Method, apparatus and device for using comb spectrum for broadband applications through narrowband processing

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide devices, apparatuses and methods for utilizing comb spectrum at a receiver of a communication device, enabling the communication device to perform narrowband processing on a received broadband bandwidth signal after down-converting the broadband bandwidth signal. The broadband bandwidth signal is converted into a narrowband bandwidth signal, so that the functions of broadband channel estimation, sensing and communication integration (ISAC), beam management and the like can be realized. The capability of performing narrowband processing enables devices with lower power constraints and limited ADC sampling rates to receive and process signals that are originally likely to be transmitted as broadband signals from a transmitting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, and devices for using comb spectrum for broadband applications through narrowband processing. Background Technology

[0002] As a new technology that can be used in new cellular networks, sub-Terahertz (subTHz) communication is being extensively studied due to its wide bandwidth. Wide bandwidth is useful compared to narrow bandwidth for many reasons, including but not limited to providing higher data rates, improved sensing accuracy, and improved beamforming. However, broadband communication can be challenging for some devices, especially for simple devices with limited capabilities. Specific capabilities that may pose challenges for some devices in broadband communication include power constraints and limited analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling rates. Examples of such devices could be user equipment (UE) or sensors operating on battery power, as well as devices compatible with older wireless communication standards. Therefore, it makes sense to develop new transmission schemes that utilize wide bandwidth while meeting the limited capabilities of simple devices such as sensors or UEs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides apparatus, devices, and methods for utilizing comb spectrum at a receiver of a communication device, enabling the communication device to perform narrowband processing on a received wideband signal after downconversion. Converting a wideband signal to a narrowband signal enables functions such as wideband channel estimation, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and beam management. The ability to perform narrowband processing allows devices with lower power constraints and limited ADC sampling rates to receive and process signals that might initially be transmitted from a transmitting device as wideband signals.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: a user equipment (UE) receiving signals through a broadband channel, the broadband channel including multiple sub-bands, each sub-band for transmitting signals on a corresponding carrier; the UE downconverting multiple signals on the corresponding carrier using a comb spectrum including multiple frequencies, the multiple frequencies downconverting the multiple signals such that the multiple signals overlap in a single frequency band with a bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth of the broadband channel; and the UE performing baseband processing on the single frequency band to process the multiple signals.

[0005] In some embodiments, the UE performs processing including one or more of the following: detecting reference signals on different sub-bands; or transmitting data or control information in different sub-bands.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE transmitting UE capability information, which includes one or more of the following: bandwidth capability of a single frequency band; analog-to-digital converter (ADC) capability; power constraints; or comb spectrum capability information.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE receiving comb spectrum information, the comb spectrum information including one or more of the following: the number of carriers in the comb spectrum; frequency spacing; frequency tunability; an indication of whether sub-bands are equal or different in bandwidth; an indication of whether the carrier frequency spacing for transmitting and receiving multiple carriers is offset; or an indication of the carrier frequency spacing offset for transmitting and receiving multiple carriers.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE receiving reference signal (RS) structure information, the RS structure information including one or more of the following: an identifier of the RS structure type; an indication of the number of RS transmissions that can be used for the entire broadband signal; an indication of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones that can be used for multiple sub-bands; an indication of OFDM tones that are not used for multiple sub-bands; or an identifier of a subset of Zadoff-Chu sequences that the receiver can search for.

[0009] In some embodiments, this type of RS structure includes any signal or sequence structure that can be received at the UE and remain orthogonal or have low cross-correlation with other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE measuring at least one of the decoded signals.

[0011] In some embodiments, the UE performs measurements including measuring at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SNIR), or phase of the signal received on one or more sub-bands.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE sending feedback information related to the measurement performed by the UE.

[0013] In some embodiments, the feedback information is used for at least one of the following: channel estimation; sensing and localization determination; or beam management.

[0014] In some embodiments, after downconversion at the UE, multiple signals on the corresponding carriers are orthogonal to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE receiving configuration information, the configuration information indicating a data transmission scheme determined based on feedback information.

[0016] In some embodiments, the UE receiving signals on a broadband channel includes: receiving individual sub-bands from one or more base stations, enabling the UE to provide feedback for determining whether switching from a first base station to a second base station will provide improved signaling.

[0017] In some embodiments, the UE receiving signals via a broadband channel includes receiving multiple sub-bands from each of more than one base station, enabling the UE to provide feedback for determining the UE's location.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the UE receiving or transmitting at least one signal on one or more sub-bands, wherein the one or more sub-bands are selected based on feedback information, wherein the at least one signal is at least one of the following: control information, data information, pilot signal, or reference signal.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus including a processor and a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: receive signals via a wideband channel, the wideband channel including a plurality of subbands, each subband for transmitting signals on a corresponding carrier; downconvert a plurality of signals on the corresponding carrier using a comb spectrum including a plurality of frequencies, the multiple frequencies downconverting the multiple signals such that the multiple signals overlap in a single frequency band with a bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth of the wideband channel; and perform baseband processing on the single frequency band to process the multiple signals.

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods detailed above or below.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: a base station transmitting one or more RSs, wherein each RS is transmitted on one or more sub-bands of a broadband channel, each sub-band being used to transmit a signal on a corresponding carrier; the base station receiving feedback information relating to a measurement performed by a UE, wherein the measurement occurs after down-conversion of a signal on a corresponding carrier of at least one of the one or more sub-bands from the base station or a signal on a corresponding carrier of any other sub-band from another base station using a comb spectrum comprising multiple frequencies, wherein the multiple frequencies down-convert the signal on the corresponding carrier of at least one sub-band from the base station and down-convert the signal on the corresponding carrier of any other sub-band from one or more other base stations such that the signals of the sub-bands overlap in a single frequency band with a bandwidth less than the bandwidth of the broadband channel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station receiving UE capability information, the UE capability information including one or more of the following: bandwidth capability of a single frequency band; ADC capability; power constraint; or comb spectrum capability information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station transmitting comb spectrum information, the comb spectrum information including one or more of the following: the number of carriers in the comb spectrum; frequency spacing; frequency tunability; an indication of whether sub-bands are equal or different in bandwidth; an indication of whether the carrier frequency spacing for transmitting and receiving multiple carriers is offset; or an indication of the carrier frequency spacing offset for transmitting and receiving multiple carriers.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station transmitting RS structure information, the RS structure information including one or more of the following: an identifier of the RS structure type; an indication of the number of RS transmissions that can be used for the entire broadband signal; an indication of OFDM tones that can be used for multiple sub-bands; an indication of OFDM tones that are not used for multiple sub-bands; or an identifier of a subset of Zadoff-Chu sequences that the receiver can search for.

[0025] In some embodiments, this type of RS structure includes any signal or sequence structure that can be received at the UE and remain orthogonal or have low cross-correlation with other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE.

[0026] In some embodiments, the feedback information includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SNIR), or phase of the signal received on one or more sub-bands.

[0027] In some embodiments, the feedback information is used for at least one of the following: channel estimation; sensing and localization determination; or beam management.

[0028] In some embodiments, after downconversion at the UE, the signals on the corresponding carriers are orthogonal to each other.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base station transmitting one or more sub-bands via a broadband channel includes: the base station transmitting a first sub-band while at least one other base station transmitting a second sub-band; the base station receiving feedback from the UE of measurement information of the first and second sub-bands; and the base station determining whether a handover from the base station to at least one of the second base stations will provide an improved signal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station sending an indication to the UE to initiate a handover.

[0031] In some embodiments, the base station transmitting one or more sub-frequency bands via a broadband channel includes: the base station transmitting a first plurality of sub-frequency bands while at least one other base station transmitting a second plurality of sub-frequency bands; the base station receiving feedback from the UE of measurement information of the first plurality of sub-frequency bands and the second plurality of sub-frequency bands; and the network determining location information related to the UE, wherein the base station and at least one other base station are part of the network.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station selecting one sub-band or a portion of one or more sub-bands for transmitting or receiving at least one of control information, data information, pilot signals, or reference signals.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station sending configuration information, the configuration information indicating a data transmission scheme determined based on feedback information.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the base station transmitting or receiving at least one signal on one or more sub-bands selected based on feedback information, wherein the at least one signal is at least one of the following: control information, data information, pilot signal, or reference signal.

