K and / or based on the frequency band or carrier frequency in which the UE operates and / or based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbol blocks.

[0083] (f) The CP length may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0084] (3) The occupied bandwidth of a single carrier symbol block can be configurable. A single carrier waveform occupies a certain bandwidth, called the occupied bandwidth, for example, Figure 8The occupied bandwidth 356 of the symbol block 354 in the symbol block can be the symbol duration t of each symbol in the symbol block. s and a roll-off factor. For example, occupied bandwidth can be related to symbol duration and roll-off factor as follows: Occupied bandwidth = (1 + α) / t s , where t s is the symbol duration of each symbol in the symbol block, and α is the roll-off factor. α is a real number and 0≤α≤1. The roll-off factor affects the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). When the roll-off factor is large (e.g., α=1), the PAPR of the waveform is small, but the occupied bandwidth is large. When the roll-off factor is small, the occupied bandwidth is small, but the PAPR of the waveform is high. The roll-off factor may affect the total symbol block duration t SB For example, for a conventional single-carrier waveform, such as one based on a root-raised cosine (RRC) impulse response, the symbol block duration t SB It can be t CP +K*t s +y * t s , where y is associated with the roll-off factor, for example, when α=1, y=2. If the UE knows the symbol duration t s and roll-off factor α, the occupied bandwidth can be directly signaled or calculated by the UE. For example, the symbol duration t s The roll-off factor α may be predefined (e.g., fixed in the standard) and thus the UE may determine the roll-off factor based on the signaled symbol duration t s The occupied bandwidth is determined by and a predefined roll-off factor α. The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the occupied bandwidth may be signaled to the UE for one or more single carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0085] (a) Occupied bandwidth can be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block can be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0086] (b) The occupied bandwidth may be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or the MAC layer. For example, the occupied bandwidth may remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of the occupied bandwidth changes, it is changed via RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0087] (c) The occupied bandwidth may be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some scenarios, the occupied bandwidth may be predefined as one value; for other scenarios, the occupied bandwidth may be predefined as another value. In some embodiments, the occupied bandwidth may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE because the UE knows the occupied bandwidth based on the application scenario.

[0088] (d) The occupied bandwidth may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the UE may determine the occupied bandwidth based on the symbol duration t s The occupied bandwidth is calculated using the roll-off factor α. Symbol duration t s Both the roll-off factor α can be signaled to the UE (e.g., in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer), or one can be predefined and the other signaled (e.g., the roll-off factor can be predefined and the symbol duration can be signaled in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer). In some embodiments, the occupied bandwidth can be predefined based on parameters such as the frequency band or carrier frequency in which the UE operates and / or based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbol blocks.

[0089] (e) The occupied bandwidth may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0090] (4) Symbol duration t of the data symbol of a single carrier symbol block s The symbol duration t may be sent to the UE for one or more single carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink. s A non-exhaustive list of example ways:

[0091] (a) Symbol duration t of each data symbol in a symbol block s It may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI.For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the symbol duration of the symbol block may be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0092] (b) The symbol duration t of each data symbol in the symbol block s It can be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or MAC layer. For example, the symbol duration can remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of the symbol duration changes, it is changed through RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0093] (c) The symbol duration t of each data symbol in the symbol block sThe symbol duration may be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some scenarios, the symbol duration is predefined as one value; for other scenarios, the symbol duration is predefined as another value. In some embodiments, the UE knows the symbol duration based on the application scenario, so the symbol duration may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0094] (d) The symbol duration t of each data symbol in the symbol block s It can be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the UE can calculate the symbol duration based on the occupied bandwidth and the roll-off factor α, for example, using the equation occupied bandwidth = (1 + α) / t s The occupied bandwidth and the roll-off factor α may both be signaled to the UE (e.g., in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer), or one may be predefined and the other signaled (e.g., the roll-off factor may be predefined and the occupied bandwidth may be signaled in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer). In some embodiments, the symbol duration may be predefined based on parameters such as the frequency band or carrier frequency in which the UE operates and / or based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbol blocks.

[0095] (e) The symbol duration t of each data symbol in the symbol block s Can be fixed, for example, by standard.

[0096] (5) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a single carrier symbol block may be configurable. Knowledge of the roll-off factor by the UE may help implement matched filtering at the receiver. The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the roll-off factor may be signaled to the UE for one or more single carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0097] (a) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a symbol block may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the roll-off factor for the symbol block may be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0098] (b) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a symbol block may be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or the MAC layer. For example, the roll-off factor may remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of the roll-off factor changes, it is changed via RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0099] (c) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a symbol block may be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some scenarios, the roll-off factor is predefined to one value; for other scenarios, the roll-off factor is predefined to another value. In some embodiments, the roll-off factor is known to the UE based on the application scenario, and thus the roll-off factor may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0100] (d) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a symbol block may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the UE may determine the roll-off factor α based on the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block and the symbol duration t of each data symbol in the symbol block. s Calculate the roll-off factor, for example, using the equation Occupied Bandwidth = (1 + α) / t s . Occupied bandwidth and symbol duration t s Both may be signaled to the UE (e.g., in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer), or one may be predefined and the other signaled (e.g., symbol duration t s The occupied bandwidth may be predefined, and the occupied bandwidth may be signaled in the DCI, RRC, or MAC layer. In some embodiments, the roll-off factor may be predefined based on parameters such as the frequency band or carrier frequency at which the UE operates and / or based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbol blocks.

[0101] (e) The roll-off factor α for the data symbols of a symbol block may be fixed, for example, according to a standard.

[0102] In addition to the possible configurable symbol block parameters (1) to (5) mentioned above, the UE must also know the location of the single carrier symbol block transmission in the frequency domain. The UE should know the frequency location of the single carrier symbol block, but in some embodiments, the frequency location can still be configurable.

[0103] For example, a single carrier frequency for transmitting symbols of a symbol block may be configured, for example, so that the symbol block is transmitted on a specific time-frequency resource, wherein the specific time-frequency resource does not overlap with other time-frequency resources on which another symbol or symbol block is being transmitted. The single carrier frequency may be the center frequency of an occupied bandwidth. In some embodiments, for a specific carrier frequency at which communication is performed, there is an associated bandwidth. The associated bandwidth may be divided into different bandwidth parts (BWPs). Each BWP may have an associated frequency position (e.g., the center of the BWP) at which the single carrier frequency may be located. A plurality of possible single carrier frequencies may be predefined (each in a corresponding BWP), and the base station may signal which of the single carrier frequencies will be used for a particular one or more symbol blocks, for example using a bitmap. For example, Figure 9 A 100 MHz bandwidth associated with a particular carrier frequency is shown. This bandwidth is divided into five BWPs of 20 MHz each. The center of each BWP is a single carrier frequency that can transmit a single carrier symbol block. The five possible single carrier frequencies are Figure 9The frequency positions of the five different single carrier frequencies are known in advance by the UE. The specific single carrier frequency for scheduling a specific symbol block can be sent to the UE using a bitmap, for example, five bits, where each bit represents a corresponding different frequency among the five possible single carrier frequencies, such as Figure 9 By using a bitmap with five bits, more than one single carrier frequency can be sent at a time. Alternatively, three bits can be used, for example, 001 = f1, 010 = f2, 011 = f3, 100 = f4, and 101 = f5. Figure 9 More generally, the following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the frequency locations of a single carrier frequency may be signaled to a UE for one or more single carrier symbol blocks scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0104] (a) The frequency position may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol block, the frequency position of the symbol block may be dynamically signaled by the base station (e.g., Figure 9 bitmap in ).

[0105] (b) The frequency position may be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or MAC layer. For example, the frequency position may remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of the frequency position changes, it is changed via RRC signaling or MAC layer information (e.g., Figure 9 The bitmap is transmitted in RRC signaling or as part of MAC layer information).

