System and method for base station configuration of PDCCH monitoring in wireless devices

Abstract

This invention relates in general to wireless technology, and more specifically to PDCCH monitoring by user equipment (UE) in new radio (NR). [Solution] A method and apparatus for determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration of a radio device is described, specifying PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in a 5G new radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS are applied per slot per CC, and the user equipment (UE) decoding complexity associated with the execution of monitoring limits for different SCSs within a group is equal. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS are for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to wireless technology, and more specifically to Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring by a User Equipment (UE) in New Radio (NR).

Background Art

[0002] The Fifth generation mobile network (5G) is a wireless standard aimed at improving data transmission speed, reliability, availability, etc. This standard is still under development and includes many details related to various aspects of wireless communication, such as NR and NR in the spectrum above 52.6 GHz.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method and apparatus for performing PDCCH monitoring are described. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to 5G NR operating in the spectrum above 52.6 GHz band. In some embodiments, a method for use in a network device operating in a spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz is to determine a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier spacing (SCS) selected from a group of different subcarrier spacings (SCSs) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and a monitoring limit associated with each SCS including the number of blind decodes (BDs) per component carrier (CC) and the number of control channel elements (CCEs) is applied for each slot per CC, and the UE decoding complexity associated with the execution of the monitoring limits of different SCSs within the group is equal, and transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the monitoring configuration to the wireless device.

[0004] In some embodiments, the network device comprises one or more processors configured to perform operations including determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device, specifying PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and that the monitoring limits are associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decoders (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group, and transmitting monitoring configuration information to the radio device that identifies the monitoring configuration.

[0005] In some embodiments, one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media have stored instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors of a network device, cause the network device to perform an operation that includes determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decoders (BDs) and the number of CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group, and transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the monitoring configuration to the radio device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the baseband processor is configured to perform operations including determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) relevant to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decoders (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group, and transmitting monitoring configuration information to the radio device that identifies the monitoring configuration.

[0007] This disclosure is provided as an example only and is not limited to what is shown in the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary wireless communication system according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This figure shows uplink communication and downlink communication according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This is an exemplary block diagram of a UE according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This is an exemplary block diagram of BS according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] This is a data flow diagram of one embodiment of a configuration process for configuring a wireless device. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a span gap, where X represents the distance between spans in symbols and Y represents the length of the span in symbols. [Figure 8A]This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimations) per slot per CC. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimations) per slot per CC. [Figure 9A] This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimations) per slot per CC. [Figure 9B] This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimations) per slot per CC. [Figure 10A] This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimates) per slot per CC, under options 1 and 2 when scaling PDCCH monitoring using SCS. [Figure 10B] This figure shows the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC, and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimates) per slot per CC, under options 1 and 2 when scaling PDCCH monitoring using SCS. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of scaling PDCCH monitoring based on SCS. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates an example where PDCCH monitoring occurs within the first X symbols (where X is an integer) for each slot in a slot group. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of static aggregation. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of dynamic aggregation. [Figure 15] This figure shows the location of MO within the span. [Figure 16] This figure shows three examples of the MO position. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the MO's position based on symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the process for configuring a UE (Unified Environment). [Figure 19] This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the process for configuring the UE. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process by which network devices constitute a UE (Unified Environment). [Figure 21] This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the process by which network devices constitute a UE (Union Environment). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A method and apparatus for determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device (e.g., user equipment (UE)) is described, specifying PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in a new 5G radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC, and the UE decoding complexity associated with the execution of monitoring limits for different SCS within a group is equal. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits for SCS are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size (i.e., an increase in subcarrier interval). In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS are for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group.

[0010] However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention can be put into practice without these specific details. In other examples, well-known components, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to hinder the understanding of this description.

[0011] References to "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" in this specification mean that a particular mechanism, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase "in some embodiments" that appears in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to all the same embodiments.

[0012] In the following description and claims, the terms "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. It should be understood that these words are not intended to be synonyms for each other. "Coupled" is used to indicate that two or more elements, which may or may not be in direct physical or electrical contact with each other, cooperate or interact with each other. "Connected" is used to indicate the establishment of communication between two or more elements that are coupled to each other.

[0013] The processes shown in the following figures are executed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as that executed on a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both. Although those processes are described below from the perspective of several sequential operations, it should be understood that some of the operations described can be executed in a different order. Furthermore, some operations can be executed in parallel rather than sequentially.

[0014] The terms "server", "client", and "device" are intended to generally refer to a data processing system rather than to a particular form factor of a server, client, and / or device.

[0015] A method and apparatus for determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device is described, specifying PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in a new 5G radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC, and the user equipment (UE) decoding complexity associated with the execution of monitoring limits for different SCS within a group is equal. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits for SCS are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits associated with each SCS are for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group.

[0016] The frequency bands for 5G networks fall into two sets: Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 covers communications from 450 MHz to 6 GHz, including the LTE frequency range. FR2 covers from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. FR2 is also known as the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) spectrum. In some embodiments, UEs and base stations can communicate via NR in the unlicensed band above FR2, also known as NR-U.

[0017] In some embodiments, 5G NR operates within a 5G network in the spectrum above the 52.6 GHz band (e.g., frequencies above 52.6 GHz such as 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz). Radio waves in this band have wavelengths in the so-called millimeter wave band, and radiation in this band is known as millimeter waves. When operating at these frequencies, 5G NR enables both uplink and downlink operation in unlicensed and / or licensed bands and supports features such as, but are not limited to, broadband carriers, flexible numerology, dynamic TDD, beamforming, and dynamic scheduling / HARQ timing.

[0018] It should be understood that the aspects described herein in relation to NR may also apply to NR in the spectrum above the 52.6 GHz band, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a simplified, exemplary wireless communication system according to several embodiments. Note that the system in Figure 1 is merely an example of a possible system, and features of this disclosure may be implemented as desired in any of the various systems.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102A, which communicates with one or more user devices 106A, 106B, etc. ~ 106N via a transmission medium. Each of the user devices may be referred to herein as a “user equipment” (UE). Thus, user device 106 is referred to as a UE or UE device.

[0021] Base station (BS) 102A may be a base transceiver station (BTS) or a cellular base station ("cellular base station"), and may include hardware that enables wireless communication with UE106A~106N.

[0022] The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station may be referred to as a “cell.” Base stations 102A and UE106 may be configured to communicate over a medium using one of various radio access technologies (RATs), also known as wireless communication technologies or telecommunications standards, such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G New Radio (5G NR), HSPA, and 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), (e.g., associated with a WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interface). Note that when base station 102A is implemented in the context of LTE, base station 102A may be referred to as an “eNodeB” or “eNB” instead. Note that when base station 102A is implemented in the context of 5G NR, base station 102A may be referred to as an “gNodeB” or “gNB” instead.

[0023] As shown in the figure, the base station 102A may also be equipped to communicate with the network 100 (for example, among various possibilities, the core network of a cellular service provider, a telecommunications network such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and / or the Internet). Thus, the base station 102A can facilitate communication between user devices and / or between user devices and the network 100. In particular, the cellular base station 102A can provide the UE 106 with various telecommunications capabilities such as voice, SMS, and / or data services.

[0024] Base stations 102 and other similar base stations (such as base stations 102B...102N) operating according to the same or different cellular communication standards can therefore be provided as a network of cells, capable of providing continuous or nearly continuous overlapping services to UE106A-106N and similar devices over a geographical area via one or more cellular communication standards.

[0025] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, base station 102A can function as a “serving cell” for UEs 106A to 106N, and each UE 106 can also receive signals from one or more other cells (which may be provided by base stations 102B to 102N and / or any other base stations) (within their communication range, if possible). Such cells can also facilitate communication between user devices and / or between user devices and the network 100. Such cells may include “macro” cells, “micro” cells, “pico” cells, and / or other cells that provide various other granularities of service area size. For example, base stations 102A to 102B shown in Figure 1 may be macrocells, and base station 102N may be a microcell. Other configurations are also possible.