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus including a processor and a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: transmit one or more reference signals (RS), wherein each RS is transmitted on one or more sub-bands of a wideband channel, each sub-band being used to transmit a signal on a corresponding carrier; and receive feedback information relating to measurements performed by a user equipment (UE), wherein the measurements occur after down-conversion of a signal on a corresponding carrier of at least one of the one or more sub-bands transmitted by the apparatus, or a signal on a corresponding carrier of any other sub-band from another apparatus, using a comb spectrum comprising multiple frequencies, wherein the multiple frequencies down-convert the signal on a corresponding carrier of at least one sub-band from the apparatus and down-convert the signal on a corresponding carrier of any other sub-band from one or more other apparatuses, such that the signals of the sub-bands overlap in a single frequency band with a bandwidth less than the bandwidth of the wideband channel.

[0036] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods detailed above or below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To gain a more complete understanding of the present embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1B This is another schematic diagram of a communication system that can be implemented in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a unit or module in a device that can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a unit or module in a device that can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Each of the various embodiments of the present disclosure illustrates a portion of a network including a base station and user equipment (UE), wherein a frequency comb (FC) capability at the UE is used to perform broadband measurements via narrowband processing.

[0043] Figure 5A The transmission on two sub-bands is shown, where each sub-band has a bandwidth of B for a total bandwidth of 2B.

[0044] Figure 5B This demonstrates multi-frequency downconversion of a received multi-band signal using two carrier waves.

[0045] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating the functionality at the receiver according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C The ambiguity function (AF) is shown for three different scenarios using orthogonal linear frequency modulated signals.

[0047] Figure 8A An example of an FC used at a transmitter and receiver with slightly different frequency spacing is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 8B An example of beat frequency at the receiver after multi-frequency downconversion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 An example of a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence with a cyclic prefix according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the cyclic prefix depends on the difference in frequency intervals of the FC at the transmitter and receiver.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram for signaling between a UE and a base station (BS) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating an exemplary method associated with broadband measurements performed via narrowband processing.

[0051] Figure 11 An example of a comb spectrum with multiple carriers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the spacing between the multiple carriers is adjustable within a certain range, and the comb spectrum is used to perform broadband measurements at a transmitter or receiver via narrowband processing.

[0052] Figure 12 An example is shown of using two measurements to cover the entire broadband bandwidth according to an embodiment of this disclosure for performing broadband measurements via narrowband processing.

[0053] Figure 13A Examples are shown of transmitting multiple portions of different sub-bands of a broadband bandwidth or transmitting a single sub-band of a broadband bandwidth based on feedback following broadband measurement via narrowband processing, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13B An example is shown of selecting a portion of a sub-band of broadband bandwidth used for control information and portions of other sub-bands of broadband bandwidth used for data, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a signal flow diagram for signaling between a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of this disclosure, which illustrates another exemplary process associated with broadband measurements performed via narrowband processing.

[0056] Figure 15A and Figure 15B This is a signal flow diagram for signaling between a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of this disclosure, illustrating another exemplary method associated with broadband measurements performed via narrowband processing.

[0057] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is a signal flow diagram for signaling between a UE and a base station according to an embodiment of this disclosure, illustrating yet another exemplary method associated with broadband measurements performed via narrowband processing. Detailed Implementation

[0058] For the purpose of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The embodiments described herein represent information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and illustrate methods for practicing such subject matter. Upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter and will recognize that the application of these concepts is not specifically described herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0060] Furthermore, it will be understood that any module, component, or device with executable instructions disclosed 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 tape 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 Disc™ and other optical discs, 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-readable storage media may be part of a device or may be accessed or connected to a device. Computer / processor-readable / executable instructions used to implement the applications or modules described herein may be stored by such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media or otherwise preserved.

[0061] This disclosure provides apparatus, devices, and methods for utilizing comb spectrum at a receiver of a communication device, enabling the communication device to perform narrowband processing on a received wideband signal after downconversion. Converting a wideband signal to a narrowband signal enables functions such as wideband channel estimation, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and beam management. The ability to perform narrowband processing allows devices with lower power constraints and limited ADC sampling rates to receive and process signals that might initially be transmitted from a transmitting device as wideband signals.

[0062] Various aspects of this disclosure may also provide methods for signaling to facilitate communication between a transmitting device and a receiving device (e.g., a base station and a UE), wherein the receiving device has comb spectrum capability.

[0063] The following Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 A network and device context is provided, which can be in a network and can implement some aspects of this disclosure.

[0064] refer to Figure 1AA simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided as an illustrative example and not a limitation. Communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (e.g., sixth-generation, "6G" or later) radio access network or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. In radio access network 120, one or more electric devices (EDs) 110a to 120j (generally referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other and may also be connected, or alternatively connected to, one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170). Core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100. Furthermore, communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0065] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system 100 that can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Typically, system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. System 100 can provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, narrowcast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. System 100 can operate efficiently by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0066] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 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. Although Figure 1B A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0067] EDs 110a to 110c are used for operation and / or communication in system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110c are used for transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless communication channel. Each of EDs 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, mobile user unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, touchpad, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0068] Figure 1B An exemplary communication system 100 that can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Typically, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The communication system 100 can provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, multicast, unicast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. The communication system 100 can operate by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0069] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d, radio access networks (RANs) 120a to 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although Figure 1B A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but the communication system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0070] EDs 110a to 110d are used for operation and / or communication in communication system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110d are used for transmitting and / or receiving via wireless or wired communication channels. Each of EDs 110a to 110d represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular telephone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, tablet computer, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0071] exist Figure 1B In this configuration, RAN 120a and RAN 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Each of base stations 170a and 170b is used to establish a wireless connection with one or more of ED 110a to 110c to enable access to any of 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of several known devices, such as base transceiver stations (BTS), Node-B (NodeB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB), home eNodeB, gNodeB, transmission and receive point (TRP), site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router.

[0072] In some examples, one or more of base stations 170a and 170b may be ground-based base stations connected to the ground. For example, ground-based base stations may be mounted on buildings or towers. Alternatively, one or more of base stations 172 may be non-ground-based base stations, or non-terrestrial TRPs (NT-TRPs) not connected to the ground. Flying base stations are an example of non-ground-based base stations. Flying base stations can be implemented using communication equipment supported or carried by flying equipment. Non-limiting examples of flying equipment include airborne platforms (e.g., airships or spacecraft), balloons, quadcopters, and other aircraft. In some implementations, flying base stations may be supported or carried by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones or quadcopters). Flying base stations may be mobile or portable base stations that can be flexibly deployed in different locations to meet network requirements. Satellite base stations are another example of non-ground-based base stations. Satellite base stations can be implemented using communication equipment supported or carried by satellites. Satellite base stations may also be referred to as orbital base stations.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110a to 110d may be used to connect, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a and 170b, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof.

[0074] EDs 110a to 110d, as well as base stations 170a, 170b, and 172, are examples of communication devices that can be used to implement some or all of the operations and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a is part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, components, and / or devices. Either base station 170a or 170b may be a single component, as shown, or multiple components distributed within the corresponding RAN, etc. Furthermore, base station 170b forms part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, components, and / or devices. Each of base stations 170a and 170b transmits and / or receives radio signals within a specific geographical area, sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area." For example, a cell may be further divided into cell sectors, and base stations 170a and 170b may employ multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, established picocells or femtocells supported by radio access technologies may exist. In some embodiments, each cell may use multiple transceivers by employing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs can be considered when designing the communication system 100.

[0075] Base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 use radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared (IR) wireless communication links to communicate with one or more of ED 110a to 110c via one or more air interfaces 190a and 190c. Air interfaces 190a and 190c can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more orthogonal or non-orthogonal channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190c, 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).

[0076] Base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (UTRA) to establish air interfaces 190a and 190c using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Thus, base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can implement protocols such as High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Evolved HPSA (HSPA+), and optionally High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Packet Uplink Access (HSPUA), or both. Alternatively, base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B to establish air interfaces 190a and 190c with evolved UTMS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA). It is possible that the communication system 100 can use multi-channel access operation, including the schemes described above. Other wireless technologies for implementing 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. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0077] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a through 110c. RANs 120a and 120b and / or 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 core network 130 and may (or may not) employ the same radio access technology as RANs 120a, RAN 120b, or both. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RANs 120a and 120b, or EDs 110a through 110c, or both, and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160).

