Assignment of Core Set #0 for the New Wireless

Abstract

This invention provides a system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for the allocation of Core Set #0 for New Radio (NR). [Solution] The method includes the steps of: determining a control resource set zero configuration table to be applied based on the synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with the puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determining information related to at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determining the control resource set zero of the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some exemplary embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless communication systems such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technology, 5G Beyond, and other communication systems. For example, certain exemplary embodiments may relate to an apparatus, system, and / or method for the allocation of New Radio (NR) Control Resource Set Zero (CORESET#0).

Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile communication systems or wireless communication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, 5th Generation (5G) wireless access technology or NR access technology, and / or 5G Advanced. The 5G wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) of wireless systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is mainly based on NR technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN wireless. NR is expected to provide bitrates of 10 - 20 Gbit / s or higher and may support at least Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). NR is expected to enable extremely wideband, ultra-robust, low-latency connections and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT).

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some exemplary embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include the steps of: determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determining information relating to at least one of a punctured resource block or an unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determining the control resource set zero of the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0004] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to the device. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least the steps of: determining a control resource set zero configuration table applied based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determining information relating to at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determining the control resource set zero of the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0005] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to the apparatus. These embodiments may include: means for determining a control resource set zero configuration table to apply based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; means for receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; means for obtaining a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; means for determining information relating to at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and means for using the determined information to determine the control resource set zero of the narrowband new radio.

[0006] According to other exemplary embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform the method. The method may include the steps of: determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determining information relating to at least one of a punctured or unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determining a control resource set zero of a narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0007] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs the method. The method may include the steps of: determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determining information relating to at least one of a punctured resource block or an unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determining a control resource set zero of the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0008] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to a device that includes a circuit configured to perform the following steps: determine an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block has been detected; receive a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption; obtain a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; determine information relating to at least one of a punctured or unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information, based on the row index; and determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0009] Several exemplary embodiments may be directed to a method. This method may include the steps of: transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block shown on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information about punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information.

[0010] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to the apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions causing the steps of: transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio, when performed by at least one processor; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information on a punctured resource block or an unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information.

[0011] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to a device which includes means for transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio, and means for transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block shown on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information on a punctured resource block or an unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information.

[0012] According to other exemplary embodiments, a non-transient computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. This method may include the steps of: transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block shown on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information on a punctured resource block or an unpunctured resource block, or interleaved information.

[0013] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs the method. The method may include the steps of: transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block shown on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information about punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information.

[0014] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes a circuit configured to perform the steps of: transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block shown on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, please refer to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a deployment scenario. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an NR initial access signal and channel with a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz when the channel bandwidth is ≥ 5 MHz. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a synchronized raster point below 3 GHz. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) assignment in a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) physical resource block (PRB) with four different frequency domain shifts as a function of the physical cell ID. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of predefined parameters for control resource set zero (core set #0). [Figure 6(a)] Figure 6(a) shows an example of a resource block (RB) and slot symbol in the core set. [Figure 6(b)] Figure 6(b) shows an NB NR scenario with multiple patterns 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a table of different channel bandwidths (BW), synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) transmission BWs, and synchronization raster dependencies. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a new core set #0 configuration table according to a specific exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an entry in the core set #0 configuration table of Figure 8, according to a specific exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another new core set #0 configuration table according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows interleaved and non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mappings according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a configuration table for Modified Core Set #0 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13(a)] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a first new core set #0 configuration table according to a specific exemplary embodiment when a plurality of configuration tables are configured. [Figure 13(b)] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a second new core set #0 configuration table according to a specific exemplary embodiment when a plurality of configuration tables are configured. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an exemplary flow diagram of another method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a set of apparatuses according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It will be readily understood that the components of a specific exemplary embodiment generally described and illustrated in the figures herein may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of a system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for the allocation of core set #0 for NR. For example, a specific exemplary embodiment may be directed to the allocation of core set #0 for NR with reduced bandwidth (BW). Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to narrowband new radio (NB NR) operation and the reception of PDCCH in an NB NR scenario.

[0017] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in any suitable way in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of “specific embodiments,” “exemplary embodiments,” “several embodiments,” or other similar phrases throughout this specification refers to the fact that certain features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, wherever “specific embodiments,” “exemplary embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “other embodiments,” or other similar phrases appear throughout this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in one or more exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, throughout this specification, “base stations,” “cells,” “nodes,” “gNBs,” “networks,” or other similar terms may be used interchangeably.

[0018] In this specification, “at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of the <list of two or more elements>” and similar expressions in which lists of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or” mean at least one of the elements, at least two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements. Where used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the enumerated terms.

[0019] NR Rel-18 may offer dedicated spectrum support for frequencies below 5 MHz in frequency range 1 (FR1). These networks could benefit not only from the high spectral efficiency of 5G NR but also from its ultra-reliability and low latency.

[0020] While the transmit bandwidth for NR can be flexibly configured for physical channels and signals, for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) core set #0 (e.g., Type0-PDCCH core set #0), only a limited number of transmit bandwidths may be supported, and synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks (SSB) may have a single Tx bandwidth for each subcarrier interval. Therefore, it is necessary to consider what new transmit bandwidths will be introduced in the spectrum below 5 MHz, especially for SSB and PDCCH.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an example of a deployment scenario. In particular, Figure 1 shows the simultaneous deployment of NR and Global Mobile Communications System-Railway (GSM-R) in the 5.6 MHz spectrum, with the downlink (DL) shown on the left and the uplink (UL) on the right. Future Railway Mobile Communications Systems (FRMCS) have agreed to use NR. For NB NR, a frequency allocation of 2x5.6 MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) (874.4-880 MHz / 919.4-925 MHz) may be considered. FRMCS may also consider soft migration from GSM-R, which would require parallel operation of GSM-R and NR. Furthermore, depending on the number of parallel channels in GSM-R, approximately 3.6 MHz or 3 MHz of frequency band may be available for NR (both DL and UL) during parallel operation.

[0022] Figure 1 also shows the adjacent channel deployment of NR and GSM-R, with a single boundary between NR and GSM-R. In some applications, NB NR may be considered for public safety in the 900 MHz band with a 2x3 MHz FDD spectrum for smart grids or for a 2x3 MHz FDD spectrum in Band 28 for public safety in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR).

