Comb Offset Randomization

Abstract

To minimize collisions of sounding reference signals transmitted using frequency hopping, different comb offset randomization schemes are disclosed. An apparatus may receive sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into multiple subbands and an associated comb offset. The apparatus may apply the comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission when an indication indicating to apply the comb offset randomization scheme is received.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Communication systems are constantly being developed. 5G, 5G Advanced, and future wireless networks or network generations aim to support a variety of services, use cases, and industries. One of the defining features of 5G (fifth generation) is the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, even in devices to which wireless resources are allocated, such as user equipment (UE). For resource allocation, such devices are configured to transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS) to a wireless network for each output port of the device, allowing the wireless network to estimate channel quality. To enhance the uplink capacity of the SRS, frequency hopping with comb offsets can be applied to the bandwidth allocated to the SRS. However, SRS transmissions from two different sources can collide, resulting in performance degradation. Therefore, a solution is needed to minimize the possibility of SRS collisions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The independent claims define the scope, the dependent claims define different embodiments.

[0004] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receive an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and, if the indication indicates applying the comb offset randomization scheme, apply one of the at least one comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0005] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least receive a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of multiple pattern sizes, wherein the candidate patterns have pattern identifiers and are associated with pattern sizes; receive an indication of a pattern size to be used by the sounding reference signal transmission; and select a comb offset pattern to be applied to the sounding reference signal transmission from the candidate comb offset patterns based on the indicated pattern size.

[0006] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least receive a selection of a subset of comb offset candidate patterns and select a comb offset pattern from the subset of comb offset candidate patterns.

[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least receive a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth, and if no pattern size indication is received, apply the second comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating partitioning of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and use of a pseudo-random comb offset value; if the pattern size indication and the second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, generate a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the apparatus, where the index is associated with a subband and a time instance; and apply the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating partitioning of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and use of a pseudo-random comb offset value; if the pattern size indication and the second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, generate a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the apparatus, where the index is associated with a subband and a time instance; and apply the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0010] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least: generate a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; and apply the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to a sounding reference signal transmission.

[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least receive at least one specific comb offset value and generate a pseudo-random comb offset value also using the at least one specific comb offset value to generate a pseudo-random comb offset value.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one comb offset randomization scheme includes multiple comb offset patterns, and the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth.

[0013] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; transmit an indication to at least one second device that applies the comb offset randomization scheme; and process sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least: transmit a first comb offset randomization scheme to at least one second device, the first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes; and transmit an indication of the pattern size to the at least one second device.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least select one or more subsets from comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes and at least transmit the subset of comb offset candidate patterns to one of the at least one second device in a first comb offset randomization scheme.

[0016] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least transmit a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least: transmit a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and use of pseudo-random comb offset values; and generate, for each sounding reference signal received from the second device, a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the second device, wherein the index is associated with a subband and a time instance of the sounding reference signal.

[0018] In an embodiment, the at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least: transmit at least one specific comb offset value assigned to the second device to the second device in a third comb offset randomization scheme; and use the at least one specific comb offset value when processing a sounding reference signal from the second device.

[0019] According to one aspect, a method is provided that includes receiving sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme, the comb offset randomization scheme indicating at least a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receiving an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization scheme to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates applying the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0020] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated pattern sizes; receiving an indication of a pattern size to be used with the sounding reference signal transmission; and selecting a comb offset pattern to be applied to the sounding reference signal transmission from the candidate comb offset patterns based on the indicated pattern size.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a selection of a subset of comb offset candidate patterns, and selecting a comb offset pattern from the subset of comb offset candidate patterns.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth, and applying the second comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission if no pattern size indication is received.

[0023] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating partitioning of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and use of a pseudo-random comb offset value; and, if the pattern size indication and the second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, where the index is associated with a subband and a time instance; and applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0024] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating partitioning of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and use of a pseudo-random comb offset value; and, if the pattern size indication and the second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, where the index is associated with a subband and a time instance; and applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method further includes generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance, and applying the pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0026] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving at least one specific comb offset value and generating a pseudo-random comb offset value also using the at least one specific comb offset value.

[0027] In an embodiment, at least one comb offset randomization scheme includes multiple comb offset patterns, and the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth.

[0028] According to one aspect, a method is provided that includes transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; transmitting an indication to at least one second device that applies the comb offset randomization scheme; and processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0029] In an embodiment, the method further includes transmitting a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes, and transmitting an indication of the pattern sizes.

[0030] In an embodiment, the method further includes selecting one or more subsets from the comb offset candidate patterns of the plurality of pattern sizes, and transmitting the subsets of the comb offset candidate patterns to at least one second device in a first comb offset randomization scheme.

[0031] In an embodiment, the method further includes transmitting a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with a sounding reference signal bandwidth.

[0032] In an embodiment, the method further includes transmitting a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of pseudo-random comb offset values, and generating, for each sounding reference signal received from the second device, a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the second device, wherein the index is associated with a subband and a time instance of the sounding reference signal.

[0033] In an embodiment, the method further includes transmitting at least one specific comb offset value assigned to the second device to one of the at least one second device in a third comb offset randomization scheme, and using the at least one specific comb offset value when processing a sounding reference signal from one of the at least one second device.

[0034] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least receive sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receive an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and, if the indication indicates applying the comb offset randomization scheme, apply one of the at least one comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0035] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; transmit an indication to at least one second device that applies the comb offset randomization scheme; and process sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0036] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least receive sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receive an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and, if the indication indicates applying the comb offset randomization scheme, apply one of the at least one comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0037] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; transmit an indication to at least one second device that applies the comb offset randomization scheme; and process sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0038] According to one aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform any of the methods disclosed above.

[0039] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; means for receiving an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and means for applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization schemes to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0040] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for performing any of the methods disclosed above.