[0026] In some embodiments, base station 102A may be a next-generation base station, such as a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or a "gNB". In some embodiments, the gNB may be connected to a conventional evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or an NR core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cell may include one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). In addition, UEs capable of operating in accordance with 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs in one or more gNBs.

[0027] It should be noted that UE106 may be capable of communicating using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, UE106 may be configured to communicate using at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD)) in addition to wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and / or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer). In addition, or alternatively, UE106 may be configured to communicate using one or more Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H or DVB-H), and / or any other wireless communication protocols, if desired. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including two or more wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a UE 106A capable of communicating with a base station 102 via uplink and downlink communications according to several embodiments. Each UE may be a device with cellular communication capabilities such as a mobile phone, handheld device, computer, or tablet, or substantially any type of wireless device.

[0029] The UE may include a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. By executing such stored instructions, the UE can perform any method embodiment described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the UE may include a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), configured to perform any method embodiment described herein, or any part thereof.

[0030] A UE may include one or more antennas for communication using one or more radio communication protocols or technologies. In some embodiments, a UE may be configured to communicate, for example, using CDMA2000 (1xRTT / 1xEV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD) or LTE using a single shared radio, and / or using GSM or LTE using a single shared radio. The shared radio may be coupled to a single antenna or (for example, for MIMO) to multiple antennas for performing radio communication. Generally, the radio may include any combination of a baseband processor, analog RF signal processing circuits (including, for example, filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.), or digital processing circuits (for, for example, digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio may implement one or more receive and transmit chains using the above hardware. For example, UE106 may share one or more parts of its receive and / or transmit chains among multiple radio communication technologies such as the above technologies.

[0031] In some embodiments, the UE may include separate transmit and / or receive chains (including, for example, separate antennas and other radio components) for each radio communication protocol that the UE is configured to use with it. Further possibilities include one or more radios shared among multiple radio communication protocols, and one or more radios used by only one radio communication protocol. For example, the UE may include a shared radio for communication using either LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTT, or LTE or GSM), and separate radios for communication using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, respectively. Other configurations are also possible.

[0032] In some embodiments, UEs and base stations can communicate via NR in unlicensed bands, also known as NR-U. NR-U is an operating mode included in NR Release 16, which defines techniques for cellular operators to integrate unlicensed spectrum (e.g., frequencies above 52 GHz, or 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz) into 5G networks. Radio waves in this band have wavelengths in the so-called millimeter-wave band, and radiation in this band is known as millimeter waves. NR-U enables both uplink and downlink operation in unlicensed bands. NR-U supports new features, such as broadband carriers, flexible numerology, dynamic TDD, beamforming, and dynamic scheduling / HARQ timing. However, as discussed in other sections, there are issues with dynamic scheduling.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram of a communication device 106 according to several embodiments. Note that the block diagram of the communication device in Figure 3 is only one example of a possible communication device. According to embodiments, the communication device 106 may be a UE device, a mobile device or mobile station, a radio device or radio station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet, and / or a combination of devices, among other devices. As shown in the figure, the communication device 106 may include a set of components 300 configured to perform core functions. For example, this set of components may be implemented as a system on a chip (SOC) which may include parts for various purposes. Alternatively, this set of components 300 may be implemented as separate components or groups of components for various purposes. The set of components 300 may be coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly so as to communicate) to various other circuits of the communication device 106.

[0034] For example, the communication device 106 may include various types of memory (including, for example, NAND flash 310), an input / output interface such as a connector I / F 320 (for connecting to, for example, a computer system, a dock, a charging station, an input device such as a microphone, a camera, a keyboard, or a speaker), a display 360 which may be integrated with or outside the communication device 106, a cellular communication circuit 330 for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, etc., and a short-to-medium range wireless communication circuit 329 (for example, Bluetooth® and WLAN circuit). In some embodiments, the communication device 106 may include a wired communication circuit (not shown), such as a network interface card for Ethernet.

[0035] The cellular communication circuit 330 may be coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, in a communicative manner) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 335 and 336, as shown in the figure. The short-to-medium range wireless communication circuit 329 may also be coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, in a communicative manner) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 337 and 338, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the short-to-medium range wireless communication circuit 329 may be coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, in a communicative manner) to antennas 335 and 336, in addition to or instead of coupling (e.g., directly or indirectly, in a communicative manner) to antennas 337 and 338. The short-to-medium range wireless communication circuit 329 and / or the cellular communication circuit 330 may include multiple receive chains and / or multiple transmit chains for receiving and / or transmitting multiple spatial streams in a multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) configuration, such as.

[0036] In some embodiments, as further described below, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include dedicated receiving chains for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receiving chain for LTE and a second receiving chain for 5G NR), which may be communicably, directly or indirectly, included and / or coupled with dedicated processors and / or radios. In addition, in some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include a single transmitting chain that can be switched between radios dedicated to a particular RAT. For example, a first radio may be dedicated to a first RAT, e.g., LTE, and communicate with a dedicated receiving chain and a transmitting chain shared with an additional radio, e.g., a second radio, and a second radio may be dedicated to a second RAT, e.g., 5G NR, and communicate with a dedicated receiving chain and a shared transmitting chain.

[0037] The communication device 106 may also include and / or be configured for use with one or more user interface elements. The user interface elements may include any of a variety of elements, such as a display 360 (which may be a touchscreen display), a keyboard (which may be a separate keyboard or implemented as part of a touchscreen display), a mouse, a microphone and / or a speaker, one or more cameras, one or more buttons, and / or any of a variety of other elements capable of providing information to the user and / or receiving or interpreting user input.

[0038] The communication device 106 may further include one or more smart cards 345, such as one or more UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) cards 345, which include SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality.

[0039] As shown in the figure, the SOC 300 may include one or more processors 302 capable of executing program instructions for the communication device 106, and a display circuit 304 capable of performing graphics processing and providing display signals to the display 360. The one or more processors 302 may be coupled to a Memory Management Unit (MMU) 340, which may be configured to receive addresses from the one or more processors 302 and to translate these addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read-only memory (ROM) 350, NAND flash memory 310), and / or other circuits or devices such as the display circuit 304, the short-range wireless communication circuit 229, the cellular communication circuit 330, the connector I / F 320, and / or the display 360. The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table conversion or setup. In some embodiments, the MMU 340 may be included as part of a processor(s) 302.

[0040] As described above, the communication device 106 may be configured to communicate using wireless and / or wired communication circuits. The communication device 106 may also be configured to provide PDCCH monitoring and related configurations to user equipment and base stations.

[0041] As described herein, the communication device 106 may include hardware and software components for implementing the above-described features for performing PDCCH monitoring of the communication device 106 and the base station. The processor 302 of the communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored in a memory medium (e.g., a non-temporary computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 302 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 302 of the communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein together with any one or more of the other components 300, 304, 306, 310, 320, 329, 330, 340, 345, 350, 360.

[0042] In addition, as described herein, the processor 302 may include one or more processing elements. Thus, the processor 302 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the processor 302. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the processor(s) 302.

[0043] Furthermore, as described herein, the cellular communication circuit 330 and the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may each include one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in the cellular communication circuit 330, and similarly, one or more processing elements may be included in the short-range wireless communication circuit 329. Thus, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 330. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 230. Similarly, the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may include one or more ICs configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 32. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 329.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an exemplary block diagram of a base station 102 according to several embodiments. Note that the base station in Figure 4 is only one example of a possible base station. As shown in the figure, the base station 102 may include one or more processors 404 capable of executing program instructions for the base station 102. The processors 404 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 which may be configured to receive addresses from the processors 404 and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read-only memory (ROM) 450) or other circuits or devices.