[0106] (c) The frequency position may be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some scenarios, the frequency position is predefined as one value; for other scenarios, the frequency position is predefined as another value. In some embodiments, the UE knows the frequency position based on the application scenario, so the frequency position may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0107] (d) The frequency position may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the frequency position may be predefined based on parameters such as the scheduling time of the symbol block. For example, the frequency position may jump as a function of the time position of the symbol block in the frame. For another example, the frequency position may be based on the occupied bandwidth and / or the symbol duration t s and / or the number of symbols K etc. are predefined.

[0108] (e) The frequency positions may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0109] The UE must also know where in the time domain the scheduled single carrier symbol blocks begin. In some embodiments, the time domain is divided into predefined time durations, each of which begins at a specific time reference point known to both the base station and the UE. In some embodiments, each reference point may be the start of a frame, subframe, or time slot. In some embodiments, each symbol block is scheduled relative to one of the reference points. In some embodiments, the symbol block duration may be configured for each time duration (e.g., for each subframe or time slot), but once configured, the symbol block duration does not change within that time duration (e.g., the symbol block duration does not change within a subframe or time slot).

[0110] For example, Figure 10 A frame is shown divided into four durations #1 to #4, each starting from a corresponding reference point. A duration may also be referred to as a time window. Each of the four reference points may be located at the start of a subframe or time slot, although this is not required, for example, the concept of a subframe and / or time slot may not even be defined. The duration of the single carrier symbol block transmitted within each duration may be configurable, but within a particular duration, the duration of each single carrier symbol block is the same. The single carrier symbol blocks are scheduled in the time domain by indicating an offset from one of the reference points, for example, using DCI or RRC signaling. For example, symbol block 362 is scheduled in the time domain by indicating to the UE that it is within duration #2 and there is no offset, i.e., symbol block 362 starts at the start of duration #2. Figure 10 For another example, by indicating to the UE that the symbol block 364 is offset from the start of the duration by five symbol blocks within the duration #3 (i.e., offset from the reference point #3 by five symbol blocks), the scheduling in the time domain is performed. Figure 10 A single carrier symbol block 364 in the . A symbol block duration of a specific duration may be configured for each duration (eg, a symbol block duration of duration #2 is t SB2 , the duration of the symbol block of duration #3 is t SB3 ), where switching occurs at a reference point. In some embodiments, configurable symbol block parameters (e.g., symbol block duration) for each duration in a frame can be signaled at the beginning of the frame. These configurable symbol block parameters can be changed for each frame or remain constant for a specific number of frames (e.g., reconfigured only every 10 frames).

[0111] In some embodiments, the time domain resource allocation indicated by the base station may be for one or more single carrier symbol block durations t SB , and time domain resource allocation can use traditional methods, such as by signaling the start symbol and length, perhaps listing an index in a row in a table.

[0112] In some embodiments, some or all of the configurable parameters may be changed only at the reference point. For example, one, some, or all of the following parameters may be changed only at the reference point: symbol block duration, number of symbols transmitted in a symbol block, CP length t of a symbol block, CP , the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block, the symbol duration t of the data symbol of the symbol block s , roll-off factor α, and / or frequency position of the symbol block. Therefore, in some embodiments, within each time duration interposed between two reference points, one or more parameters of the symbol blocks scheduled within that time duration may be configurable, but the configuration is the same for all symbol blocks scheduled within that time duration. This may allow for a simpler implementation because both the base station and the UE know that the configuration of all symbol blocks scheduled within a certain time duration is the same, so the base station only needs to signal the configuration once for all symbol blocks within that certain time duration.

[0113] Although Figure 10 Frames divided into four different durations are shown, but the number of durations is not limited to four and may be predefined or configurable. Figure 10 The frames are shown divided into different durations, but instead of being divided into each slot or each subframe (rather than each frame), it is also possible to divide the frames into different durations. Figure 10 The subframes or time slots are divided into different durations and scheduled in the same manner as described above.

[0114] In some embodiments, multiple time reference points may be predefined (e.g., in a standard). In some embodiments, for a frame length F, the reference points may be 0 (i.e., the frame start time), in, Is the start time of the next frame. In some embodiments, for the frame length F, the reference point can be 0 (ie, the frame start time), in, is the start time of the next frame, N can be predefined or fixed (e.g., in the standard) or signaled from the base station via semi-static signaling (e.g., RRC) or dynamic signaling (e.g., DCI). If N=1, there is a single configuration that is the same for all symbol blocks within the same frame, but the configuration can be changed for each frame. In some embodiments, N is restricted to an integer greater than zero.

[0115] In some embodiments, the base station and UE will use the most recent reference point after receiving the relevant signaling. In other embodiments, the base station will indicate the reference point (or corresponding duration) to which the new parameters apply. The reference point (or corresponding duration) may be indicated along with the new parameters configured for the duration corresponding to the reference point.

[0116] In some embodiments, there are multiple time reference points, but the units of the reference points are sample durations, rather than fractions of frames, subframes, or time slots. For example, a time reference point may be every 0, nT, or s 、2nT s 、……、(P-1)nT s 、PnT s Appears once. s is the sampling duration, for example 1 / sampling frequency, for example the sampling frequency may be 1966.08 MHz. n defines the duration between two reference points as a function of the sampling duration, for example if n=2, each reference point is separated by two sampling durations, thereby defining each duration as two sampling durations. In some embodiments, n may be predefined or fixed (for example, in a standard) or signaled from a base station via semi-static signaling (for example, RRC) or dynamic signaling (for example, DCI). In some embodiments, n is restricted to an integer greater than zero. P is the period at which the set of reference points recurs. P may be an integer greater than zero or a real number. In one example, PnT s =1 ms, i.e. the set of reference points is defined as lasting 1 ms. The set of reference points may be repeated / restarted every 1 ms.

[0117] The following describes some specific examples of signaling configurable single-carrier symbol block parameters. In the following examples, the configurable single-carrier symbol block parameters can be configured for one, multiple, or every duration interposed between two reference points. In the following examples, the parameters not signaled can be predefined, for example, fixed or predefined based on the application scenario or position in the frame.

[0118] In some embodiments, each configurable parameter is signaled separately, which provides great flexibility but may have a large signaling overhead. For example, one, some, or all of the following parameters can be signaled separately: symbol block duration, number of symbols transmitted in a symbol block K, CP length t of a symbol block CP , the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block, the symbol duration t of the data symbol of the symbol block s , roll-off factor α and / or frequency position of the symbol block.

[0119] In some embodiments, different parameter configurations can be signaled for different application scenarios. For example, for symbol blocks used for low-latency communication, a smaller K value can be signaled. For another example, different roll-off coefficient values ​​can be signaled depending on the scenario.

[0120] In some embodiments, the frequency positions of the symbol blocks (e.g., Figure 9 f1 to f5 in ) and the number of data symbols K in the symbol block are signaled in the DCI, and the remaining symbol block parameters are predefined or semi-statically signaled, for example in RRC signaling.

[0121] In some embodiments, one parameter is signaled (eg, the number of data symbols K or the occupied bandwidth or frequency location), while the other parameters are predefined, eg, in a standard.

[0122] In some embodiments, the occupied bandwidth, roll-off factor, and frequency location (eg, in terms of the center frequency of a particular bandwidth partition or BWP) may be signaled.

[0123] In some embodiments, the symbol duration t of each data symbol in the occupied bandwidth or symbol block is s And the number of symbols in the symbol block can be sent separately through signaling.