[0041] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of a sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and an associated comb offset value; means for transmitting an indication of applying the comb offset randomization scheme to at least one second device; and means for processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0042] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for performing any of the methods disclosed above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary high-level network architecture. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary information exchanges and functions. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary information exchanges and functions. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary information exchanges and functions. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a comb offset. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The following embodiments are presented by way of example only. Although the specification may refer to "a," "one," or "some" embodiments and / or examples in multiple places, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment or example, nor does it necessarily mean that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment and / or example. Single features of different embodiments and / or examples may be combined to provide other embodiments and / or examples. Furthermore, the words "comprising" and "including" should not be understood to limit the described embodiments to those features only; such embodiments may also include features / structures not specifically mentioned. Furthermore, although ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be referred to as an element or a second element, and similarly, a second element could be referred to as a first element or an element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] 5G Advanced and future wireless networks aim to support a variety of services, use cases, and industries, such as driverless mobility with fully autonomous connected vehicles, other vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services, or smart environments such as smart industry, smart power grids, or smart cities, to name a few. To provide various services with different requirements, such as high-capacity, high-speed communications, ultra-reliable, low-latency communications, and large-scale machine-type communications, wireless networks are expected to adopt network slicing, flexible distributed and / or decentralized computing systems, and ubiquitous computing, along with local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing, and intelligent automated management supported by mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning)-based tools, cloudification, and blockchain technologies. For example, with network slicing, multiple independent and dedicated network slice instances may be created within the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements in terms of latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0047] Sixth-generation (6G) networks are expected to employ flexible distributed and / or decentralized computing systems and architectures, as well as ubiquitous computing, along with local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing, and intelligent automated management supported by mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence, short packet communications, and blockchain technology. Key features of 6G include intelligent connected management and control capabilities, programmability, integrated sensing and communications, reduced energy footprint, reliable infrastructure, scalability, and affordability. In addition, 6G also targets new use cases, including the integration of localization and sensing capabilities into system definitions, unifying user experiences across the physical and digital worlds.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary high-level network architecture of a communication system 100, illustrating only some details, and more detailed implementations are not important for the description of the embodiments. In this specification, the embodiments are described using 5G Advanced principles and terminology, without limiting the embodiments and the terminology used to the aforementioned 5G Advanced. Those skilled in the art may apply the solutions and embodiments to other communication systems, such as communication systems beyond 5G Advanced, or communication systems implementing similar principles and functions, possibly using different terms that have corresponding meanings but use some technology other than 5G. For example, a sounding reference signal (SRS) herein refers to any uplink reference signal. An uplink reference signal, such as an SRS, may be transmitted for various purposes. A non-limiting list of purposes includes sounding uplink channel state information (CSI) for uplink precoder selection (covering both codebook-based and non-codebook-based precoding options), uplink channel estimation, scheduling purposes, downlink CSI acquisition through antenna switching, or uplink beam management purposes.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a radio access network 101 provides wireless access to one or more data networks 103 via a core network 102 .

[0050] The radio access network may be a 5G advanced network, an open radio access network, a cloud radio access network, a non-terrestrial network, or a non-cellular access network, e.g., a wireless local area network, and implements multiple input multiple output and frequency hopping using comb offsets of the sounding reference signal.

[0051] To provide wireless access, the radio access network 101 includes access devices (ADs) 110 that can provide one or more cells. There are a wide variety of access devices, including various types of base stations, such as eNBs, gNBs, split gNBs, transmit / receive points, network-controlled repeaters, donor nodes in integrated access and backhaul (IAB), fixed IAB nodes, mobile IAB nodes, e.g., mounted on vehicles, and satellites. As mentioned above, an access device may provide one or more cells, possibly with different cell accessibility per cell, but a cell is provided by a single access device. However, overlapping cells may exist, e.g., a macrocell provided by an access device operating in cooperation with access nodes providing smaller cells, such as microcells, femtocells, or picocells, that at least partially overlap within the macrocell. In some situations, the access node 110, e.g., a gNB, may configure the serving cell via one transmission-reception point (TRP) or via two or more of the transmission-reception points per serving cell, the latter being referred to as a multiple-TRP situation. Wireless connectivity to the device (D) 120 may be provided via an antenna unit, which may include multiple antennas or antenna elements with antenna ports for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology.

[0052] The core network 102 may be based on a non-standalone core network, e.g., a long term evolution (LTE)-based network, or a standalone access network, e.g., a 5G core network. However, it should be understood that the core network 102 may use any technology that enables network services to be delivered, e.g., between devices and a data network.

[0053] The data network 103 may be any network, such as the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network, etc. Via the data network 103, different remote monitoring and / or data collection services for different use cases may be reached.

[0054] The device 120 may be any electrical device that can connect to the access network 101 and that can be configured to wirelessly connect over one or more communication channels with the access device 110 serving a cell. The physical link from the device 120 to the wireless access network 101 toward the core network 102 is called an uplink or reverse link, and the physical link to the device is called a downlink or forward link. By way of example and not limitation, the device 120 may be called a terminal device, a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a mobile subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT).A non-limiting list of examples of device 120 or what device 120 may comprise or include is a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet, a device using a wireless modem, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop-mounted equipment (LME), a universal serial bus (USB) dongle, a smart device, a multimedia device, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a gaming terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a drone, a vehicle, an in-vehicle wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), a The devices include: industrial equipment, Internet of Things devices, industrial Internet of Things devices, devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain contexts, consumer electronics devices, consumer Internet of Things devices, mobile robots, mobile robotic arms, sensors such as pressure sensors, humidity sensors, thermometers, motion sensors, actuators, and accelerometers; surveillance cameras; e-health related devices, medical devices such as for remote surgery; and wearable devices such as smart watches, smart rings, head-mounted displays (HMDs), and on-person devices. Device 120 may also provide services to other devices and may be, for example, a relay node, a fixed or mobile IAB node, or a mobile termination within an IAB node. A device may also be part of a group of devices that are viewed as one device by the wireless network.The number of receive and / or transmit antennas or antenna elements with antenna ports in a device may vary according to the implementation and / or type of device.