[0045] The base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. The network port 470 may be connected to a telephone network and configured to provide access to the telephone network to multiple devices, such as the UE device 106, as shown above in Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] Network port 470 (or additional network ports) may also, or alternatively, be configured to connect to a cellular network, such as the core network of a cellular service provider. The core network can provide mobility-related services and / or other services to multiple devices, such as UE device 106. Optionally, network port 470 may connect to a telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network can provide a telephone network (for example, between other UE devices serviced by the cellular service provider).

[0047] In some embodiments, base station 102 may be a next-generation base station, such as a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or a "gNB". In such embodiments, base station 102 may be connected to a conventional evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or an NR core (NRC) network. In addition, base station 102 may be considered a 5G NR cell and may include one or more transition and receive points (TRPs). In addition, UEs capable of operating in accordance with 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs in one or more gNBs. In some embodiments, base stations may operate in 5G NR-U mode or in modes operating in the spectrum above the 52.6 GHz band.

[0048] The base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434, and possibly more antennas. At least one antenna 434 may be configured to operate as a radio transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with the UE device 106 via a radio 430. Antenna 434 communicates with the radio 430 via a communication chain 432. The communication chain 432 may be a receive chain, a transmit chain, or both. The radio 430 may be configured to communicate via a variety of wireless communication standards, including but not limited to 5G NR, 5G NR-U, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, and Wi-Fi.

[0049] Base station 102 can be configured to communicate using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, base station 102 may include multiple radios, which may enable base station 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, one possibility is that base station 102 may include an LTE radio for performing communication according to LTE, and a 5G NR radio for performing communication according to 5G NR and 5G NR-U. In such a case, base station 102 may be capable of operating as both an LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. Another possibility is that base station 102 may include a multimode radio, which may be capable of performing communication according to any of several wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

[0050] As further described below in this specification, BS102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting the implementations of the features described herein. The processor 404 of the base station 102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the methods described herein by executing program instructions stored in a memory medium (e.g., a non-temporary computer-readable memory medium), for example. Alternatively, the processor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 404 of BS102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the features described herein, together with one or more of the other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, and 470.

[0051] In addition, as described herein, the processor(s) 404 may consist of one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be contained within the processor(s) 404. Thus, the processor(s) 404 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the processor(s) 404. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the processor(s) 404.

[0052] Furthermore, as described herein, the radio 430 may consist of one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included within the radio 430. Thus, the radio 430 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the radio 430. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the radio 430.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an exemplary simplified block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to several embodiments. Note that the block diagram of the cellular communication circuit in Figure 5 is only one example of a possible cellular communication circuit. According to the embodiment, the cellular communication circuit 330 may be included in a communication device such as the communication device 106 described above. As described above, the communication device 106 may be, among other devices, a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a radio device or radio base station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet, and / or a combination of devices.

[0054] The cellular communication circuit 330 can be coupled (for example, directly or indirectly, in a communicative manner) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 335a, 335b, and 336, as shown (in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include dedicated receiving chains for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receiving chain for LTE and a second receiving chain for 5G NR) (e.g., including dedicated processors and / or radios, and / or being communicatively coupled directly or indirectly to the dedicated processors and / or radios). For example, as shown in Figure 5, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include modems 510 and 520. Modem 510 may be configured for communication according to a first RAT, such as LTE or LTE-A, and modem 520 may be configured for communication according to a second RAT, such as 5G NR.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the modem 510 may include one or more processors 512 and a memory 516 that communicates with the processors 512. The modem 510 may also communicate with a radio frequency (RF) front end 530. The RF front end 530 may include circuits for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 530 may include a receive circuitry (RX) 532 and a transmit circuitry (TX) 534. In some embodiments, the receive circuitry 532 may communicate with a downlink (DL) front end 550 that may include circuits for receiving radio signals via an antenna 335a.

[0056] Similarly, the modem 520 may include one or more processors 522 and a memory 526 that communicates with the processors 522. The modem 520 may also communicate with an RF front end 540. The RF front end 540 may include circuits for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 540 may include a receiving circuit 542 and a transmitting circuit 544. In some embodiments, the receiving circuit 542 may communicate with a DL front end 560 which may include circuits for receiving radio signals via an antenna 335b.

[0057] In some embodiments, switch 570 may couple a transmitting circuit 534 to an uplink (UL) front end 572. In addition, switch 570 may couple a transmitting circuit 544 to an UL front end 572. The UL front end 572 may include a circuit for transmitting a radio signal via an antenna 336. Thus, when the cellular communication circuit 330 receives a command to transmit according to a first RAT (e.g., supported via a modem 510), switch 570 may be switched to a first state that enables the modem 510 to transmit a signal according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmission chain including transmitting circuit 534 and the UL front end 572). Similarly, when the cellular communication circuit 330 receives a command to transmit according to a second RAT (e.g., supported via a modem 520), switch 570 may be switched to a second state that enables the modem 520 to transmit a signal according to a second RAT (e.g., via a transmission chain including transmitting circuit 544 and the UL front end 572).

[0058] As described herein, the modem 510 may include hardware and software components that implement the above-described features, or for determining physical downlink shared channel scheduling resources to user equipment devices and base stations, and various other techniques described herein. The processor 512 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored in a memory medium (e.g., a non-temporary computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 512 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 512 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein in conjunction with one or more of the other components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336.

[0059] In addition, as described herein, the processor 512 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, the processor 512 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the processor 512. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the processor 512.

[0060] As described herein, the modem 520 may include hardware and software components that implement the above-described features for determining physical downlink shared channel scheduling resources to user equipment devices and base stations, as well as various other technologies described herein. The processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored in a memory medium (e.g., a non-temporary computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein together with one or more of the other components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336.

[0061] In addition, as described herein, the processor 522 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, the processor 522 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the processor 522. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the processor 522.

[0062] In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is performed by the UE to acquire downlink control information (DCI) and provide the UE with information regarding uplink and / or downlink transmissions. This information includes, but is not limited to, physical layer resource allocation, power control commands, HARQ information for both uplink and downlink, and other information to facilitate uplink and downlink transmissions. In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is symbol-level monitoring.

[0063] Figure 6 is a data flow diagram of one embodiment of the configuration process for configuring a wireless device. Referring to Figure 6, the gNB (or other network node) 601 includes a determination module 601A for determining a PDCCH search space monitoring configuration for a UE (or other wireless device), such as UE602, and generates configuration information for configuring the UE to perform PDCCH search space monitoring according to the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration. The transmission module 601B transmits the monitoring configuration information 603 (for example, configuration information for configuring a wireless device to perform PDCCH search space monitoring).

[0064] UE602 includes a receiving module 602A that receives monitoring configuration information 603 and a UE configuration module 602B that configures UE602 based on the monitoring configuration information 603. In such cases, the UE configuration module 602B performs the necessary decoding and processing of the monitoring configuration information 603 to obtain information used to configure UE602, including information to enable the UE to perform functions related to PDCCH monitoring.

[0065] The UE may be configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on the first three OFDM symbols of a slot. This is referred to herein as Configuration 1-1. In another embodiment, the UE may be configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on three consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot. This is referred to herein as Configuration 1-2. In this configuration, UE capability signaling indicates whether the UE supports receiving scrambled PDCCH using C-RNTI or CS-RNTI in a search space configured to monitor within a single span of any three consecutive OFDM symbols in a slot, and this configuration is used for only one frequency range (e.g., frequency range 1 (FR1) of 5G NR).

