Apparatus, method and computer program for frequency domain spectral shaping spectral spread configuration determination

Abstract

Certain examples provide an apparatus (110, 10) comprising: means (11) for determining a plurality of candidate values (303n) of a spectral expansion (SE) parameter (303) for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform expansion orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), where each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority (304n); means (11, 15) for receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node (120), information indicating a resource (306) allocated to the apparatus for use in an uplink (UL) transmission; and means for determining a value (303x) of the SE parameter based at least in part on: at least one candidate value of a plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and allocated resources; and means (11, 15) for transmitting a UL transmission (310) to the RAN node based at least in part on the determined value of the SE parameter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to spectrum extension (SE) in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS). Various examples provide an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for determining configuration information for FDSS with SE (FDSS-SE). Some examples, although not affecting the foregoing, relate to determining values of SE parameters for use in FDSS-SE in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) for use in UL transmissions. BACKGROUND

[0002] Spectrum extension (SE) with frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) can provide coverage enhancement in a radio access network (RAN), such as a cellular network. Conventional frameworks for determining configuration information for use in FDSS-SE (e.g., values of SE parameters such as a spreading factor) are not always optimal.

[0003] In some cases, it can be desirable to enable determination of configuration information for FDSS-SE in an explicit manner. In some cases, it can be desirable to enable determination of configuration information for FDSS-SE in a manner that minimizes overall signaling overhead. In some cases, it can be desirable to enable dynamic determination of configuration information for FDSS-SE.

[0004] Any previously published document or any background art listed or discussed in this specification does not necessarily concede that the document or the background art is part of the prior art, or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects / examples of the present disclosure can or can not involve one or more background problems. SUMMARY

[0005] The claims define the scope of the invention. Various embodiments of the invention can include some or all of the features coupled with some or all of the responsibilities.

[0006] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, examples are provided as claimed in the appended claims. Any examples and features described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0007] According to at least some examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0008] means for determining a plurality of candidate values of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority;

[0009] A component for receiving information from a radio access network (RAN) node indicating the resources allocated to the device for use in uplink (UL) transmissions;

[0010] The component used to determine the value of the SE parameter based at least in part on the following: At least one candidate value from a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and Allocated resources; and

[0011] A component for sending UL transmissions to RAN nodes based at least in part on determined values ​​of SE parameters.

[0012] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0013] At least one processor; and

[0014] At least one memory, a storage instruction, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: Multiple candidate values ​​for the spectrum spread (SE) parameter used in frequency domain spectrum shaping (FDSS) in Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) are determined, where each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority. Receive information from the radio access network (RAN) node indicating the resources allocated to the device for use in uplink (UL) transmission; The value of the SE parameter is determined at least in part based on the following: At least one candidate value from a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and Allocated resources; and UL transmissions are sent to RAN nodes, at least in part, based on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0015] Based on various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a method is provided that includes:

[0016] Multiple candidate values ​​for the spectrum spread (SE) parameter used in frequency domain spectrum shaping (FDSS) in Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) are determined, where each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority.

[0017] Receive information from the radio access network (RAN) node indicating the resources allocated to the device for use in uplink (UL) transmission;

[0018] The value of the SE parameter is determined at least in part based on the following: at least one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and allocated resources; and

[0019] transmitting, to the RAN node, an UL transmission based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0020] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a chipset comprising processing circuitry configured to perform the above-described method.

[0021] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a module, circuit, device and / or system comprising means for performing the above-described method.

[0022] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that when executed by an apparatus cause the apparatus to perform:

[0023] determining a plurality of candidate values for a spectral extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority;

[0024] receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node, information indicating resources allocated to the apparatus for use in an uplink (UL) transmission;

[0025] determining a value of the SE parameter based at least in part on: at least one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and allocated resources. and

[0026] transmitting, to the RAN node, an UL transmission based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0027] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least performing the following:

[0028] determining a plurality of candidate values for a spectral extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority;

[0029] receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node, information indicating resources allocated to the apparatus for use in an uplink (UL) transmission;

[0030] determining a value of the SE parameter is based at least in part on: at least one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and the allocated resources; and

[0031] transmitting the UL transmission to the RAN node based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0032] The following sections of this “SUMMARY” describe various features that can be features of any of the examples described in the preceding sections of this “SUMMARY” and with the corresponding modifications. Descriptions of functions are additionally to be taken as incorporated herein as any means for performing the function from either an operational (e.g., over a network) and / or component- and / or step- based (e.g., using a processor, or using a computer program product) standpoint.

[0033] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the SE parameter is at least one of:

[0034] an extension factor for SE in DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS;

[0035] an extension factor a, where:

[0036] where: Q represents a total resource allocation or size for the UL transmission;

[0037] M represents an in-band resource allocation or size for the UL transmission;

[0038] an extension size for SE in DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS;

[0039] an extension size in units of resource blocks; or

[0040] an extension size A, where:

[0041] where: Q represents a total resource allocation or size for the UL transmission;

[0042] M represents an in-band resource allocation or size for the UL transmission.

[0043] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the information indicating the resources allocated to the apparatus for use in the UL transmission comprises information indicating at least one of:

[0044] a frequency domain resource;

[0045] one or more resource elements (REs);

[0046] One or more resource blocks (RBs);

[0047] In-band resource allocation or size; or

[0048] Total resource allocation or size.

[0049] In some, but not all, examples, determining the value of the SE parameter includes:

[0050] Choose one of several candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, which has the highest priority and meets at least one selection criterion.

[0051] In some, but not all, examples, at least one selection criterion includes at least one of the following:

[0052] Select one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, such that the total resource allocation or size calculated based on the candidate value, at least in part, is an integer multiple of the resource block;

[0053] Select one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, such that the calculated total resource allocation or size, calculated at least in part based on the candidate value, is an even multiple of the resource blocks.

[0054] Choose one of several candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, which satisfies the following first equation:

[0055] Where: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission;

[0056] M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission;

[0057] α represents one of the multiple candidate values ​​for the SE parameter;

[0058] Represents the set of natural numbers / positive integers that do not contain zero, or even positive integers that do not contain zero;

[0059] Choose one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, such that the calculated total resource allocation or size, calculated at least in part based on that candidate value, satisfies the rules for the DFT size; or

[0060] Choose one of several candidate values ​​for the SE parameter that satisfies the following second equation:

[0061] wherein: Q denotes a total resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0062] a, b and c are non-negative integers;

[0063] selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated total excess band allocation or size calculated based at least in part on the one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter being an integer multiple or an even multiple of a resource block; or

[0064] selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0065] wherein: Q denotes a total resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0066] M denotes an in-band resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0067] denotes a set of natural / positive integers excluding zero, or even positive integers excluding zero.

[0068] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one selection criterion includes at least one of the following:

[0069] selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated in-band resource allocation or size calculated based at least in part on the one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter being an integer multiple of a resource block;

[0070] selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0071] wherein: M denotes an in-band resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0072] Q denotes a total resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0073] a denotes one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter;

[0074] denotes a set of natural / positive integers excluding zero;

[0075] selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated in-band resource allocation or size calculated based at least in part on the one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter satisfying a rule for DFT size; or

[0076] one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0077] where: M = in-band resource allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0078] a, b, and c are non-negative integers.

[0079] In some but not necessarily all examples, the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter are pre-defined by a specification or configured by the RAN node.

[0080] In some but not necessarily all examples, the means for determining the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter comprises:

[0081] In some but not necessarily all examples, the means for determining the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter comprises:

[0082] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further comprises means for determining at least one priority of at least one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter.

[0083] In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one priority of at least one of the plurality of candidate values is based at least in part on allocated resources and / or a modulation coding scheme.

[0084] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting, to the RAN node, information indicating at least one of:

[0085] one or more supported candidate values for the SE parameter;

[0086] one or more preferred candidate values for the SE parameter;

[0087] one or more candidate values for the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values; or

[0088] one or more preferred candidate values for the SE parameter in each range in the set of in-band allocation size ranges.

[0089] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving, from the RAN node, information indicating whether FDSS with SE is to be applied.

[0090] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0091] An apparatus for determining a spectrum extension (SE) parameter value for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on:

[0092] at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter;

[0093] at least one priority associated with at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter; and

[0094] resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in uplink (UL) transmissions; and

[0095] means for receiving a UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the determined value of the SE parameter.

[0096] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that comprises:

[0097] at least one processor; and

[0098] at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

[0099] determine a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on: at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, at least one priority associated with at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in uplink (UL) transmissions; and

[0100] receive a UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0101] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, a method is provided that comprises:

[0102] determining a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on: at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, at least one priority associated with at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in an uplink (UL) transmission; and

[0103] receiving the UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0104] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a chipset comprising processing circuitry configured to perform the above-described method.

[0105] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a module, circuit, apparatus, and / or system comprising means for performing the above-described method.