[0023] As mentioned above, enabling 5G NR to operate on a narrower bandwidth than the 5MHz channel it was originally designed for can be beneficial. For example, NR deployment in the 900MHz FRMCS band could run in parallel with legacy GSM-R carriers within a 5.6MHz bandwidth, thus allowing approximately 3.6MHz to be used for NR. Similarly, there may be cases where only a 3MHz channel is available for NR.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of an NR initial access signal with a channel bandwidth ≥ 5 MHz and a channel with a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS). As shown in Figure 2, the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) signal and channel transmitted by an NR base station (gNB) with a channel bandwidth ≥ 5 MHz may occupy 20 RBs and may not be designed for transmission on narrow channels. During initial cell selection (i.e., initial access), the UE can look up the primary synchronization signal (PSS) of the SSB at a predefined synchronization raster point. In other words, the synchronization raster indicates the frequency location of a synchronization block that the UE may use for system acquisition in the absence of explicit signaling of the synchronization block location. A global synchronization raster may be defined for all frequencies. The frequency location of an SS block may be defined as the frequency location of an SS block (SSREF) with the corresponding global synchronization channel number (GSCN).

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of a synchronous raster point below 3 GHz. As shown in Figure 3, a synchronous raster point below 3 GHz can be defined as a cluster of three points. When detecting the PSS and its resulting SSS, the UE can perform demodulation of the PBCH using channel estimates calculated from the PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS). The DMRS of the NR-PBCH may be mapped to all NR-PBCH symbols with a density of 3 resource elements (RE) / PRB / symbols across the entire NR-PBCH. The DMRS may have the same RE position for all NR-PBCH symbols, as shown in Figure 4. In particular, Figure 4 shows an example of DMRS assignment in a PBCH physical resource block (PRB) with four different frequency domain shifts as a function of the physical cell ID.

[0026] As described herein, a core set can represent a set of physical resources (i.e., a specific area on the NR DL resource grid) and a set of parameters used to transmit PDCCH / downlink control information (DCI). A core set may include many parameters that can be configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC). Furthermore, core set #0 may represent a set of resources that transmits PDCCH for System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) scheduling. Since core set #0 is used before the RRC connection is established, it may not be configurable by the RRC. Therefore, core set #0 must be configured in a separate process using predefined parameters as shown in Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 6(a) shows an example of resource blocks (RBs) and slot symbols for a core set. In particular, Figure 6(a) shows the set of RBs and slot symbols for a core set for a PDCCH search space where the (SS / PBCH block, PDCCH)SCS is set to (15,15)kHz for a minimum channel BW of 5MHz or 10MHz frequency bandwidth. As shown in Figure 6(a), the frequency / time resource allocation for core set #0 may be given by an “index” in the Master Information Block (MIB) (carried by the PBCH). Furthermore, Figure 6(b) shows an NB NR scenario with multiplexing pattern 1. Also, Figure 6(b) shows an NB NR scenario with 24 RBs having a 15kHz SCS (for both SSB and core set #0) and 2 or 3 orthogonal frequency division modulation (OFDM) symbols. The SSB may be in the same subcarrier raster as the common RB grid where core set #0 is located, but may not be aligned at the RB level. The subcarrier offset between the SSB and the common RB grid may be provided by the k_SSB parameter provided in the MIB. For example, the k_SSB parameter may be a 5-bit FR1 which will use values ​​of 0, ..., 23 to indicate the subcarrier offset between the SSB and the common RB grid. Furthermore, the k_SSB parameter may have the characteristic that only values ​​of 0, ..., 11 are used if the SSB and core set C0 have the same SCS. For the PDCCH search space set, the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per PDCCH occasion is shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0028] For potential SSB changes for NB NR on sub-5MHz BWs, a new synchronous raster can be provided for 3MHz channel BWs, for example, with a 100kHz frequency spacing and a -90 or 90kHz offset relative to the channel raster, allowing FRMCS to support a variety of TxBWs. For example, if the available BW is between 4MHz and 5MHz (i.e., 20RB to 25RB), an NR design with 20RB SSB will work by occupying a portion of the 5MHz channel BW. Furthermore, if the available BW is between 3MHz and less than 4MHz (i.e., 15 to 19RB), the UE can assume a 3MHz / 15RB BW before obtaining SIB1. In other words, in such cases, the 15RB SSB and coreset C0 option can be used.

[0029] In other cases, approximately 10–14 GSM-R carriers are needed for secure railway communication on band n100. These 10–14 GSM-R carriers may occupy 2–2.8 MHz, leaving 3.6–2.8 MHz for NR-based FRMCS and the necessary guard band. A 15RB band is narrow enough to leave sufficient space for the 10 GSM-R carriers, but may be too wide to facilitate coexistence with the 14 GSM-R carriers. Therefore, for SSB and PDCCH, it may be desirable to support an optional second narrow band in addition to the aforementioned 3 MHz channel bands, such as a 12 or 13RB band.

[0030] When considering potential SSB changes, it may be desirable for the UE to determine the correct puncturing pattern. For example, the UE can determine which PRBs are punctured by defining the relationship between the synchronization raster location and the puncturing. In puncturing operation, the NR base station (BS) may blank signals mapped to certain predefined RBs that deviate from the desired transmit BW (i.e., the NRBS does not transmit the signal). Otherwise, the NRBS's coding and transmit processing remains unchanged. In some exemplary embodiments, when the UE receives a transmit with a punctured RB, the UE may nullize the punctured RB at the receiver (e.g., by setting the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) to zero in the channel decoder). Otherwise, the UE's receiver processing may remain unchanged. If the UE detects PSS / SSS at a new synchronization raster point, the UE may assume NB (narrowband) PBCH transmission for both PBCH data and DMRS resource elements (REs) (e.g., 15RB BW instead of the 20RB WB used in legacy systems). If the UE detects a PSS / SSS at a legacy synchronization raster point, the UE can assume normal transmission of the PBCH. If multiple PBCH transmit bandwidths are supported for the same synchronization raster, determining PBCH puncturing can become complex. The PBCH transmit bandwidth may be constrained to the synchronization raster location detected by the PSS / SSS. For a new synchronization raster location, if the detected PSS / SSS is too close to the n100 band edge and a 15RB PBCH does not fit the band, a narrower PBCH transmit bandwidth (e.g., a 12 or 13RB bandwidth) may be assumed. Figure 7 shows a table of different channel bandwidths, SSB transmit bandwidths, and synchronization raster dependencies. In particular, Figure 7 shows a table of channel bandwidths, SSB bandwidths, and synchronization raster relationships for band n100.