[0066] In yet another UE configuration called Usage Configuration 2, the UE may be configured to perform PDCCH monitoring, which monitors for opportunities in the Type 1 Common Search Space (CSS), Type 3 CSS, and UE Search Space (UE-SS) on any OFDM symbol in a slot, with a dedicated radio resource control (RRC) configuration. In one use, this is an optional feature with UE capability signaling to indicate one of two options: 1) there is no gap between the two DCIs, or the i-th minimum time separation between the two unicast DCIs is 2 symbols / 15kHz, 4 symbols / 30kHz, 7 symbols / 60kHz NCP, and 12 symbols / 120kHz.

[0067] In yet another configuration, the UE performs PDCCH monitoring for monitoring opportunities, and this monitoring can be any OFDM symbol in the slot for usage configuration 2 which has a span gap. Figure 7 shows an example of a span gap where X represents the distance between spans in symbols and Y represents the length of the span in symbols. In configurations previously defined in NR, the PDCCH monitoring configuration information indicates whether the UE supports PDCCH search space monitoring opportunities in any symbol in the slot that has a minimum time separation between two consecutive PDCCH transmissions and has a span of up to two OFDM symbols for two OFDM symbols, or a span of up to three OFDM symbols for four and seven OFDM symbols. In one configuration, the supported value set (X,Y) is (7,3). In another configuration, the supported value set of (X,Y) includes (4,3) and (7,3). In yet another configuration, the supported value set of (X,Y) is (2,2), (4,3), and (7,3).

[0068] In one configuration, for a set of monitoring opportunities within the same span, there is one downlink (DL)DCI + one uplink (UL)DCI for each CC scheduled across this set of monitoring opportunities for FDD, and one DL DCI + up to two UL DCI for each CC scheduled across this set of monitoring opportunities for TDD. Furthermore, the number of different starting symbol indices in the span for all PDCCH monitoring opportunities per slot, including the PDCCH monitoring opportunities of configuration 1-1, is less than or equal to the floor (14 / X), where X is an integer representing the minimum value among the values ​​reported by the UE. In one configuration, in a secondary cell (SCell), the number of different starting symbol indices for PDCCH monitoring opportunities per slot, including the PDCCH monitoring opportunities of configuration 1-1, is 7 or less, and the number of different starting symbol indices for PDCCH monitoring opportunities per half-slot, including the PDCCH monitoring opportunities of configuration 1-1, is 4 or less.

[0069] As described above, the UE consists of scheduling complexity that enables it to perform a predetermined number of blind decodings of candidates (e.g., the maximum number of PDCCH candidates to monitor) and a predetermined number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimates) per slot per CC. In one configuration as defined in NR Release 15, the UE has scheduling complexity units equal to one slot (i.e., the monitoring limit is per slot per component carrier (CC)), where the scheduling complexity unit is defined as the duration for which the complexity limit is valid. Figures 8A and 8B show the maximum number of PDCCH candidates to monitor per slot per CC and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimates) per slot per CC. If the monitoring limit is exceeded and the UE is overbooked, the UE may use a drop algorithm to perform a drop per slot, causing the UE to stop performing any additional blind decodings and processing any additional non-overlapping CCEs for a slot.

[0070] In the configuration defined in NR Release 16, the scheduling complexity unit is equal to one span (i.e., the monitoring limit is per span per CC). In this case, the monitoring limit includes per CC limits for all span configurations, for the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span and the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per monitoring span. Figures 9A and 9B show the maximum number of PDCCH candidates monitored per slot per CC (number of blind decodes) and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs (and their associated channel estimates) per slot per CC. In this configuration, spans are defined as (2,2), (4,3), or (7,3) with respect to (X,Y), as in the configuration described above. These limits are approximately twice the span-based monitoring limits for the configuration defined in NR Release 15. For example, when normalized across slots, a (7,3) span configuration has two spans within a slot, and the limit is 2*56 (or twice that of the configuration defined in NR Release 15). In this case, if the complexity limit is exceeded and the UE is overbooked, the UE can use a drop algorithm to perform a drop on a span-by-span basis, thereby stopping the UE from performing any additional blind decoding and any additional non-duplicate CCE processing.

[0071] For transmissions above 52.6 GHz, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is increased to provide robustness against phase noise. In one embodiment, the SCS supported for transmission in a communication system by the UE and gNB (or other network nodes) is a group of SCSs including 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz, along with 1920 kHz. However, the group of SCSs may include fewer than all of these SCSs, and may include other SCSs. This increase in subcarrier spacing results in a reduction in symbol size (e.g., OFDM symbols). For example, comparing a 120 kHz SCS to a 960 kHz SCS, the symbol size is reduced to one-eighth.

[0072] The reduction in symbol size introduces at least one problem. If the PDCCH monitoring procedure remains unchanged from that used in 5G NR, the UE may be required to increase its PDCCH processing capacity. In previous examples, the UE had to perform up to eight times the amount of PDCCH processing when comparing 120kHz to 960kHz.

[0073] Furthermore, the small symbol size makes the complexity of the UE for performing PDCCH monitoring even more difficult. This is particularly noticeable when PDCCH monitoring results in multiple PDCCH monitoring periodics of fewer than 14 symbols. This hinders the use of the feature groups (FG) 3-5, FG 3-5a, and FG 3-5b described above.

[0074] In one embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on SCSs within a group of different subcarrier intervals (SCSs) related to the spectrum in a 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz (in one embodiment, including, for example, 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz), where the PDCCH search space monitoring includes PDCCH monitoring on one of these subcarrier intervals (SCSs), and the monitoring limits associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC, and the UE decoding complexity associated with performing the monitoring limits on different SCSs within a group is equal. That is, the UE decoding complexity associated with performing the monitoring limits on different SCSs within a group is equal in that the overall UE complexity for applying the monitoring limits does not increase compared to a configuration previously defined in the NR, even if the values ​​of the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) change with changes in the SCS and its associated duration. In other words, it remains constant over the same duration. In one embodiment, the overall UE complexity with respect to the application of monitoring limits is the same as or greater than that of NR.

[0075] In one embodiment, the UE decoding complexity associated with performing monitoring limits for different SCSs within a group is maintained by scaling the PDCCH monitoring performed by the UE for SCSs within this group based on the SCS. In other words, the maximum number of monitored candidates per slot per CC (e.g., candidates requiring blind decoding (BD)) and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot per CC (e.g., the number of CCEs requiring channel estimation) are scaled for 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz SCSs compared to SCSs with subcarrier spacing configurations where μ is equal to 0-2 in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0076] In one embodiment, scaling is uniform across all SCSs. For example, in a configuration referred to herein as Configuration 1-1, where PDCCH monitoring is limited to the first three OFDM symbols in a slot, or in another configuration referred to herein as Configuration 1-2, where PDCCH monitoring can occur in any span of up to three consecutive OFDM symbols, the monitoring limits for the maximum number of monitored candidates per slot per CC and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot per CC for 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz SCSs are all scaled the same. In one embodiment, the monitoring limits for the maximum number of monitored candidates per slot per CC and the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per slot per CC for 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz SCSs are all 20 and 32, respectively. This example is shown in the table as Option 1 in Figures 10A and 10B. Thus, from the scheduling complexity, the scheduling complexity unit maintains the same BD and CCE limits per slot per CC for all. Please note that this requires a significant increase in UE complexity.

[0077] In another embodiment, using configuration 1-1 or 1-2 with a new SCS, the scaling changes with the change in SCS. In one embodiment, the scaled BD (blind decoding) limit and CCE limit are based on the increase in complexity (e.g., 2x) and the change in SCS. In one embodiment, the monitoring limit is scaled to twice the limit shown in the scaled limit of Option 1 in Figures 10A and 10B, shown as Option 2 in Figures 10A and 10B. In this case as with Option 1, the BD and CCE monitoring limits are per slot per CC.