[0106] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that when executed by an apparatus cause the apparatus to perform:

[0107] determining a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on: at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, at least one priority associated with at least one of the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in an uplink (UL) transmission; and

[0108] receiving the UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0109] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least the following to be performed:

[0110] determining a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on: at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, at least one priority associated with at least one of the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in an uplink (UL) transmission; and

[0111] receiving the UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0112] The following sections of this “SUMMARY” describe various features that can be features of any of the examples described in the preceding sections of this “SUMMARY” and with the corresponding modifications. Descriptions of functions are additionally to be regarded as further disclosing any component adapted to perform that function, or any instruction stored in at least one memory, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform that function.

[0113] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further includes:

[0114] means for transmitting, to the UE, information indicating a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter and a plurality of priorities respectively associated with the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter; and

[0115] means for transmitting, to the UE, information indicating resources allocated to the UE.

[0116] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further includes means for receiving, from the UE, information indicating at least one of:

[0117] one or more candidate values of the SE parameter supported by the UE;

[0118] one or more candidate values of the SE parameter preferred by the UE; or

[0119] one or more candidate values of the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values.

[0120] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus further includes:

[0121] means for determining at least one of: information indicating a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter and a plurality of priorities respectively associated with the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter; or information indicating resources allocated to the UE;

[0122] wherein the means for determining is based at least in part on information indicating at least one of: one or more candidate values of the SE parameter supported by the UE; one or more candidate values of the SE parameter preferred by the UE; or one or more candidate values of the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values.

[0123] While the above examples and optional features of the present disclosure are described separately, it will be appreciated that all possible combinations and permutations of them are included within the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that various examples of the present disclosure can include any or all of the features described in relation to other examples of the present disclosure, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated that any one or more or all features, in any combination, can be implemented / included / performed by a device, method and / or computer program instructions as appropriate and as appropriate circumstances permit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0124] Some examples will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0125] Figure 1 An example of a radio communications network suitable for use with examples of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated;

[0126] Figure 2 An example of a DFT-s-OFDM transmission utilising FDSS and SE is schematically illustrated;

[0127] Figure 3 An example of a method according to the subject matter described herein is schematically illustrated;

[0128] Figure 4 Another example of a method according to the subject matter described herein is schematically illustrated;

[0129] Figure 5 An example of an apparatus according to the subject matter described herein is schematically illustrated; and

[0130] Figure 6 An example of a computer program according to the subject matter described herein is schematically illustrated.

[0131] The drawings are not to scale. In the interests of clarity, some features and views of the drawings can be shown in schematic form rather than in true form. For ease of illustration, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings can be exaggerated relative to other elements. Similar reference numbers can be used to indicate similar features in the drawings. Not all of the reference numbers for the same features in the drawings are necessarily shown, for clarity.

[0132] In the drawings (and in the specification) like reference numerals can be used to indicate like features. In the drawings (and in the specification) an optional subscript can be added to a reference numeral to indicate different instances of the feature. Thus, a reference numeral without a subscript can be used as a generic reference to a feature, while a reference numeral with a subscript can be used to indicate a specific instance of the feature. The subscript can comprise a single number that labels different instances.

[0133] Abbreviations / definitions

[0134] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0135] 5G Fifth Generation

[0136] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0137] CP-OFDM Cyclic Prefix-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0138] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0139] DFT Discrete Fourier Transform

[0140] DFT-s-OFDM Discrete Fourier Transform Spread-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0141] FDRA Frequency Domain Resource Allocation

[0142] FDSS Frequency Domain Spectrum Shaping

[0143] FDSS-SE Frequency Domain Spectrum Shaping with Spectrum Extension

[0144] FFT Fast Fourier Transform

[0145] gNB 5G / NR Base Station

[0146] IDFT Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform

[0147] IFFT Inverse Fast Fourier Transform

[0148] MAC Medium Access Control

[0149] MAC-CE Medium Access Control Control Element

[0150] MCS Modulation Coding Scheme

[0151] NR New Radio

[0152] NW Network

[0153] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0154] PAPR Peak to Average Power Ratio

[0155] PRB Physical Resource Block

[0156] RAN Radio Access Network

[0157] RE Resource Element

[0158] RB Resource Block

[0159] RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0160] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0161] SE spectrum extension

[0162] UE user equipment DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0163] Figure 1 An example of a network 100 suitable for use with examples of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The network (also referred to as NW) comprises a plurality of network nodes, including: terminal nodes 110 (also referred to as user equipment (UE)), access nodes 120 (also referred to as radio access network (RAN) nodes or base stations), and one or more core network nodes 130. The terminal nodes 110 and the access nodes 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core network nodes 130 can communicate with each other in some, but not necessarily all, examples. The one or more access nodes 120 can communicate with each other in some, but not necessarily all, examples.

[0164] In this example, the network 100 is a radio communication network, i.e. a RAN, in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and the access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission / reception of radio waves.

[0165] The RAN 100 can be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122, each served by one access node 120. The access nodes 120 comprise cellular wireless transceivers. The terminal nodes 110 comprise cellular wireless transceivers.

[0166] In the particular example illustrated, the network 100 can be a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) network and its fifth generation (5G) technology. In other examples, the network 100 can be a beyond-5G network, such as a next generation (i.e. sixth generation (6G)) radio network (i.e. an evolution of the NR network and its 5G technology) that is currently being developed.

[0167] The interface between the terminal nodes 110 and the access nodes 120 is a radio interface 124 (e.g. a Uu interface). The interface between the access nodes 120 and the one or more core nodes 130 is a backhaul interface 128 (e.g. an S1 and / or next generation (NG) interface).

[0168] Depending on the exact deployment scenario, the access node 120 can be a RAN node, such as an NG-RAN node. The NG-RAN node can be a gNode B or gNB, which provides NG user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE. The gNB is connected, by means of an NG interface, to a 5G Core (5GC), more specifically to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) by means of an NG Control Plane (NG-C) interface and to a User Plane Function (UPF) by means of an NG User Plane (NG-U) interface. The access nodes 120 can be interconnected by means of an Xn interface 126.

[0169] The cellular network 100 can be configured to operate in a licensed band or an unlicensed band (among others such as: unlicensed bands that rely on a transmitting device to sense the radio resource / medium before starting a transmission, such as via a Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedure; and 60 GHz unlicensed bands that can require beamforming in order to achieve a required coverage).

[0170] The access node 120 can be deployed in an NG standalone operation / scenario. The access node 120 can be deployed in an NG non-standalone operation / scenario. The access node can be deployed in a carrier aggregation operation / scenario. The access node 120 can be deployed in a dual connectivity operation / scenario, i.e. Multi-Radio Access Technology - Dual Connectivity (MR-DC).

[0171] In such non-standalone / dual connectivity deployments, the access nodes 120 can be interconnected by means of an X2 or Xn interface and connected to an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) by means of an SI interface, or to a 5GC by means of an NG interface.

[0172] The terminal nodes 110 are network elements in the network that terminate the user side of the radio link. They are devices that allow users to access network services. The terminal nodes 110 can be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile terminals, or mobile stations. The term “user equipment” can be used to refer to a mobile device that includes a component for authentication / encryption, such as a smart card (such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)). In other examples, the term “user equipment” can be used to refer to a location / position tag, a super / smart tag, or a mobile device that includes circuitry (such as a software SIM) that is embedded as part of the user equipment for authentication / encryption. The functionality of the terminal nodes 110 can also be performed by a mobile terminal (MT), which is part of an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node.

[0173] Access node 120 is a network element in the network responsible for radio transmissions to and from terminal node 110 within one or more cells 122. Access node 120 is the network terminal of the radio link. Access node 120 can be implemented as a single network device, or it can be used with a split architecture, decoupled / distributed across two or more RAN nodes, such as central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), or remote radio front-end (RRH), which can use different functional split architectures and different interfaces.

[0174] When access node 120 has a split (split) architecture, access node 120 may include one or more distributed units (gNB-DU) and one centralized unit (gNB-CU). Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). The gNB-CU is a logical node configured to host the Radio Resource Link (RRC) layer and other layers of the access node 120. The gNB-CU controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-DU is a logical node configured to host the Radio Link Control (RLC) protocol layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer of the access node 120. The gNB-DU can communicate with the RRC layer hosted by the gNB-CU via a dedicated interface (e.g., the F1 interface). One gNB-DU can support one or more cells 122. A gNB or gNB-DU can host one or more Transmit Receive Points (TRPs). The functionality of the gNB-DU can also be performed by the DU portion of the IAB node.

[0175] In the following description, terminal node 110 will be referred to as UE 110, and access node / RAN node 120 will be referred to as gNB 120.

[0176] The following section briefly discusses Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0177] In 5G NR, modulation symbols and / or reference signals are converted into waveforms (which are baseband signals), then mixed with radio frequency (RF) signals, and transmitted via an air interface (e.g., the Uu interface). In 5G NR, UL transmission supports and specifies two waveforms:

[0178] • Cyclic Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM), suitable for both uplink and downlink; and

[0179] • Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) is only applicable to the uplink.