[0124] In some embodiments, the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block is signaled and a quantization method is used to reduce signaling overhead. For example, the base station may use three bits to signal one of four possible occupied bandwidth options: A, 2A, 3A, or 4A, where A is the smallest bandwidth unit. For another example, the base station may use four bits to signal one of eight possible occupied bandwidth options: A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, or 8A, where A is the smallest bandwidth unit. A may be predefined or preconfigured, for example, predefined in a standard. In some embodiments, the value of A may depend on the frequency band. For example, for the low frequency range FR1, A may be equal to 180 Hz, 200 Hz, or 400 Hz, etc. For the medium frequency range FR2, A may be equal to 180 kHz, 200 kHz, or 360 kHz, etc. For the large frequency range FR3 (for example, in the THz range), A may be equal to 100 MHz, or 200 kHz, etc. The UE will know the frequency band range (FR1 or FR2 or FR3) in which the UE operates, but if multiple values ​​of A are possible within a given frequency band range (FR1, FR2 or FR3), the value of A must be signaled to the UE, for example in the DCI, RRC or in the MAC layer.

[0125] In some embodiments, the roll-off coefficient of the symbol block is signaled and a quantization method is used to reduce signaling overhead. For example, two bits can be used to indicate one of four predefined roll-off coefficients: α = 0, α = 0.25, α = 0.5, or α = 1. For another example, three bits can be used to indicate one of eight predefined roll-off coefficients: α = 0, α = 0.125, α = 0.25, α = 0.375, α = 0.5, α = 0.625, α = 0.75, or α = 1.

[0126] In some embodiments, the data symbol duration t of the data symbols in the symbol block is signaled by s Quantization methods are used to reduce signaling overhead. For example, two bits can be used to indicate one of four predefined data symbol durations, three bits can be used to indicate one of eight predefined data symbol durations, and so on. In some embodiments, the CP duration is determined by the UE based on the ratio of the CP to the valid symbol block duration. In some embodiments, the ratio can be signaled or predefined.

[0127] In some embodiments, to provide some flexibility but also help reduce signaling overhead, a set of different parameter configurations can be predefined, and the selection of one of the parameter configurations can be signaled. For example, two bits can be used to indicate one of four different combination indexes, e.g., 00 = combination index 0, 01 = combination index 1, 10 = combination index 2, and 11 = combination index 3. Examples of parameter configurations that can be signaled for each combination index are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below:

[0128] Table 1

[0129] Composite index Number of data symbols K Roll-off coefficient α Occupied bandwidth 1 1 1 4A 2 2 0.5 3A 3 4 0.25 2A 4 8 0 A

[0130] Table 2

[0131] Composite index Number of data symbols K Roll-off coefficient α <![CDATA[Data symbol duration t s > 1 1 1 4T 2 2 0.5 3T 3 4 0.25 2T 4 8 0 T

[0132] Table 2 is an alternative to Table 1, in which the data symbol duration t is signaled. s Rather than occupying bandwidth.

[0133] In the example of Table 1 above, if a combination index of 1 is sent by a signal (e.g., bit pair 00 is sent by the base station), the UE knows that for one or more scheduled single-carrier symbol blocks, the number of data symbols in each symbol block is 1, the roll-off factor of each symbol block is 1, and the occupied bandwidth of each symbol block is 4A, where A is the minimum bandwidth unit known to the base station and the UE, e.g., A=200 Hz. For another example, in the example of Table 2 above, if a combination index of 4 is sent by a signal (e.g., bit pair 11 is sent by the base station), the UE knows that for one or more scheduled single-carrier symbol blocks, the number of data symbols in each symbol block is 8, the roll-off factor of each symbol block is 0, and the symbol duration of each data symbol in each symbol block is T, where T is the minimum symbol duration unit known to the base station and the UE, e.g., T=0.1 ms.

[0134] Further examples are shown in Tables 3 and 4 below:

[0135] Table 3

[0136] Composite index Number of data symbols K <![CDATA[Data symbol duration t s > 1 1 4T 2 2 3T 3 4 2T 4 8 T

[0137] Table 4

[0138] Composite index Number of data symbols K <![CDATA[Data symbol duration t s > 1 1 T 2 2 T 3 3 2T 4 4 T 5 5 2T 6 6 T 7 7 2T 8 8 2T

[0139] Tables 3 and 4 are alternatives. To signal the combination index in Table 4, three bits are required to select one of the eight options. Unlike Table 2, no roll-off factor is configured in Tables 3 and 4. For example, the roll-off factor can be configured using other signaling or predefined.

[0140] In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 1 to 4 may be signaled by the base station in DCI, in RRC signaling, or in MAC layer signaling. In one example, the values ​​in the table are semi-statically configured using RRC signaling, but the selected combination index is signaled in DCI.

[0141] In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 1 to 4 may be signaled in broadcast signaling, e.g., the selected combination index may be broadcast from the base station to all UEs communicating with the base station. In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 1 to 4 may also be signaled in UE-specific signaling, e.g., if the base station is selecting the combination index for one or more specific UEs communicating with the base station.

[0142] Configurable multi-carrier symbols

[0143] Figure 11The generation of multi-carrier symbols provided by an embodiment is shown. Multi-carrier symbols may sometimes also be referred to as multi-carrier symbol blocks because they are combined with the above Figure 8 Like the single carrier symbol block described above, a multi-carrier symbol transmits multiple data symbols. Multiple bits 348 are serial-to-parallel converted in a serial-to-parallel converter 380 to generate M parallel bit streams, where M is a natural number greater than 1. Each parallel bit stream is mapped by a corresponding symbol mapper 350A to 350M to generate M data symbols X1 to X2. M Each symbol mapper 350A to 350M may be implemented by a modulator (e.g., processor 210 or 260, or module / unit / circuit). One example type of modulation that may be implemented by one or more of the symbol mappers 350A to 350M is QAM, in which case the generated data symbols are QAM symbols carrying two or more bits, depending on the constellation sequence. Each data symbol X1 to X M For data symbols X1 to X M An inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) 382 (which in some embodiments may be implemented as an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT)) is performed to generate N time domain sample outputs, where N is a natural number, typically greater than M, followed by parallel-to-serial conversion and CP insertion. This generates a multi-carrier symbol 394 comprising a redundant (e.g., CP) portion and a data portion. The CP portion has a duration of t CP (also called CP length), the data portion has a duration t Data , which together constitute the duration t of symbol 394 SB =t CP +t Data The CP portion may be a repetition of part of the data portion, for example, a repetition of the data portion that appears at the end of symbol 394. As shown in the figure, the CP portion may appear at the beginning of symbol 394. The data portion of multicarrier symbol 394 transmits data symbols X1 to X2 in parallel on M different subcarriers with a specific subcarrier spacing. M The multicarrier symbol 394 is transmitted over a specific bandwidth (or portion of a bandwidth or a bandwidth partition), as shown at 396. The bandwidth depends on the subcarrier spacing and the number of subcarriers used, which may occupy a portion of the specified bandwidth (or bandwidth partition) or carrier. The multicarrier symbol 394 can be transmitted in the uplink or downlink. If the symbol 394 is an uplink transmission sent by the UE 110, then the symbol 394 is transmitted in the uplink. Figure 11The components shown and the operations described may be implemented by the processor 210; if the symbol 394 is a downlink transmission sent by the base station 170, then the Figure 11 The components shown and operations described may be implemented by processor 260 .

[0144] exist Figure 11 In FIG, symbol 394 is a multi-carrier symbol, i.e., a multi-carrier waveform is used. That is, the CP and data symbols are transmitted on multiple subcarriers, and the data symbols are transmitted over a data duration t Data During the transmission, the plurality of subcarriers are transmitted in parallel.

[0145] An example of a multi-carrier symbol is an OFDM symbol.