[0055] In 5G Advanced, coherent joint transmission (CJT), which combines multiple MIMO antenna arrays into a much larger one, is an efficient way to improve system spectral efficiency and user experience, especially for cell edge devices 120. Generally, uplink sounding reference signal (ULSRS) transmissions are subject to interference, i.e., cross-SRS interference, which can be a serious problem affecting the quality of channel state information (CSI). This interference can limit potential benefits, such as interference reduction in the downlink, and performance, such as throughput or spectral efficiency, of time division duplexing (TDD)-based coherent joint transmission for physical downlink data shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions in multiple TRP scenarios. To mitigate the impact of ULSRS interference on system performance, a comb offset randomization scheme for the sounding reference signal may be used. Examples of such comb offset randomization schemes are disclosed below. Comb offset, as used herein, refers to the offset in resource elements in the frequency domain from the start of the comb pattern, where the comb offset value is zero (0) at the start. A comb offset pattern provides pseudo-randomized comb offset values ​​for a set of multiple resource blocks, such as physical resource blocks, in the frequency domain, where the comb offset pattern includes one or more comb offset values. A comb offset pattern may be two-dimensional or one-dimensional, covering the frequency domain and / or the time domain. A frequency-domain comb offset pattern is applicable with aperiodic, semi-persistent, and periodic resources. A time-domain comb offset pattern is applicable with semi-persistent and periodic resources.In this specification, the sounding reference signal bandwidth refers to the resource allocated to the SRS transmission, and the subband refers to a set of resource blocks, such as physical resource blocks, in the frequency domain, where the set includes one or more resource blocks. Furthermore, the configuration information regarding the comb offset randomization scheme in this specification also covers the configuration information regarding the resource configuration of the comb offset randomization scheme.

[0056] Non-limiting examples are shown using Figures 2-9, assuming that a device is configured to support at least the comb offset randomization scheme shown. For example, it is assumed that a device transmitting a sounding reference signal has indicated to the wireless network, e.g., via capability signaling, that it supports at least the comb offset randomization scheme shown by the corresponding figure.

[0057] It should be understood that the principles disclosed below by various examples may be applied to groups of devices in addition to single devices, e.g., a group identifier or index may be used instead of a single device identifier or index.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functionality of an apparatus for transmitting a sounding reference signal to a wireless network.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is received in block 201. The comb offset randomization scheme indicates at least a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into multiple subbands and associated comb offset values. There may be a comb offset value per subband, e.g., comb offset A for subband 1, comb offset B for subband 2, etc. Various comb offset randomization scheme alternatives are described in further detail, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

[0060] In block 202, an indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme is received, and if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme, the comb offset randomization scheme for sounding reference signal transmission is applied in block 203. Various alternatives are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0061] The indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme may be a one-bit flag, the value of which indicates whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme to the SRS transmission. This indication may be a one-bit indicator (indicated by a value ON or OFF), an information element, or any other parameter, such as a parameter specific to comb offset hopping, or an implicit indication. The implicit indication may be based on a parameter specific to TDD-based CJT, or may be an indication of receiving one or more comb offset randomization schemes. Furthermore, the indication may indicate which comb offset randomization scheme to use.

[0062] The comb offset randomization scheme may be received in radio resource control signaling, and depending on the implementation, an indication may be received in higher layer signaling, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and / or in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and / or in downlink control information (DCI).

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary functionality of a device in a wireless network that receives a sounding reference signal from a second device and configures transmission of the sounding reference signal.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is transmitted in block 301. The comb offset randomization scheme indicates at least the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into multiple subbands and the associated comb offsets. There may be a comb offset value per subband, e.g., comb offset A for subband 1, comb offset B for subband 2, etc. Various alternatives for the comb offset randomization scheme are described in further detail, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

[0065] Further, in block 302, an indication to apply the comb offset randomization scheme is transmitted to at least one second device, e.g., device D, as indicated by block 120 in FIG. 1 . The indication of whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme may be a one-bit flag, the value of which indicates whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme. This indication may be a one-bit indicator (indicated by a value ON or OFF), an information element, or any other parameter, e.g., a parameter specific to comb offset hopping, or an implicit indication. The implicit indication may be based on a parameter specific to TDD-based CJT, or may be an indication of receiving one or more comb offset randomization schemes. Further, the indication may indicate which one of the comb offset randomization schemes to use.

[0066] The comb offset randomization scheme may be transmitted in radio resource control signaling, and depending on the implementation, an indication (indication of the use of the scheme) may be transmitted in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and / or in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and / or in downlink control information (DCI).

[0067] If a sounding reference signal transmission is received from a second device, then in block 303 the sounding reference signal transmission is processed using processing specific to the comb offset randomization scheme, for example, as described in further detail with respect to Figures 4-6.

[0068] 4, 5, and 6 illustrate exemplary information exchanges between different devices in a wireless network configured to support at least one comb offset randomization scheme. For clarity, different examples of comb offset randomization schemes are shown in separate figures. The comb offset randomization schemes may be implemented separately, or the network and / or device transmitting the sounding reference signal may be configured to support two or all of the comb offset randomization schemes, and the device may receive all, two, or one of the configurations and apply the configuration indicated by the network, as illustrated, for example, by FIG. 9. For clarity, only two devices capable of communicating over the air interface are shown, with one device labeled "gNB" receiving at least uplink transmissions and transmitting downlinks, and the other device labeled "UE" receiving at least downlink transmissions and transmitting uplinks, although examples are not limited to such solutions and devices. The device "gNB" may be, for example, a transmission / reception point or a distributed unit or any corresponding unit, examples of which are listed above with reference to block 110 of FIG. 1 and illustrating network functionality. The device "UE" may be, for example, user equipment or any corresponding unit, examples of which are listed above with reference to block 120 of FIG. 1. Furthermore, while these examples show one sounding reference signal transmission, it should be understood that this transmission may represent multiple sounding reference signal transmission opportunities. For example, a sounding reference signal configuration may indicate that this configuration will be used until a new configuration is received, or for a certain period of time.