[0180] In New Radio (Rel-18), DFT-s-OFDM can only support one transmission layer per user (rank = 1), while CP-OFDM can support more than one transmission layer (rank > 1). This means that CP-OFDM can provide higher throughput and capacity than DFT-s-OFDM. On the other hand, DFT-s-OFDM has a lower peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) than CP-OFDM, which allows DFT-s-OFDM to use higher transmit power, thus providing better coverage than CP-OFDM.

[0181] The Technical Specification TS 38.214 Section 6.1.3 defines the UE procedure to apply transform precoding on PUSCH, where transform precoding is enabled in connection with using DFT-s-OFDM. In TS 38.211 Section 6.3.1.4 on transform precoding, this describes how to generate the signal when transform precoding is enabled for uplink (i.e., how to generate the DFT-s-OFDM signal).

[0182] DFT-s-OFDM is generated by adding a transform precoding block before the processing block that is used to generate CP-OFDM. This transform precoding block is a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block that converts a time-domain signal to a frequency-domain signal.

[0183] Although DFT-s-OFDM has a lower PAPR compared to its CP-OFDM counterpart, 5G NR Release 15 (Rel-15) introduced a frequency-domain spectral shaping (FDSS) technique that is used to further reduce the PAPR and / or reduce the cubic metric (CM). This further reduces the maximum power reduction (MPR), thus enabling higher maximum transmit power for coverage enhancement.

[0184] FDSS can be used with or without spectral extension (SE). FDSS with SE (FDSS-SE) can provide improvement in power domain coverage.

[0185] Figure 2 An example of a DFT-s-OFDM transmission with FDSS-SE is schematically illustrated. The figure shows a block diagram of a NR UL transmitter with a frequency-domain spectral shaping and spectral extension chain 200.

[0186] FDSS-SE has several advantages. First, it can reduce the PAPR since the effective pulse has a larger time span. Second, it can reduce the increased inter-symbol interference when FDSS is introduced. Finally, since the extra frequency band is also data, the gNB receiver can use it or not. In the case of using it, it can provide further frequency diversity. The shaping function without spectral spreading is a trade-off between demodulation performance and transmit (Tx) power gain, while the shaping function with spectral spreading is a trade-off between spectral efficiency and Tx gain.

[0187] The gain obtained by applying FDSS without spectral spreading to high order modulation techniques (e.g. QPSK) can be lower than the gain obtained by applying FDSS to pi / 2-BPSK. In Rel-15, FDSS is applied to DFT-s-OFDM without spectral spreading and used only with pi / 2-BPSK modulation.

[0188] The FDSS-SE technique basically first performs the regular DFT operation according to DFT-s-OFDM. This is done according to an in-band resource allocation, e.g. one or more of the following: resource element (RE), resource block (RB) and physical resource block (PRB), in-band allocation. The in-band resource allocation (also referred to as in-band allocation / size) is as shown in Figure 2 “M” 2011. Then, after the DFT, a spectral spreading is performed, i.e. the resource allocation is increased in the frequency domain, making it larger than the in-band resource allocation. The excess frequency band allocation (also referred to as spreading allocation or spreading size) of the resource is as shown in Figure 2 “Δ” 2022. Figure 2 Symmetric spectral spreading is shown, where the spreading size Δ is symmetrically located with the total allocation, i.e. two symmetrically located excess frequency band allocations. However, it should be appreciated that other forms of spectral spreading can also be employed, such as e.g. cyclic spreading.

[0189] The resource allocation, including the in-band allocation M and the spectral spreading Δ (i.e. the excess frequency band allocation), is referred to as the total allocation. The total resource allocation, also referred to as total allocation / size, is as shown in Figure 2 “Q” 2012.

[0190] The spectral spreading can thus be depicted with the following parameters:

[0191] • in-band allocation / size, M 2011: resource elements (RE) occupied after the DFT block.

[0192] • excess frequency band allocation / size, Δ 2022 (also referred to as excess frequency band): amount of REs used for spectral spreading.

[0193] • Total allocation / size, Q 2012: REs occupied after the symmetric extension block. Total allocation / size = Inband allocation / size + Excess band allocation / size, i.e. Q = M + Δ.

[0194] In FDSS-SE, the transition band is weighted by the FDSS function before mapping to the input of the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). FDSS-SE has an additional cyclic extension block, which produces the excess band.

[0195] The inband allocation can be the allocation of the actual data signal, i.e. the position where the data signal is allocated to. More specifically, it can indicate the number of subcarriers used for data transmission. It is related to the scheduling decision of the gNB, e.g. depending on how much data needs to be transmitted or how much coverage is needed.

[0196] The extension amount can be expressed by means of the SE parameter 202, such as the extension factor a 2021, where a = excess band allocation or size / total allocation or size, i.e.

[0197] In some examples, the extension factor can be a fraction, such as: ¼, 1 / 3, 3 / 8, 1 / 9.

[0198] The extension amount can also be expressed by means of the SE parameter 202, such as the extension size Δ 2022 (also referred to as excess band allocation or size), where Δ = total allocation or size - inband allocation or size, i.e.

[0199] The extension size Δ can be expressed in terms of the number of excess PRBs #excessPRB. The inband allocation or size can be expressed in terms of the number of inband PRBs #inbandPRB. The total allocation or size can be expressed in terms of the total number of allocated PRBs #totalPRB.

[0200] The configuration information for DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS-SE, i.e. the allocation of its frequency domain resources 201 (e.g. indication of M or Q), can be provided via frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) signaling.

[0201] Such FDRA is typically indicated in the downlink control information (DCI) and it typically includes a starting PRB indication from where the allocation starts and the number of allocations in PRBs.

[0202] There are multiple restrictions in the frequency domain resource allocation, such as:

[0203] • The total allocation amount or size Q is an integer

[0204] • The total allocation amount or size Q can also be an even integer (so that each side of the FDSS has an integer number of RBs)

[0205] • Optionally, the excess band allocation or size D (also referred to as the extension allocation amount or size) can also be an even integer (so that each side of the excess band allocation has an integer number of RBs)

[0206] • The in-band allocation or size M is an integer

[0207] • The in-band allocation or size M satisfies the following equation:

[0208]

[0209] where the exponents are non-negative integers.

[0210] This last restriction is a rule to ensure that the M value results in a valid DFT size. This restriction / rule results in that the number of samples is always expressed as a product of multiples of 2, 3, and 5 for a conventional DFT-s-OFDM symbol generation. This allows the UE to utilize mixed bases of 2, 3, and 5 to perform the FFT, so that the number of multiplications in the transform precoding process is reduced.

[0211] Since the FDSS-SE includes a spectral extension, where the excess band allocation D does not include actual independent data, the FDRA can indicate the total allocation amount Q (including the excess band allocation D), or only the in-band allocation amount M (the frequency band where the actual data is located).

[0212] The FDRA signaling can signal the allocation of resources 201 related to the FDSS-SE from the gNB to the UE. The signaled allocated resources 201 can be the in-band allocation 2011, or the total allocation Q 2012.

[0213] In the case that the FDRA signals the total allocation Q, the UE needs to calculate the in-band allocation M, which also needs to have an integer number of PRBs, and needs to satisfy the rule for valid DFT size.

[0214] For example, multiple values of the SE parameter can be supported by the gNB and the UE to indicate the extension amount (e.g., multiple values of the extension factor a or multiple values of the extension size D). This means that each in-band allocation M and each SE parameter value (e.g., value of the extension factor a or value of the extension size D) can have a different integer set of total allocations Q. Or, on the other hand, each allocation can support different numbers of SE parameters (e.g., different values of the extension factor a or the extension size D). For example, if the FDRA signals the M value to the UE, the UE can determine / compute multiple possible valid Q values that satisfy the above restriction. Therefore, the Q value cannot be explicitly determined.

[0215] It is desirable to provide a dynamic framework to configure the SE parameters (e.g. the spreading factor a or the spreading size D) as each UE and gNB can have its own preference for the value of the SE parameters depending on various criteria and other parameters such as allocation and MCS. Moreover, it is desirable to explicitly configure the SE parameters so that the resource allocation for FDSS-SE is determined correctly / explicitly.

[0216] A direct approach to explicitly configure the SE parameter values (e.g. the value of the spreading factor a or the spreading size D) to the UE would be to introduce one separate DCI field for enabling the gNB to signal to the UE which spreading factor / size value the UE should use for FDSS-SE. However, this would increase the size of the DCI and the DCI signaling overhead.

[0217] Various examples of the present disclosure aim to provide a framework and signaling that will enable the gNB and the UE to determine the in-band allocation, the excess band allocation and / or the total band allocation in an explicit manner, but also to do so in an efficient and dynamic manner, thereby minimizing the signaling overhead, in particular the DCI signaling overhead.

[0218] Various examples of the present disclosure aim to efficiently support multiple SE parameter values (i.e. multiple spreading factor and / or spreading size values) for DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS-SE. Various examples of the present disclosure aim to enable the signaling of the FDRA (e.g. the in-band allocation or the total allocation) and the SE parameter values (i.e. the spreading factor / size values) in an efficient and explicit manner, thereby satisfying the above mentioned constraints regarding the in-band allocation or the total allocation.