[0078] EDs 110a to 110d use radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared (IR) wireless communication links to communicate with each other via one or more sidelink (SL) air interfaces 190b and 190d. SL air interfaces 190b and 190d can use any suitable wireless access technology. SL air interfaces 190b and 190d can be substantially similar to, or substantially different from, air interfaces 190a and 190c used by EDs 110a to 110c to communicate with one or more of base stations 170a and 170b. For example, the communication system 100 may implement one or more channel access methods in the SL air interface 190b, 190d, 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). In some embodiments, the SL air interface 180 may be implemented at least partially on unlicensed spectrum.

[0079] Furthermore, some or all of EDs 110a to 110d may include operations for communicating with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or other than wireless communication), the ED may also communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) via a wired communication channel and with the Internet 150. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computers and subnets (intranets) or both, incorporating protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). EDs 110a to 110d may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support multiple wireless access technologies.

[0080] In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted from a terrestrial BS to a UE, or directly from a UE to a terrestrial BS; in both cases, the signal is not reflected by the RIS. However, the signal may be reflected by obstacles and reflective sources such as buildings, walls, and furniture. In some embodiments, the signal communicates between the UE and a non-terrestrial BS (e.g., satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms). In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between a relay and a UE, between a relay and a BS, or between two relays. In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between two UEs. In some embodiments, one or more RIS are used to reflect signals from a transmitter and a receiver, wherein either the transmitter or the receiver includes a UE, a terrestrial or non-terrestrial BS, and a relay.

[0081] Figure 2 Another example of the ED 110 and network equipment (including base stations 170a, 170b (at 170) and NT-TRP 172) is shown. The ED 110 is used to connect people, things, machines, etc. The ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0082] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user equipment used for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), 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, consumer electronics device, smartbook, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., communication modules, modems, or chips). Next-generation ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs and are referred to hereinafter as T-TRP 170. Also... Figure 2 As shown, NT-TRP is referred to as NT-TRP 172 below. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically enabled (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), disabled (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of the following: connectivity availability and connectivity necessity.

[0083] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. For example, the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0084] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules executed by one or more processing units 210 for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Each memory 208 includes one or more of any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, processor cache, etc.

[0085] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g. Figure 1A or Figure 1B (Wired interface of Internet 150 in the network). Input / output devices can interact with users or other devices on the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from the user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0086] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations including: operations related to preparing uplink transmissions for NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing uplink transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. According to an embodiment, receiver 203 may receive downlink transmissions (possibly using receive beamforming), and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). Examples of signaling may be reference signals transmitted by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction indications (e.g., beam angle information (BAI)) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and acquiring system information. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform channel estimation using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170.

[0087] Although not shown, processor 210 may form part of transmitter 201 and / or receiver 203. Although not shown, memory 208 may form part of processor 210.

[0088] Processor 210, as well as the processing components of transmitter 201 and receiver 203, may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 210, as well as transmitter 201 and receiver 203, may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmable field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0089] In some implementations, the T-TRP 170 can be called by other names, such as base station, base-transceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network device, network-side device, transmit / receive node, Node B, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation NodeB (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network device, ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. The T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, micro BS, relay node, host node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device or a component within the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip). Although the accompanying drawings and the accompanying description of examples and embodiments of this disclosure generally use the terms AP, BS, and AP or BS, it should be understood that such a device can be any of the types described above.

[0090] In some embodiments, portions of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located remotely from the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna via a communication link (not shown), sometimes referred to as the fronthaul, such as the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to network-side modules that perform processing operations such as determining the location of ED 110, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, and are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs that work together, for example, through cooperative multicast, to serve ED 110.

[0091] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations, including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to ED 110; processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110; preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to NT-TRP 172; and processing transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing transmissions received in the uplink or via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding received symbols. Processor 260 can also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 also generates beam direction indications, such as a BAI, which can be scheduled by scheduler 253 for transmission. Processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110, determining where to deploy NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 can generate signaling, for example, to configure one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. It should be noted that, as used herein, "signaling" can be alternatively referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be transmitted in the control channel (e.g., the physical downlink control channel, PDCCH), while static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in data packets transmitted in the data channel (e.g., the physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH).

[0092] Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processor 260. Scheduler 253 may be included within or operate separately from T-TRP 170, and may schedule uplink, downlink, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling authorizations and / or configuring schedule-free (“configured authorizations”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 258 for storing information and data. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or acquired by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules executed by processor 260 for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein.

[0093] Although not shown, processor 260 may form part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253. Although not shown, memory 258 may form part of processor 260.

[0094] The processor 260, scheduler 253, and processing components of transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processor 260, scheduler 253, and processing components of transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry (e.g., FPGA, GPU, or ASIC).

[0095] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as an example of a drone only, it can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form. Furthermore, the NT-TRP 172 may be referred to by other names in some implementations, such as a non-terrestrial node, a non-terrestrial network device, or a non-terrestrial base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be integrated as a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing operations, including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110; processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110; preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to T-TRP 170; and processing transmissions received from T-TRP 170 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing a transmission for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing transmissions received in the uplink or received via backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. In some embodiments, processor 276 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 276 may generate signaling, for example, to configure one or more parameters of ED 110. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but does not implement higher-level functions such as medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layer functions. Since this is only an example, more generally, NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0096] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown, a processor 276 may form part of the transmitter 272 and / or receiver 274. Although not shown, the memory 278 may form part of the processor 276.

[0097] Processor 276, and the processing components of transmitter 272 and receiver 274, may each be implemented by the same or different processors, which execute instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry (e.g., a programmable FPGA, GPU, or ASIC). In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 may actually be multiple NT-TRPs that work together, for example, through cooperative multicast transmission, to serve ED 110.

[0098] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but for clarity these components are omitted.

[0099] according to Figure 2 One or more steps of the methods in the embodiments provided herein may be performed by the corresponding units or modules. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates units or modules within a device (e.g., in ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172). For example, signals may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals may be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals may be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps may be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. The respective units or modules may be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules may be integrated circuits, such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if the aforementioned modules are implemented using software executed by a processor, etc., these modules may be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, or in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0100] Additional details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for clarity, these details are omitted herein.

[0101] according to Figure 3 One or more steps of the methods in the embodiments provided herein may be performed by the corresponding units or modules. Figure 3The diagram illustrates units or modules within a device (e.g., in ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172). For example, signals may be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals may be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals may be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps may be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. The respective units or modules may be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules may be integrated circuits, such as a programmable FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if the aforementioned modules are implemented using software executed by a processor, etc., these modules may be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, or in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0102] Additional details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for clarity, these details are omitted herein.

[0103] For future wireless networks, the number of new devices is likely to grow exponentially, offering diverse functionalities. Furthermore, compared to existing 5G, many new applications and use cases in future wireless networks are likely to emerge with more diverse quality of service requirements. This will bring new key performance indicators (KPIs) to future wireless networks (e.g., 6G networks), which will be extremely challenging. Therefore, sensing technologies and AI technologies, especially deep learning (ML), are being introduced into the telecommunications field to improve system performance and efficiency.

[0104] AI / ML technology applications encompass communication at both the physical layer and the media access control (MAC) layer. At the physical layer, AI / ML communication can optimize component design and improve algorithm performance, such as in channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform analysis, multiple access, PHY component parameter optimization and updates, beamforming and tracking, sensing, and localization. At the MAC layer, AI / ML communication leverages the learning, prediction, and decision-making capabilities of AI / ML to solve complex optimization problems with better strategies and optimal solutions. This includes optimizing MAC functions such as intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent modulation and coding schemes (MCS), intelligent hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) strategies, and intelligent transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) mode adaptation.

[0105] AI / ML architectures typically consist of multiple nodes, organized in two modes: centralized and distributed. Both modes can be deployed in access networks, core networks, edge computing systems, or third-party networks. Centralized training and computing architectures are subject to significant communication overhead and strict user data privacy constraints. Distributed training and computing architectures include several frameworks, such as distributed machine learning and federated learning. AI / ML architectures include intelligent controllers, which can perform as single or multiple agents based on joint optimization or individual optimization. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed to allow corresponding interface links to be customized with custom parameters to meet specific requirements, while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing the overall system spectral efficiency through personalized AI technology.

[0106] Further terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can enable a range of new services and applications, such as Earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, and mobility. Terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing can provide intelligent context-aware networks to enhance the user experience. For example, terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing may involve opportunities for positioning and sensing applications based on a new set of features and service capabilities. Applications such as THz imaging and spectroscopy have the potential to provide continuous, real-time physiological information for future digital health technologies through dynamic, non-invasive, and contactless measurements. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) methods can not only enable advanced cross-reality (XR) applications but also enhance navigation for autonomous objects such as vehicles and drones. In the future, measured channel data and sensing positioning data in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can be acquired through high bandwidth, new spectrum, dense networks, and more light-of-sight (LOS) links. Based on this data, wireless environment maps can be created using AI / ML methods, where channel information is associated with its corresponding positioning or environmental information to provide enhanced physical layer designs based on this map.