[0069] In the example of Figure 4, the comb offset randomization scheme includes multiple comb offset patterns, and a comb offset pattern for each resource block is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth. In other words, the comb offset pattern is at the level of the set of physical resource blocks for all configured sets of physical resource blocks associated with the uplink sounding reference signal bandwidth.

[0070] 4, the device gNB performs subband division with a granularity of a set of resource blocks (i.e., a set of resource blocks may be associated with one subband) and associates a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks in block 4-1. The device gNB then configures the device UE by transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information (one or more messages 4-2) including the comb offset patterns of the resource blocks. Message 4-2 may be RRC signaling.

[0071] The device UE receives the sounding reference signal configuration information and configures itself accordingly.

[0072] The device gNB sends an indication to the device UE (message 4-3), which in the illustrated example indicates to the device UE that the comb offset pattern is applied. Depending on the implementation, message 4-3 may be a separate message or may be part of message 4-2.

[0073] If the device UE receives the indication, in block 4-4, the device UE applies the comb offset pattern when transmitting a sounding reference signal (one or more messages 4-5). In other words, for each set of resource blocks allocated to the device UE for use in transmission, the device UE determines the comb offset pattern associated with the set of resource blocks and uses the comb offset pattern. More precisely, in block 4-4, the device UE applies the comb offset pattern on top of the comb offset value associated with the configured SRS resource, e.g., by summing the indicated comb offset value in a pattern including the comb offset value of the configured SRS resource to the configured comb offset value.

[0074] If the device gNB receives a sounding reference signal, in blocks 4-6, the device gNB processes the sounding reference signal for each set of resource blocks using the comb offset pattern associated with the set of resource blocks.

[0075] The example shown in FIG. 4 minimizes the amount of cross-SRS interference and has the least ambiguous level of coordination compared to the solutions described in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the cost of more overhead.

[0076] In the example of FIG. 5, the comb offset randomization scheme is based on a pseudo-random offset generated using at least an index of the device UE, an index associated with a subband, and a time instance. The subband may include one or more resource blocks. The index of the device UE may be an identifier, such as a temporary identifier, used by the network to identify the device UE. For example, the index of the device UE may be based on a radio network temporary identifier. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the device gNB and the device UE use similar pseudo-random number generators to ensure that the pseudo-random pattern used by the device UE can be reconstructed by the device gNB. Information regarding the pseudo-random number generator used by the device UE may be transmitted to the network, for example, in capability information, to the device gNB.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, in block 5-1, the gNB performs subband division and associates subbands with indices (per subband index). This association may be explicit or implicit; for example, the indices may be determined based on the position of the subband in the entire band. The implicit association may also be based on other TDD-based CJT-specific parameters or DCI triggering SRS transmission. For example, if the SRS transmission is triggered by a group-common DCI, e.g., DCI 0_2, some default randomization pattern may be applied unless specifically indicated in the aforementioned DCI.

[0078] Next, the device gNB configures the device UE by transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information (one or more messages 5-2) indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of pseudo-random comb offset values. Message 5-2 may be RRC signaling. In implementation, the device gNB may be configured to assign at least one specific comb offset value to the device UE and transmit the specific comb offset value (UE-specific comb offset value) in the sounding reference signal configuration information, for example, in downlink control information. The specific comb offset value allows the network some control to prevent specific initialization of the pseudo-random number generator in the device UE, which may potentially cause strong SRS collisions with conventional SRS transmissions. The specific comb offset value may be common to multiple subbands or may be a subband-specific comb offset value. If subband-specific comb offset values ​​are used, message 5-2 includes multiple specific comb offset values.

[0079] The device UE receives the sounding reference signal configuration information and configures itself accordingly. Message 5-2 initializes a pseudo-random number generator within the device UE.

[0080] The device gNB sends an indication to the device UE (message 5-3), which in the illustrated example indicates that a pseudo-random comb offset value is to be applied. Depending on the implementation, message 5-3 may be a separate message or part of one or more messages 5-2.

[0081] If the device UE receives the indication, in block 5-4, the device UE applies a pseudo-random comb offset pattern when transmitting a sounding reference signal (one or more messages 5-5). In other words, the device UE generates a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, where the index is associated with a subband and a time instance of transmission occurrence, and the device UE uses the comb offset value thus obtained. More precisely, in block 5-4, the device UE applies the generated comb offset value for the subband on top of the comb offset value associated with the configured SRS resource, for example, by summing the comb offset value indicated in the pattern including the comb offset value of the configured SRS resource to the configured comb offset value. If at least one specific comb offset value is received, the device UE generates a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device, an index associated with the subband, a time instance of transmission occurrence, and the specific comb offset value.

[0082] When the apparatus gNB receives a sounding reference signal, the apparatus gNB generates a pseudo-random comb offset value for each sounding reference signal received from the apparatus UE using at least the index of the second apparatus, the index associated with the subband, and the time instance of the sounding reference signal, and then processes the sounding reference signal using the generated pseudo-random comb offset value in blocks 5-6. If the apparatus UE is assigned at least one specific comb offset value, the apparatus gNB uses the at least one specific comb offset value when generating the pseudo-random offset.

[0083] The device UE index provides separate pseudorandom number generator seeds for devices transmitting sounding reference signals. The subband-associated index, e.g., physical resource block index, ensures that comb offset values ​​are generated independently for each subband. Furthermore, the time instant ensures that sounding reference signal occasions have independent comb offset values.