[0219] Figure 3 An example of a method 300 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0220] Figure 3 may be considered to illustrate a plurality of methods, in that Figure 3 may be considered to illustrate one or more actions performed by or at a plurality of actors / entities. Thus, Figure 3 may be considered to illustrate a plurality of independent methods performed by each of a plurality of actors / entities.

[0221] In this regard, the methods illustrated in this figure and discussed below can be considered to illustrate a method corresponding to actions performed by a first apparatus (e.g. an apparatus 10 configured to perform the role of a UE, as described with reference to Figure 5 , and a method corresponding to actions performed by a second apparatus (e.g. an apparatus 10 configured to perform the role of a gNB, as described with reference to Figure 5 . The illustrated and described functions can also be performed by a computer program, such as the computer program 20 described with reference to Figure 6The described device is implemented through a program.

[0222] In block 301, UE 110 determines multiple candidate values ​​303 for the SE parameter 303 used in FDSS-SE in DFT-s-OFDM. n .

[0223] In some examples, SE parameter 303 (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown in 202) is the expansion factor α (as shown in 202) Figure 1 (As shown in 2021), in this case, multiple candidate values ​​are a set of multiple candidate expansion factor values: α1, α2…α n .

[0224] In some examples, the SE parameter 303 is the expanded size Δ (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown in 2022), in this case, the multiple candidate values ​​are a set of multiple candidate expanded size values: Δ1, Δα2…Δ n .

[0225] In the example shown, the UE utilizes multiple candidate values ​​303 of the SE parameter 303 configured for the UE by the gNB (i.e., the serving gNB). n To determine multiple candidate values ​​for SE parameter 303. In this regard, the UE can determine the candidate values ​​by receiving a transmission 302 from the gNB, which includes an indication of the candidate values ​​for the SE parameter.

[0226] In an alternative example (not shown), the UE determines multiple candidate values ​​303 of the SE parameter 303 by means of multiple candidate values ​​of the predefined (such as those predefined in the standard) SE parameter 303. n In this regard, the UE can determine candidate values ​​by looking up / retrieving predefined values ​​(and optionally associated priorities) from tables, databases, or other data structures.

[0227] Each candidate value for the SE parameter is associated with a different priority (i.e., priority / sequence order). In this regard, SE parameter 303... n The set of multiple candidate values ​​and the corresponding set of priorities 304 n Related. For example, the candidate set of extended factor values: α1, α2…α n A set of associations that can have priorities: p α1 , p α2 …p αn Similarly, the expanded set of candidate values: Δ1, Δ2…Δ n A set of associations that can have priorities: p Δ1 , p Δ2 …p Δn .

[0228] The UE determines a priority associated with each candidate value of the SE parameter. In some examples, the priority is implicitly indicated by means of an order / index in which the candidate values are transmitted from the gNB in the transmission 302. Alternatively, the priority can be indicated via other means, such as via an explicit indication, or via a separate transmission for indicating the respective priority, or one or more rules for determining the priority. In some examples, the respective priority of a candidate value can be based on the allocated resources (i.e. the allocated resources 306 received via the transmission 305 discussed below) and / or a modulation coding scheme (MCS) used by the UE.

[0229] The indication of the candidate values of the SE parameter and their respective priorities can be signaled to the UE via RRC signaling from the gNB.

[0230] Optionally, prior to receiving the indication of the candidate values of the SE parameter (and their respective priorities) from the gNB, the UE can transmit information to the gNB indicating at least one of:

[0231] one or more supported candidate values of the SE parameter;

[0232] one or more preferred candidate values of the SE parameter;

[0233] one or more candidate values of the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values; or

[0234] one or more preferred candidate values of the SE parameter for each range in the set of in-band allocation size ranges.

[0235] The gNB can then use such information to determine the candidate values of the SE parameter (and their respective priorities) that it signals to the UE in the transmission 302. This enables the gNB to take into account whether the UE supports and / or prefers the candidate values when selecting the candidate values (and their respective priorities) for the SE parameter.

[0236] The UE receives a transmission 305 from the gNB, which includes information indicating resources 306 allocated to the apparatus for use in UL transmissions.

[0237] The allocated resources can be frequency domain resources, and it can be expressed as one or more of: resource elements (REs), resource blocks (RBs), and physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0238] In some examples, the indicated allocated resource 306 is an in-band allocation or size M 3061 (e.g., expressed as PRB or RE). In some examples, the indicated allocated resource 306 is a total allocation or size Q 3062 (e.g., expressed as PRB or RE). The transmission and information can be an FDRA transmission including FDRA information signaled via DCI. Generally, FDRA involves two aspects: allocation size and location in frequency. However, the primary concern of this disclosure is allocation size.

[0239] In block 307, the UE determines the value of the SE parameter (e.g., α) based on the following 303 x (e.g., α) x ):

[0240] 303 candidate values ​​for the SE parameter n (For example, α1, α2…α) n Priority 304 associated with candidate values n (e.g., p) 1(α1) , p 2(α2) …p n(αn) ),as well as

[0241] The allocated resource is 306 (e.g., M or Q).

[0242] SE parameter value 303 x The determination may include selecting multiple candidate values ​​for the SE parameter 303 n One of the candidate values, which has the highest priority and meets at least one selection criterion.

[0243] For example, in an instance where the FDRA indicates an in-band allocation of M to the UE, the selection criteria may include selecting one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, such that the calculated total resource allocation or size, at least in part based on the candidate value, is an integer multiple of the resource block. That is, selecting one of a plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0244]

[0245] Where: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission.

[0246] M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission.

[0247] α represents one of the multiple candidate values ​​for the SE parameter.

[0248] Represents the set of natural numbers / positive integers that do not contain zero, or even positive integers that do not contain zero.

[0249] In some examples, the selection criterion can comprise selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated total excess band allocation or size (where total excess band allocation = Q - M) calculated based at least in part on one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter being an integer (or even) number of resource blocks. That is, selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0250]

[0251] where: Q represents a total resource allocation or size for the UL transmission;

[0252] M represents an in-band resource allocation or size for the UL transmission;

[0253] represents a set of natural / positive integers excluding zero, or even positive integers excluding zero.

[0254] By way of illustration, one can consider the following scenario. Candidate scaling factor values of 1 / 9 and 1 / 4 (in respective order of priority) are indicated / signaled to the UE via the transmission 302. An in-band allocation of 15 PRBs is indicated / signaled to the UE via the FDRA transmission 305.

[0255] The UE calculates the Q value for each candidate scaling factor value (in order of priority) and given M value.

[0256] For the first / highest / top priority candidate scaling factor value a = 1 / 9, M = 15:

[0257] Since the calculated Q value is not an integer, it can be determined that this first priority candidate scaling factor value is invalid.

[0258] For the second / lower priority candidate scaling factor value a = 1 / 4, M = 15:

[0259] The calculated Q value is an integer. Therefore, the candidate scaling factor value with the highest priority and which is valid (i.e. which satisfies the selection criterion mentioned above) is a = ¼. Therefore, ¼ is selected as the value of the scaling factor to be used in the SE in the FDSS.

[0260] Another selection criterion that can be applied is to select one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated total resource allocation or size Q calculated based at least in part on the one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter satisfying a rule for DFT size. The rule for DFT size can include the calculated total resource allocation satisfying the following equation:

[0261] where: Q represents the total allocation or size for UL transmission

[0262] a, b, and c represent non-negative integers.

[0263] In instances where the FDRA indicates a total allocation Q to the UE, the selection criterion can include selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated in-band resource allocation or size that is an integer multiple of resource blocks. That is, selecting one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that satisfies the following equation:

[0264] where: M represents the in-band resource allocation or size for UL transmission

[0265] Q represents the total allocation or size for UL transmission

[0266] a represents one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter

[0267] represents a set of natural / positive integers excluding zero.

[0268] Another selection criterion that can be applied is to select one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter that results in a calculated in-band resource allocation or size M calculated based at least in part on the one of the plurality of candidate values for the SE parameter satisfying a rule for DFT size. The rule for DFT size can include the calculated in-band resource allocation satisfying the following equation:

[0269] where: M represents the in-band allocation or size for UL transmission;

[0270] a, b, and c represent non-negative integers.

[0271] In block 309, after the SE parameter value has been determined (i.e., one of the plurality of candidate SE parameter values has been selected) in block 307, the determined / selected SE parameter value is then used in the UL transmission. In this regard, the UE uses the determined / selected SE parameter value in the FDSS in DFT-s-OFDM for the UL transmission.

[0272] It should be appreciated that the gNB can also perform a step similar to step 307 of the UE, such that the gNB can also determine the SE parameter value in the same manner as the UE, i.e., apply the same selection criterion(s) to select the same SE parameter value as selected by the UE. In this manner, the gNB can use the same determined SE parameter value used by the UE in its UL transmission in the reception of the UL transmission by the gNB. In this regard, the gNB receives and decodes the UL transmission using the inverse of the operations performed by the UE using the determined / selected SE parameter value. Figure 2

[0273] Figure 4 Another example of a method 400 according to the subject matter described herein is schematically illustrated.