[0078] Figure 11 shows an example of scaling PDCCH monitoring based on SCS. Referring to Figure 11, OFDM symbol 1101 represents one slot at 120 kHz, and OFDM symbol 1102 represents PDCCH information in the first three symbols of each of the eight slots at 960 kHz. Note that in Figures 11, 12-14, 16, and 17, at 960 kHz, each color change represents a different slot, while at 120 kHz, each color change represents a single symbol. Therefore, the yellow slot at 960 kHz maps to the symbol at 120 kHz.

[0079] In another embodiment, where the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring according to option 1 or 2, the UE performs PDCCH monitoring only on a maximum of X symbols (or over their span), where X is an integer less than or equal to 3 (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Thus, the monitoring opportunity (MO) can be a maximum of three OFDM symbols, thereby reducing the maximum number of symbols that are made available to be monitored.

[0080] In another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring where the PDCCH monitoring limits are defined across a group of slots (i.e., a slot group). In other words, scheduling complexity units extend across a slot group, as opposed to a single slot or span as described above, so that the duration of their application spans the duration of all slots in the group. This may be referred to herein as slot scheduling complexity aggregation. Thus, the UE's cessation of performing blind decoding on each slot per CC and / or processing non-overlapping CCEs on each slot per CC does not occur until the limits are exceeded during the duration of the slot group.

[0081] In some embodiments, the slot group does not set limits on when DCI actions occur. For example, the slot group does not control when a PDSCH is scheduled. Also, in some embodiments, a DCI decoded within a slot group can schedule actions (or multiple actions) outside the slot group. For example, a DCI decoded within a slot group can schedule a single or multiple PDSCHs based on cross-slot group scheduling. Furthermore, by setting monitoring limits to extend over the duration of the slot group, it is possible to define PDCCH complexity across multiple slots, while simultaneously scheduling one or more PUSCH / PDSCH instances within a slot group (same slot group scheduling) or across slot groups (cross-slot / cross-slot group scheduling).

[0082] In another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring using limits defined within a slot group to limit the increased complexity in the UE seen in the aforementioned uniform scaling PDCCH monitoring configuration (where BD and non-overlapping CCE limits are uniformly scaled for SCSs of 120, 240, 480, and 960 kHz), and the per-slot complexity limits seen in SCS-based scaling embodiments (where BD and CCE limits are scaled based on SCSs), which involve a broader complexity limiting across multiple slots. This may be advantageous in scenarios in beam-based systems where some slots may not have any beams. In some embodiments, the complexity limit for a slot may be "used" by another slot in the slot group without increasing the overall complexity load compared to other configurations previously defined in the NR described above.

[0083] In one embodiment, these slot group complexity limits are defined based on a reference SCS. For example, in one embodiment, the monitoring limit applied by the UE is set to be equal to the limit of the reference SCS. For example, suppose the transmitted SCS is equal to 960 kHz and the reference SCS = 120 kHz. In this case, the scheduling complexity units for the transmitted SCS are 8 slots (i.e., the slot group size is equal to 8), and the BD / CCE limit is set to a value based on the limit for the reference SCS, which is defined for each slot group per CC and is the BD / CCE limit associated with the 120 kHz SCE. Thus, the blind decoding (BD) limit for 120 kHz is equal to 20 and is applied to the UE when the transmitted SCS is 960 kHz. Therefore, in one embodiment, the BD limit is set to a value (20N, N=1, 2, 3, etc.) and the CCE limit is set to a value (32N, N=1, 2, 3, etc.) (for example, if N=1, BD:20, CCE:32; if N=2, BD:40, CCE:64).

[0084] In one embodiment, the UE consists of configuration information that specifies slot group PDCCH monitoring opportunities (MOs). In some embodiments, the information specifies the location of the PDCCH MOs. For example, in one embodiment, the information specifies the location of the PDCCH MOs defined for each slot in the slot group. In another embodiment, the information specifying the location of the PDCCH MOs is defined across the slot group, rather than per slot within the slot group. In this case, in one embodiment, for each slot in the slot group, the PDCCH monitoring occurs within the first X symbols, where X is an integer. Figure 12 illustrates this example. Referring to Figure 12, the number of slots for a 120kHz SCS is shown in OFDM symbol 1201, the information in OFDM symbol 1201 is aggregated into eight slots in 1202 for a 960kHz SCS, and the PDCCH information is aggregated within the first two symbols for each slot. In one embodiment, X is configured (e.g., by gNB). In another embodiment, X is SCS dependent. In one embodiment, for a 240kHz SCS, X is 3; for a 480kHz SCS, X is 6; and for a 960kHz SCS, X is 12. In another embodiment, for each slot in a slot group, PDCCH monitoring occurs on any span of X consecutive symbols within the slot, where X is an integer. This example is shown in Figure 12 in OFDM symbol 1203, where the information within OFDM symbol 1201 is aggregated into eight slots for a 960kHz SCS, and the PDCCH information is in two symbols in each slot, but in different positions within two or more slots. In one embodiment, X is configured (e.g., by gNB). In another embodiment, X is SCS dependent. In one embodiment, for a 240kHz SCS, X is 3; for a 480kHz SCS, X is 6; and for a 960kHz SCS, X is 12.

[0085] In some embodiments where the information specifies the location of the PDCCH MO, PDCCH monitoring opportunities are defined per slot group. In one embodiment, for each slot in the slot group, the PDCCH monitoring occurs within the first X symbols, where X is an integer. An example of this is shown in Figure 12 for OFDM symbol 1204, where the information in OFDM symbol 1201 is aggregated into eight slots for a 960kHz SCS, and the PDCCH information is at the beginning of the first slot. In one embodiment, X is configured (e.g., by gNB). In another embodiment, X is SCS dependent. In one embodiment, for a 240kHz SCS, X is 3; for a 480kHz SCS, X is 6; and for a 960kHz SCS, X is 12. In another embodiment, for each slot in the slot group, the PDCCH monitoring occurs on any span of X consecutive symbols within the slot, where X is an integer. This example is shown in Figure 12 as OFDM symbol 1205, where the information in OFDM symbol 1201 is aggregated into eight slots for a 960kHz SCS, and the PDCCH information is generated in a third slot. In one embodiment, X is configured (for example, by gNB). In another embodiment, X is SCS dependent. In one embodiment, for a 240kHz SCS, X is 3; for a 480kHz SCS, X is 6; and for a 960kHz SCS, X is 12.

[0086] In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring may be causal or non-causal. When causal, PDCCH MO applies only to symbols, either simultaneously or in the future. When non-causal, PDCCH MO may apply to any symbol starting from the beginning of the PDCCH slot group.

[0087] In one embodiment, if the UE has monitoring limits that extend across a slot group, and overbooking occurs when those limits are reached, the UE applies one or more algorithms to perform a drop. In one embodiment, overbooking and dropping are performed per slot group. In another embodiment, overbooking and dropping are performed per slot within the slot group. In such a case, overbooking and dropping may be performed per slot within the slot group, based on per-slot limits.

[0088] Optionally, in one embodiment, the UE is configured such that there is a minimum spacing between PDCCH MOs within a slot group. In one embodiment, there is at least one minimum spacing in each slot. Note that other minimum spacings may be used.

[0089] Optionally, in one embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring based on the presence of a uniform distribution of PDCCH MOs within the slots of the slot group. In another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring based on the presence of a non-uniform distribution of PDCCH MOs within the slots of the slot group.

[0090] In one embodiment, the slot group is configurable. In one embodiment, the configuration of the slot group is quasi-static. In one embodiment, this is controlled by a gNB or another network node. In one embodiment, the slot group has a quasi-static slot group configuration, the number of slots in the slot group, the distribution of MOs in each slot group, and / or the limits on each slot group are communicated quasi-statically to the UE. For example, in one embodiment, such information may be communicated by an RRC configuration.

