New Radio Core Set #0 Allocation

Abstract

To provide systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products for allocation of CORESET #0 for new radio (NR).SOLUTION: A method may include determining a control resource set zero configuration table to be applied based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio where a synchronization signal block has been detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; obtaining, from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel, a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table; determining information related to information on punctured or non-punctured resource blocks and / or to interleaving information, based on the row index; and using the determined information to determine the control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Some exemplary embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technologies, 5G Beyond, and other communication systems. For example, certain exemplary embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for allocation of New Radio (NR) control resource set zero (Core Set #0). [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of mobile communication systems or wireless communication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology, and / or 5G Advanced (5G-Advanced). 5G radio systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is primarily based on NR technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radio. NR is estimated to provide bit rates of 10 to 20 Gbit / s or more and has the potential to support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-based communications (mMTC). NR is expected to enable extremely wideband, ultra-robust low-latency connectivity, and large-scale networking to support the IoT. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method that may include determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected, receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, obtaining a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel, determining information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information based on the row index, and determining a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0004] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that includes at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: determine a control resource set zero configuration table to be applied based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected, receive a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, obtain a row index that points to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel, determine information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information based on the row index, and determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0005] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include: means for determining a control resource set zero configuration table to apply based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected; means for receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; means for obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel; means for determining, based on the row index, information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource blocks or interleaving information; and means for using the determined information to determine control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio.

[0006] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected, receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel, determining information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information based on the row index, and determining a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0007] Another example embodiment may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method, which may include determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected, receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel, determining information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information based on the row index, and determining a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0008] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform the following steps: determine an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected; receive a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; obtain a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel; determine information related to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information based on the row index; and determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information.

[0009] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method that may include transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio and transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is carried in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to at least one of information of punctured or non-punctured resource blocks, or interleaving information.

[0010] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is carried in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index associated with at least one of information of punctured or non-punctured resource blocks, or interleaving information.

[0011] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include: means for transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; and means for transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to at least one of information of punctured or non-punctured resource blocks, or interleaving information.

[0012] According to another example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method that may include transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio and transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is carried in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information.

[0013] Another example embodiment may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method, which may include transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio and transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is carried in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to at least one of information of punctured or non-punctured resource blocks, or interleaving information.

[0014] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform the steps of: transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; and transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table is transmitted in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to at least one of information of a punctured resource block or a non-punctured resource block, or interleaving information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example deployment scenario. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an NR initial access signal and channel with a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz for a channel bandwidth ≥ 5 MHz. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of synchronous raster points below 3 GHz. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of demodulation reference signal (DMRS) allocation in a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) physical resource block (PRB) with four different frequency domain shifts as a function of physical cell ID. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of predefined parameters of control resource set zero (core set #0). [Figure 6(a)] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of resource blocks (RBs) and slot symbols of a core set. [Figure 6(b)] FIG. 6(b) shows a NB NR scenario with multiplexing pattern 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a table of different channel bandwidths (BW), synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) transmission BW, and synchronization raster dependencies. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a new Core Set #0 configuration table, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates example entries for the Core Set #0 Configuration Table of FIG. 8, in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another new Core Set #0 configuration table, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating interleaved and non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping according to an example embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modified core set #0 configuration table, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 13(a)] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram illustrating a first new Core Set #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment when multiple configuration tables are configured. [Figure 13(b)] FIG. 13(b) illustrates a second new Core Set #0 configuration table according to a particular exemplary embodiment when multiple configuration tables are configured. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method according to an example embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a set of devices according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It will be readily understood that the components of certain exemplary embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for Core Set #0 allocation for NR. For example, certain exemplary embodiments may be directed to Core Set #0 allocation for reduced bandwidth (BW) NR. Other exemplary embodiments may be directed to Narrowband New Radio (NB NR) operation and reception of PDCCH in NB NR scenarios.