[0274] In optional step 401, the UE indicates to the gNB one or more values of the SE parameter (e.g., the spreading factor a or the spreading size D) supported by the UE. The UE can also indicate one or more respective priorities for the one or more supported SE parameter values. As used herein, a reference to a priority can be replaced with a "preferred" or "default" value of the SE parameter. Furthermore, the priority can also be a "capability" and / or "preference" of the UE.

[0275] In step 402 (which generally corresponds to step 302 in Figure 3 ), the gNB configures the UE with a plurality of spreading factor / size values (e.g., a plurality of candidate spreading factor values: a1, a2... a n ) and their respective priorities. This configuration of the UE by the gNB can be via RRC signaling with low overhead.

[0276] The gNB can determine the set of spreading factor / size values and / or their associated priorities, e.g., based on one or more of the following:

[0277] How many users need to be served;

[0278] How much space is reserved for spreading (which can be considered as overhead);

[0279] The gNB's own preference for spreading (the gNB can use spectral spreading, in part, to improve its receiver performance);

[0280] ​UE's capability and / or preference for spreading factor values (which can themselves depend on various factors, such as UE implementation (e.g., power amplifier, FDSS filter));

[0281] allocation size;

[0282] allocation location within the channel bandwidth; and

[0283] coding rate (e.g., lower coding rates can benefit from larger spreading factors, while higher coding rates can benefit from smaller spreading factors).

[0284] The set of one or more configured spreading factor values and / or their priority order can depend on the MCS (or coding rate). For example, in some examples, the spectral spreading can only be used with QPSK, i.e., thus it can only be applied to MCSs that employ QPSK modulation, thus, for example, a simple MCS threshold can be used.

[0285] For example, a larger spreading factor can be configured, or a larger spreading factor can have a higher priority, if the MCS index is less than a certain threshold (equivalently, if the coding rate is less than a certain threshold).

[0286] The set of one or more configured spreading factor values and their priority order can depend on the allocation size and location (i.e., the allocation size and location of M or Q). For example, a certain configuration (e.g., a certain set of spreading factor values and their priority order) can only apply to a certain RB range (with a predefined lower size and / or upper size). Or alternatively, it can only apply to an inner RB allocation or only to an outer RB allocation.

[0287] In some examples, the set of configured spreading factor values and / or their priority order can form a configuration referred to as FDSS-SE configuration. This configuration includes determining the in-band resource for the actual data and determining the remaining band resource. The FDSS-SE configuration can be defined separately for each UL BWP. Alternatively, the UE can have multiple FDSS-SE configurations available (for the UL BWP), and only one of these can be applied (or used) at a time. In this case, the selection of the effective FDSS-SE configuration can be done implicitly (e.g., based on the RB allocation in the following step 403), or it can be done explicitly (e.g., based on MAC-CE or DCI). The selected / effective FDSS-SE configuration can also depend on the DCI format (e.g., a certain FDSS-SE configuration can only be valid for DCI format 0_1).

[0288] In step 403, the gNB considers the candidate spreading factor / size values and their associated priorities to determine the effective PUSCH FDRA. Via the "UE capability" signaling possibly done in advance in optional step 401, the gNB can also learn what is the UE's preferred spreading factor, and the gNB can use the FDRA allocation corresponding to the UE's preferred spreading factor.

[0289] In step 404 (which roughly corresponds to step 305 of Figure 3 ), the gNB indicates to the UE via the DCI UL grant an in-band allocation M, or alternatively the FDRA can signal the total allocation Q. This can use the FDRA already in the current specification, i.e. without any additional DCI bits or signaling. Using this indicated FDRA and the candidate spreading factor / size values and their priorities, the gNB can "implicitly" dynamically indicate a particular spreading factor / size value and in-band allocation, which actually corresponds to the highest priority effective candidate spreading factor / size, i.e. the candidate spreading factor / size value with the highest priority that satisfies one or more selection criteria.

[0290] In step 405 (which roughly corresponds to step 307 of Figure 3 ), the UE determines the PUSCH total allocation and spreading size based on the following information: the FDRA, the configured candidate spreading factor / size values and their associated priorities.

[0291] In this regard, the UE can check the validity of multiple candidate spreading factor values in their corresponding priority order.

[0292] In case the in-band allocation M is signaled in the FDRA of step 404, the UE can declare a certain spreading factor valid, e.g. if the resulting total allocation Q has an integer number of resource blocks.

[0293] The UE can determine the total allocation Q based on the spreading factor value a and the in-band allocation M; i.e.

[0294]

[0295] As a non-limiting example, for an in-band allocation M = 74 REs (6 RBs), and a candidate spreading factor a = 0.25, then the total allocation Q = 96 REs (8 RBs).

[0296] The UE can determine which candidate spreading factor value has the highest priority and is valid by a combination of:

[0297] the dynamic FDRA (step 404),

[0298] the "priority" of the candidate spreading factor values (step 402), and

[0299] validity rules (which can be pre-determined / defined in the standard).

[0300] The validity criteria / selection criteria for determining whether a candidate SE parameter value is valid can comprise one or more of the following:

[0301] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an integer number of PRBs in the total allocation;

[0302] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an integer number of PRBs in the total allocation and that satisfies the rule for DFT size;

[0303] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an integer number of PRBs in the total allocation and that satisfies the rule for DFT size for the PRBs in the in-band allocation;

[0304] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an even number of PRBs in the total allocation;

[0305] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an even number of PRBs in the total excess band allocation, where the total excess band allocation is defined as the total allocation minus the in-band allocation (i.e. total excess band allocation = Q - M);

[0306] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an even number of PRBs in the total allocation that satisfies the rule for DFT size, or alternatively, the corresponding total excess band allocation has an even number of PRBs; and

[0307] o a candidate SE parameter value that results in an even number of PRBs in the total allocation, or alternatively, the number of PRBs in the total excess band allocation and the number of PRBs in the in-band allocation satisfy the rule for DFT size.

[0308] If all configured candidate spreading factor values are invalid, the allocation can be configured as invalid (i.e. the UE does not transmit any data). Or alternatively, it can also be considered as zero spreading factor (i.e. the UE transmits data without using spectrum spreading). Alternatively, if all configured candidate spreading factor values are invalid, and if the FDRA indicates in-band resources, a default number of PRBs (e.g. 2 PRBs, which have been RRC configured) are used on each side of the allocated resources as extended RBs, respectively. For example: if the FDRA indicates X PRBs for in-band, then 2 PRBs are added on each side of the in-band, respectively, and the final total number of allocated PRBs is X + 4.

[0309] Based on the valid candidate spreading factor value with the highest priority, the value of the total allocation Q can be determined, and based on the determined total allocation Q and the in-band allocation signaled in the FDRA, the UE can determine which spreading size Δ it should use (Δ = Q - M = aQ).

[0310] In case the total allocation Q is signaled in the FDRA at step 404, the UE can declare a certain spreading factor valid, e.g., if the final in-band allocation M has an integer multiple of resource blocks.

[0311] The UE can determine the in-band allocation M based on the spreading factor value a and the total allocation Q, i.e.,

[0312] Based on the valid candidate spreading factor value with the highest priority, the value of the in-band allocation M can be determined, and based on the total allocation Q signaled in the FDRA, the UE can determine which spreading size Δ it should use (Δ = Q - M).

[0313] For some allocations, e.g., there can be only one spreading factor. For some allocations, there can be multiple valid candidate spreading factor values, in which case the candidate spreading factor value with the highest priority can be selected.

[0314] In step 406, the UE transmits an uplink signal (PUSCH transmission in this example) on a bandwidth equal to the determined total allocation.

[0315] In step 407, the gNB receives the PUSCH based on the following information: FDRA, total allocation, and spreading factor / size value.

[0316] Various examples of the present disclosure can thus provide a dynamic framework to configure the spreading factor / size value such that:

[0317] • Minimize the signaling overhead (especially avoid any additional DCI bits, unless already present). Since DCI is always transmitted when a UE is scheduled by PDCCH for transmission, including any new DCI bits / DCI signaling increases the overall dynamic signaling overhead. On the other hand, RRC signaling tends to happen at much slower periodicity than DCI, which means that adding new RRC bits / RRC signaling has less impact on the overall signaling overhead compared to adding new DCI bits / DCI signaling.

[0318] • The UE can apply its preferred spreading factor for different allocations / MCSs when possible (considering the allocation constraints and the gNB’s allocation decision).

[0319] • gNB still has degrees of freedom in FDRA scheduling, so that FDRA is not limited to those allocated bandwidths (integer PRBs) supported by the UE’s preferred extension factor.

[0320] In some examples, one bit can be added or used in the DCI to indicate whether FDSS-SE is used, that is, whether the extension size needs to be determined (when using FDSS-SE) or not (when not using FDSS-SE).