[0031] Various solutions have been proposed for indicating the amount of puncturing and the frequency domain allocation of coreset #0 in relation to the transmitted RB of SSB. However, these solutions often have drawbacks, including the possibility of correctly acquiring the PBCH while making a false BW hypothesis that reduces the probability of PDCCH detection. Furthermore, there are limitations to the representation of the punctured CCE and the position of coreset #0 relative to the undistorted SSB when the SSB is punctured from both ends (e.g., asymmetrically). In addition, the edges of coreset #0 may remain aligned with the edges of the undistorted PBCH.

[0032] In light of existing shortcomings, certain exemplary embodiments may provide a method for allocating core set #0 resources in NB NR scenarios. Based on SSB detection (including the relevant representation of correctly detected PBCHs or punctured RBs on PBCHs), the UE can assume that it has no uncertainty regarding punctured and unpunctured RBs on PBCHs.

[0033] As described herein, certain exemplary embodiments may provide information in at least one entry of the coreset#0 configuration table. The coreset#0 configuration table having this information may be applied by the UE when the UE determines puncture transmission from the gNB (for example, based on detecting a PSS / SSS specific synchronization raster point). The information may include, for example, the number of valid (transmitted) or punctured (untransmitted) RBs of coreset#0. It may also include that one edge of coreset#0 (for example, the low edge corresponding to the lowest subcarrier of the lowest frequency resource block) is aligned with that of an unpunctured RB of the PBCH. The information may further include an indication of the CCE interleaving option (e.g., interleaved or uninterleaved). In other exemplary embodiments, the information may include some combination of the information described above. Depending on the embodiment, certain information elements (columns) of an existing CORESE#0 configuration table may be considered useless (or invalid) or used in a different interpretation. For example, the offset (RB) may not be used (e.g., if one edge of core set #0 aligns with that of the non-puncture RB of the PBCH). In another exemplary embodiment, the offset (RB) may be used to convey PDCCH-related puncture information (e.g., the puncture RB of the Type0-PDCCH).

[0034] According to certain exemplary embodiments, there may be multiple coreset #0 configuration tables, and the applicable coreset #0 configuration table (legacy or new table having the information described above) may be determined based on certain conditions. For example, one condition is that the new configuration table may contain entries having one or more of the information described above. Another condition is that the applicable coreset #0 configuration table (legacy or new table) is determined based on a identified synchronization raster point (legacy or new synchronization raster point), which may be operationally close to a band edge (e.g., the low or high edge of the band at a frequency; the band may contain necessary guard bands or frequency-usable RBs). For example, if a PSS / SSS is detected on a legacy synchronization raster point, the legacy configuration table may be applied. In another exemplary embodiment, if a PSS / SSS is detected on a new synchronization raster point and there is sufficient bandwidth for a PBCH with 15 non-punctured RBs, the first new / modified coreset #0 configuration table may be applied. In a further exemplary embodiment, if a PSS / SSS is detected on a new synchronization raster point and there is no bandwidth margin because a PBCH with 15 non-punctured RBs is too close to the bandwidth edge (if there are 12 / 13 non-punctured RBs for the PBCH), a second new / modified coreset #0 configuration table may be applied. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the UE may also decide to apply a new table based on invalid SCS combinations of SSB and PDCCH shown in the Master Information Block (MIB) and / or based on the k_SSB value shown in the MIB.

[0035] In certain exemplary embodiments, multiple (e.g., two) tables may be predetermined using the information described above. For example, multiple (e.g., two) new coreset #0 configuration tables (having the information described above) may be predetermined. The UE may determine which configuration table to apply based on at least one of the following: synchronization raster points, the number of active PBCH RBs, the SCS combination of SSB and PDCCH, and / or the k_SSB value. For example, if the number of active PBCH RBs is 20, the legacy table may be applied. If there are 15 RBs, the first new configuration table may be applied, and if there are 12 or 13 RBs, the second new configuration table may be applied.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the application of a configuration table may be determined based on detected synchronization raster points. For example, synchronization raster points on a legacy raster may result in the application of a legacy table. If the synchronization raster point is on a new raster (e.g., the SSB / PBCH transmit BW corresponding to the first configuration / puncturing pattern fits the bandwidth and does not fall under the band's guard band) and is not close to the bandwidth edge, a first new configuration table may be applied. If the synchronization raster point is on a new raster and is close to the bandwidth edge, a second new configuration table may be applied. The determination of whether the SSB bandwidth is close to the bandwidth edge may be based on a set threshold or may be pre-set / defined in the standard.

[0037] As shown above, the UE can determine which configuration table to apply based on the SCS combination of SSB and PDCCH, and / or the k_SSB value. For example, if the SCS combination is {15,15}, the legacy table may apply. Furthermore, for the SCS combination {15,30} and a k_SSB less than 12, the first new configuration table may apply. Furthermore, if the SCS combination is {15,30} and k_SSB is greater than 11, the second new configuration table may apply. In these cases, operating according to the NR < 5MHz scenario, the SCS combination {15,30} is interpreted as the SCS combination {15,15}, and k_SSB greater than 11 is interpreted as (k_SSB-12), respectively.

[0038] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, entries having the information described above can form a subset of the existing coreset #0 configuration table. Certain entries in the table may be used for legacy operation, while entries having the information described above may be used with a crashed coreset #0.