[0107] A sensing coordinator is a node in the network that assists in sensing operations. These nodes can be dedicated standalone nodes for sensing operations or other nodes (such as TRP 170, ED 110, or core network nodes) that perform sensing operations in parallel with communication transmissions. A new protocol and signaling mechanism are needed to enable the corresponding interface links to execute with custom parameters, thereby meeting specific requirements while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing the overall system spectral efficiency.

[0108] Both AI / ML and sensing methods are data-intensive. Integrating AI / ML and sensing into wireless communication requires the collection, storage, and exchange of ever-increasing amounts of data. The characteristics of wireless data extend considerably across multiple dimensions, ranging from sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave to terahertz carrier frequencies, from spatial and outdoor to indoor scenes, and from text and voice to video. The collection, processing, and use of this data are conducted within a unified framework or different frameworks.

[0109] Control information is referenced in some embodiments herein. Control information may sometimes be referred to alternatively as control signaling or signaling. In some cases, control information may be transmitted dynamically, such as at the physical layer of a control channel, for example in the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Examples of dynamically indicated control information are those transmitted in physical layer control signaling, such as uplink control information (UCI) transmitted in the PUCCH or PUSCH, or downlink control information (DCI) transmitted in the PDCCH. Dynamic indication may be an indication at a lower layer, such as physical layer / layer 1 signaling, rather than an indication at a higher layer (e.g., rather than in RRC signaling or MAC CE). Semi-static indication may be an indication in semi-static signaling. As used herein, semi-static signaling may refer to non-dynamic signaling, such as higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling) and / or MAC CE. As used in this article, dynamic signaling can refer to dynamic signaling, such as physical layer control signaling sent in the physical layer, such as DCI sent in PDCCH or UCI sent in PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0110] Figure 4A An example of a portion of a wireless communication network 400 including a base station 410 and a user unit (UE) 420 is shown. The UE 420 is capable of transmitting or receiving using a bandwidth equal to B Hz. The base station 410 is capable of using a total bandwidth of C Hz. In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the base station 410 may be... Where L is an integer value. At higher frequencies (e.g., sub-THz), a wider bandwidth can be obtained for transmission, which can improve the transmission rate of the base station and the sensing accuracy when performing sensing. However, due to limitations such as device power constraints or the sampling rate of the ADC at the UE, processing very wide bandwidth signals can be challenging for some devices. More generally, it should also be noted that C is not necessarily an integer multiple of B. Furthermore, C represents the total bandwidth occupied by the base station, which can consist of multiple discontinuous sub-bands with the same or different bandwidth sizes.

[0111] A frequency comb (FC) spectrum can be a source of multiple frequencies, typically equidistant from each other, and can be used for simultaneous up-conversion of multiple frequencies at the transmitter or down-conversion at the receiver. FC can be used to up-convert or down-convert signals, resulting in multiple signals transmitted over a wide bandwidth in discrete sub-bands being superimposed into a single set of signals in a narrow bandwidth. Although the superimposed signals may present potential interference, such as when the superimposed signals are orthogonal or have good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties, the UE can distinguish individual signals from the superimposed set.

[0112] One aspect of this disclosure utilizes the FC capability at the UE to perform wideband measurements via narrowband processing. In some embodiments, the UE can then use the measurements obtained via narrowband processing for various applications. Examples of such applications include, but are not limited to, channel estimation, sensing and localization, and beam management and robust beamforming.

[0113] Regarding channel estimation, refer to Figure 4A The base station (BS) 410 and UE 420 can determine which sub-band of bandwidth B Hz in the total broadband bandwidth of C Hz has sufficiently good channel quality for communication between the base station 410 and UE 420, since UE 420 is limited by the bandwidth of B Hz.

[0114] Regarding perception and positioning Figure 4B The illustration depicts a scenario where UE 420 moves in a direction indicated, for example, by any of the arrows 421 near UE 420. Base station 410 may attempt to determine the movement of UE 420 in a manner similar to a radar system by using a wide bandwidth of C Hz while considering the limitations of the UE's narrowband processing. Base station 410 is shown as having an antenna array 412 with four antenna elements. However, it should be understood that this is exemplary, and the antenna array can have any number of antenna elements. Regarding beam management, for high-frequency broadband transmission, a "prism effect" or beam skew behavior may exist, where different frequencies or sub-bands of the broadband signal propagate in slightly different directions, such as... Figure 4C As shown. Figure 4C The slightly different angles of departure (AoD) of the beam at base station 410 at frequencies f1, f2, and f3 are shown. The beam directivity (i.e., the AoD of the signal from base station 410) can be determined by measuring the frequency response of the received signal at different frequencies. However, measuring broadband signals at the UE can be difficult. Aspects of this disclosure can help estimate broadband channels in a faster and simpler manner.

[0115] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides methods for signaling between communication nodes to enable various scenarios, such as channel estimation, sensing and localization, as well as beam management and robust beamforming.

[0116] Refer again Figure 4A Base station 410 communicates with UE 420 over a wide bandwidth available for transmission, but the UE can only handle narrowband signals. Base station 410 transmits over multiple sub-bands across the entire wide bandwidth of C Hz. Figure 5A In the specific example shown, without loss of generality, the base station can transmit two signals, 510 and 520, on two sub-bands, one signal on each sub-band, each sub-band having a bandwidth equal to B Hz (i.e., total bandwidth = C = 2B). Multi-sub-band transmission can be carried out through one or more of the following methods. One method involves a base station with two radio frequency chains (RFCs), each used for transmission on a corresponding carrier and having a corresponding bandwidth. The first RFC is transmitted at a first carrier frequency fc, and the second RFC is transmitted at a second carrier frequency fc+B, where the second carrier frequency is the first carrier frequency plus the bandwidth B. Another method may involve using multi-frequency upconversion, which uses a comb spectrum with two carrier frequencies (fc and fc+B). The spacing between the carrier frequencies of the comb spectrum equal to B Hz means that the two sub-bands should not interfere with each other, since each sub-band has a bandwidth of B Hz.

[0117] From Figure 4A The transmission of base stations such as base station 410 can include control information, data information, pilot signals, or reference signals. Figure 4A UE 420 and other UEs receive data from... Figure 5A The example uses a wideband signal composed of two signals, 510 and 520, on two sub-bands, and employs multi-frequency down-conversion of the received signals at frequencies fc and fc+B, as shown below. Figure 5B As shown. The UE can perform multi-frequency downconversion using the comb spectrum 530. The downconversion of two signals 510 and 520 at frequencies fc and fc+B results in the two signals 510 and 520 being superimposed at a baseband frequency 540 within a frequency band equal to B Hz. The UE 420 can use filtering to extract the superimposed two signals.

[0118] The term "multi-band multiple access channel (MB-MAC)" can be used to describe the transmission of multi-band signals and the combination of multi-band signals at a receiver within a narrow sub-band.

[0119] Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with lower sampling rates consume less power and have lower complexity compared to ADCs with higher sampling rates. Therefore, the ability to use lower sampling rate ADCs is beneficial for power- and complexity-constrained UEs. By being able to process multiple signals superimposed in a single narrow bandwidth, UEs can use lower sampling rate ADCs instead of having to use higher sampling rate ADCs to process wideband signals. Considering that the signal is used for a narrow bandwidth (e.g., B instead of a wider transmission band equal to 2B), lower sampling rate ADCs can be used for baseband processing.

[0120] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating, in general, examples of how a receiver can implement some embodiments of this disclosure. A broadband signal 610 is transmitted by a base station, which may have... Figure 5A The example shows a similar two-subband arrangement. Boxes 620, 630, 650, and 660 represent functions that can be used or performed at the receiver. Box 620 represents analog beamforming that can be used at the receiver to receive a broadband signal from the base station. Box 630 represents the receiver including an RFC that includes a mixer using multi-frequency downconversion. In some embodiments, the receiver may include a comb spectrum. The representation of the superimposed signal 640 provides an indication of the received signal after multi-frequency downconversion has occurred. Box 650 represents the use of an ADC for the in-phase and quadrature (I and Q) components of the signal, with a low sampling rate sufficient for a single subband relative to the entire transmission bandwidth of the base station. Box 660 represents the receiver processing at a baseband with a bandwidth equal to B Hz.