[0091] In one embodiment, in a quasi-static slot group configuration, the number of slots scheduled for each monitoring opportunity is quasi-static. In one embodiment, scheduling for multiple aggregated slots is performed by a scheduling unit. Figure 13 shows an example of static aggregation. Referring to Figure 13, OFDM symbol 1301 represents one slot at 120 kHz where PDCCH information appears in the first 24 symbols of the slot; OFDM symbol 1302 represents eight slots at 960 kHz where the information is aggregated across two slots; and OFDM symbol 1303 represents eight slots at 960 kHz where the information is aggregated across seven slots. OFDM symbol 1301 represents the reference. OFDM symbol 1302 shows the result of performing quasi-static aggregation on OFDM symbol 1301, which results in three symbols per slot group at the beginning of the slot group (X is equal to 3), where the size of a slot group is two slots. OFDM symbol 1303 shows the result of performing a quasi-static aggregation on OFDM symbol 1301, which results in 9 symbols per slot group at the beginning of each slot group (X equals 9), where each slot group is the size of 8 slots.

[0092] In one embodiment, the slot group has a quasi-static slot group configuration, where the slot groups are non-overlapping and adjacent to one another. In another embodiment, the slot group has a quasi-static slot group configuration, where the slot groups are non-overlapping and do not have to be adjacent to one another. This may allow for power savings when no valid slot group is defined. In yet another embodiment, the slot group has a quasi-static slot group configuration, where the slot groups are overlapping.

[0093] In one embodiment, a quasi-static configuration allows different slot group sizes to be configured simultaneously. For example, at time t1, the slot group size is 8, and at time t2, the slot group size is 16. In one embodiment, the slot group configuration is tied to the subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0094] In one embodiment, the configuration of the slot group is dynamic. In one embodiment, this is controlled by a gNB or another network node. In one embodiment, the number of slots in the slot group, the distribution of MOs in each slot group, and / or the limits on each slot group are dynamically communicated to the UE. In one embodiment, this information is communicated via L-1 signaling. However, in an alternative embodiment, the information may be communicated using a different type of signaling or alternative communication mechanism. In one embodiment, the UE is configured with multiple slot group configurations, and L-1 signaling is used to dynamically switch between slot group configurations, thereby enabling dynamic changes in the slot group size over time. In one embodiment, in a dynamic slot group configuration, the number of slots scheduled for each monitoring opportunity is dynamic. In one embodiment, scheduling for multiple aggregated slots is performed by a scheduling unit. Figure 14 shows an example of dynamic aggregation. Referring to Figure 14, OFDM symbol 1401 indicates one slot at 120 kHz where PDCCH information appears in the first 24 symbols of the slot, representing the reference. OFDM symbol 1402 indicates that slots are aggregated at 960 kHz, where four slots are aggregated, then one slot is aggregated, and then three slots are aggregated.

[0095] In one embodiment of a slot group having a dynamic slot group configuration, the slot groups are non-overlapping and adjacent to one another. In another embodiment of a slot group having a dynamic slot group configuration, the slot groups do not need to be non-overlapping and adjacent to one another. This can allow for power savings when no valid slot group is defined. In yet another embodiment of a slot group having a quasi-static slot group configuration, the slot groups may overlap.

[0096] In one embodiment, the configuration of a slot group is signaled to the UE. In one embodiment, DCI signaling is used to signal the slot group configuration. For example, in one embodiment, in slot group N-1, DCI signaling is used to indicate the slot group configuration for slot group N. In one embodiment, the signaling is UE-specific signaling. For example, UE-specific signaling is signaled in GC-PDCCH. In one embodiment, UE-specific signaling is transmitted within UE-specific DCI.

[0097] In one embodiment, the UE is configured to receive configuration information and perform PDCCH monitoring on PDCCH MOs which can be configured to occur on any OFDM symbols in a slot group having gaps. This allows any symbol in the slot group to contain a PDCCH MO (as opposed to the first X symbols or any X consecutive symbols described above). In one embodiment, the locations of these MOs are based on the symbols corresponding to the beam pairs.

[0098] In one embodiment, all PDCCH monitoring opportunities may be located within any OFDM symbol in a slot group having a minimum time separation between a predetermined number (e.g., two) consecutive transmissions of the PDCCH. Figure 15 shows the MO locations within a span. Referring to Figure 15, X is the minimum number of OFDM symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs, Y is the number of OFDM symbols from which monitoring opportunities arise, and Z is the slot group size. In one embodiment, the signaling of PDCCH locations is fixed (configured). In one embodiment, the signaling of PDCCH locations is signaled by L1. However, alternative signaling may be used.

[0099] In one embodiment, X and Y are based on the actual symbols of a slot / slot group. In another embodiment, X and Y are based on symbols transmitted using beams that enable communication to the UE. For example, X refers to X symbols transmitted / received using a particular beam pair, and Y refers to the interval based on the actual beam pair.

[0100] Unlike the PDCCH monitoring described above, where (X,Y) is one of the sets (2,2), (4,3), or (7,3), in one embodiment, X, Y, and Z are SCS and slot group size dependent.

[0101] In one embodiment, there is a minimum spacing between PDCCH MOs within a slot group. For example, in one embodiment, there is a minimum MO value of at least 1 within each slot. Note that the distribution of PDCCH MOs may be uniform or non-uniform.

[0102] Figure 16 shows three examples of MO positions. Each example is for a 960 kHz SCS. Referring to Figure 16, OFDM symbol 1601 shows an example where X is equal to 14, Y is equal to 3, Z is equal to 8, and offset is equal to 0; OFDM symbol 1602 shows an example where X is equal to 14, Y is equal to 3, Z is equal to 8, and offset is equal to 5; and OFDM symbol 1603 shows an example where X is equal to 8, Y is equal to 3, Z is equal to 8, and offset is equal to 0. Note that these examples do not imply that the techniques described herein are limited to these specific values ​​of X, Y, Z, and offset.

[0103] Figure 17 shows an example of MO positions based on symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. Referring to Figure 17, OFDM symbol 1701 shows an example where X is equal to 2, Y is equal to 1, Z is not applicable (N / A), offset is N / A, and the first active beam in each slot group is used as the position for PDCCH information, and OFDM symbol 1702 shows an example where X is equal to 3, Y is equal to 2, Z is equal to 2, offset is equal to 0, and the next symbol used as the position for PDCCH information in all subsequent symbols is 3 symbols away (in the active beam) from the previous span, span length is 2, and slot group length is 2. Note that these examples do not imply that the techniques described herein are limited to these specific values ​​of X, Y, Z and offset.

[0104] The configurations described above can be used in conjunction with having the MO's position based on symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. In one embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on up to X (e.g., 3) symbols at the start of a scheduling unit transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE, and the scheduling unit size is variable (e.g., 8 slots). In another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on up to 3 symbols at the start of a scheduling unit, and the scheduling unit size is based on the position of symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. In yet another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on up to 3 symbols at the start of a scheduling unit transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE, and the scheduling unit size is based on the position of symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE.

[0105] In one embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on any span of up to three symbols in a scheduling unit transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE, and the scheduling unit size is variable (e.g., 8 slots). In another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on any span of up to three symbols in a scheduling unit, and the scheduling unit size is based on the position of the symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. In yet another embodiment, the UE is configured to perform PDCCH monitoring on any span of up to three symbols in a scheduling unit transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE, and the scheduling unit size is based on the position of the symbols transmitted using a beam that enables communication to the UE. Example flowchart

[0106] Figure 18 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the process for configuring a UE. The process is executed by processing logic comprising hardware (circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software (e.g., software running on a chip, software running on a general-purpose computer system or dedicated machine, etc.), firmware, or a combination of these three. In one embodiment, the operation in the process is performed by a UE in a 5G NR communication system.