[0321] In some examples, MAC-CE can be used to enable / disable predefined FDSS-SE functionality (or alternatively to switch between multiple predefined FDSS-SE configurations).

[0322] In some examples, a set of Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) values ​​or a new RNTI (e.g., SE-C-RNTI) is used to sample a specific DCI format (e.g., DCI format 0_1) to indicate whether FDSS-SE is used.

[0323] The table below lists non-restrictive examples of how the total allocation Q varies depending on the following factors: i) effective in-band allocation M (i.e. Figure 3 306 or Figure 4 ii) the in-band assignment indicated by 404; and ii) the candidate expansion factor value (i.e. Figure 3 302 or Figure 4 (The candidate expansion factor value indicated by 402).

[0324] For each expansion factor value α, the total allocation Q can be calculated using Q = M / (1-α). The table below shows the calculated Q values ​​that meet the following criteria, in bold and underlined: the Q value is an integer multiple of RE or an integer multiple of PRB (i.e., an effective value of Q).

[0325] Consider the following example, where a set of candidate extension factor values ​​(in order of priority) of 1 / 9 and 1 / 4 are configured / indicated to the UE. The validity rule applied in the above example is that the total allocation Q must be an integer.

[0326] If the FDRA indicates M = 32 PRBs, the UE first checks whether a = 1 / 9 (the highest priority candidate value) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 9 and M = 32 PRBs, Q = 36 PRBs, which is an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 9 is valid because it results in a valid / integer value of Q. From this, the UE can explicitly determine that a = 1 / 9 should be used, and thus in the case where M = 32 PRBs is indicated in the FDRA, a total allocation Q of 36 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE.

[0327] If the FDRA indicates M = 15 PRBs, again the UE first checks whether a = 1 / 9 (the highest priority candidate value) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 9 and M = 15 PRBs, Q = 16.875 PRBs, which is not an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 9 is not valid because it results in an invalid / non-integer value of Q. The UE then checks whether a = 1 / 4 (the next / second highest priority candidate value) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 4 and M = 15 PRBs, Q = 20 PRBs, which is an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 4 is valid because it results in a valid / integer value of Q. From this, the UE can explicitly determine that a = 1 / 4 should be used, and thus in the case where M = 15 PRBs is indicated in the FDRA, a total allocation Q of 20 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE.

[0328] If the FDRA indicates M = 24 PRBs, each of a = 1 / 9 and a = 1 / 4 results in a valid (integer) value of Q, namely 27 PRBs and 32 PRBs, respectively. However, the UE can still explicitly determine that the valid candidate scaling factor value to use / choose is a = 1 / 9, and thus, since a = 1 / 9 has a higher priority than a = 1 / 4, a total allocation Q of 27 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE. Note that the results can be different if the validity rule applied requires Q to be even.

[0329] The following example illustrates a scenario in which the priority / order of the candidate scaling factor values depends on the allocation. Consider the case where a set of candidate scaling factor values (in respective priority order) is configured / indicated to the UE:

[0330] • When the in-band allocation has a first range of values (e.g., M < 18 PRBs), use 1 / 9 and 1 / 4; and

[0331] • When the in-band allocation has a second range of values (e.g., M >= 18 PRBs), use 1 / 4 and 1 / 9.

[0332] The validity rule applied in the above example is that the total allocation Q must be an integer.

[0333] If the FDRA indicates M = 15 PRBs, the UE will first check if a = 1 / 9 (highest priority candidate value) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 9 and M = 15 PRBs, Q = 16.875 PRBs, which is not an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 9 is not valid as it results in an invalid / non-integer value for Q. The UE will then check if a = 1 / 4 (next / second highest priority candidate value) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 4 and M = 15 PRBs, Q = 20 PRBs, which is an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 4 is valid as it results in a valid / integer value for Q. From this, the UE can unambiguously determine that a = 1 / 4 should be used, and thus that a total allocation Q of 20 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE in case M = 15 PRBs is indicated in the FDRA.

[0334] However, if the FDRA indicates M = 24 PRBs, the UE will first check if a = 1 / 4 (highest priority candidate value in case M >= 18) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 4 and M = 24 PRBs, Q = 32 PRBs, which is an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 4 is valid as it results in a valid / integer value for Q. From this, the UE can unambiguously determine that a = 1 / 4 should be used, and thus that a total allocation Q of 32 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE in case M = 24 PRBs is indicated in the FDRA.

[0335] However, if the FDRA indicates M = 32 PRBs, the UE will first check if a = 1 / 4 (highest priority candidate value in case M >= 18) is valid as it results in a non-integer Q = 42.667. The UE will then check if a = 1 / 9 (next / second highest priority candidate value in case M >= 18) is valid. In this example, for a = 1 / 9 and M = 32 PRBs, Q = 36 PRBs, which is an integer value, and thus a = 1 / 9 is valid as it results in a valid / integer value for Q. From this, the UE can unambiguously determine that a = 1 / 9 should be used, and thus that a total allocation Q of 36 PRBs should be used in the FDSS-SE in case M = 32 PRBs is indicated in the FDRA.

[0336] Advantageously, examples of the present disclosure can thus enable the correct scaling factor to be unambiguously determined by applying simple rules, such as those mentioned above, in particular.

[0337] In examples of the present disclosure, candidate scaling factor values can be flexibly adjusted, in particular by means of their priority configuration, in order to accommodate various preferences arising from UE and gNB implementations.

[0338] In examples of the present disclosure, candidate extension factor values can be RRC configured (without increasing the dynamic signaling burden) while still being able to be adjusted (i.e. one of the candidate extension factor values is dynamically selected for use in FDSS-SE) to take into account UE preference for the extension factor value(s) depending on the allocation while still supporting all valid intra-band sizes, i.e. the gNB is still free to utilize any allocation to schedule the UE.

[0339] In examples of the present disclosure, a framework is provided that supports multiple extension factor values and avoids any increase in DCI size in order to provide such support.

[0340] It should be appreciated that Figures 3-4 Each block and combination of blocks illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and other functional blocks described herein, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and / or software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the above-described functions can be performed by a suitably configured apparatus, such as, for example, an apparatus including means for performing the above-described functions, e.g. in the form of a UE or gNB. One or more of the above-described functions can also be implemented by a suitably configured computer program, such as a computer program including computer program instructions for performing the above-described functions and which can be stored in a memory and executed by a processor.

[0341] It will be appreciated that any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (i.e. hardware) to produce a machine, such that the instructions which, when executed by the programmable apparatus, generate the means for implementing the functions specified in the blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including the instructions which implement the functions specified in the blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational acts to be performed on the programmable apparatus, to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed by the programmable apparatus provide the acts for implementing the functions specified in the blocks.

[0342] Various but not necessarily all examples of the present disclosure can take the form of method, apparatus or computer program. Accordingly, various but not necessarily all examples can take the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0343] Various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure will be described using a flowchart and block diagram. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart and block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart and block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These program instructions can be provided to a processor, processing circuit, or controller, such that the instructions which execute on the same processor, processing circuit, or controller create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. The computer program instructions can be executed by the processor to cause a series of operational blocks / steps / actions to be performed by the processor, to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the processor provide the functionality of the block / steps specified in the block or blocks.

[0344] Accordingly, these blocks support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of actions for performing the specified functions, and combinations of computer program instructions / algorithm for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block and combinations thereof can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified function or action, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer program instructions.

[0345] Various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure provide a method and corresponding apparatus including various means for providing functionality for performing / affixing the actions of the method. The means can be implemented by hardware or software or firmware and can be implemented by a combination of hardware and software or firmware. In the case of a software or firmware, examples of the disclosure can be provided as a computer program product including a computer readable storage structure storing computer program instructions (i.e., software or firmware) readable by a computer processor.

[0346] Figure 5 A block diagram of an apparatus 10 is schematically illustrated for performing the methods, procedures, processes, and signaling described in the Figure 3 and Figure 4 The apparatus can perform the role of the UE 110 or gNB 120 in the illustrated and described methods. Figure 5 The component blocks in the

[0347] The apparatus includes a controller 11 which can be provided within a device such as the UE 110 or gNB 120.

[0348] The controller 11 can be embodied in a computing device, particularly those mentioned above. In some, but not all, examples, the device can be implemented as a chip, chipset, circuit system, or module, i.e., used in any of the aforementioned devices. As used herein, "module" refers to a unit or device that does not include certain parts / components added by the final manufacturer or user.

[0349] The controller 11 can be implemented as a controller circuit system. The controller 11 can be implemented entirely in hardware, with some aspects of software (including separate firmware), or it can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0350] The controller 11 can be implemented using instructions that implement hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 14 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 12. The executable instructions can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 13 (such as a memory or disk) and executed by the processor 12.

[0351] Processor 12 is configured to read data from memory 13 and write data to memory 13. Processor 12 may also include an output interface for outputting data and / or commands via the output interface; and an input interface for inputting data and / or commands to processor 12 via the input interface. The device may be coupled to or include one or more other components 15 (in particular, for example: wireless transceivers, sensors, input / output user interface elements, and / or other modules / devices / components for inputting and outputting data / commands).