[0039] Figure 8 shows a new coreset #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, coreset #0 configured by the new coreset #0 configuration table may have punctured SSBs and aligned low edges. Furthermore, the rows in the table in Figure 8 may show the number of unpunctured RBs and the interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping. The number of unpunctured RBs may be given in a specific column that indicates it, or it may be given by reusing an existing column in the legacy table, for example, the "Number of RBs" column. In other words, the number of unpunctured RBs may be shown in a new column, or it may be shown by reusing an existing column. In another exemplary embodiment, the coreset #0 configuration table may show the number of RBs before puncturing, for example, 24, as in the legacy table. Also, the number of RBs may be less than 24 or greater than 24, at least for certain rows (=indexes). Moreover, the coreset #0 configuration table may show the puncturing pattern of the PDCCH. One advantage of this approach (i.e., the number of RBs before puncturing is 24, and the coreset #0 configuration table shows the puncturing pattern of the PDCCH) is that there is no need to define a new size option for coreset #0. Another advantage is that it becomes possible to use different puncturing patterns (i.e., larger Tx BW) in the RRC configuration search space associated with coreset #0 (in other words, the puncturing pattern can be a new information element in the coreset configuration or search space configuration, or it can be a new RRC parameter). This is particularly beneficial in 3-5MHz scenarios. As an example, the puncturing pattern can be thought of as a 24-bit bitmap, for example (24 bits is the coreset C0 size at frequency). "0" means that if the PDCCH being transmitted does not contain the corresponding RB, the gNB punctures it (i.e., no such RB is transmitted), and "1" means that if the PDCCH being transmitted contains the corresponding RB, that RB is transmitted.As another example, the puncturing pattern can define whether the RBs are punctured from the lower, higher, or both ends of the frequency band, and / or how many RBs are punctured. According to the embodiment, the resolution used in the puncturing pattern may be 1RB, 2RB, 3RB, 1CCE, etc. Depending on the scenario, the puncturing pattern may cover only a portion of the COREEST, for example, only 12RBs from one end, or only X RBs from both ends. The remaining RBs in the core set can be considered unpunctured. Depending on the scenario, the puncturing pattern may be indicated by the number of transmitted RBs counted from the lowest (or highest) RB in the core set. In certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may decide to apply the table in Figure 8 based on the synchronization raster points, or based on the invalid SCS combination of SSB and PDCCH as shown in the MIB.

[0040] Figure 9 shows exemplary entries in the core set #0 configuration table of Figure 8, according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In particular, Figure 9 shows the row for index #10 in the core set #0 configuration table of Figure 8. This corresponds to a core set with two OFDM symbols and includes an interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping. Figure 9 also represents a partial CCE scenario in which CCE #1 is partially punctured. As shown in Figure 9, RB0 of core set #0 is aligned with the first transmitted PRB of the SSB. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the last 10 RBs of PDCCH (for AL8) are punctured (i.e., not transmitted).

[0041] Figure 10 shows another new core set #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the new core set #0 configuration table aligns the low edges of the PDCCH core set #0 with the low edges of the punctured SSBs, and each row indicates the number of non-punctured RBs. The rows in the table also indicate interleaved or non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mappings. In this example, interleaved may be used for a 2-symbol core set, and non-interleaved may be used for a 3-symbol core set. In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may decide to apply the table in Figure 10 based on synchronous raster points or on invalid SCS combinations of SSBs and PDCCH as shown in the MIB.

[0042] Figure 11 shows interleaved and non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mappings according to a particular exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the UE may determine, based on the new table and row index, that RB 0 of coreset #0 aligns with the first transmitted PRB of the SSB. The UE may also determine that the number of transmitted RBs (i.e., non-punctured RBs), such as the row at index 10 (of the coreset #0 table in Figure 10), indicates that the first 18 RBs are transmitted. The UE can further determine whether an interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping or a non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping is used. For example, the row at index 10 in Figure 10 indicates that interleaving is not applied.

[0043] Figure 12 shows a modified coreset #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the coreset #0 configuration table may be based on an existing configuration table such that invalid entries in the existing configuration table (i.e., entries with more than 24 RBs) are replaced with entries applicable to puncturing scenarios (i.e., entries with the information described above). According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the replaced invalid entries may be used when the UE is operating in a particular band, such as n100 with a maximum channel bandwidth (CBW) of 5 MHz, and / or when the UE detects PSS / SSS at a synchronization raster point indicating that the system is operating with NB NR.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE can determine valid and invalid row entries according to NB NR scenarios. For example, the UE may determine that a valid entry is one with 24 RBs, and an invalid entry is one with more than 24 RBs. In the example in Figure 12, the invalid entry is replaced with an NB NR applicable entry where NumRB indicates the number of RBs before puncturing, e.g., 24. In further exemplary embodiments, the UE may retrieve the row index of the modified coreset#0 configuration table from the MIB. For invalid entries, the UE may determine that the low edge of coreset#0 configured by the modified coreset#0 table aligns with the low edge of the punctured SSB. Furthermore, for valid entries, the UE may determine that legacy behavior applies (i.e., no puncturing, CCE-level interleaving, start of coresetC0 edge defined by k_SSB, etc.).

[0045] Figure 13(a) illustrates a first new core set #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment when multiple configuration tables are configured, and Figure 13(b) illustrates a second new configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment when multiple configuration tables are configured. As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), two new configuration tables may be introduced in addition to the legacy configuration table. In some exemplary embodiments, the first new configuration table in Figure 13(a) may be used, for example, with the 15RB SSB, when the NR has a BW allocation between, for example, 3MHz-4MHz or 3MHz-4.4MHz. In other exemplary embodiments, the second new configuration table in Figure 13(b) may be used, for example, with the 12RB SSB and / or 13RB SSB, when the NR has a BW allocation between, for example, 2.4MHz-3MHz. As shown in the tables in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the Offset column indicates the RB offset between the lowest RB of Core Set #0 and the lowest RB of the SSB.

[0046] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the UE can perform PDCCH blind detection by applying the new core set #0 configuration table shown in Figure 8 and / or Figure 10. For example, the UE may search for PSS / SSS in the bandwidth where NB NR may be deployed. When searching for PSS / SSS, there may be another synchronization raster point defined for NB NR in a particular bandwidth. After performing the search, the UE can detect the PSS / SSS on the synchronization raster point indicating that the serving cell is operating with NB NR. The UE can also receive and demodulate a PBCH according to a specific puncturing assumption (e.g., puncturing and non-puncturing RBs of a PBCH). For example, the UE can determine the non-puncturing RB transmitted for a PBCH.