[0084] In the example of FIG. 6, comb offset candidate patterns for multiple subband sizes are used.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, in block 6-1, the apparatus gNB performs subband division with a granularity of one or more resource blocks and obtains or generates comb offset candidate patterns for multiple pattern sizes corresponding to the subband sizes, where the candidate patterns have corresponding pattern identifiers. For example, candidate patterns of a size M (e.g., M=2, 4, 8, 12, etc.) may be generated. Furthermore, M may vary for different apparatuses UE. In an implementation, in block 6-1, the apparatus gNB may select one or more subsets from the comb offset candidate patterns for the multiple pattern sizes for the apparatus UE. Then, the apparatus gNB configures the apparatus UE by transmitting (one or more messages 6-2) sounding reference signal configuration information including the comb offset candidate patterns for the multiple pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes, and an indication of the pattern size to be used. Message 6-2 may be RRC signaling. In an implementation, the indication of the pattern size to be used may be transmitted by medium access level signaling and / or indicated using downlink control information, for example, in a subsequent signaling in which the signaling includes the candidate patterns. Furthermore, the subset may be selected by enabling a subset of comb offset candidate patterns via medium access level signaling and / or indicated using downlink control information. The number of bits used to indicate may depend on the number of pattern sizes. For example, if sizes M=4 and M=8 are configured, one bit may convey information such as "bit=0 using M=4," "bit=1 using M=8," and "bit=void not using comb offset randomization."

[0086] The device UE receives the sounding reference signal configuration information and configures itself accordingly.

[0087] The device gNB sends an indication to the device (message 6-3), which in the illustrated example indicates that a comb offset pattern is to be applied. Depending on the implementation, message 6-3 may be a separate message or part of message 6-2. Furthermore, the indication may also include information about the pattern size to be used.

[0088] When the device UE receives an indication, at block 6-4, the device UE selects a comb offset pattern (comb offset pattern) for sounding reference signal transmission from a candidate comb offset pattern or from a subset of the candidate comb offset patterns, based on the indicated pattern size. The device UE may be configured using selection criteria also known to the device gNB. For example, the selection may be based on a symbol index and / or an index of the device UE and / or a cell identifier. At block 6-4, when the device UE transmits a sounding reference signal (one or more messages 6-5), the device UE applies the selected comb offset pattern (comb offset pattern). The device UE may perform the selection each time a reference signal transmission occurs. Further, at block 6-4, when the device UE transmits a sounding reference signal (one or more messages 6-5), the device UE applies the selected comb offset pattern. More precisely, at block 6-4, the device UE applies the comb offset pattern over the comb offset value associated with the configured SRS resource, for example, by summing the indicated comb offset value in the selected comb offset pattern that includes the comb offset value of the configured SRS resource, to the configured comb offset value. The selected comb offset pattern may be repeated over the entire SRS bandwidth by a possible cyclic shift of the pattern between sub-bands. In an implementation, if the SRS bandwidth is not a multiple of the pattern size, a pre-defined subset of the selected pattern may be used for the remaining resource blocks. For example, if the pattern size is M (where N<M), a subset of the first N resource blocks may be used.

[0089] When the device gNB receives a sounding reference signal, at block 6-6, the device gNB selects a pattern using the selection criteria used by the device UE and processes the sounding reference signal by using the selected pattern.

[0090] FIG. 7 shows an example of a pattern configuration for a Com2 structure (where every second resource in a physical resource block is configured for an SRS resource) and a pattern with size 4 (M=4).

[0091] Referring to Figure 7, 7-1 represents a subband having a length of 12 physical resource blocks, and 7-2 represents another subband having a length of 12 physical resource blocks. 7-3 represents a comb offset pattern having a size (or length) of M=4. In subband 7-1, physical resource block PRB number x is mapped to comb offset pattern k=0, and in subband 7-2, physical resource block PRB number x+1 is mapped to comb offset pattern k=1. 7-4 in Figure 7 represents 12 physical resource blocks with three circularly shifted comb offset patterns of M=4. The pattern elements correspond to different comb offsets.

[0092] 8 shows a simplified example of candidate pattern 8-1 with pattern identifiers (ID) of Com2 with M=4. For example, if a device UE is pre-configured with two pattern sizes as shown in the table below with three time instances, and there are a limited number of patterns for different time instances T, a one-bit downlink control information message may convey information by which the device UE can recognize the pattern size, select one of the pattern identifiers, and apply the selected pattern from among the candidate patterns.

[0093] [Table 1]

[0094] Further, a subset of candidates may be defined, for example, by MAC CE signaling, which may indicate the bolded pattern identifiers in the table below, after which the device UE performs a random selection from among the bolded pattern identifiers.

[0095] [Table 2]

[0096] In implementation, the device UE may be configured to support all of the disclosed comb offset randomization schemes. Figure 9 shows a non-limiting example of the functionality of the device UE.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, in block 901, sounding reference signal configuration information is received, for example, as described above using FIGS.

[0098] If an indication is received, which in the illustrated example is a flag, then it is checked whether to apply the comb offset randomization scheme in block 902. In the illustrated example, if the value of the flag is not 1 ("No" in block 902), then in block 903 a conventional comb offset is applied.

[0099] If the flag has a value of 1 ("Yes" in block 902), in the illustrated example, this means that the comb offset randomization scheme is applied. Next, it is checked whether one or more bits indicating the pattern size are void. For example, upon reception of downlink control information DCI, it may be checked in block 904 whether a DCI codepoint field associated with the comb offset indication, e.g., the "CombOffsetPattern-Indicator" field, is "void / empty." If not, a previously received pattern configuration, such as the pattern configurations shown in the table above, is used to determine the pattern configuration to use. Then, in block 905, one or more bits in the DCI are used to select a pattern configuration from among the different possible pattern configurations. Subsequently, in block 906, an SRS offset pattern identifier ID is selected from among the identifiers in the pattern configurations, as described above, and the selected pattern is repeated with possible circular shifts across the entire sounding reference signal SRS bandwidth BW in block 907.

[0100] If one or more bits indicating the pattern size are void ("Yes" in block 904), it is checked in block 908 whether a complete comb offset randomization scheme is received in the sounding reference signal configuration information. The complete comb offset randomization scheme refers to the scheme shown using FIG. 4, in which the comb offset pattern is at the physical resource block level, and this configuration may be referred to as a complete sounding reference signal SRS bandwidth BW configuration.