[0352] Memory 13 stores a computer program 14 comprising instructions (computer program instructions / code) that control the operation of device 10 when loaded onto processor 12. The instructions of computer program 14 provide logic and routines that enable the device to perform operations described herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the methods, procedures, and processes. Processor 12 is able to load and execute computer program 14 by reading memory 13.

[0353] Computer program instructions can be included in a computer program, a non-transient computer-readable medium, a computer program product, or a machine-readable medium. As used herein, the term "non-transient" refers to a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM and ROM). In some, but not all, examples, computer program instructions may be distributed across more than one computer program.

[0354] Although the memory 13 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which can be integrated / detachable, and / or can provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0355] Although the processor 12 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry, some or all of which can be integrated / detachable. The processor 12 can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor.

[0356] The apparatus can comprise one or more components for implementing the methods, processes, and procedures described in the present disclosure and illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The functionality of these components can be combined in one or more components, or performed by other functionally equivalent components, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The description of the functionality is intended merely for illustration, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications to these components can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0357] If a certain feature of a structure is described, it can be replaced by a means for performing the function of the certain feature, whether the function is explicitly described or implied.

[0358] Although the above examples of apparatuses are described by including various components, it is to be understood that these components can be embodied by, or controlled by, corresponding controllers or circuitry, such as one or more processing elements or processors of the apparatuses. In this regard, each of the above components can be one or more of any devices, components, or circuitry configured to perform the corresponding functions of the above components.

[0359] For example, the apparatus can be a client device, a server device, a mobile phone, a base station in a mobile cellular communication system, a wireless communication device, a handheld electronic device, a location / position tag, an ultra tag, etc. The apparatus can be embodied by a computing device, such as those mentioned above, among others. However, in some examples, the apparatus can be embodied as a chip, chip set, circuitry, or module, i.e., for any of the above devices.

[0360] In one example, the apparatus is embodied in a handheld portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, mobile communication device, wearable computing device, or personal digital assistant, which additionally can provide one or more of audio / text / video communication functionality (e.g., telephonic communication, video communication, and / or text transmission (Short Message Service (SMS) / Multimedia Message Service (MMS) / email) functionality), interactive / non-interactive viewing functionality (e.g., web browsing, navigation, television / program viewing functionality), music recording / playback functionality (e.g., Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) or other format and / or (frequency modulation / amplitude modulation) radio broadcast recording / playback), data download / transmission functionality, image capture functionality (e.g., using a (e.g., built-in) digital camera), and gaming functionality, or any combination thereof.

[0361] In examples in which the apparatus is provided within the UE 110, the apparatus comprises:

[0362] at least one processor 12; and

[0363] at least one memory storing instructions 13 that, when executed by the at least one processor 12, cause the apparatus at least to:

[0364] determine a plurality of candidate values of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority level;

[0365] receive, from a radio access network (RAN) node, information indicating resources allocated to the apparatus for use in uplink (UL) transmission;

[0366] determine a value of the SE parameter based at least in part on: at least one of the plurality of SE parameter candidate values and its associated priority level, and the allocated resources; and

[0367] transmit, to the RAN node, the UL transmission based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0368] The apparatus can be used to determine a value of the SE parameter for use in FDSS-SE in DFT-s-OFDM.

[0369] In examples in which the apparatus is provided within the gNB / RAN node 120, the apparatus comprises:

[0370] at least one processor 12; and

[0371] at least one memory storing instructions 13 that, when executed by the at least one processor 12, cause the apparatus at least:

[0372] determining a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determining is based at least in part on:

[0373] at least one of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter,

[0374] at least one priority associated with at least one of the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and

[0375] allocating resources to a user equipment (UE) for use in uplink (UL) transmissions; and

[0376] receiving an UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0377] According to some examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a system (e.g., at least one user equipment 110 and one gNB node 120).

[0378] The above examples can serve as enabling components of the following systems: telecommunications systems; tracking systems, automotive systems; electronic systems (including consumer electronics); distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content (including audio, video and audiovisual content and mixed reality, mediated reality, virtual reality and / or augmented reality); personal systems (including personal health systems or personal fitness systems); navigation systems; user interfaces (also known as human-machine interfaces); networks (including cellular networks, non-cellular networks and optical networks); ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things (IoT); vehicle-to-everything (V2X), virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0379] According to examples of the present disclosure, the apparatus can be provided in an electronic device (e.g., a mobile terminal). However, it should be understood that a mobile terminal is merely one example of an electronic device that can benefit from the implementation examples of the present disclosure, and thus should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. While in some implementation examples, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, hand-held portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems, can also readily employ the examples of the present disclosure. Moreover, the examples of the present disclosure can be readily employed by devices whether or not they are intended to provide mobility.

[0380] Figure 6 FIGURE 13 illustrates a computer program 14 that can be conveyed via a delivery mechanism 20. The delivery mechanism 20 can be any suitable delivery mechanism such as a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a solid-state memory, a recording medium, such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), or an article of manufacture that includes or embodies the computer program 14. The delivery mechanism can be a signal configured to reliably deliver the computer program. An apparatus can receive, process or transmit the computer program as a computer data signal.

[0381] In some examples of the disclosure, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by an apparatus (e.g., UE 110), cause the apparatus to at least perform or for causing at least the following:

[0382] determining a plurality of candidate values of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority level;

[0383] receiving, from a radio access network (RAN) node, information indicating resources allocated to the apparatus for use in uplink (UL) transmissions;

[0384] determining a value of the SE parameter based at least in part on: at least one candidate value of the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter and its associated priority level, and the allocated resources; and

[0385] transmitting, to the RAN node, a UL transmission based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0386] In some examples of the disclosure, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by an apparatus (e.g., gNB 120), cause the apparatus to at least perform or for causing at least the following:

[0387] determining a value of a spectrum extension (SE) parameter for use in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determination is based at least in part on: at least one candidate value of a plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, at least one priority level associated with the at least one candidate value of the plurality of candidate values of the SE parameter, and resources allocated to a user equipment (UE) for use in uplink (UL) transmissions; and

[0388] receiving the UL transmission from the UE based at least in part on the selected value of the SE parameter.

[0389] References to “computer program”, “computer-readable storage medium”, “computer program product”, “tangibly embodied computer program” etc., or a “controller”, “computer”, “processor” etc., should be understood to encompass one or more instances of a computer-having a different architectural arrangement, such as a single processor or multiple processors, contextualized, or shared, memory, etc. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or

[0390] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” refers to all of the following:

[0391] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) ;

[0392] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware (ii) combinations of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions and

[0393] (c) hardware circuit(s) that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software can not be present when it is not needed for the hardware circuitry and / or processor(s) to operate. The machine-readable medium 1002 can include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 1004 (also known as a computer-readable medium) on which is stored, or which stores a computer program, software, or firmware 1006 embodying any or all of the techniques described herein. The machine-readable medium 1004 can comprise a storage device such as ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory. The machine-readable medium 1004 can also comprise a memory on a processor or a processor core, such as a register or other memory. The machine-readable medium 1004 can also comprise a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 1004, such as a storage device or memory on a processor or a processor core, such as a register or other memory. The machine-readable medium 1004 can be non-transitory, in the sense that the machine-readable medium 1004 can store data that can or can not be changed by the computer program, software or firmware 1006 when the computer program, software or firmware 1006 is run. The machine-readable medium 1004 can also comprise a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 1004, such as a storage device or memory on a processor or a processor core, such as a register or other memory. The techniques also relate to a machine-readable medium 1002, such as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 1004, storing instructions 1006 that when executed by a machine, such as a processing device 1000, cause the machine to perform any or all of the operations described herein.

[0394] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including all uses in any claims. As a further example, as used herein the term circuitry also encompasses an implementation that is a processor or processors and / or a processor core or cores, working together to cause a device to perform various functions described herein, and / or to generate a particular signal at a particular location on or within a device. For example, in the context of FIG. 1, one or more processors 102 can be an example of a hardware processor or processors configured by firmware or software 106 to generate a particular signal at a particular location on or within the device 100.

[0395] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0396] Features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0397] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions can also be performed by other features whether described or not.

[0398] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features can also be present in other examples (whether described or not). Thus, features described with reference to one example / aspect of the disclosure can include any or all of the features described with reference to another example / aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa, so long as they are not mutually exclusive.

[0399] Although various examples of the disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that modifications can be made to the examples given without departing from the scope of the application as set out in the claims.

[0400] The term "comprise" is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X can comprise only one Y, or X can comprise more than one Y. If it is intended that "comprise" be used in an exclusive sense, then the context will make this clear, by referring to "comprising only one... " or using "consisting of".

[0401] In this specification, the words "connect", "couple", and "communication" and their conjugates mean operational coupling / coupling / communication. It should be appreciated that there can be any number of intervening components (including none) interposed between two components that are coupled / coupled / communicate so that there is operational coupling / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components.