[0121] In order to distinguish potentially narrow sub-bands (e.g., such as...) Figure 6 In the sub-band 640 shown, various signals are superimposed on the MB-MAC signal. The base station and UE can exchange signaling to confirm the use of a specific communication scheme. Several communication schemes that can be used will be described in further detail below.

[0122] In some embodiments, orthogonal sequences can be used. The base station transmits reference signals or data via orthogonal sequences or sequences with good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties. As a specific example, a base station with multiple RFCs can transmit different ZC sequences from each RFC, such that the ZC sequences from different RFCs are orthogonal or have good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties. ZC sequences can be orthogonal based on the zero cyclic autocorrelation property. This property stipulates that for zero cyclic shift, the cyclic autocorrelation of the ZC sequence is 1 (when normalized to the sequence length), and for all non-zero shifts of the sequence, the cyclic autocorrelation is 0. A cyclic shift of a sequence, also called a circular shift, is simply a rotation of a finite-length sequence. The cyclic autocorrelation of a ZC sequence is the autocorrelation of the sequence with its cyclic shift.

[0123] In some embodiments, the base station can transmit different linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals from each RFC, wherein the LFM signals are orthogonal to each other. One method for generating orthogonal LFM signals is based on an oversampling method using OFDM modulation and the orthogonality of the discrete frequency components of the LFM waveform. (Reference) Figure 4B In a sensing example, using monopolar sensing (a single device transmits a sensing signal and detects its reflection), the accuracy of measuring the movement and / or velocity of the UE can be determined using an ambiguity function (AF). An ambiguity function, used in radar systems, describes the measurement confidence (or conversely, measurement ambiguity) of the velocity and position of a moving target, which may be caused by distortions in the propagation delay and Doppler shift of the pulse reflected from the target.

[0124] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C Examples of AF used in three different scenarios are shown. The first scenario (a) is a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal with a 1 GHz BW at a frequency of 100 GHz. The second scenario (b) is a LFM signal with a 3 GHz BW at a frequency of 100 GHz. The third scenario (c) is three orthogonal LFM signals (each with a 1 GHz BW) at frequencies of 95 GHz, 100 GHz, and 105 GHz, respectively.

[0125] The AF for each case is represented as a two-dimensional graph, with the x-axis representing the measured velocity (in meters per second (m / s)) and the y-axis representing the measured distance (in centimeters (cm)). The two-dimensional graph includes positive and negative values ​​for both the measured velocity and distance, where positive values ​​indicate directionality away from the base station and negative values ​​indicate directionality towards the base station, and vice versa. When the AF is 1 at the center of the graph and 0 elsewhere, it means that both velocity and distance measurements have been detected without ambiguity. As can be seen from the scale on the right side of each example, the value 1 is located at the center of each graph, and the value tends to zero further away from the center. Comparing example (b) with (a), due to the use of a wider bandwidth, the distance measurement ambiguity is reduced to approximately between -10 and +10, instead of -30 to +30, while the velocity measurement ambiguity remains unchanged. Further improvements may be possible if longer sequences are sent, which effectively increases the time.

[0126] Considering the first scenario (a) and the second scenario (b), the two-dimensional plots of velocity and distance measurements show that AF improves for distance measurement when using a wider bandwidth. However, when considering the third scenario (c), in which multi-subband transmission is performed, AF improves for both velocity and distance measurements compared to the first scenario (a). However, the improvement in distance measurement is not as significant as in the second scenario (c). This result in the third scenario (c) stems from the intersection of three scenarios similar to the first scenario (a), but with different velocity and distance relationships (in the form of slopes) due to the use of different frequencies. Velocity (v) can be mapped based on the Doppler shift caused by the movement of an object (e.g., the UE). The round-trip Doppler shift depends on the carrier frequency (f). c That is, the frequency change (Δf) caused by the movement can be expressed as Where c is the speed of light. Therefore, when the carrier frequency fc changes, the ambiguity of the velocity changes ( Therefore, in Example (c), compared to Example (a), since multiple linear frequency modulations have similar bandwidths to the linear frequency modulations in Example (a), the AF at 95 GHz is similar in shape to the elliptical shape at 100 GHz, but slightly rotated clockwise, and the AF at 105 GHz is similar in shape to the elliptical shape at 100 GHz, but slightly rotated counterclockwise. The combination of the three elliptical shapes at 95 GHz, 100 GHz, and 105 GHz helps to improve the AF and obtain the overall shape of Example (c). It should be noted that if the UE is not moving along a straight line toward or away from the incoming / outgoing ray of the base station, then "v" can represent the radial velocity, which takes into account the forward velocity of the UE and the angle between the ray direction between the UE and the base station.

[0127] It should be noted that for bistatic sensing (where one node sends a signal reflected by a target to another node) or multistatic sensing (consisting of multiple transmitters, receivers, and targets), the same measurement can be performed after taking into account the geometry of the communication nodes (transmitters and receivers) and the target (e.g., the positions of the transmitters and receivers and the angle from one node to the target (e.g., about the line between the two nodes), or the interval between the transmitters and receivers and the target).

[0128] In some embodiments, when the transmitter (e.g., a base station in the downlink) has a single RFC (or communicates with a UE via an RFC), the base station can use a sequence such that, utilizing two FCs with slightly different frequency intervals (one at the transmitter and one at the receiver), the superimposed signal (or sequence) at the receiver appears as multiple orthogonal sequences.

[0129] Figure 8A This illustration depicts a scenario where two frequency combs (FCs) can be used. A first FC is used at the transmitting node (e.g., a base station), while a second FC is used at the receiving node (e.g., a UE). The transmitter can use the first FC for multi-frequency up-conversion to transmit a narrowband signal over a wide bandwidth, while the receiver uses the second FC for multi-frequency down-conversion to receive the signal. The first FC has a first frequency interval, and the second FC has a second frequency interval. The first frequency f1 of the first and second FCs can be the same, but due to the slightly different frequency intervals of the two FCs, the frequency difference between subsequent frequencies gradually increases. The difference in frequency intervals between the two FCs can be Δf. As a result, the difference between the second frequencies in the two FCs is Δf, the difference between the third frequencies in the two FCs is 2Δf, the difference between the fourth frequencies in the two FCs is 3Δf, and so on. Due to the different frequency intervals of the FCs of the transmitter and receiver, the receiver's beat frequency will have a slight offset, such as... Figure 8B As shown. Beat frequency is the absolute difference between the frequencies of two waves. Therefore, in Figure 8A In the diagram, the beat frequency at each frequency in the FC at the transmitter and receiver is the difference between the dashed receiver frequency (f1, f2, and f3) and the solid transmitter frequency (f3). Slight frequency shifts can be used to make the sequences received at different frequencies appear as multiple orthogonal sequences. Figure 9 An example of a ZC sequence 900 with a cyclic prefix 910 is shown, which is based on the difference in frequency spacing of the FC at the transmitter and receiver, while also taking into account the zero cyclic autocorrelation characteristic of the ZC sequence.

[0130] In some embodiments, the base station transmits multiple signals on different sub-bands of the broadband signal, and the UE (by using multiple RFCs) can separate the multiple signals using spatial separation. For example, due to the prism or deflection effect that occurs at high frequencies, signals on different sub-bands can be received from different directions, such as... Figure 4C As shown. Therefore, the UE can use MIMO detection techniques to decode the signal (e.g., zero forcing (ZF) or minimum mean square error (MMSE) decoding).

[0131] The following will explain several examples of MB-MAC implementation for signaling between two communication nodes (e.g., a transmitter (base station) and a receiver (UE)). Although the scenarios in the examples are mainly between a base station and a UE, it should be understood that the communication nodes can be any two devices, such as two UEs, two BSs, or two sensors.

[0132] While differential signaling can be used for various applications, such as channel estimation, sensing and localization, and beam management and robust beamforming, some functional elements may be universal across all these applications. The following will refer to... Figure 10 Discuss these common functional components. Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram for signaling between base station (BS) 1001 and UE 1002.

[0133] The first functional element 1010 relates to signaling between base station 1001 and UE 1002, enabling base station 1001 and UE 1002 to agree on reference signals that the base station may subsequently transmit. This signaling may be transmitted as higher-layer signaling (such as radio resource control (RRC) signaling or MAC CE).