[0107] Referring to Figure 18, the process begins when the processing logic receives monitoring configuration information, which specifies the PDCCH search space monitoring to be performed. This monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz. Monitoring limits associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC, and the UE decoding complexity associated with performing the monitoring limits for different SCS within the group is equal (processing block 1801). In one embodiment, the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size.

[0108] In one embodiment, the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size. In one embodiment, the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ only by an integer scaling factor, where the integer is 2 or greater. In another embodiment, the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ by a nonlinear relationship.

[0109] In one embodiment, PDCCH search space monitoring is specified to occur over a span of X symbols, where X is an integer.

[0110]

[0111] Upon receiving the monitoring configuration information, the processing logic configures the UE to execute each search space monitoring according to the monitoring configuration information, including the PDCCH search space monitoring specified in the monitoring configuration information (processing block 1802).

[0112] While PDCCH search space monitoring is being performed, the processing logic can optionally drop either or both candidates that require blind decoding or candidates that require channel estimation, depending on whether the monitoring limit has been exceeded (processing block 1803).

[0113] Figure 19 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the process for configuring a UE. The process is executed by processing logic comprising hardware (circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software (e.g., software running on a chip, software running on a general-purpose computer system or dedicated machine, etc.), firmware, or a combination of these three. In one embodiment, the operation in the process is performed by a UE in a 5G NR communication system.

[0114] Referring to Figure 19, the process begins when the processing logic receives monitoring configuration information, which specifies the PDCCH search space monitoring to be performed. This monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group (processing block 1901).

[0115] In one embodiment, monitoring limits are defined for each CC and each slot group. In one embodiment, monitoring limits are set based on the limits of a reference SCS.

[0116] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies a PDCCH monitoring opportunity (MO) for each slot having a slot group. In one embodiment, the PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer. In another embodiment, the PDCCH monitoring occurs for a span of X consecutive symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

[0117] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MO for each slot group. In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer. In another embodiment, PDCCH monitoring occurs for a span of X consecutive symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

[0118] In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is causal in that PDCCH MO applies only to symbols, either simultaneously or in the future. In another embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is non-causal in that PDCCH MO applies to any symbol starting from the beginning of a slot group.

[0119] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MOs having a minimum interval between consecutive MOs. In another embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MOs having a uniform or non-uniform distribution. In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in a slot group, the MO distribution within each slot group, and the monitoring limit for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is communicated quasi-statically from the network node. In another embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in a slot group, the MO distribution within each slot group, and the monitoring limit for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is communicated dynamically from the network node. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the monitoring configuration information is communicated using Layer 1 (L-1) signaling.

[0120] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes DCI signaling within a slot group that indicates the slot group configuration from the next slot group immediately following the slot group.

[0121] In one embodiment, a slot group is independent of scheduling user data transmissions for wireless devices within or across slots within the slot group.

[0122] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies the location of the PDCCH MO based on the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs, the number of symbols that cause the MO, and the slot group size.

[0123] In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs, and / or the number of symbols that result in an MO, are based on the symbols of a slot group or the slots within a slot group. In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs, and / or the number of symbols that result in an MO, are based on the symbols transmitted using the beam used for communication with the UE. In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs is equal to the number of symbols transmitted and / or received using a particular beam pair, and the number of symbols that result in an MO is based on the actual beam pair.

[0124] Upon receiving the monitoring configuration information, the processing logic configures the UE to execute each search space monitoring according to the monitoring configuration information, including the PDCCH search space monitoring specified in the monitoring configuration information (processing block 1902).

[0125] While PDCCH search space monitoring is being performed, the processing logic can optionally drop either or both candidates that require blind decoding or candidates that require channel estimation, depending on whether the monitoring limit has been exceeded (processing block 1903).

[0126] Figure 20 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the process by which network equipment constitutes a UE (Unified User). The process is executed by processing logic comprising hardware (circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software (e.g., software running on a chip, software running on a general-purpose computer system or dedicated machine, etc.), firmware, or a combination of these three. In one embodiment, the operation in the process is performed by network equipment operating in the 5G New Radio (NR) spectrum, which is above 52.6 GHz.

[0127] Referring to Figure 20, the process begins with the processing logic determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for a radio device, the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifying PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) relevant to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and monitoring limits associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC, with the UE decoding complexity associated with the execution of monitoring limits for different SCS within the group being equal (processing block 2001). In one embodiment, the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size.

[0128] In one embodiment, the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size. In one embodiment, the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ only by an integer scaling factor, where the integer is 2 or greater. In another embodiment, the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ by a nonlinear relationship.

[0129] In one embodiment, PDCCH search space monitoring is specified to occur over a span of X symbols, where X is an integer.

[0130] After determining the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration for the wireless device, the processing logic sends monitoring configuration information identifying the monitoring configuration to the wireless device (processing block 2002).

[0131] Figure 21 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the process by which network equipment constitutes a UE. The process is executed by processing logic comprising hardware (circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software (e.g., software running on a chip, software running on a general-purpose computer system or dedicated machine, etc.), firmware, or a combination of these three. In one embodiment, the operation in the process is performed by network equipment operating in 5G New Radio (NR), which is the spectrum of 5G New Radio above 52.6 GHz.

[0132] Referring to Figure 21, the process begins with the processing logic determining a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration for the radio device, where the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of subcarrier intervals (SCS) relevant to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group (processing block 2101).

[0133] In one embodiment, monitoring limits are defined for each CC and each slot group. In one embodiment, monitoring limits are set based on the limits of a reference SCS.

[0134] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies a PDCCH monitoring opportunity (MO) for each slot having a slot group. In one embodiment, the PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer. In another embodiment, the PDCCH monitoring occurs for a span of X consecutive symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

[0135] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MO for each slot group. In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer. In another embodiment, PDCCH monitoring occurs for a span of X consecutive symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

[0136] In one embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is causal in that PDCCH MO applies only to symbols, either simultaneously or in the future. In another embodiment, PDCCH monitoring is non-causal in that PDCCH MO applies to any symbol starting from the beginning of a slot group.

[0137] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MOs having a minimum interval between consecutive MOs. In another embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MOs having a uniform or non-uniform distribution. In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in a slot group, the MO distribution within each slot group, and the monitoring limit for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is communicated quasi-statically from the network node. In another embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in a slot group, the MO distribution within each slot group, and the monitoring limit for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is communicated dynamically from the network node. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the monitoring configuration information is communicated using Layer 1 (L-1) signaling.

[0138] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information includes DCI signaling within a slot group that indicates the slot group configuration from the next slot group immediately following the slot group.

[0139] In one embodiment, a slot group is independent of scheduling user data transmissions for wireless devices within or across slots within the slot group.

[0140] In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration information specifies the location of the PDCCH MO based on the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs, the number of symbols that cause the MO, and the slot group size.

[0141] In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs, and / or the number of symbols that result in an MO, are based on the symbols of a slot group or the slots within a slot group. In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs, and / or the number of symbols that result in an MO, are based on the symbols transmitted using the beam used for communication with the UE. In one embodiment, the minimum number of symbols between the initiations of different PDCCH MOs among PDCCH MOs is equal to the number of symbols transmitted and / or received using a particular beam pair, and the number of symbols that result in an MO is based on the actual beam pair.

[0142] After determining the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration for the wireless device, the processing logic sends monitoring configuration information identifying the monitoring configuration to the wireless device (processing block 2102).