[0402] The term "determine" (and grammatical variants thereof) as used herein can include, but is not limited to, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, identifying, looking up (such as in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Furthermore, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), retrieving / accessing (e.g., retrieving / accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Additionally, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, deciding and the like.

[0403] As used herein, a description of action that is performed can also be interpreted as a description of enabling the action, causing the action, and / or controlling the action. For example, a description of sending information can also be interpreted as a description of enabling sending of the information, causing sending of the information, and / or controlling sending of the information. Similarly, a description of an apparatus that sends information may, for example, also be interpreted as a description of components or controllers of at least one apparatus that enable the apparatus to send information, cause the apparatus to send information, and / or control the apparatus to send information.

[0404] If not explicitly stated (unless the context requires otherwise), a reference to a parameter (e.g. a SE parameter) or a parameter value is to be understood as referring to “data indicative of the relevant parameter / parameter value”, “data defining the relevant parameter / parameter value”, or “data representative of the relevant parameter / parameter value”. The data can indicate the relevant parameter / parameter value in any manner and can be a direct or indirect indication.

[0405] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that the features or functions are present in that example. The use of the terms “example”, “for instance”, “may” or “might” etc. in the text, whether explicitly stated or not, indicates that a feature or function is present in at least the described example (whether explicitly described or not), and that it can or might be present in some or all other examples. Thus, “example”, “for instance”, “may” or “might” refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. The properties of the instance can be properties of that instance alone, or properties of the class, or properties of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.

[0406] In this description, unless explicitly stated otherwise, reference to “a / an / the” [feature, element, component, means, etc.] is used in an inclusive, not an exclusive, sense and should be construed to refer to “at least one” [feature, element, component, means, etc.]. That is, any reference to X including Y indicates that X can include only one Y, or can include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If it is intended to use “one” or “the” in an exclusive sense, then it will be explicitly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of “at least one” or “one or more” can be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be understood as implying any exclusive meaning. As used herein, “at least one of: <list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of: <list of two or more elements>” and similar expressions (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean that at least one element, or at least two or more elements, or at least all elements in the list.

[0407] Features (or combinations of features) in the claims are to be interpreted as encompassing both the features recited in the claims themselves and equivalents thereof. For example, the features recited in the claims are to be interpreted as encompassing equivalents thereof, such as variants of the features that serve the same technical effect in substantially the same way. For example, equivalents include features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same results.

[0408] In this specification, reference can be made to various examples, which are described in terms of specific configurations and dimensions. Such descriptions of specific examples are provided to give a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples described herein can be practiced in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the examples described herein.

[0409] In the above description, the described apparatuses can alternatively or additionally include an apparatus that in some other examples includes a distributed system of apparatuses, such as a client / server apparatus system. In examples where the provided apparatus forms (or the method is implemented as) a distributed system, each apparatus forming a component and / or part of the system provides (or implements) one or more features that together implement an example of the disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus is reconfigured by an entity other than its original manufacturer to implement an example of the disclosure by providing it with additional software, such as by a user downloading such software, which when executed causes the apparatus to implement an example of the disclosure (such implementation can be entirely by the apparatus, or can be as part of an apparatus system as mentioned above).

[0410] The above description describes some examples of the disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structural and methodological features that are functionally identical to those of the specific examples of structure and functionality described above in this document, which are omitted from the above description for the sake of brevity and clarity. Nonetheless, the above description should be interpreted as implicitly including a reference to such alternative structural and methodological features that provide equivalent functionality, unless the above description of examples of the disclosure explicitly excludes such alternative structural or methodological features that provide equivalent functionality.

[0411] While the above description seeks to highlight those features of examples of the disclosure that are considered to be particularly important, it will be appreciated that the applicant claims any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned herein and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whether or not it is particularly highlighted.

[0412] Examples of the present disclosure and the appended claims can be properly combined in any manner apparent to those of skill in the art. Separate references to “an example,” “in some examples,” and / or the like in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same example, and are not mutually exclusive, unless otherwise stated and / or apparent from the context. For example, the same feature, structure, process, module, step, action, etc. can be included in more than one example without necessarily being included in each example.

[0413] Each claim is incorporated into the specification of this patent application as further disclosure and the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, although the claims herein are provided as including particular dependencies, it is contemplated that any claim can depend from any other claim and that if any alternative embodiments can arise from combining, integrating and / or omitting features of the claims and / or changing the dependencies of the claims, then any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining multiple candidate values ​​of the spectral extension SE parameter used in frequency domain spectral shaping FDSS in Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein each candidate value of the SE parameter is associated with a different priority. A component for receiving information from a radio access network (RAN) node indicating resources allocated to the device for use in uplink UL transmission; Components for determining the value of the SE parameter based at least in part on the following: At least one candidate value from the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter and its associated priority, and The allocated resources; as well as A component for sending UL transmissions to the RAN node based at least in part on the determined value of the SE parameter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the SE parameter is at least one of the following: The expansion factor for the SE in DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS; The expansion factor α, where: Where: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; For the extended size of the SE in a DFT-s-OFDM with FDSS; The expansion size is in units of several resource blocks; or Expand by size Δ, where: Where: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission.

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information indicating the resources allocated to the apparatus for use in UL transmission includes information indicating at least one of the following: Frequency domain resources; One or more resource elements (REs); One or more resource blocks (RBs); In-band resource allocation or size; or Total resource allocation or size.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein determining the value of the SE parameter comprises: One of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter is selected, wherein the candidate value has the highest priority and satisfies at least one selection criterion.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one selection criterion includes at least one of the following: Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value results in the total computational resource allocation or size calculated at least in part based on the candidate value being an integer multiple of the resource block; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, such that the total computational resource allocation or size calculated based on the one of the plurality of candidate values ​​is at least in part an even multiple of the resource block; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value satisfies the following first equation: in: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; α represents one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter; Represents the set of natural numbers / positive integers that do not contain zero, or even positive integers that do not contain zero; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value results in the total computational resource allocation or size calculated based at least in part on the candidate value satisfying the rules for the DFT size; or Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value satisfies the following second equation: Where: Q = total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; a, b, and c are non-negative integers; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value results in a total computed excess bandwidth allocation or size calculated at least in part based on the candidate value being an integer or even multiple of the resource block; or Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value satisfies the following equation: Where: Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; Represents the set of natural numbers / positive integers that do not contain zero, or even positive integers that do not contain zero.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one selection criterion includes at least one of the following: Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value results in the computational in-band resource allocation or size calculated at least in part based on the candidate value being an integer multiple of the resource block; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value satisfies the following equation: in: M indicates the in-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; Q represents the total resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; α represents one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter; Represents the set of natural numbers / positive integers that do not contain zero; Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value results in an in-band resource allocation or size calculated based at least in part on the candidate value satisfying a rule for the DFT size; or Select one of the plurality of candidate values ​​for the SE parameter, wherein the candidate value satisfies the following equation: Where: M = In-band resource allocation or size used for UL transmission; a, b, and c are non-negative integers.

7. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter are predefined by a specification or configured by the RAN node.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component for determining the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter comprises: A component for receiving information from the RAN node indicating the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further includes a component for determining at least one priority of at least one of the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one priority of the at least one candidate value among the plurality of candidate values ​​is based at least in part on the allocated resources and / or modulation coding scheme.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim further includes a component for sending information to the RAN node indicating at least one of the following: One or more of the SE parameters are supported candidate values; One or more preferred candidate values ​​for the SE parameter; One or more candidate values ​​for the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values; or One or more preferred candidate values ​​for the SE parameter for each range in the set of in-band allocation size ranges.

12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims further includes a component for receiving information from the RAN node indicating whether an FDSS having an SE should be applied.

13. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining the value of the spectral spread (SE) parameter used in frequency domain spectral shaping (FDSS) in Discrete Fourier Transform Extended Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), wherein the determination is based at least in part on: At least one of the multiple candidate values ​​for the SE parameter; At least one priority associated with at least one of the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter; as well as Resources allocated to the user equipment (UE) for use in uplink (UL) transmissions; as well as A component for receiving UL transmissions from the UE, at least in part based on the determined value of the SE parameter.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: A component for sending to the UE information indicating the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter and a plurality of priorities respectively associated with the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter; as well as A component for sending information to the UE indicating the resources allocated to the UE.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, further comprising a component for receiving information from the UE indicating at least one of the following: One or more candidate values ​​for the SE parameter supported by the UE; One or more candidate values ​​of the SE parameter preferred by the UE; or The SE parameter includes one or more candidate values ​​and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: Components used to identify at least one of the following: The information indicating the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter and the plurality of priorities associated with the plurality of candidate values ​​of the SE parameter, respectively; or The information indicating the resources allocated to the UE; The component used for determination is based at least in part on the information indicating at least one of the following: One or more candidate values ​​for the SE parameter supported by the UE; One or more candidate values ​​of the SE parameter preferred by the UE; or One or more candidate values ​​for the SE parameter and one or more associated priorities for the one or more candidate values.

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