[0134] As part of the signaling between base station 1001 and UE 1002, UE 1002 may send at least one of UE capability information or UE limitation information to provide base station 1001 with information about the capabilities and / or limitations of UE 1002. UE capability information may include information related to the bandwidth capabilities of UE 1002. The bandwidth capabilities of UE 1002 may depend on the power constraints of the UE, such as maximum or average voltage or current information. The bandwidth capabilities of UE 1002 may also depend on the ADC capabilities of the ADC used by the UE. UE 1002 may also provide capability information related to multi-frequency reception of the UE. The bandwidth capabilities of UE 1002 may include the maximum bandwidth that the UE can process. UE capability information may also include information such as ADC resolution, sampling rate, power consumption, power constraints, or comb spectrum capability information. The UE capability information may include an indication of one or more of the following: the number of multi-frequency downconversions (e.g., the number of carriers in the comb spectrum or the number of RFCs at the UE), tunability (e.g., the spacing between carriers), whether the bandwidth of the sub-bands is the same or different, or whether the comb spectrum at base station 1001 and UE 1002 has slightly different frequency spacing at base station 1001 and UE 1002.

[0135] Figure 11 Examples of factors that may affect the tunability of carrier spacing are shown, including the number of carriers 1110 used for downconversion and an indication 1120 of the tunability of the spacing between carriers.

[0136] As part of the signaling between base station 1001 and UE 1002, base station 1001 may transmit information related to a reference signal (RS) structure, which it can use to transmit to UE 1002. The RS structure includes one or more sequences with good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties. "Good" cross-correlation means that the normalized (e.g., with respect to sequence length) cross-correlation of two different sequences is 0 or close to 0. "Good" autocorrelation means that the normalized (e.g., with respect to sequence length) autocorrelation of a sequence is 1 or close to 1 when there is no delay (delay = 0), and 0 or close to 0 when the delay between the sequence and its delayed version is sufficient (e.g., when the delay is equal to or greater than the chip duration of the PN sequence). RS can be one or more of different types of RS. Some examples of different types of RS include channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0137] The information related to CSI-RS that base station 1001 can transmit may include one or more of the following: an indication of the number of sub-bands occupied by the RS; the bandwidth of each sub-band, whether the bandwidth is the same for all sub-bands or different for different sub-bands; the carrier frequency of each sub-band; an indication of the number of transmissions covering the entire transmission bandwidth; and the type of transmission sequence structure, such as ZC sequence or linear frequency modulation. In the case of ZC sequence, when the ZC sequence has a cyclic prefix, the length of the cyclic prefix depends on the different FC intervals between the base station and the UE, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0138] Figure 12 An example is shown when more than one transmission is used to transmit a broadband signal with a broadband bandwidth of 1210. In some cases, the number of carriers or RFCs in the comb spectrum that the UE 1002 can use for downconversion is less than the number of sub-bands in the entire broadband bandwidth 1210 used by the base station. Figure 12In this context, UE 1002 is capable of processing multiple signals with a bandwidth of B Hz, wherein the number of multi-frequency down-conversions that can be performed is equal to 4. However, since there are more than four sub-bands equal to B Hz in the broadband bandwidth 1210, base station 1001 and UE 1002 can agree on the following: the UE will sense a first group of 1220 sub-bands including four sub-bands (B1, B2, B3, and B4) in the first measurement, and a second group of 1230 sub-bands including three sub-bands in the second measurement.

[0139] In some embodiments, base station 1001 may also indicate to UE 1002 a subset of ZC sequences to be searched. Once UE 1002 receives information about the possible sequences (ZC subset) to be searched when superimposed signals are received, UE can search a small number of ZC sequences (equal to the number of carriers) instead of searching all ZC sequences generated using the same root and length.

[0140] In some embodiments, base station 1001 may also indicate to UE 1002 the OFDM tone (also known as subcarrier) used by the base station and blank OFDM tones not used in different sub-bands.

[0141] In some embodiments, base station 1001 may indicate to UE 1002 the possibility of channel interpolation at the sub-band edge.

[0142] The information about DMRS that base station 1001 can send may include one or more of the following: pilot patterns for determining which one or more frequency bands to use; and indications of the signaling type for DMRS, such as, but not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or ZC sequence.

[0143] Refer again Figure 10 The signal flow diagram shows that after the signaling used in step 1010 for negotiation between base station 1001 and UE 1002, base station 1001 sends (1020) RS via one or more RFCs.

[0144] In step 1030, UE 1002 combines signals received at different frequencies into a narrow band and performs measurements on the superimposed signals (e.g., the strength of signals at different frequencies or sub-bands).

[0145] In step 1040, UE 1002 transmits feedback information about the reference signal transmitted by base station 1001 in step 1020 on different sub-bands and / or subcarriers. The content of the feedback information may depend on the specific application, such as channel estimation, sensing, positioning and motion detection, and beam management, which may include taking into account beam skew of different sub-bands.

[0146] In step 1050, base station 1001 uses feedback information sent by UE 1002 to determine one or more of the following based on the specific application that the base station may be performing: appropriate sub-band for subsequent data transmission, AoD and beam acquisition, and UE or object movement.

[0147] In step 1060, base station 1001 sends information to UE 1002 regarding further transmissions by base station 1001. This may include information about system information block (SIB) frequency bands and frequency band information about where data transmission may occur. In some embodiments, the transmission scheme used for data transmission allows data to be transmitted in overlapping or non-overlapping frequency bands. In some embodiments, the same transport block or different transport blocks may be used in each sub-band.

[0148] Figure 10The steps shown in the signaling flowchart can be used to perform channel estimation, determine sub-bands in the wideband for channel data and control information transmission, and beam management. When the base station communicates with the UE to estimate the wideband channel to determine how future transmissions should be made between the base station and the UE, the base station and the UE can exchange information about the UE's capabilities and MB-MAC parameters via RRC signaling belonging to the reference signal structure. Examples of reference signals can be CSI-RS or DMRS. The base station can transmit reference signals on multiple sub-bands in one or more transmissions. The UE receives reference signals in multiple sub-bands and superimposes the reference signals in a narrow band (e.g., a baseband sub-band). The UE uses one or more of the methods described above to distinguish signals in different transmission sub-bands. The UE measures the reference signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP); received signal strength indicator (RSSI); signal-to-noise ratio (SNR); signal-to-noise and interference ratio (SNIR)) of the signals in different transmission sub-bands. The UE can also measure the phase of the channel in different transmission sub-bands. The UE then feeds back the measured values ​​to the base station.

[0149] Based on the feedback information received from the UE, for example in Figure 10 In step 1040, based on the feedback information transmitted, the base station can determine appropriate single sub-bands or multiple portions of multiple sub-bands within the broadband bandwidth for data transmission, such as... Figure 13A As shown. In Figure 13A In the first example shown, portions 1310 of four different sub-bands (B1, B2, B3, and B4) are selected for subsequent transmission. Figure 13A In the second example shown, only one sub-band 1320 from the four different sub-bands B1, B2, B3 and B4 is selected for subsequent transmission. Figure 13A The combined portion of different sub-bands (B1, B2, B3, and B4) can be equal to or less than the bandwidth B, where bandwidth B is the bandwidth of each of the sub-bands B1, B2, B3, and B4. It should be noted that sub-bands B1, B2, B3, and B4 are not necessarily all equal to B; furthermore, the base station can select a portion of a sub-band for data transmission.

[0150] In addition, such as Figure 13BAs shown, the base station can select a fixed portion 1330 of the first sub-band B1 of the entire broadband bandwidth for control information, while simultaneously performing measurements on other bandwidth portions to select bandwidth portions 1340 of other sub-bands (B2, B3, and B4) for data transmission. The selection of the bandwidth portion 1330 used for control information can be made before or after the transmission of the reference signal, for example... Figure 10 Step 1020 in the process.

[0151] In addition, as feedback information from the UE (examples of which could be...) Figure 10 From the result of step 1040), the base station can determine beam management for data transmission. In a specific example, the base station can determine the beamwidth for transmitting multi-band signals. Due to... Figure 4B The beam deflection effect shown means that signals of different frequencies can be transmitted in different directions (e.g., from the base station at different angles of departure (AOD)).

[0152] Return to reference Figure 10 The general signal flow diagram shows that after step 1050, base station 1001 notifies UE 1002 (1060) of the data transmission scheme and the selected portion of the sub-band for transmitting multi-band data and control information. Base station 1001 can send this information to UE 1002 in a configured form via RRC signaling.