[0146] The size of IDFT 382 refers to the number of samples N output by IDFT 382. The size of IDFT 382 affects the length of multi-carrier symbol 394. Specifically, the larger the size of IDFT 382 (ie, the larger N), the longer the duration t of symbol 394. SB The longer it is, the more output samples there are to transmit. Assuming the bandwidth of the transmission symbol 394 is fixed, the size of the IDFT 382 also directly affects the number of data symbols (M) that can be transmitted in the symbol 394 and the subcarrier spacing. A smaller IDFT size N means that fewer data symbols M can be transmitted in the symbol 394, which means that the subcarriers are isolated further apart because fewer subcarriers are used over the same bandwidth. For example, assume N=1024, M=600, and a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz. If the IDFT size N is then reduced to N=512, then M=300, which means that the number of data symbols transmitted in the OFDM symbol is halved. If the bandwidth remains unchanged, the subcarrier spacing is therefore twice as far apart (spreading the 300 data symbols over the same frequency range as the original 600 data symbols), i.e., the subcarrier spacing is set to 30kHz.

[0147] In some embodiments, Figure 11 The IDFT 382 in FIG is implemented as an IFFT. However, the IFFT imposes a quadratic restriction on the size of the IDFT 382, ​​i.e., the size N of the IDFT 382 is a power of 2 (e.g., N is 512 or 1024 or 2048, etc.). Therefore, the IFFT also imposes a quadratic restriction on the length t of the symbol 394. SB and subcarrier spacing. Scaling can only be based on a factor of two (e.g., the subcarrier spacing can be 15kHz or 30kHz, but not in between, and the symbol duration is also scaled based on this limit). More generally, the power-of-two limit imposed by the IFFT may be undesirable, so the IFFT may not necessarily be used, for example, if you need to generate a specific duration t that cannot be obtained using the IFFT SBSymbol 394.

[0148] In some embodiments, the duration of the multi-carrier symbol 394 can be configured by configuring the CP length (t CP ) and / or by configuring the IDFT size N. The IDFT size and / or CP length can be configured by configuring the symbol length t SB To indirectly configure, the symbol length t SB Can be used with a specific CP length t CP and / or the IDFT size N has a known relationship.

[0149] In some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the IDFT size N during operation depending on the application scenario, etc. The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the IDFT size N may be signaled to the UE for one or more multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0150] (a) N may be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol, the value of N for that symbol may be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0151] (b) N can be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or MAC layer. For example, the value of N can remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the value of N changes, it is changed through RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0152] (c) N can be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for low-latency applications, N is predefined to a specific (smaller) number, and for delay-tolerant applications, N is predefined to a specific (larger) number. The predefined value of N can be fixed or semi-statically configured. In some embodiments, the UE knows the value of N based on the application scenario, so the value of N may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0153] (d) N may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, the value of N may be predefined based on the frequency band or carrier frequency in which the UE operates. For another example, the value of N may be predefined based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbols.

[0154] (e) N may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0155] In some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the CP length t during operation according to the application scenario, etc. CP The CP length can be given as an absolute length or as a CP length t CP and the data part length t Data The ratio of CP to effective symbol length or as the CP length t CPWith the total symbol duration t SB Depending on the application scenario and / or channel, a longer CP length, a shorter CP length, or no CP (i.e., t CP = 0). The following is a non-exhaustive list of example ways in which the CP length may be signaled to the UE for one or more multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the downlink and / or uplink:

[0156] (a) The CP length can be dynamically signaled by the base station, for example, in the DCI. For example, when scheduling a symbol, the CP length of the symbol can be dynamically signaled by the base station.

[0157] (b) The CP length can be semi-statically signaled by the base station, for example, in RRC signaling or the MAC layer. For example, the CP length can remain constant for several frames, subframes, or time slots, and when the CP length changes, it is changed through RRC signaling or MAC layer information.

[0158] (c) The CP length can be predefined based on the application scenario. For example, for some application scenarios, the CP length is predefined to a specific length; for other application scenarios, the CP length is predefined to another specific length. In some embodiments, the UE knows the CP length based on the application scenario, so the CP length may not even need to be explicitly sent to the UE.

[0159] (d) The CP length may be a function of the channel conditions, in which case the CP length may not need to be explicitly sent to the UE, for example, if both the UE and the base station are able to determine (or be informed of) the channel conditions and there is a predefined mapping between different channel conditions and different CP lengths.

[0160] (e) The CP length may be determined by the UE as a function of other parameters known to the UE. For example, it may be based on the value of M and / or based on t Data The CP length is predefined based on the value of and / or the frequency band or carrier frequency at which the UE operates and / or based on the time and / or frequency position of the scheduled symbols, etc.

[0161] (f) The CP length may be fixed, for example, by a standard.

[0162] The IDFT size N is allowed to be set to any number so that the multi-carrier symbol duration t SB There is great flexibility in this aspect, but at the expense of higher signaling overhead and potentially higher transmitter and / or receiver implementation complexity, since N is not restricted to a set of predefined numbers that can be used for lower complexity implementations.

[0163] Therefore, in some embodiments, restrictions may still be imposed on the value of N. As an example, the IDFT size N may be restricted to a specific range that is typically implemented in commercial devices, such as 512 ≤ N ≤ 8192. Only values ​​of N that fall within this range are signaled by the base station. As another example, N may be restricted to a set of values ​​that satisfy a predefined relationship or formula that allows for a lower complexity implementation of the transmitter and / or receiver. For example, a lower complexity implementation is possible if the value of N satisfies a predefined formula based on powers of prime numbers, such as N = 2 σ 3β or N=2 σ 3β5 μ , where σ, β, and μ are integers greater than or equal to 0. In some embodiments, the base station signals the IDFT size N by signaling the values ​​of the integers σ, β, and / or μ, and the UE calculates N using these variables and a predefined formula. In some embodiments, the base station signals the value of N itself to the UE.

[0164] In some embodiments, the IDFT size N is preconfigured to one of four possible sizes, and the base station sends two bits (e.g., in DCI or RRC signaling) to indicate the selection of one of the four possible sizes. Tables 5 and 6 below show two alternative examples:

[0165] Table 5

[0166] Composite index N 00 512 01 1024 10 2048 11 4096

[0167] Table 6

[0168] Composite index N 00 1024 01 2048 10 4096 11 8192

[0169] In some embodiments, the four options in Table 5 or Table 6 may be predefined in the standard or configured via RRC signaling, or may even be dynamically indicated in the DCI. In some embodiments, the selection of a particular one of the four options applicable to a symbol may be signaled by the base station using DCI or RRC signaling.

[0170] In some embodiments, the IDFT size N is preconfigured to be one of eight possible sizes, and the base station signals three bits (e.g., in DCI or RRC signaling) to indicate the selection of one of the eight possible sizes. Table 7 below shows an example:

[0171] Table 7

[0172]

[0173]

[0174] In some embodiments, the eight options in Table 7 may be predefined in the standard or configured via RRC signaling, or may even be dynamically indicated in the DCI. In some embodiments, the selection of a particular one of the eight options applicable to a symbol may be signaled by the base station using DCI or RRC signaling.

[0175] Table 8 below shows another example:

[0176] Table 8

[0177] Composite index N 000 d 001 2d 010 3d 011 4d 100 5d 101 6d 110 8d 111 9d

[0178] d is a number known to the base station and the UE, for example, d = 512. In the specific example of Table 8, the IDFT size N = 7d cannot be selected because it does not satisfy the formula N = 2 σ 3β or N=2 σ 3β5 μ , in this example, this is a restriction on the value of N to allow for a potentially lower complexity implementation of the transmitter and / or receiver.