[0047] The UE can also obtain a row index from the MIB that points to a new coreset #0 configuration table. For example, the UE may decide to apply a new configuration table when it detects that a PSS / SSS on a synchronization raster point indicates the use of NB NRs. Once the UE decides to apply a new configuration, it may align the low edge of coreset #0 in frequency (e.g., the first transmit RB in the frequency domain (the high edge may correspond to the last transmit RB in the frequency domain)) with the low edge of the transmit SSB. The UE can also determine the number of RBs for coreset #0 based on the row index and optionally decide whether to apply interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping or non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping based on the row index. Once the UE has determined the coreset #0 resources (i.e., the number of non-punctured RBs for coreset #0), the UE can perform PDCCH blind detection (e.g., collecting DL control information for both DL and UL grants) on the determined coreset #0 resources.

[0048] According to other exemplary embodiments, the UE may perform PDCCH blind detection by applying the modified coreset #0 configuration table shown in Figure 12. For example, the UE may search for PSS / SSS in the band where NB NR may be deployed. In this example, there may be separate synchronization raster points defined for NB NR in a particular band. As a result of the search, the UE can detect PSS / SSS on the synchronization raster points and determine that the system is operating under NB NR. The UE may also decide that the modified coreset #0 configuration table is applied.

[0049] Furthermore, the UE can receive and demodulate the PBCH according to specific puncturing assumptions (e.g., punctured and unpunctured RBs of the PBCH). For example, the UE may determine which unpunctured RBs are being sent for the PBCH. The UE may also obtain a row index from the MIB that points to the modified coreset #0 configuration table.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, legacy behavior (i.e., behavior when puncturing is not performed) may be applied to a particular coreset #0 configuration table entry (marked "enabled" in the table in Figure 12). For example, legacy behavior may include legacy assumptions regarding PRB start, RB offset, and transmit BW. In other exemplary embodiments, for a particular coreset #0 configuration table entry (marked "invalid" in the table in Figure 12), the UE may apply new coreset #0 receive behavior. For example, new coreset #0 receive behavior may include the UE aligning the low edge of the coreset #0 frequency with the low edge of the transmit SSB. The new coreset #0 receive behavior may also include the UE determining the number of RBs for coreset #0 based on the row index. Furthermore, the new coreset #0 receive behavior may optionally include the UE determining whether interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping or non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping is applied based on the row index. In other exemplary embodiments, the new core set #0 receive operation may include any one or a combination of the three operations described above. Once the UE has determined the core set #0 resource, the UE can perform a PDCCH blind detection on the determined core set #0 resource.

[0051] According to other exemplary embodiments, if multiple configuration tables are configured, the UE can perform PDCCH blind detection by applying a new core set #0 configuration table illustrated in Figures 13(a) and (b). For example, the UE may search for PSS / SSS in the bandwidth where NB NR may be deployed. In this example, there may be separate synchronization raster points defined for NB NR in a particular band. As a result of the search, the UE can detect PSS / SSS on the synchronization raster points and determine that the system is operating under NB NR. The UE can also receive and demodulate PBCH according to specific puncturing assumptions (such as punctured and unpunctured RBs for PBCH). For example, the UE can determine the unpunctured RBs transmitted for PBCH, and the UE can obtain the subscriber interval and subcarrier offset k_SSB from the MIB.

[0052] In certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may determine which Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable. For example, the determination may be based on the number of determined non-punctured RBs for the PBCH. In this approach, for example, the UE may determine that the legacy Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable for 20 RBs. Alternatively, the UE may determine that the first new Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable for, for example, 15 RBs (e.g., Figure 13(a)). Furthermore, the UE may determine that the second new Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable for, for example, 12 or 13 RBs (e.g., Figure 13(b)). It should be noted that the numbers of RBs listed above based on the UE's determination of which Core Set #0 configuration table to apply are merely illustrative examples.

[0053] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the UE can determine an applicable Core Set #0 configuration table based on an identified synchronization raster point. For example, if a PSS / SSS is detected based on a legacy synchronization raster point, the UE can determine that the legacy Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable. In another exemplary embodiment, if a PSS / SSS is detected based on a new synchronization raster point that is not near a bandwidth edge, the UE can determine that the first new Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable. In yet another exemplary embodiment, if a PSS / SSS is detected based on a new synchronization raster point that is near a bandwidth edge, the UE can determine that the first new Core Set #0 configuration table is applicable.

[0054] In certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may determine an applicable coreset #0 configuration table based on the SSB and PDCCH SCS combination and / or k_SSB value determined from the received MIB. In this approach, for example, if a 15 kHz PDCCH SCS is indicated in the MIB (i.e., the SCS combination is {15,15}), the UE may determine that the legacy coreset #0 configuration table is applicable. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, for a 30 kHz indicated PDCCH SCS in the MIB (i.e., the SCS combination is {15,30}) and a subcarrier offset value k_SSB < 12, the UE may determine that the first new coreset #0 configuration table is applicable. In a further exemplary embodiment, for example, if the indicated PDCCH SCS in the MIB is 30 kHz (i.e., the SCS combination is {15,30}) and the subcarrier offset value k_SSB > 11, the UE may determine that the second new coreset #0 configuration table is applicable.

[0055] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may obtain a row index from the MIB to the determined coreset #0 configuration table in order to determine the coreset #0 resource. For example, for a determined legacy table, the UE may determine the coreset #0 resource based on legacy coreset C0 behavior, including the subcarrier offset specified by k_SSB in the MIB, similar to the assumption of interleaving at the CCE level. In other exemplary embodiments, for a determined first or second new table (e.g., the tables in Figures 13(a) and (b)), the UE may apply new coreset #0 receive behavior.

[0056] In certain exemplary embodiments, the receiving operation for a new core set #0 may include the UE determining the subcarrier offset to 0, independently of the k_SSB indicated by the MIB. The UE may also determine the number of RBs for core set #0 based on the row index. Furthermore, the UE may determine the RB offset for core set #0 based on the row index. Additionally, the UE may optionally determine, based on the row index, whether an interleaved CC-to-REG mapping or a non-interleaved CC-to-REG mapping is applied. Once the core set #0 resource is determined, the UE can perform a PDCCH blind detection on the determined core set #0 resource.