[0101] If a complete comb offset randomization scheme has been received (“Yes” at block 908 ), then at block 909 this scheme is applied to the sounding reference transmission.

[0102] If a complete comb offset randomization scheme has not been received (“NO” in block 908), a pseudo-random sounding reference signal comb offset value is generated in block 910 using at least the device UE index, the index associated with the subband, and the time instance. Furthermore, if the DCI includes at least one specific comb offset value, this comb offset value is also used in generating the pseudo-random sounding reference signal comb offset value. Next, in block 911, the generated sounding reference signal comb offset value is applied to the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0103] As mentioned above, for the hopping pattern of the comb offset scheme, the comb offset may be configured in both the frequency domain and the time domain. Figures 10 and 11 show different examples of the comb offset.

[0104] FIG. 10 shows an example of a comb offset pattern in the frequency domain with a length of 16 PRBs, where each value of the comb offset pattern corresponds to a fixed comb offset value across four PRB resources. The number of PRBs associated with a fixed comb offset value depends on the comb type and the maximum number of cyclic shifts. The number of PRBs can be used as a processing window within which orthogonality and ordering between cyclic shifts can be maintained on the network side. It is also worth noting that antenna ports within one SRS resource can be configured with a resource-specific comb offset value, on top of which a pseudo-random comb offset pattern can be applied. A sounding reference signal transmitting device, e.g., a UE, can be configured with a single comb offset pattern applied across the entire UL SRS bandwidth. In Figure 10, 10-1 indicates an RX (receive) processing window in the frequency domain, 10-2 indicates PRB number x and comb offset k = 0, 10-3 indicates PRB number x + 1 and comb offset k = 0, 10-4 indicates PRB number x + 2 and comb offset k = 0, 10-5 indicates PRB number x + 3 and comb offset k = 0, 10-6 indicates PRB number x + 4 and comb offset k = 2, 10-7 indicates PRB number x + 5 and comb offset k = 2, 10-8 indicates PRB number x + 6 and comb offset k = 2, and 10-9 indicates PRB number x + 7 and comb offset k = 2. In Figure 10, one block 10-10 indicates four PRB resources, and 10-11 indicates a comb offset pattern with a length of M = 16 PRBs.

[0105] 11 shows another example in which a sounding reference signal transmitting device, e.g., a device UE, can be configured to apply comb offset patterns cyclically across the entire UL SRS bandwidth to further randomize interference. In the example of FIG. 11, the comb offset patterns are three cyclically shifted comb offset patterns with a length of 4 in the frequency domain, and 11-1 shows a 48 PRB with three cyclically shifted comb offset patterns of length M=16.

[0106] The blocks, associated functions, and information exchanges (messages / signals) described above using Figures 2-5 and 9 are not in an absolute chronological order, and some of them may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than given. Between or within them, other functions may be performed, other information may be transmitted, and / or other rules may be applied. Some of the blocks or portions of the blocks, or one or more of the information, may be excluded or replaced with corresponding blocks or portions of the blocks, or one or more of the information. Furthermore, some of the blocks in one example may be combined with another example.

[0107] Figure 12 illustrates an apparatus 1201 according to some embodiments. The apparatus 1201 may be an apparatus, e.g., a UE, configured to receive one or more comb randomization schemes and transmit a sounding reference signal. Figure 13 illustrates an apparatus 1301 according to some embodiments. The apparatus 1301 may be an apparatus, e.g., a gNB, configured to transmit a comb randomization scheme and receive a sounding reference signal. Figure 14 illustrates an apparatus that may perform distributed functions of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 13. Different examples of such apparatuses are described above.

[0108] The device 1201, 1301 may include one or more communication control circuits 1220, 1320, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 1230 containing one or more algorithms 1231, 1331, such as computer program code (software (SW) or instructions), which, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to perform any one of the illustrated functions of the corresponding device described above using any of Figures 1-11. The at least one memory 1230, 1330 may also include at least one database (DB) 1232, 1332.

[0109] 12, one or more communication control circuits 1220 of device 1201 include at least an offset application circuit 1221 configured to perform functions related to sounding reference transmission, such as, according to an embodiment, applying at least one comb offset randomization scheme. To this end, offset application circuit 1221 of device 1201 is configured to perform at least some of the functions described above, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 2-11, using one or more separate circuits.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, memory 1230 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[0111] 12, the device 1201 may further comprise different interfaces 1210, such as one or more communication interfaces (TX / RX) including hardware and / or software for realizing a communication connection according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1210 may enable connection to the Internet, to a core network of a wireless communication network, to a radio access network, and / or to other devices within range of the device. The one or more communication interfaces 1210 may provide the device with communication capabilities to communicate within a cellular communication system and enable communication with different network nodes or elements. The one or more communication interfaces 1210 may comprise standard, well-known components, such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, modulator / demodulator and encoder / decoder circuits, and possibly one or more antennas, controlled by a corresponding control unit.

[0112] 13, one or more communication control circuits 1320 of apparatus 1301 include at least an offset configuration circuit 1321 configured to include or not include in its transmissions one or more comb offset randomization schemes, as described using FIGS. 2-11, and one or more indications of whether to apply such schemes. To this end, offset configuration circuit 1321 of apparatus 1301 is configured to perform at least some of the functions of apparatus gNB or access device described above, e.g., using one or more separate circuits.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 13, memory 1330 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[0114] 13, the device 1301 may further comprise different interfaces 1310, such as one or more communication interfaces (TX / RX) including hardware and / or software for realizing a communication connection according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1310 may enable connection to the Internet and / or to a core network of a wireless communication network. The one or more communication interfaces 1310 may provide the device with communication capabilities to communicate within a cellular communication system and enable communication with different network nodes or elements or devices in the downlink, e.g., the device UE. The one or more communication interfaces 1310 may comprise standard, well-known components, such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, modulator / demodulator and encoder / decoder circuits, as well as one or more antennas, controlled by a corresponding control unit.