[0179] In some embodiments, the eight options in Table 8 may be predefined in the standard or configured via RRC signaling, or may even be dynamically indicated in the DCI. In some embodiments, the selection of a particular one of the eight options applicable to a multi-carrier symbol may be signaled by the base station using DCI or RRC signaling.

[0180] Tables 5 to 8 are only examples. In other embodiments, the IDFT size N may be signaled using a different number of bits, for example, one bit if there are only two IDFT size options, or three or more bits if there are eight or more IDFT size options.

[0181] In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 5 to 8 may be signaled by the base station in DCI, in RRC signaling, or in MAC layer signaling. In one example, the values ​​in Tables 5 to 8 are semi-statically configured using RRC signaling, but the selected combination index is signaled in DCI.

[0182] In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 5 to 8 may be signaled in broadcast signaling, e.g., the selected combination index may be broadcast from the base station to all UEs communicating with the base station. In some embodiments, the combination index selected by the base station for any one of Tables 5 to 8 may also be signaled in UE-specific signaling, e.g., if the base station is selecting the combination index for one or more specific UEs communicating with the base station.

[0183] In some embodiments, the full set of possible IDFT sizes may be fixed (e.g., defined in a standard), and the full set may be large, e.g., more than eight different IDFT size options. In some such embodiments, RRC signaling may be used to configure the use of one, some, or all of the possible IDFT sizes. If RRC signaling configures only one IDFT size for use, the UE will use that IDFT size. However, if RRC signaling configures more than one IDFT size, the base station may use DCI to dynamically indicate which of the configured IDFT sizes to use for the UE, e.g., for a given BWP or carrier or frequency band or serving cell.

[0184] In some embodiments, rules known to the UE may be predefined and used to select the IDFT size, such as the following rules: (1) If the bandwidth of the BWP or carrier or serving cell is less than or equal to 5 MHz, then the IDFT size N = 512; (2) If the bandwidth of the BWP or carrier or serving cell is greater than 5 MHz but less than or equal to 8 MHz, then the IDFT size N = 768; (3) If the bandwidth of the BWP or carrier or serving cell is greater than 8 MHz but less than or equal to 10 MHz, then the IDFT size N = 1024.

[0185] In some embodiments, the CP length and / or IDFT size may change from one symbol to another, or from one set of symbols to another.

[0186] In some embodiments, the occupied bandwidth of the multi-carrier symbols may also or alternatively be signaled. The UE also needs to know the position of the multi-carrier symbols in the frequency domain, which in some embodiments may be configurable and signaled to the UE (e.g., in a manner similar to Figure 9 method).

[0187] In addition to the example configurable multi-carrier symbol parameters discussed above, the UE must also know the starting position of the scheduled multi-carrier symbols in the time domain. In some embodiments, the time domain is divided into predefined time durations, each of which starts at a specific time reference point known to both the base station and the UE. In some embodiments, each reference point can be the beginning of a frame, subframe, or time slot. In some embodiments, each multi-carrier symbol is scheduled relative to one of the reference points. In some embodiments, the multi-carrier symbol duration can be configured for each time duration (e.g., for each subframe or time slot), but once configured, the multi-carrier symbol duration does not change within that time duration (e.g., the multi-carrier symbol duration does not change within a subframe or time slot).

[0188] For example, Figure 12 and Figure 10Same, but shows the transmission of multi-carrier symbols instead of single-carrier symbol blocks. Figure 12 A frame is shown divided into four durations #1 to #4, each starting at a corresponding reference point. A duration may also be referred to as a time window. Each of the four reference points may be located at the start of a subframe or time slot, although this is not required, for example, the concept of a subframe and / or time slot may not even be defined. The duration of the symbols transmitted within each duration may be configurable, but within a particular duration, the duration of each symbol is the same. Symbols are scheduled in the time domain by indicating an offset from one of the reference points, for example, using DCI or RRC signaling. For example, symbol 462 is scheduled in the time domain by indicating to the UE that it is in duration #2 and there is no offset, i.e., symbol 462 starts at the start of duration #2. Figure 12 For another example, by indicating to the UE that symbol 464 is offset from the start of duration #3 by five symbol durations (i.e., offset from reference point #3 by five symbol durations), scheduling in the time domain Figure 12 The multi-carrier symbol 464 in the . A symbol duration of a specific duration can be configured for each duration (for example, the symbol duration of duration #2 is t SB2 , the duration of the symbol of duration #3 is t SB3 ), where switching occurs at a reference point. In some embodiments, configurable multicarrier symbol parameters (e.g., symbol duration) for each duration in a frame can be signaled at the beginning of the frame. These configurable symbol parameters can change for each frame or remain constant for a specific number of frames (e.g., reconfigured only every 10 frames).

[0189] In some embodiments, the time domain resource allocation indicated by the base station may be for one or more symbol durations t SB , and time domain resource allocation can use traditional methods, such as by signaling the start symbol and length, perhaps listing an index in a row in a table.

[0190] In some embodiments, some or all of the configurable parameters may be changed only at the reference point. For example, one, some, or all of the following parameters may be changed only at the reference point: symbol duration t SB , CP length of the symbol t CP , symbol data length t Data(or equivalent parameters, such as IDFT size N), the occupied bandwidth of the symbol, and / or the frequency position of the symbol. Therefore, in some embodiments, within each time duration inserted between two reference points, one or more parameters of the multicarrier symbols scheduled within the time duration may be configurable, but the configuration of all multicarrier symbols scheduled within the time duration is the same. This may allow for a simpler implementation because both the base station and the UE know that the configuration of all multicarrier symbols scheduled within a certain time duration is the same, so the base station only needs to signal the configuration once for all multicarrier symbols within the certain time duration.

[0191] Although Figure 12 Frames divided into four different durations are shown, but the number of durations is not limited to four and may be predefined or configurable. Figure 12 The frames are shown divided into different durations, but instead of being divided into each slot or each subframe (rather than each frame), it is also possible to divide the frames into different durations. Figure 12 The subframes or time slots are divided into different durations and scheduled in the same manner as described above.

[0192] In some embodiments, multiple time reference points may be predefined (e.g., in a standard). In some embodiments, for a frame length F, the reference points may be 0 (i.e., the frame start time), in, Is the start time of the next frame. In some embodiments, for the frame length F, the reference point can be 0 (ie, the frame start time), Wherein the variable N in this formula is not the IDFT size, but a predefined integer greater than zero, and is the start time of the next frame. N can be predefined or fixed (e.g., in the standard) or signaled from the base station via semi-static signaling (e.g., RRC) or dynamic signaling (e.g., DCI). If N=1, there is a single configuration that is the same for all multicarrier symbols within the same frame, but the configuration can be changed for each frame.

[0193] In some embodiments, the base station and UE will use the most recent reference point after receiving the relevant signaling. In other embodiments, the base station will indicate the reference point (or corresponding duration) to which the new parameters apply. The reference point (or corresponding duration) may be indicated along with the new parameters configured for the duration corresponding to the reference point.

[0194] In some embodiments, there are multiple time reference points, but the units of the reference points are sample durations, rather than fractions of frames, subframes, or time slots. For example, a time reference point may be every 0, nT, or s 、2nTs 、……、(P-1)nT s 、PnT s Appears once. s is the sampling duration, for example 1 / sampling frequency, for example the sampling frequency may be 1966.08 MHz. n defines the duration between two reference points as a function of the sampling duration, for example if n=2, each reference point is separated by two sampling durations, thereby defining each duration as two sampling durations. In some embodiments, n may be predefined or fixed (for example, in a standard) or signaled from a base station via semi-static signaling (for example, RRC) or dynamic signaling (for example, DCI). In some embodiments, n is restricted to an integer greater than zero. P is the period at which the set of reference points recurs. P may be an integer greater than zero or a real number. In one example, PnT s =1 ms, i.e. the set of reference points is defined as lasting 1 ms. The set of reference points may be repeated / restarted every 1 ms.