[0057] Figure 14 shows an exemplary flowchart of the method according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the method of Figure 14 may be performed by a network entity in a 3GPP® system such as LTE or 5G-NR, or by a group of multiple network elements. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the method of Figure 14 may be performed by a UE similar to one of the devices 10 or 20 shown in Figure 16.

[0058] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the method of Figure 14 may include, at 1400, receiving information regarding the configuration of a control resource set zero for a narrowband new radio. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the received information may include at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information. The method may also include, at 1405, determining whether the user equipment is operating on a narrowband new radio. The method may further include, at 1410, in response to the determination, using the received information to determine a control resource set zero for a narrowband new radio.

[0059] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the method may also include aligning the low edge of control resource set zero at frequency with the low edge of transmitted synchronization signal blocks. In other exemplary embodiments, the high edge of a control resource set to zero frequency may be aligned with the high edge of transmitted synchronization signal blocks. According to some exemplary embodiments, information on punctured resource blocks consists of a puncture pattern defined by whether the resource blocks are punctured from one or both ends of the frequency band, or by the number of resource blocks that are punctured. According to other exemplary embodiments, information on unpunctured resource blocks may be indicated by the number of transmitted resource blocks counted from the lowest or highest resource block of control resource set zero.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, interleaving information may include a display of control channel element interleaving options indicating interleaved or uninterleaved control channel elements or resource element groups. In some exemplary embodiments, the determination of whether user equipment is operating on a narrowband new radio may be based on at least one of the following: a synchronization raster point, the number of active physical broadcast channel resource blocks, a combination of subcarrier spacings between synchronization signal blocks and physical downlink control channels, or a subcarrier offset between a synchronization signal block and the resource where control resource set zero is located. In other exemplary embodiments, the received information may be carried in a configuration table by adding or replacing one or more entries in the configuration table of a legacy scenario.

[0061] According to one exemplary embodiment, the received information may be carried in a configuration table in addition to a configuration table for a legacy scenario, and the method may also include deciding to use either a configuration table or a configuration table for a legacy scenario. According to some exemplary embodiments, the received information may include information for multiple narrowband new radio scenarios, and the method may further include deciding which information from the multiple narrowband new radio scenarios to use. According to another exemplary embodiment, determining whether user equipment is operating in a narrowband new radio may include detecting a synchronization signal on a synchronization raster point indicating the deployment of a narrowband new radio, and using the received information may include applying the received information to control resource set zero based on the detection of the synchronization signal.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the method may also include the steps of receiving a physical broadcast channel according to the puncturing assumption, and demodulating the physical broadcast channel according to the puncturing assumption. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may further include the steps of obtaining a row index pointing to a configuration table from a master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel, determining the number of resource blocks for control resource set zero based on the row index of the configuration table, and performing physical downlink control channel blind detection on the resources of the determined resource blocks. In another exemplary embodiment, the method may also include the step of determining at least one of the lower edge or the upper edge of a transmit synchronous signal block. Alternatively, the method may further include obtaining a subcarrier spacing and a subcarrier offset from a master information block.

[0063] According to one exemplary embodiment, the method may also include the step of performing legacy operations, including legacy assumptions regarding the physical resource block start, resource block offset, and transmit bandwidth, when the entry in the configuration table is deemed valid. According to some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include the step of performing a new control resource set zero receive operation, including aligning the low edge of the control resource set zero with the low edge of the synchronization signal block at a frequency, when the entry in the configuration table is deemed invalid. According to other exemplary embodiments, the method may further include the step of determining, based on the row index, whether a mapping from interleaved control channel elements to resource element groups is applied or a mapping from non-interleaved control channel elements to resource element groups is applied.

[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, the step of determining which information from a plurality of narrowband new radio scenarios to use may include the step of determining an applicable configuration table from a plurality of configuration tables. In some exemplary embodiments, the configuration table determination includes at least one of the following steps: determining an existing control resource set zero configuration table to be applied when a synchronization signal is detected based on an existing synchronization raster point; determining a first new control resource set zero configuration table to be applied when a synchronization signal is detected based on a new synchronization raster point not close to the band edge; or determining a second new control resource set configuration table to be applied when a synchronization signal is detected based on a new synchronization raster point close to the band edge. In other exemplary embodiments, when a combination of subcarrier spacing and / or subcarrier offsets for the synchronization signal block and the physical downlink control channel is determined from a received master information block, the method may further include the step of determining an applicable configuration table from a plurality of configuration tables based on the combination of subcarrier spacing and / or subcarrier offsets. In further exemplary embodiments, the method may also include the steps of determining a subcarrier offset to 0, independently of the subcarrier offset indicated by the master information block, and determining the resource block offset for control resource set 0 based on the row index.

[0065] Figure 15 shows an exemplary flowchart of another method according to a particular exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the method of Figure 15 may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the method of Figure 15 may be performed by a gNB similar to one of the devices 10 or 20 shown in Figure 16.

[0066] According to one exemplary embodiment, the method shown in Figure 15 may include determining, at 1500, whether the cell is operating with a narrowband new radio. The method may also include, at 1505, determining the control resource set zero configuration for the narrowband new radio in response to the determination. The method may further include, at 1510, transmitting information regarding the determined configuration of the control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the transmitted information may include at least one of information regarding punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information.

[0067] Figure 16 shows a set of devices 10 and 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. In a particular exemplary embodiment, device 10 may be an element in or related to a communication network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. Those skilled in the art should note that device 10 may include components or features not shown in Figure 16.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or user interfaces. In some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MultiFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. Those skilled in the art should note that the device 10 may include components or functions not shown in Figure 16.

[0069] As shown in the example in Figure 16, the device 10 may include, or be coupled to, a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or specific-purpose processor. In fact, the processor 12 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multicore processor architecture. Although Figure 16 shows a single processor 12, multiple processors may be utilized according to other exemplary embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in one exemplary embodiment, the device 10 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 represents a multiprocessor). According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0070] The processor 12 includes, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits that form communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of the device 10, which includes the processes and examples shown in Figure 1-14.

[0071] The device 10 may further include, or may be coupled to, a memory 14 (internal or external) that can be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may consist of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic disks or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transient mechanical or computer-readable media in any combination. Instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enable the device 10 to perform tasks such as those described herein.