[0143] The parts described above can be executed by logic circuits, such as dedicated logic circuits, or by microcontrollers or other forms of processing cores that execute program code instructions. Therefore, the processes taught by the above considerations can be executed by program code, such as machine-executable instructions, which cause a machine to perform specific functions. In this context, “machine” can be a machine that translates intermediate (or “abstract”) instructions into processor-specific instructions (e.g., an “abstract execution environment” such as a “virtual machine” (e.g., a Java Virtual Machine), an interpreter, a common language runtime, a high-level language virtual machine, etc.), and / or electronic circuits (e.g., “logic circuits” implemented with transistors) located on a semiconductor chip designed to execute instructions, such as general-purpose processors and / or dedicated processors. The processes taught by the above considerations can also be executed (in place of or in combination with a machine) by electronic circuits designed to execute those processes (or parts of the processes) without executing program code.

[0144] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may include a general-purpose computer that can be specifically constructed for a required purpose or that is selectively started or reconfigured by a computer program stored within the computer. Such computer programs may be stored in computer-readable storage media, each coupled to a computer system bus, including, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0145] Machine-readable media include any method for storing or transferring information in a format readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, machine-readable media include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and the like.

[0146] A manufactured product can be used to store program code. The manufactured product for storing program code may, but is not limited to, one or more memories (e.g., one or more flash memories, random access memories (static, dynamic, or otherwise)), optical discs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or other types of machine-readable media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Program code can also be downloaded from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requesting computer (e.g., a client) by data signals embodied in a propagation medium (e.g., via a communication link (e.g., a network connection)).

[0147] The above-described "modes for carrying out the invention" are presented in terms of algorithmic and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within computer memory. These descriptions and representations of algorithms are tools used by those skilled in the art to most effectively communicate the essence of the work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm, as used herein, is also generally considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations that produces a desired result. These operations require the physical manipulation of physical quantities. While not usually necessary, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. For reasons of general use, it has proven convenient in some cases to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc.

[0148] However, it should be noted that all of these terms, and similar terms, are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to those quantities. Unless otherwise specifically stated, as is evident from the above discussion, any discussion using terms such as “select,” “determine,” “receive,” “form,” “group,” “aggregate,” “generate,” “delete,” or similar terms throughout the explanation will be understood to refer to the operation and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers or memory of a computer system to convert it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system memory or registers, or in other such information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices.

[0149] The processes and representations presented herein are not specifically related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with programs following the teachings herein, or it may be advantageous to construct more specialized devices for performing the operations described. The structures required for various such systems will be evident from the following description. Furthermore, the present invention is not described in relation to any particular programming language. It will be understood that it is possible to implement the teachings of the present invention as described herein using various programming languages.

[0150] It should be fully understood that the use of personally identifiable information should adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to the user.

[0151] The foregoing description illustrates only some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from this discussion, the accompanying drawings, and the claims that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for use in network equipment operating in the spectrum of 5G new radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz. The method for determining the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration of a wireless device is to specify PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of different subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and to apply monitoring limits associated with each of the SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and the number of CCEs per component carrier (CC), per slot per CC. Transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the aforementioned monitoring configuration to the wireless device, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment (UE) decoding complexity associated with the execution of the monitoring limits of the different SCSs within the group is equal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ by an integer scaling factor, wherein the integer is 2 or greater.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS are different from each other in a nonlinear relationship.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring is specified to occur over a span of X symbols, where X is an integer.

7. A network device that processes monitoring configuration information received from a network node, The monitoring configuration information specifying the PDCCH search space monitoring to be performed specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of different subcarrier intervals (SCS) related to the spectrum in 5G New Radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and monitoring limits associated with each of the SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC), are applied per slot per CC. To monitor each search space in accordance with the aforementioned monitoring configuration information, A network device having one or more processors configured to perform operations including the following.

8. The network device according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring limits are scaled versions of each other and increase based on a decrease in symbol size.

9. The network device according to claim 8, wherein the BD and CCE limits associated with each increase in SCS differ by an integer scaling factor, wherein the integer is 2 or greater, or differs via a nonlinear relationship.

10. A method for use in network equipment operating in a 5G new radio in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) environment, Determining the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration of a wireless device, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of spectrum-related subcarrier intervals (SCS) in 5G new radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each of the SCS, including the number of blind decodings (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group. Transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the aforementioned monitoring configuration to the wireless device, Methods that include...

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring limit is defined for each slot group for each CC.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the monitoring limit is based on a reference SCS.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information specifies a PDCCH monitoring opportunity (MO) for each slot having the slot group.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein PDCCH monitoring occurs for each slot in the slot group over a span of X consecutive symbols, where X is an integer.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MO for each slot group.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein PDCCH monitoring occurs for the first X symbols for each slot in the slot group, where X is an integer.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein PDCCH monitoring occurs for each slot in the slot group over a span of X consecutive symbols, where X is an integer.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the PDCCH monitoring is causal in that the PDCCH MO applies only to symbols, either simultaneously or in the future.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the PDCCH monitoring is non-causal in that the PDCCH MO is applied to any symbol starting from the beginning of the slot group.

21. The method according to claim 10, further comprising dropping one or both of the candidates requiring blind decoding or the candidates requiring channel estimation in response to the exceedance of the monitoring limit.

22. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information specifies a PDCCH MO having the minimum interval between consecutive MOs.

23. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information specifies PDCCH MO having a uniform or non-uniform distribution.

24. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in the slot group, the MO distribution in each slot group, and the monitoring limits for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is communicated quasi-statically from a network node.

25. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information includes the number of slots in the slot group, the MO distribution in each slot group, and the monitoring limits for each slot group, and the monitoring configuration information is dynamically communicated from a network node.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the monitoring configuration information is communicated using Layer 1 (L-1) signaling.

27. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information includes DCI signaling within the slot group indicating the slot group configuration from the next slot group immediately following the slot group.

28. The method according to claim 10, wherein the slot group is independent of scheduling user data transmissions for the wireless device within or across the slot group.

29. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring configuration information specifies the location of the PDCCH MO based on the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs, the number of symbols that cause the MO, and the slot group size.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs, and the number of symbols that give rise to the MO, or both, are based on the symbols in the slot group or the slots within the slot group.

31. The method according to claim 29, wherein the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs, and the number of symbols that give rise to the MO, or both, are based on symbols transmitted using a beam used for communication with the UE.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the minimum number of symbols between the start of different PDCCH MOs among the PDCCH MOs is equal to the number of symbols transmitted and / or received using a particular beam pair, and the number of symbols that result in an MO is based on the actual beam pair.

33. Network equipment, Determining the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration of a wireless device, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of spectrum-related subcarrier intervals (SCS) in 5G new radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each of the SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group. Transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the aforementioned monitoring configuration to the wireless device, A network device having one or more processors configured to perform operations including the following.

34. The network device according to claim 33, wherein the one or more processors perform one or more of the methods described in claims 10 to 32.

35. One or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media having stored instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a network device, cause the network device to execute one or more of the methods according to claims 10 to 32.

36. A baseband processor, Determining the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) search space monitoring configuration of a wireless device, wherein the PDCCH search space monitoring configuration specifies PDCCH monitoring for one subcarrier interval (SCS) selected from a group of spectrum-related subcarrier intervals (SCS) in 5G new radio (NR) above 52.6 GHz, and the monitoring limits are associated with each of the SCS, including the number of blind decodes (BDs) and CCEs per component carrier (CC) for a slot group of multiple slots and for application over the duration of the slot group. Transmitting monitoring configuration information identifying the aforementioned monitoring configuration to the wireless device, A baseband processor configured to perform operations including those mentioned above.

37. The baseband processor according to claim 36, wherein the one or more processors perform one or more of the methods described in claims 10 to 32.

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