[0195] Other embodiments and methods

[0196] In some embodiments, the configurable single-carrier symbol block parameters and / or configurable multi-carrier symbol parameters disclosed herein may only apply to UEs that have already been connected to the network. For initial access of a UE connected to the network, these parameters may be predefined by a standard, etc. For example, for synchronization symbols and preambles in a random access channel of the initial access process, if a single-carrier waveform is used, a specific symbol interval, occupied bandwidth, and / or roll-off factor may be predefined for a given frequency band (e.g., in a standard); in some embodiments, for uplink transmissions (e.g., on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) and / or downlink transmissions (e.g., on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) during the initial access process, a specific symbol interval, occupied bandwidth, and / or roll-off factor may be predefined in a standard or signaled via broadcast signaling or group common signaling. The broadcast signaling may be a main information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB) on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The group common signaling may be a DCI in the common search space of the physical layer downlink control channel (PDCCH). If a multi-carrier waveform is used, a specific IDFT size and / or CP length may be predefined for a given frequency band (e.g., in the standard) for the synchronization symbols and preamble in the random access channel of the initial access procedure. For PUSCH or PDSCH transmissions in the initial access procedure, if a multi-carrier waveform is used, a specific IDFT size and / or CP length may be signaled via broadcast signaling or group common signaling. The broadcast signaling may be an MIB or SIB on the PBCH. The group common signaling may be a DCI in the common search space of the PDCCH. In this way, a UE initially accessing the network knows the symbol and / or symbol block parameters upon initial access.

[0197] In the embodiments of this document, frame timing can be replaced with general timing, such as a time unit timing. In some embodiments, the time unit can be a time slot, a subframe, a frame, a superframe, etc. In some embodiments, the time unit can be an absolute time, such as a 1ms timing, a 2ms timing, a 20ms timing, etc. Therefore, in all embodiments described herein that discuss frame timing, frame timing can be replaced with a more general time unit timing, such as an absolute time and / or time slot timing and / or subframe timing and / or superframe timing, etc. For example, in Figure 10 and Figure 12 In the figure, one frame shown may also be an absolute time (eg, 10 ms) or a time slot or a subframe or a superframe, etc., depending on the implementation.

[0198] The above description mainly discusses configurable multi-carrier symbol and single-carrier symbol block parameters, and the signaling of such parameters, in the context of communication between a UE and a base station (i.e., downlink communication and uplink communication). However, the above embodiments are also applicable to sideline communication, i.e., UE-to-UE communication, sometimes also referred to as device-to-device (D2D) communication. That is, single-carrier symbol blocks and / or multi-carrier symbols can be sent directly from one UE to another UE, and the UE (e.g., one of the two UEs communicating with each other or the master UE) or the base station can send the configurable parameters of the symbol blocks and / or symbols by signaling. The configurable parameters can be any parameters discussed in this document. The D2D communication may or may not be part of a D2D frame for transmission from one UE to another UE.

[0199] Figure 13 In one embodiment, a method is provided that is performed by a network device and an apparatus. The network device may be a base station 170 , and the apparatus may be a UE 110 .

[0200] In step 502, the network device sends control signaling to configure at least one parameter of a single-carrier symbol block and / or a multi-carrier symbol. In step 504, the apparatus receives the control signaling. In step 506, the network device sends a scheduling grant to schedule the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol for transmission. In step 508, the apparatus receives the scheduling grant.

[0201] In some embodiments, step 502 and step 506 may be the same single step (eg, the same single transmission from the network device), in which case step 504 and step 508 will also be the same single step.

[0202] In step 510, the apparatus transmits the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter. The transmission may be to the network device or to another UE. If the scheduling grant schedules a downlink transmission, step 510 further involves the network device transmitting the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol to the apparatus according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter.

[0203] In some embodiments, the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol; CP ; The occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol; The symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol s ; Roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol; Frequency position of the single carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol; IDFT size N.

[0204] In some embodiments, the control signaling is at least one of the following: DCI; RRC signaling; MAC layer control signaling. In some embodiments, the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0205] In some embodiments, the apparatus and the network device are aware of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations. In some embodiments, a plurality of bits are used to indicate the selection of a particular configuration of the at least one parameter. In some embodiments, the at least one parameter comprises the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol block, and the plurality of bits indicates a particular value of K. In some embodiments, the at least one parameter comprises the IDFT size N, and the plurality of bits indicates a particular value of N.

[0206] In some embodiments, said at least one parameter comprises said frequency position of said single carrier symbol block and / or said multi-carrier symbol, and said frequency position is signaled as a selection of one of a predefined number of frequency positions known in advance by said network equipment and said apparatus.

[0207] In some embodiments, the time domain is divided into a plurality of time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all single-carrier symbol blocks and / or multi-carrier symbols scheduled in a particular time window. In some embodiments, the scheduling grant schedules the single-carrier symbol blocks and / or multi-carrier symbols by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the particular time window. In some embodiments, the configuration of the at least one parameter for all single-carrier symbol blocks and / or multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the particular time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter for all single-carrier symbol blocks and / or multi-carrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the plurality of time windows.

[0208] Figure 14 Shown Figure 13 A variant applicable to situations where no scheduling grant is configured, such as a grant-free uplink transmission scheme. In step 602, the network device sends control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a single-carrier symbol block and / or a multi-carrier symbol. In step 604, the apparatus receives the control signaling. In step 606, the apparatus sends the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol based on the at least one parameter. In step 608, the network device receives the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol based on the at least one parameter.

[0209] Please note that sending or receiving the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol "according to" the at least one parameter means sending or receiving the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol with at least one parameter of the configuration. For example, if the at least one parameter is that the symbol duration is a specific length, a symbol duration of this length is used in the transmission. Sending or receiving the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol "according to" the scheduling grant means sending or receiving the single-carrier symbol block and / or the multi-carrier symbol using the resources indicated in the scheduling grant. For example, if the scheduling grant schedules the transmission at a specific time and / or frequency location, the transmission is sent at the specific time and / or frequency location. In addition, "sending or receiving" can generally be referred to as "communication".

[0210] Please note that "symbol block" is used in this document to help better distinguish data symbols. For example, the term "single carrier symbol block" is used in the description above. However, the term "block" is not required, and "single carrier symbol block" can be replaced with "single carrier symbol". In addition, this document uses the terms "single carrier" and "multi-carrier" to distinguish between symbols transmitted on a single carrier waveform and symbols transmitted on a multi-carrier waveform. However, these terms are only used to help explain and are not intended to be limiting. For example, "single carrier symbol" (referred to as "single carrier symbol block" in the description above) can also be replaced with "first type of symbol" or "symbol belonging to the first type", and "multi-carrier symbol" can also be replaced with "second type of symbol" or "symbol belonging to the second type". The labels "first type" and "second type" are used to distinguish these two types of symbols.

[0211] Signaling for flexible multi-carrier symbol parameters and / or flexible single-carrier symbol block parameters is disclosed herein.

[0212] In some embodiments, variable symbol and / or symbol block duration (including variable CP duration, optionally no CP) can provide flexibility to meet different needs in different scenarios. However, in some embodiments, the signaling overhead may be high. Therefore, in some embodiments, consideration is given to how to design and generate signaling with reduced overhead to support variable symbol and / or symbol block duration and possible variable CP duration. One disclosed approach is to signal a configuration selected from a set of predefined parameter configurations, for example, as described in Tables 1 to 8 above. In some embodiments, when the configurable symbol and / or symbol block parameters are changed, consideration is given to how to ensure that the base station and UE know when to use the new symbol and / or symbol block parameters. One disclosed approach is to use a reference point, for example, as described above in conjunction with Figure 10 and Figure 12 described.