[0115] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , at least some of the functionality of the apparatus in FIG. 13 may be shared between two physically separated devices forming one operable entity. Thus, the apparatus may be considered to illustrate an operable entity that includes one or more physically separated devices for performing at least some of the described processes. Thus, the apparatus in FIG. 14 utilizing such a shared architecture may include a remote control unit (RCU) 1420, such as a host computer or a server computer, operably coupled (e.g., via a wireless network or a wired network) to a remote distributed unit (RDU) 1422 located in a base station. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the RCU 1420. In an embodiment, execution of at least some of the described processes may be shared between the RDU 1422 and the RCU 1420.

[0116] Similar to FIG. 13, the apparatus of FIG. 14 may include one or more communication control circuitry (CNTL) 1320, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory (MEM) 1330 containing one or more algorithms (PROG) 1331, such as computer program code (software (SW) or instructions), the at least one memory and the computer program code (software, instructions), together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform, for example, any one of the illustrated functions of the apparatus on the network side described above using FIGS. 1 to 11, for example, by an apparatus gNB or an access device.

[0117] In an embodiment, the RCU1420 may generate a virtual network through which the RCU1420 communicates with the RDU1422. Generally, a virtual network may include a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a virtual network, which is a single software-based management entity. Network virtualization may include platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization may be categorized as an external virtual network that combines many networks or portions of networks to a server computer or a host computer (e.g., an RCU). External network virtualization targets optimized network sharing. Another category is an internal virtual network that provides network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Virtual networks may also be used for testing terminal devices.

[0118] In an embodiment, the virtual network can provide flexible distribution of operations between the RDU and the RCU. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the RDU or the RCU, and the boundary at which responsibility is transferred between the RDU and the RCU may be selected according to implementation.

[0119] In a further embodiment, the apparatus of FIG. 12 may be implemented in a manner similar to the apparatus of FIG.

[0120] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation, such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only; (b) (where applicable) (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) a combination of hardware circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as any portion of a hardware processor, including software, including a digital signal processor, software, and memory, that function together to cause an apparatus, such as a terminal device or access node, to perform various functions; and (c) a hardware circuit and processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate but may not be present if software is not required for operation. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application, including its use in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” also covers an implementation solely of a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, along with its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" also covers, for example, baseband integrated circuits for access nodes or terminal devices or other computing or network devices, where applicable to certain claim elements.

[0121] In an embodiment, at least a part of the processes described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 11 may be executed by an apparatus provided with corresponding means for executing at least a part of the described processes. Some exemplary means for executing a process may include at least one of a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, a memory, a RAM, a ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, a display circuit, a user interface circuit, user interface software, display software, a circuit, an antenna, an antenna circuit, and circuitry. In an embodiment, at least one processor, a memory, and computer program code form processing means or include a part of one or more computer program codes for executing one or more operations according to any one of FIGS. 1 to 11 or an embodiment of its operation.

[0122] The described embodiments and examples may also be implemented in the form of a computer program or a computer process defined by a portion of a computer program. The functional embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 1-11 may be implemented by executing at least a portion of a computer program containing corresponding instructions. The computer program may be provided as a computer-readable medium containing stored program instructions or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing stored program instructions. The computer program may be in the form of source code, object code, or any intermediate form and may be stored on some kind of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or processor. The computer program medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, a recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory, an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunications signal, and a software distribution package. The computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transient," as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than signal) as opposed to a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read only memory (ROM)). Coding software to implement the embodiments shown and described is well within the purview of one skilled in the art.

[0123] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the embodiments are not limited to these examples and can be modified in a number of ways within the scope of the accompanying claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and are intended to describe the embodiments, not to limit them. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that as technology advances, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can be combined with other embodiments in various ways, but they are not required to be combined.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receiving an indication of whether to apply a comb offset randomization scheme; applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization schemes to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme. An apparatus that performs at least the above.

2. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving at least a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes; receiving an indication of a pattern size to be used with said sounding reference signal transmission; selecting a comb offset pattern to be applied to the sounding reference signal transmission from the candidate comb offset patterns based on the indicated pattern size; and The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving a selection of a subset of the comb offset candidate patterns; selecting the comb offset pattern from the subset of comb offset candidate patterns; The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:

4. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth; applying the second comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission if the pattern size indication is not received; The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

5. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device when the indication of pattern size and a second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising:

6. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device when the indication of pattern size and a second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

7. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

8. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving at least one particular comb offset value; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using the at least one particular comb offset value to generate a pseudo-random comb offset value; The apparatus of claim 5, 6, or 7, further comprising:

9. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one comb offset randomization scheme comprises a plurality of comb offset patterns, a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

10. 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; sending an indication to at least one second device that the comb offset randomization scheme is being applied; processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme; and An apparatus that performs at least the above.

11. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmitting a first comb offset randomization scheme to the at least one second device, the first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes; transmitting an indication of pattern size to the at least one second device; and The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:

12. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: selecting one or more subsets from the comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes; transmitting at least a subset of the comb offset candidate patterns to one of the at least one second device in the first comb offset randomization scheme; The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising:

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

14. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmitting a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating, for each sounding reference signal received from a second device, a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the second device, the index being associated with the subband and time instance of the sounding reference signal; The apparatus of claim 10, 11, 12, or 13, further comprising:

15. The at least one processor and the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmitting at least one specific comb offset value assigned to the second device to the second device in the third comb offset randomization scheme; using the at least one particular comb offset value when processing a sounding reference signal from the second device; and The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising:

16. receiving sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receiving an indication of whether to apply a comb offset randomization scheme; applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization schemes to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme. A method comprising:

17. receiving a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes; receiving an indication of a pattern size used by said sounding reference signal transmission; selecting a comb offset pattern to be applied to the sounding reference signal transmission from the candidate comb offset patterns based on the indicated pattern size; and 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. receiving a selection of a subset of the comb offset candidate patterns; selecting the comb offset pattern from the subset of comb offset candidate patterns; 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