[0072] In certain exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may further include, or be coupled (internally or externally), a drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the device 10 to perform any of the methods and embodiments shown in Figures 1-14.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may also include, or be coupled to, one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting them from the device 10 via the UL. The device 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15. The radio interface may support multiple radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, and inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules for processing symbols such as OFDMA symbols carried by the downlink or UL.

[0074] For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information into a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna 15 and to demodulate the information received via the antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of the device 10. In other exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 18 may directly transmit or receive signals or data. In addition or alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may further include a user interface such as a graphical user interface or a touchscreen.

[0075] In certain exemplary embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 10. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 10. Components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 20 via a wireless communication link 70 or a wired communication link 70, according to any wireless access technology such as NR.

[0076] According to one exemplary embodiment, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit or control circuit, or may form part of a processing circuit or control circuit. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in a transmitting / receiving circuit, or may form part of a transmitting / receiving circuit.

[0077] For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive information regarding the configuration of a control resource set zero for a narrowband new radio. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the received information may include at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information. The device 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine whether user equipment is operating on a narrowband new radio. The device 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to, in response to the determination, use the received information to determine a control resource set zero for a narrowband new radio.

[0078] As shown in the example in Figure 16, the device 20 may be a network, core network element, or element within a communication network, such as a gNB, BS, cell, or NW, or an element related to such a network. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the device 20 may include components or features not shown in Figure 16.

[0079] As shown in the example in Figure 16, the device 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or specific-purpose processor. For example, the processor 22 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multicore processor architecture. Although Figure 16 shows a single processor 22, multiple processors may be utilized according to other exemplary embodiments. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the device 20 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (for example, in this case, processor 22 represents a multiprocessor). In a particular exemplary embodiment, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (for example, to form a computer cluster).

[0080] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the processor 22 can perform functions related to the operation of the device 20, including, for example, precoding antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding individual bits that form a communication message, formatting information, and overall control of the device 20, including processes and examples shown in Figures 1-13 and 15.

[0081] The device 20 may further include, or may be coupled to, a memory 24 (internal or external) that can be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may consist of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic disks or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transient mechanical or computer-readable media in any combination. Instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform tasks such as those described herein.

[0082] In certain exemplary embodiments, the device 20 may further include, or be coupled (internally or externally), a drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software to be executed by the processor 22 and / or the device 20 in order to perform the methods and embodiments shown in Figures 1-13 and 15. See Figures 1-13 and 15.

[0083] In certain exemplary embodiments, the device 20 may include, or be coupled to, one or more antennas 25 for sending and receiving signals and / or data to and from the device 20. The device 20 may further include, or be coupled to, a transceiver 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that can be coupled to the antennas (one or more) 25. The radio interfaces may support a plurality of radio access technologies, including one or more of the following: GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules that can generate symbols for transmission over one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via UL).

[0084] Thus, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information into a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25 and to demodulate the information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the device 20. In other exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 18 may directly transmit and receive signals or data. Furthermore, or alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0085] In certain exemplary embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to the device 20. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0086] According to some exemplary embodiments, the processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in a processing circuit or control circuit, or may form part of a processing circuit or control circuit. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in a transceiver circuit or may form part of a transceiver circuit.

[0087] As used herein, the term “circuit” may refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuits), a combination of hardware circuits and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, any part of a hardware processor having software (including digital signal processors) that works together to cause devices (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit and / or processor, or part thereof, that uses software for operation but may not have software if it is not required for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuit” may also cover simply a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors), or a part of a hardware circuit or processor, and the accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term “circuit” may also include, for example, a server, a cellular network node or device, or a baseband integrated circuit of other computing or network devices.

[0088] In other exemplary embodiments, the device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether the cell is operating in a narrowband new radio. The device 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine a control resource set zero configuration for the narrowband new radio, depending on the determination. The device 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit information about the determined configuration of the control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the transmitted information may include at least one of information about punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing any of the methods, processes, or modifications discussed herein. Examples of means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for performing the operation.

[0090] Certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein, including means for receiving information regarding the configuration of a control resource set zero for a narrowband new radio. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the received information may include at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information. The apparatus may also include means for determining whether user equipment is operating in a narrowband new radio. In response to the determination, the apparatus may further include means for using the received information to determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio.

[0091] Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to a device that includes means for determining whether a cell is operating in a narrowband new radio. The device may also include means for determining the configuration of the control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio in response to the determination. The device may further include means for transmitting information about the determined configuration of the control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the transmitted information may include at least one of information about punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information.

[0092] Certain exemplary embodiments described herein offer several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, it may be possible to allocate NB core set #0 for NR without additional signaling overhead. Furthermore, in other exemplary embodiments, it may be possible to maintain the UE's PDCCH monitoring burden (BD budget) and maintain a consistent PDCCH hash function. For example, the mapping of PDCCH candidates in the search space set to the CCE of the associated core set may be implemented by a hash function. The hash function may randomize the allocation of PDCCH candidates in the core set over time. Furthermore, the proposed solution can be implemented without introducing new size options for core set #0. In addition, different puncturing patterns are possible for PDCCH and search space set via radio resource control (RRC) signals. For example, a search space set at least with a certain RRC can be set with less puncturing and can be used depending on the actual interference situation (e.g., a 3-5 MHz scenario).

[0093] A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components configured to perform several exemplary embodiments when the program is executed. One or more computer executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof. Changes and configurations necessary to implement the functionality of a particular exemplary embodiment may be performed as routines, or as additional or updated software routines. Software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0094] For example, software or computer program code or any part thereof may be in source code format, object code format, or some intermediate format, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectric and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may run on a single electronic digital computer or be distributed across multiple computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transient medium.

[0095] In other exemplary embodiments, functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in the device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), for example, through the use of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another exemplary embodiment, functionality may be implemented as signals, which are intangible means that can be transmitted by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other networks.