[0213] In some embodiments, for single-carrier waveform transmission, the symbol block parameters that may be signaled may include occupied bandwidth and / or frequency location (e.g., center frequency) and / or the number of data symbols in the symbol block and / or a roll-off factor. In some embodiments, a lookup table may be used to reduce overhead signaling for different parameter combinations (e.g., Tables 1 to 4 herein).

[0214] In some embodiments, for multi-carrier waveform transmission, symbol parameters that may be signaled may include IDFT size and / or preamble (e.g., CP) size and / or occupied bandwidth of the multi-carrier waveform. In some embodiments, a lookup table may be used to reduce overhead signaling for different parameter combinations (e.g., Tables 5 through 8 herein).

[0215] In some embodiments, a reference point may be defined to indicate when configured symbol and / or symbol block parameters have or may change. In some embodiments, the reference point may be signaled, or a rule for how to obtain the reference point may be predefined and known to both the base station and the UE. In some embodiments, the reference point may also be predefined, such as fixed (e.g., indicated in a standard).

[0216] In view of and in addition to the foregoing, the following examples are disclosed.

[0217] Example 1: A method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol; receiving a scheduling grant for scheduling the single carrier symbol for transmission; sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol; CP; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0218] Example 2: The method according to Example 1, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0219] Example 3: The method according to Example 2, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and the first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and the second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0220] Example 4: The method of Example 1, wherein the apparatus has prior knowledge of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the single carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0221] Example 5: The method of Example 4, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a plurality of parameters, and the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular configuration of the plurality of parameters.

[0222] Example 6: The method of Example 5, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises the number K of data symbols in the single carrier symbol, and the plurality of bits indicates a specific value of K.

[0223] Example 7: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the at least one parameter includes the frequency position of the single carrier symbol, and the frequency position is sent via a signal as a selection of one of a predefined number of single carrier frequency positions known in advance by the device.

[0224] Example 8: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the single carrier symbol is a specific single carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0225] Example 9: The method of Example 8, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific single carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0226] Example 10: A method according to Example 8 or Example 9, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0227] Example 11: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the control signaling and / or the scheduling grant is received from a network device.

[0228] Example 12: The method of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus is a first apparatus and the control signaling and / or the scheduling grant is received from a second apparatus.

[0229] Example 13: The method of Example 12, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0230] Example 14: An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13.

[0231] Example 15: A device comprising a processor and a memory; the memory comprises processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the device to perform a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13.

[0232] Example 16: An apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive: control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol, and a scheduling grant for scheduling the single carrier symbol for transmission; a transmitter configured to transmit the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter, or the receiver configured to receive the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol CP ; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0233] Example 17: A method comprising: sending control signaling to a device to configure at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol; sending a scheduling grant to the device to schedule the single carrier symbol for transmission; sending or receiving the single carrier symbol based on the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol CP ; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0234] Example 18: The method according to Example 17, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0235] Example 19: The method according to Example 18, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0236] Example 20: The method of Example 17, wherein the apparatus has prior knowledge of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the single carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0237] Example 21: The method of Example 20, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a plurality of parameters, and the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular configuration of the plurality of parameters.

[0238] Example 22: The method of Example 21, wherein the plurality of parameters comprises the number K of data symbols in the single carrier symbol, and the plurality of bits indicates a specific value of K.

[0239] Example 23: A method according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the at least one parameter includes the frequency position of the single carrier symbol, and the frequency position is sent via a signal as a selection of one of a predefined number of single carrier frequency positions known in advance by the device.

[0240] Example 24: A method according to any one of Examples 17 to 23, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the single carrier symbol is a specific single carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0241] Example 25: The method of Example 24, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific single carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0242] Example 26: A method according to Example 24 or Example 25, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0243] Example 27: The method of any one of Examples 17 to 26, wherein the method is performed by a network device.

[0244] Example 28: The method of any one of Examples 17 to 26, wherein the device is a first device and the method is performed by a second device.

[0245] Example 29: The method of Example 28, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0246] Example 30: A network device for performing the method according to any one of Examples 17 to 29.

[0247] Example 31: A network device comprising a processor and a memory; the memory comprising processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the network device to perform a method according to any one of Examples 17 to 29.

[0248] Example 32: An apparatus comprising: a transmitter for sending to a device: control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol, and a scheduling grant for scheduling the single carrier symbol for transmission; a receiver for receiving the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter, or the transmitter for sending the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol CP; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0249] Example 33: The device of Example 32, wherein the device is a network device or a user device.

[0250] Example 34: A method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving control signaling configuring at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol; receiving a scheduling grant to schedule the multicarrier symbol for transmission; sending or receiving the multicarrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0251] Example 35: The method according to Example 34, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0252] Example 36: The method according to Example 35, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0253] Example 37: A method according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the apparatus is aware in advance of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the multi-carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0254] Example 38: The method of Example 37, wherein the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular one of the different configurations.

[0255] Example 39: The method of Example 38, wherein the at least one parameter comprises the IDFT size N, and the plurality of bits indicates a specific value of N.

[0256] Example 40: A method according to any one of Examples 34 to 39, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the multi-carrier symbol is a specific multi-carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0257] Example 41: The method of Example 40, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific multi-carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0258] Example 42: A method according to Example 40 or Example 41, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0259] Example 43: A method according to any one of Examples 34 to 42, wherein the control signaling and / or the scheduling grant is received from a network device.

[0260] Example 44: A method according to any one of Examples 34 to 42, wherein the device is a first device and the control signaling and / or the scheduling grant is received from a second device.

[0261] Example 45: The method of Example 44, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0262] Example 46: An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of Examples 34 to 45.

[0263] Example 47: A device comprising a processor and a memory; the memory comprises processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the device to perform a method according to any one of Examples 34 to 45.

[0264] Example 48: An apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive: control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol, and a scheduling grant for scheduling the multicarrier symbol for transmission; a transmitter configured to transmit the multicarrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter, or the receiver configured to receive the multicarrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0265] Example 49: A method comprising: sending control signaling to a device to configure at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol; sending a scheduling grant to the device to schedule the multicarrier symbol for transmission; sending or receiving the multicarrier symbol based on the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter includes an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0266] Example 50: The method according to Example 49, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0267] Example 51: A method according to Example 50, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0268] Example 52: A method according to any one of Examples 49 to 51, wherein the apparatus is aware in advance of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the multi-carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0269] Example 53: The method of Example 52, wherein the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular one of the different configurations.

[0270] Example 54: The method of Example 53, wherein the at least one parameter comprises the IDFT size N, and the plurality of bits indicates a specific value of N.

[0271] Example 55: A method according to any one of Examples 49 to 54, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the multi-carrier symbol is a specific multi-carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0272] Example 56: The method of Example 55, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific multi-carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0273] Example 57: A method according to Example 55 or Example 56, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0274] Example 58: A method according to any one of Examples 49 to 57, wherein the method is performed by a network device.

[0275] Example 59: A method according to any one of Examples 49 to 57, wherein the device is a first device and the method is performed by a second device.

[0276] Example 60: The method of Example 59, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0277] Example 61: A network device for performing the method according to any one of Examples 49 to 60.

[0278] Example 62: A network device comprising a processor and a memory; the memory comprising processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the network device to perform a method according to any one of Examples 49 to 60.