[0153] UE 1002 receives the configuration information about the transmission scheme sent in step 1060. Then, the UE can determine the detection and decoding scheme and also determine the beamwidth to receive data from different carrier frequencies from different directions (e.g., AoA).

[0154] After UE 1002 has received and used the configuration information from step 1060 to properly configure UE 1002, base station 1001 and UE 1002 can perform data transmission between each other.

[0155] Figure 10 The communication between a single base station 1001 and a single UE 1002 is described. However, in some embodiments, communication with one or more UEs may involve multiple base stations. An example of this scenario could be a handover process. In some embodiments, the handover process may include dual-connectivity communication. Now, we will use... Figure 14A and Figure 14B Here's an example illustrating how MB-MAC can facilitate the soft handover process.

[0156] Figure 14AAn example of a portion of a wireless communication network 1400 is shown, which includes a source base station (BS) 1401, a first target base station 1402, a second target base station 1403, and a user unit (UE) 1404. The UE 1404 is being served by the source base station 1401. Depending on the movement of the UE 1404 and measurements of signal strength, there is a possibility of switching to one of the two target base stations 1402 and 1403.

[0157] Figure 14B This is a signal flow diagram 1505 for signaling between source base station 1401, first target base station 1402, second base station 1403 and UE 1404.

[0158] In step 1410, the source base station 1401 and UE 1404 perform the above-mentioned... Figure 10 The process is similar to step 1010. In step 1420, the source base station 1401 transmits data including control and data. Figure 14B An example of a broadband signal with control and data information transmitted on portions of four different sub-bands 1413 is shown, each sub-band having a bandwidth equal to B Hz. Figure 14B An example of a receive transmission 1416 including control and data is shown. The receive transmission 1416 has been down-converted at UE 1404, such that the control and data information are superimposed on the same baseband bandwidth equal to B Hz. UE 1404 measures the received baseband signal and compares it with... Figure 10 In a similar manner to step 1030, information to be fed back to the source base station 1401 is generated. In step 1430, the UE 1404 feeds back information to the source base station 1401. The source base station 1401 can determine that the signal strength between the UE 1404 and the source base station is weaker than the previous signal strength.

[0159] A weak signal strength can trigger a handover decision by the source base station 1401, causing it to send a handover request (1440) to the nearby first target base station 1402 and second target base station 1403. In step 1450, the target base stations 1402 and 1403 send a handover acknowledgement (ACK) to the source base station 1401. In step 1460, the source base station 1401 and the target base stations 1402 and 1403 can exchange signals to coordinate the transmission of reference signals from the source base station 1401, the first target base station 1402, and the second target base station 1403 in different sub-frequency bands. For example, coordinated multipoint (CoMP) operation can be used to perform the coordination. In step 1465, the source base station 1401 communicates with the UE 1404 to inform the UE 1404 of the reference signal structure and the transmission of reference signals from the source base station 1401, the first target base station 1402, and the second target base station 1403 in different sub-frequency bands. Figure 14B An example is shown with a broadband signal 1467 having different sub-bands allocated to source base station 1401, first target base station 1402, and second target base station 1403. In step 1470, the source base station and target base stations 1401, 1402, and 1403 transmit reference signals, and UE 1404 combines them into a narrowband as part of the downconversion process. Figure 14B An example of transmission received from three base stations within a single baseband bandwidth equal to B Hz 1472 is shown after downconversion at UE 1404. In step 1475, UE 1404 feeds back information to source base station 1401 regarding the measured strength of reference signals in different sub-bands. In step 1480, source base station 1401 can select a preferred target base station based on the feedback information to initiate a soft handover process. If source base station 1401 still has the best signal strength, it can remain the source base station.

[0160] In some embodiments, both the source base station and the target base station can communicate and send data to the UE as in the dual connectivity (DC) method. Furthermore, although Figure 14A and Figure 14B One source base station and two target base stations are shown, but it should be understood that, considering the UE's multi-frequency downconversion capability, more than two base stations can communicate with the UE.

[0161] In some embodiments, MB-MAC can be used as part of a sensing and positioning application. Figure 15A and Figure 15B Now we will use Figure 15A and Figure 15BHere are some examples illustrating how MB-MAC can be used as part of sensing and positioning applications.

[0162] Figure 15A An example of a portion of a wireless communication network 1500 is shown, which includes a first base station (BS) 1501, a second base station 1502, a third base station 1503, a location server 1505, and a user unit (UE) 1504. The three base stations 1501, 1502, and 1503, along with the location server, are used to determine the location and movement of the UE 1504.

[0163] Figure 15B This is signal flow diagram 1506, used for signaling between three base stations 1501, 1502, and 1503, location server 1505, and UE 1504.

[0164] Several positioning methods are defined in New Radio (NR). One exemplary positioning method includes measuring reference signals from each base station 1501, 1502, 1503 to UE 1504 to determine the AoD of the reference signal from each of these base stations. Information from the measurements taken at UE 1504 is sent to the corresponding base station, each base station sends information to location server 1505, and location server 1505 estimates the location of UE 1504. Base stations 1501, 1502, 1503 exchange positioning information and measurement values ​​with location server 1505 via the NR positioning protocol annex (NRPPa).

[0165] Another exemplary positioning method involves using the positioning reference signal (PRS) of UE 1504 to perform downlink reference signal time difference (DL RSTD) measurements on the positioning reference signal (PRS) of each base station. These measurements are reported to location server 1505 to estimate the location of UE 1504.

[0166] In step 1510, the first base station 1501 and the UE 1504 perform the above-mentioned... Figure 10 The steps are similar to those described in step 1010. In step 1515, the first base station 1501 transmits a transmission including three reference signals from three different sub-bands B1, B2 and B3, each sub-band being B Hz. Figure 15BAn example of a broadband signal with reference signals on three sub-bands 1512 is shown. Figure 15B An example of a received transmission including reference signals from three sub-bands 1517 is shown. The received transmission has been down-converted at UE 1504 such that the three reference signals are superimposed on the same baseband bandwidth equal to B Hz. In step 1520, UE 1504 feeds back information to the first base station 1501 based on the measurements made by UE 1504 of the three reference signals. In step 1525, the first base station determines AoD information and round-trip measurement information based on the feedback information from UE 1504 in step 1520. In step 1530, the AoD information and round-trip measurement information determined by the first base station 1501 are sent to the location server 1505.

[0167] The same steps as those for the first base station 1501, 1520, 1515, 1520 and 1525, are performed by the second base station 1502 and UE 1504 in steps 1540 and 1550, and by the third base station 1503 and UE 1504 in steps 1560 and 1570.

[0168] Then, location server 1505 uses the information received in steps 1530, 1550, and 1570 to determine the location information or movement information of UE 1504. In some embodiments, an interferometric method may be helpful in determining the movement of a small number of UEs. An interferometer can be used to track the relative distance between nodes in a network and the movement of one or more nodes. For example, two separate transmitters each transmit signals with different phase shifts and frequencies in different time slots, and one or more receivers measure the received signals and feed the measurements back to the transmitters. The transmitters can use the fed-back measurements to estimate the relative distance between nodes. Aspects of this disclosure may use a single transmitter with multiple panels or panel sections, wherein transmissions between different panels or panel sections are synchronized because the panels may be connected to a single radio frequency (RF) chain, wherein a single local oscillator powers the panels.

[0169] Now will be used Figure 16A and Figure 16B This provides an example illustrating how MB-MAC can be used as part of sensing and localization applications employing interferometric methods. An example of how an interferometer can be used to determine object movement is described in the applicant's co-pending application PCT / CN2022 / 106859.

[0170] Figure 16AAn example of a portion of a wireless communication network 1600 is shown, which includes a base station (BS) 1601 and a user unit (UE) 1604. The BS 1601 has two antenna panels 1602 and 1603, which are separated by a center distance d.

[0171] Figure 16B This is signal flow diagram 1605, used for signaling between base station 1601 and UE 1604.

[0172] For embodiments that can utilize the interferometric method, phase ambiguity caused by 2π wrapping can be resolved by using multiple frequencies. MB-MAC is effective when using the interferometric method because it supports simultaneous measurements at different frequencies.

[0173] In step 1610, base station 1601 and UE 1604 perform the above-mentioned... Figure 10 A process similar to that described in step 1010. In step 1620, base station 1601 transmits multiple transmissions of the reference signal. Figure 16B An example of a broadband signal 1615 is shown, illustrating when multiple reference signal transmissions occur within portions of four different sub-bands, each with a bandwidth equal to B Hz. Figure 16B An example of multiple transmissions 1625 received at UE 1604 is shown, wherein multiple transmissions of the reference signal are superimposed on the same baseband bandwidth equal to B Hz.