[0096] According to certain exemplary embodiments, a device such as a node, a device, or a corresponding component may be configured as a microprocessor such as a circuit, a computer, or a single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, comprising at least memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic processing and an arithmetic processor for performing arithmetic processing.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present disclosure as described above may be implemented using procedures in a different order and / or hardware elements in a different configuration than those disclosed. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations are evident, remaining within the essence and scope of the exemplary embodiments. While the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also apply to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-advanced and / or fourth-generation (4G) technologies.

[0098] Part of the glossary: 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G: 5th Generation 5GCN: 5G Core Network 5GS: 5G System AL: Aggregation Level BD: Blind Detection BS:Base Station BW: Bandwidth CCE: Control Channel Element CORESET: Control Resource Set DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal eNB: Enhanced Node B E-UTRAN: Evolved UTRAN FR1: Frequency Range 1 FRMCS: Future Railway Mobile Communication System gNB: 5G or Next Generation Node B GSCN: Global Synchronization Channel Number GSM-R: GSM Railway LTE: Long Term Evolution MIB: Master Information Block NB: Narrowband NR:New Radio NW: Network PBCH: Physical Broadcast Channel PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel PRB: Physical Resource Block PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal RE: Resource Element REG: Resource Element Group SCS: Subcarrier Spacing SI: System Information SIB: System Information Block; SRS: Sounding Reference Signal SS:Synchronization Signal SSB: Synchronization Signal Block SSREF: The frequency position of the SS block. SSS: Secondary Synchronization Signal UE: User Equipment UL: Uplink

Claims

1. A means for determining the control resource set zero configuration table to be applied based on the synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which the synchronization signal block has been detected, A means for receiving a physical broadcast channel according to the puncturing assumption, Means for obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from the master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel, A means for determining information related to at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, or interleaved information, based on the row index, A means for determining the control resource set zero of the new narrowband radio using the information determined above, A device equipped with the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for aligning the low edge of the control resource, whose frequency is set to zero, with the low edge of the synchronization signal block.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information of punctured resource blocks includes a puncture pattern defined by whether the resource blocks are punctured from one or both ends of a frequency band, or by the number of resource blocks that are punctured.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information on non-punctured resource blocks is indicated by the number of transmitted resource blocks counted from the lowest resource block, or via the highest resource block of the control resource set zero.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interleaved information indicates an interleaved or non-interleaved control channel element or a group of resource elements.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for determining whether the apparatus is operating in the narrowband new radio based on at least one of the following: a synchronization raster point, the number of valid physical broadcast channel resource blocks, a combination of subcarrier spacings between synchronization signal blocks and physical downlink control channels, and a subcarrier offset between the synchronization signal blocks and the resource on which control resource set zero is located.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control resource set zero configuration table is a configuration table obtained by adding or replacing one or more entries in the legacy scenario configuration table.

8. The aforementioned control resource set zero configuration table is added to the configuration table for legacy scenarios. Deciding to apply the control resource set zero configuration table includes deciding to apply the control resource set zero configuration table instead of the configuration table for the legacy scenario. The apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The control resource set zero configuration table includes multiple entries for narrowband new wireless scenarios, The device further comprises means for determining which entry to use based on the row index. The apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for demodulating the physical broadcast channel in accordance with the puncturing assumption.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing physical downlink control channel blind detection for the determined control resource set zero.

12. Furthermore, means for determining at least one of the lower edge of the transmit synchronization signal block and the upper edge of the transmit synchronization signal block, or Means for obtaining subcarrier interval and subcarrier offset from master information block, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

13. Means for performing legacy operations, including legacy assumptions regarding physical resource block start, resource block offset, and transmission bandwidth, when the entry in the control resource set zero configuration table is deemed valid, Means for performing a new control resource set zero reception operation, including aligning the low edge of the control resource set zero at the frequency of the low edge of the synchronization signal block, when the entry in the control resource set zero configuration table is deemed invalid, The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for applying an interleaved control channel element or a non-interleaved control channel element to a resource element group mapping based on the row index.

15. Determining the control resource set zero configuration table to be applied means When the synchronization signal block is detected based on existing synchronization raster points, it is determined that the existing control resource set zero configuration table is applicable, When the synchronization signal block is detected based on a new synchronization raster point that is not close to the bandwidth edge, a new first control resource set zero configuration table is determined to be applied. When the synchronization signal block is detected based on a new synchronization raster point near the bandwidth edge, a second new control resource set configuration table is determined to be applied. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one of the following.

16. When the combination of the synchronization signal block, the physical downlink control channel, and / or the subcarrier interval of the subcarrier offset is determined from the received master information block, Determining the control resource set zero configuration table to apply includes determining the control resource set zero configuration table from among a plurality of applicable configuration tables based on the combination of subcarrier intervals and / or the subcarrier offset. The apparatus according to claim 12.

17. A means for determining the subcarrier offset to 0, regardless of the subcarrier offset indicated by the master information block, Means for determining the resource block offset of control resource set zero based on the row index, The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

18. An apparatus comprising means for transmitting a synchronous signal block on a synchronous raster of a narrowband new radio, and means for transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted to a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, and the row index is associated with at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, interleaved information.

19. The steps include determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on the synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block was detected, The steps include: receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with the puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from the master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; The steps include determining information related to at least one of the following based on the row index: information about punctured resource blocks or non-punctured resource blocks, or interleaved information, The steps include using the determined information to determine the control resource set zero of the new narrowband radio, A method that includes this.

20. The steps include transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a new narrowband radio, A step of transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is stored in a master information block indicated for the physical broadcast channel, and the row index is associated with at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, interleaved information, A method that includes this.

21. When operated by the processor, the processor determines an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on the synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which the synchronization signal block has been detected. The steps include: receiving a physical broadcast channel in accordance with the puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from the master information block shown in the received physical broadcast channel; The steps include determining information related to at least one of the following based on the row index: information about punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, and interleaved information. The steps include using the determined information to determine the control resource set zero of the new narrowband radio, A computer-readable medium containing instructions to execute something.

22. When operated by a processor, the process involves sending a synchronous signal block to the processor on a synchronous raster of a new narrowband radio, A step of transmitting a physical broadcast channel in accordance with the puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a zero-configuration table is transported to a master information block shown in the physical broadcast channel, and the row index relates to at least one of information on punctured or unpunctured resource blocks, interleaved information, and A computer-readable medium containing instructions to execute something.

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