19. receiving a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth; applying the second comb offset randomization scheme to the sounding reference signal transmission if the pattern size indication is not received; 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising:

20. receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device when the indication of pattern size and a second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

21. receiving a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the device when the indication of pattern size and a second comb offset randomization scheme are not received, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising:

22. generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; applying the generated pseudo-random comb offset value to the sounding reference signal transmission; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

23. receiving at least one particular comb offset value; generating a pseudo-random comb offset value using the at least one particular comb offset value; 24. The method of claim 20, 21, or 23, further comprising:

24. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one comb offset randomization scheme comprises a plurality of comb offset patterns, and a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

25. transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; sending an indication to at least one second device that the comb offset randomization scheme is being applied; processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme; and A method comprising:

26. transmitting a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having pattern identifiers and associated with pattern sizes; Sending an indication of pattern size 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

27. selecting one or more subsets from the comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes; transmitting the subset of comb offset candidate patterns to at least one second device in the first comb offset randomization scheme; 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

28. 28. The method of claim 25, 26, or 27, further comprising transmitting a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

29. transmitting a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; generating, for each sounding reference signal received from a second device, a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the second device, the index being associated with the subband and time instance of the sounding reference signal; 29. The method of claim 25, 26, 27, or 28, further comprising:

30. transmitting at least one specific comb offset value assigned to the second device to one of the at least one second device in the third comb offset randomization scheme; using the at least one particular comb offset value when processing a sounding reference signal from the one of the at least one second device; and 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

31. A computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: receiving sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; receiving an indication of whether to apply a comb offset randomization scheme; applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization schemes to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme. A computer-readable medium that causes at least one of the following to be executed.

32. 32. The computer readable medium of claim 31, further comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 17-24.

33. A computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; sending an indication to at least one second device that the comb offset randomization scheme is being applied; processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme; and A computer-readable medium that causes at least one of the following to be executed.

34. 34. The computer readable medium of claim 33, further comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 26-30.

35. 35. The computer readable medium of claim 31, 32, 33, or 34, wherein the computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

36. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause said apparatus to carry out the method of any of claims 16 to 30.

37. means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; means for receiving an indication of whether to apply a comb offset randomization scheme; means for applying one of the at least one comb offset randomization schemes to a sounding reference signal transmission if the indication indicates to apply the comb offset randomization scheme; and An apparatus comprising:

38. means for receiving an indication of a pattern size used with the sounding reference signal transmission; the means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information is configured to receive at least a first comb offset randomization scheme including comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes, each candidate pattern having a pattern identifier and associated with a pattern size; 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the means for applying is configured to select a comb offset pattern for the sounding reference signal transmission from the candidate comb offset patterns based on the indicated pattern size.

39. means for receiving a selection of a subset of the comb offset candidate patterns; 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the means for applying is configured to select the comb offset pattern from the subset of the comb offset candidate patterns.

40. the means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information is configured to receive a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein the comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth; 40. The apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein the means for applying is configured to use the second comb offset randomization scheme for the sounding reference signal transmission if the pattern size indication is not received.

41. means for generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; the means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information is configured to receive a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the means for applying is configured to use pseudo-random comb offset values ​​generated by the means for generating pseudo-random offsets for the sounding reference signal transmissions when the indication of pattern size and a second comb offset randomization scheme are not received.

42. means for generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; the means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information is configured to receive a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; 40. The apparatus of claim 38 or 39, wherein the means for applying is configured to use a pseudo-random comb offset value generated by the means for generating a pseudo-random offset for the sounding reference signal transmission if the pattern size indication is not received.

43. means for generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​using at least an index of the device, the index being associated with a subband and a time instance; 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the means for applying is configured to use a pseudo-random comb offset value generated by the means for generating a pseudo-random offset for the sounding reference signal transmission.

44. the means for receiving sounding reference signal configuration information is configured to receive at least one particular comb offset value; 44. The apparatus of claim 41, 42, or 43, wherein the means for generating pseudo-random comb offset values ​​is configured to further use the at least one particular comb offset value to generate pseudo-random comb offset values.

45. 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the at least one comb offset randomization scheme comprises a plurality of comb offset patterns, a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

46. means for transmitting sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme that at least indicates a division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth into a plurality of subbands and associated comb offset values; means for transmitting an indication to at least one second device that the comb offset randomization scheme is being applied; means for processing sounding reference signal transmissions received from the at least one second device using the comb offset randomization scheme; and An apparatus comprising:

47. 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the means for transmitting the sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is configured to transmit a first comb offset randomization scheme including an indication of a pattern size and comb offset candidate patterns for a plurality of pattern sizes, the candidate patterns having a pattern identifier and associated with a pattern size.

48. means for selecting one or more subsets from the comb offset candidate patterns of a plurality of pattern sizes; 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the means for transmitting the sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is configured to transmit a subset of the comb offset candidate patterns to at least one second device.

49. 49. The apparatus of claim 46, 47, or 48, wherein the means for transmitting the sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is configured to transmit a second comb offset randomization scheme including a plurality of comb offset patterns, wherein a comb offset pattern for each set of resource blocks is associated with the sounding reference signal bandwidth.

50. the means for transmitting the sounding reference signal configuration information related to at least one comb offset randomization scheme is configured to transmit a third comb offset randomization scheme indicating the division of the sounding reference signal bandwidth and the use of the pseudo-random comb offset values; 50. The apparatus of claim 46, 47, 48, or 49, wherein the means for processing is configured to generate, for each sounding reference signal received from a second device, a pseudo-random comb offset value using at least an index of the second device, the index being associated with the subband and time instance of the sounding reference signal.

51. the means for transmitting the sounding reference signal configuration information for at least one comb offset randomization scheme is configured to transmit at least one specific comb offset value assigned to the second device to the second device in the third comb offset randomization scheme; 51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the means for processing is configured to use the at least one particular comb offset value when processing a sounding reference signal from the second device.

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