[0174] In step 1630, UE 1604 feeds back information to base station 1601 based on its measurement of the reference signal in the baseband bandwidth. In step 1635, base station 1601 uses the feedback information sent by UE 1604 to determine UE movement, or to change the allocation portion of each sub-band used for subsequent data transmission, or to adapt beamforming transmissions emitted from base station 1601 to UE 1604.

[0175] Following step 1635, base station 1601 sends (1640) information to UE 1604 regarding the data transmission scheme and selected portions of the sub-bands used for transmitting multi-band data and control information. Base station 1601 can send this information to UE 1604 in the form of configuration information via RRC signaling.

[0176] UE 1604 receives the configuration information about the transmission scheme sent in step 1640. Then UE 1604 can determine the detection and decoding scheme, and can also determine the beamwidth to receive data from different carrier frequencies from different directions (e.g., AoA).

[0177] After UE 1604 has received and used the configuration information from step 1640 to properly configure UE 1604, base station 1601 and UE 1604 can perform data transmission 1650 between each other.

[0178] Examples of devices (e.g., ED or UE and TRP or network devices) for performing the various methods described herein are also disclosed. For example, a (first) device may include a memory for storing processor-executable instructions and a processor for executing the processor-executable instructions. When the processor executes the processor-executable instructions, it may cause the processor to perform method steps of one or more devices as described herein with respect to the figures described above. For example, the processor may enable the device to communicate over the air interface in operating mode by implementing operations consistent with the operating mode (e.g., performing necessary measurements and generating content from those measurements, as configured for the operating mode), preparing uplink transmissions and processing downlink transmissions (e.g., encoding, decoding, etc.), and configuring and / or instructing transmission / reception on one or more RF chains and one or more antennas.

[0179] It should be noted that, as used herein, the expression "at least one of A or B" is interchangeable with the expression "A and / or B". It refers to a list in which A, or B, or both A and B can be selected. Similarly, as used herein, "at least one of A, B, or C" is interchangeable with "A and / or B and / or C" or "A, B, and / or C". It refers to a list in which: A or B or C, or both A and B, or both A and C, or both B and C, or all of A, B, and C. The same principle applies to longer lists with the same format.

[0180] It should be understood that one or more steps of the methods provided in the embodiments herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. The corresponding units / modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the above units / modules can 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, then these modules can be retrieved by a processor, in whole or in part, individually or collectively, for processing as needed, or in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0181] Although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the advantages of the various embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, an apparatus, device, system, or method designed according to embodiments of this disclosure does not necessarily include all features shown in any of the drawings or all portions schematically illustrated in the drawings. Furthermore, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0182] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of this disclosure, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this specification. Therefore, the appended claims cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method comprising: User equipment (UE) receives signals through a broadband channel, which includes multiple sub-bands, each of which is used to transmit signals on a corresponding carrier. The UE uses a comb spectrum to downconvert multiple signals on the corresponding carrier.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the comb-shaped spectrum comprises a plurality of frequencies; The multiple signals, which are down-converted by the multiple frequencies, overlap in a single frequency band with a bandwidth smaller than that of the broadband channel.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The UE performs baseband processing on the single frequency band to process the multiple signals.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the UE performs processing including one or more of the following: detecting reference signals on different sub-bands; or transmitting data or control information in different sub-bands.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The UE transmits UE capability information, which includes one or more of the following: the bandwidth capability of the single frequency band; Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) capability; power constraints; or comb spectrum capability information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The UE receives comb spectrum information, which includes one or more of the following: the number of carriers in the comb spectrum; frequency spacing; frequency tunability; an indication of whether the sub-bands are equal or different in bandwidth; an indication of whether the carrier frequency spacing for transmitting and receiving the multiple carriers is offset; or an indication of the carrier frequency spacing offset for transmitting and receiving the multiple carriers.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The UE receives reference signal RS structure information, which includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the RS structure type; an indication of the number of RS transmissions that can be used for the entire broadband signal; an indication of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones that can be used for the multiple sub-bands; an indication of the OFDM tones that are not used for the multiple sub-bands; or an identifier of a subset of Zadoff-Chu sequences that the receiver can search for.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the RS structure type includes any signal or sequence structure that can be received at the UE and remains orthogonal to other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE, or has good autocorrelation and good cross-correlation with other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: The UE measures at least one of the multiple signals detected or decoded.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the UE performs the measurement comprising: Measure at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNIR), or Phase of the signal received on one or more sub-bands.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of signals on the respective carriers are orthogonal to each other after being down-converted at the UE, or have good autocorrelation and cross-correlation characteristics.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: The UE receives configuration information, which indicates a data transmission scheme determined based on the feedback information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the UE receives the signal through the broadband channel comprising: Receiving individual sub-bands from more than one base station enables the UE to provide feedback for determining whether switching from a first base station to a second base station will provide an improved signal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the UE receives the signal through the broadband channel comprising: The UE receives multiple sub-bands from each of more than one base station, enabling the UE to provide feedback for determining the UE's location.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising: The UE receives or transmits at least one signal on one or more sub-bands, wherein the one or more sub-bands are selected based on the feedback information, and wherein the at least one signal is at least one of the following: control information, data information, pilot or reference signal.

16. An apparatus comprising: processor; A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method comprising: The base station transmits one or more reference signals RS, wherein each RS is transmitted on one or more sub-bands of a broadband channel, and each sub-band is used to transmit signals on a corresponding carrier; The base station receives feedback information related to measurements performed by the user equipment (UE), wherein the measurements occur after down-conversion of a signal on a corresponding carrier of at least one of the one or more sub-bands from the base station or a signal on a corresponding carrier of any other sub-band from another base station using a comb spectrum.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The base station receives UE capability information, which includes one or more of the following: the bandwidth capability of the single frequency band; Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) capability; power constraints; or comb spectrum capability information.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: The base station transmits comb spectrum information, which includes one or more of the following: the number of carriers in the comb spectrum; frequency spacing; frequency tunability; an indication of whether the sub-bands are equal or different in bandwidth; an indication of whether the carrier frequency spacing for transmitting and receiving the multiple carriers is offset; or an indication of the carrier frequency spacing offset for transmitting and receiving the multiple carriers.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: The base station transmits reference signal RS structure information, which includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the RS structure type; an indication of the number of RS transmissions that can be used for the entire broadband signal; an indication of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones that can be used for the multiple sub-bands; an indication of the OFDM tones that are not used for the multiple sub-bands; or an identifier of a subset of Zadoff-Chu sequences that the receiver can search for.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the RS structure type includes any signal or sequence structure that can be received at the UE and remains orthogonal to other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE, or has good autocorrelation and good cross-correlation with other sequences after multi-frequency downconversion at the UE.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the feedback information includes: The received signal power (RSRP), received signal strength indication (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNIR), or phase of the signal received on one or more sub-bands.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the feedback information is used for at least one of: channel estimation; sensing and location determination; or beam management.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the signals on the respective carriers are orthogonal to each other after being down-converted at the UE, or have good autocorrelation and cross-correlation characteristics.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the base station transmits one or more sub-frequency bands through the broadband channel, comprising: The base station transmits the first sub-frequency band, while at least one other base station transmits the second sub-frequency band; The base station receives feedback from the UE on the measurement information of the first sub-band and the second sub-band; The base station determines whether switching from the base station to at least one of the second base stations will provide an improved signal.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: The base station sends an instruction to the UE to initiate the handover.

28. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the base station transmits one or more sub-frequency bands through the broadband channel, comprising: The base station transmits a first plurality of sub-frequency bands, while at least one other base station transmits a second plurality of sub-frequency bands; The base station receives feedback from the UE on the measurement information of the first plurality of sub-frequency bands and the second plurality of sub-frequency bands; The network determines location information related to the UE, and the base station and the at least one other base station are part of the network.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising: The base station selects one or more sub-frequency bands or a portion of one or more sub-frequency bands to transmit or receive at least one of control information, data information, pilot signals, or reference signals.

30. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 29, further comprising: The base station sends configuration information, which indicates a data transmission scheme determined based on the feedback information.

31. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising: The base station transmits or receives at least one signal on one or more sub-frequency bands selected based on the feedback information, wherein the at least one signal is at least one of the following: control information, data information, pilot signal, or reference signal.

32. An apparatus comprising: processor; A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 18 to 31.

33. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 18 to 31.

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