[0279] Example 63: An apparatus comprising: a transmitter for sending to a device: control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol, and a scheduling grant for scheduling the multicarrier symbol for transmission; a receiver for receiving the multicarrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter, or the transmitter for sending the multicarrier symbol according to the scheduling grant and the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0280] Example 64: The device of Example 63, wherein the device is a network device or a user device.

[0281] Example 65: A method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol; sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol; CP; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0282] Example 66: The method according to Example 65 further includes: receiving a scheduling authorization for scheduling the single carrier symbol for transmission; sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter includes: sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the scheduling authorization and the at least one parameter.

[0283] Example 67: A method according to Example 65, wherein sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter includes: sending the single carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter.

[0284] Example 68: The method of Example 67, wherein the single carrier symbol is sent using unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0285] Example 69: A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 68, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0286] Example 70: A method according to Example 69, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0287] Example 71: A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 70, wherein the device has prior knowledge of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the single carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0288] Example 72: The method of Example 71, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a plurality of parameters, and the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular configuration of the plurality of parameters.

[0289] Example 73: A method according to Example 72, wherein the multiple parameters include the number K of data symbols in the single carrier symbol, and the multiple bits indicate a specific value of K.

[0290] Example 74: A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 73, wherein the at least one parameter includes the frequency position of the single carrier symbol, and the frequency position is sent via a signal as a selection of one of a predefined number of single carrier frequency positions known in advance by the device.

[0291] Example 75: A method according to Example 66, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the single carrier symbol is a specific single carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0292] Example 76: The method of Example 75, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific single carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0293] Example 77: A method according to Example 75 or Example 76, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all single carrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0294] Example 78: A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 77, wherein the control signaling is received from a network device.

[0295] Example 79: A method according to any one of Examples 65 to 77, wherein the device is a first device and the control signaling is received from a second device.

[0296] Example 80: The method of Example 79, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0297] Example 81: An apparatus for performing the method of any one of Examples 65 to 80.

[0298] Example 82: A method comprising: sending control signaling to a device to configure at least one parameter of a single carrier symbol; sending or receiving the single carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of the following: the number of data symbols K in the single carrier symbol; the CP length t of the single carrier symbol; CP ; Occupied bandwidth of the single carrier symbol; Symbol duration t of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol s; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the single carrier symbol; The frequency position of the single carrier symbol.

[0299] Example 83: A device for performing the method according to Example 82, wherein the device is a network device or a user device.

[0300] Example 84: A method performed by an apparatus, the method comprising: receiving control signaling for configuring at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol; sending or receiving the multicarrier symbol according to the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter comprises an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0301] Example 85: The method according to Example 84 further includes: receiving a scheduling authorization for scheduling the multi-carrier symbols for transmission; sending or receiving the multi-carrier symbols according to the at least one parameter includes: sending or receiving the multi-carrier symbols according to the scheduling authorization and the at least one parameter.

[0302] Example 86: A method according to Example 84, wherein sending or receiving the multi-carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter includes: sending the multi-carrier symbol according to the at least one parameter.

[0303] Example 87: The method of Example 86, wherein the multi-carrier symbols are sent using unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0304] Example 88: A method according to any one of Examples 84 to 87, wherein the control signaling is at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI); radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and medium access control (MAC) layer signaling.

[0305] Example 89: A method according to Example 88, wherein the at least one parameter includes multiple parameters, and a first one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in RRC signaling, and a second one or more parameters of the multiple parameters are configured in DCI.

[0306] Example 90: A method according to any one of Examples 84 to 89, wherein the apparatus is aware in advance of a predefined number of different configurations of the at least one parameter of the multi-carrier symbol, and the control signaling indicates one of the different configurations.

[0307] Example 91: The method of Example 90, wherein the control signaling comprises a plurality of bits indicating a selection of a particular one of the different configurations.

[0308] Example 92: The method of Example 91, wherein the at least one parameter comprises the IDFT size N, and the plurality of bits indicates a specific value of N.

[0309] Example 93: A method according to Example 85, wherein the time domain is divided into multiple time windows, the multi-carrier symbol is a specific multi-carrier symbol scheduled in a specific time window of the multiple time windows, and the control signaling configures the at least one parameter to be the same for all multi-carrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window.

[0310] Example 94: The method of Example 93, wherein the scheduling grant schedules the specific multi-carrier symbol by defining an offset from a reference point associated with the specific time window.

[0311] Example 95: A method according to Example 93 or Example 94, wherein the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in the specific time window is different from the configuration of the at least one parameter of all multicarrier symbols scheduled in another time window of the multiple time windows.

[0312] Example 96: A method according to any one of Examples 84 to 95, wherein the control signaling is received from a network device.

[0313] Example 97: A method according to any one of Examples 84 to 95, wherein the device is a first device and the control signaling is received from a second device.

[0314] Example 98: The method of Example 97, wherein the first device is a first user equipment (UE), and the second device is a second UE different from the first UE.

[0315] Example 99: An apparatus for performing the method of any one of Examples 84 to 98.

[0316] Example 100: A method comprising: sending control signaling to a device to configure at least one parameter of a multicarrier symbol; sending or receiving the multicarrier symbol according to the at least one parameter; wherein the at least one parameter includes an IDFT size N and / or a CP length t of the multicarrier symbol CP .

[0317] Example 101: A device for performing the method according to Example 100, wherein the device is a network device or a user device.

[0318] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments of the present invention, various modifications and combinations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The specification and drawings are therefore only considered as illustrations of some embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, and any and all modifications, variants, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the present invention are considered to be covered. Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods and steps described in the specification. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present invention that processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods or steps (including currently existing or later developed) that perform or achieve functions or results substantially the same as those of the corresponding embodiments described herein may be used according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims include these processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods or steps.

[0319] In addition, any module, component, or device that executes instructions as illustrated herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media to store information, such as computer / processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media includes magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray TMOptical discs, or other optical storage, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other storage technologies. Any of these non-transitory computer / processor storage media can be part of a device or can be accessed or connected to a device. Any application or module described herein can be implemented using computer / processor readable / executable instructions, which can be stored or otherwise maintained by these non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtaining a first time reference point, wherein the first time reference point is used to determine a starting position of a first time range within the first frame; Data is sent or received within the first time range according to the first time reference point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first time reference point is included in a plurality of time reference points, and the plurality of time reference points are predefined, or configured through a semi-static signal, or configured through a dynamic signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire first information, where the first information is used to indicate a time domain resource and a first parameter, wherein the time domain resource is used to receive or send data within the first time range, The sending or receiving data in a first time range according to the first time reference point includes: Data is sent or received in the first time range according to the first time reference point, the time domain resource, and the first parameter.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first information includes second information for configuring the time domain resource and the first parameter, wherein the first information and / or the first time range are associated with the time reference point.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The time domain resource and / or the first parameter are configured through semi-static signaling or dynamic signaling.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The first time reference point is used to switch to a different first parameter.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The time reference point is used to indicate the time when the time domain resource and the first parameter change.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The first parameter includes at least one of the following: Symbol block time range, the number of symbols in the symbol block K, the cyclic prefix CP length t of the symbol block CP , the occupied bandwidth of the symbol block, the symbol duration t of the data symbol of the symbol block s ; The roll-off coefficient α of the data symbol of the symbol block, or the frequency position of the symbol block.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first time reference point is one of a plurality of time reference points, and the plurality of time reference points are periodic.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first time range within the first frame is a subframe, a time slot, or a symbol, The first time reference point is also used to determine: The starting position of a frame, subframe or time slot; part of a frame, subframe or timeslot; or The end position of a frame, subframe or timeslot.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The unit of the time reference point is sampling duration.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The data is a single carrier symbol block or a multi-carrier symbol block.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one processor configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions or programs, and when the instructions or programs are executed on the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented.

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