[0017] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "particular embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of "particular embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "base station," "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0018] As used herein, "at least one of: " and "at least one of " and similar expressions where a list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or" mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] NR Rel-18 may provide support for dedicated spectrum below 5 MHz in Frequency Range 1 (FR1). These networks may benefit not only from 5G NR's high spectral efficiency, but also from 5G NR's ultra-reliability and low latency.

[0020] Although NR transmit BWs may be flexibly configured for physical channels and signals, only limited transmit BWs may be supported for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) Core Set #0 (e.g., Type0-PDCCH Core Set #0), and synchronization signals and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) Blocks (SSBs) may have a single Tx BW for each subcarrier spacing. Therefore, it is necessary to consider what new transmit BWs will be introduced in the sub-5 MHz spectrum, especially for SSBs and PDCCH.

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

[0022] Figure 1 also shows adjacent channel deployments of NR and GSM-R, with a single boundary between NR and GSM-R. In some applications, NB NR may be considered for smart grids with 2x3MHz FDD spectrum in the 900MHz band for public safety for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR), and for band 28 with 2x3MHz FDD spectrum.

[0023] As mentioned above, it may be beneficial to enable 5G NR operation in narrower bandwidths than the 5 MHz channels for which 5G NR was originally designed. For example, NR deployment in the 900 MHz FRMCS band may occur alongside legacy GSM-R carriers within a 5.6 MHz bandwidth, leaving approximately 3.6 MHz available for NR. Similarly, there may be cases where only 3 MHz channels are available for NR.

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

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates an example of synchronization raster points below 3 GHz. As shown in Figure 3, synchronization raster points below 3 GHz can be defined in clusters of three points. Upon detection of the PSS and the resulting SSS, the UE can perform PBCH demodulation using a channel estimate calculated from the PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS). The NR-PBCH DMRS may be mapped to all NR-PBCH symbols with an overall NR-PBCH density of 3 resource elements (REs) per PRB per symbol. The DMRS may have the same RE position in all NR-PBCH symbols, as shown in Figure 4. In particular, Figure 4 illustrates an example of DMRS allocation in PBCH physical resource blocks (PRBs) with four different frequency-domain shifts as a function of physical cell ID.

[0026] As described herein, a core set may represent a set of physical resources (i.e., a specific region on the NR DL resource grid) and a set of parameters used to transmit PDCCH / downlink control information (DCI). A core set may include many parameters configurable by radio resource control (RRC). Additionally, core set #0 may represent a resource set that transmits PDCCH for system information block type 1 (SIB1) scheduling. Because core set #0 is used before an RRC connection is established, it may not be configurable by RRC. Therefore, core set #0 must be configured in a separate process using predefined parameters as shown in Figure 5.

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

[0028] To accommodate potential SSB changes for NB NR with sub-5 MHz bandwidths, a new synchronization raster can be provided for the 3 MHz channel bandwidth, e.g., with 100 kHz frequency spacing and a -90 or 90 kHz offset relative to the channel raster, allowing various TxBWs to be supported in FRMCS. For example, if the available bandwidth is between 4 MHz and 5 MHz (i.e., 20 RB to 25 RB), an NR design with a 20 RB SSB can function by occupying a portion of the 5 MHz channel bandwidth. Furthermore, if the available bandwidth is between 3 MHz and less than 4 MHz (i.e., 15 to 19 RB), the UE can assume a 3 MHz / 15 RB bandwidth before acquiring SIB1. In other words, the 15 RB SSB and core set C0 option can be used in such cases.

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

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

[0031] There have been various solutions for how to indicate the amount of puncturing and the frequency-domain allocation of Core Set #0 relative to the transmission RBs of an SSB. However, these solutions often have drawbacks, including the possibility of correctly acquiring the PBCH while making an incorrect BW hypothesis, which reduces the PDCCH detection probability. Also, when an SSB is punctured from both ends (e.g., asymmetrically), there are limitations to the indication of the punctured CCEs and the position of Core Set #0 relative to the unpunctured SSB. Furthermore, the edges of Core Set #0 may remain aligned with the edges of the unpunctured PBCH.

[0032] In view of existing drawbacks, certain exemplary embodiments may provide a method for Core Set #0 resource allocation in a NB NR scenario. Based on SSB detection (including a correctly detected PBCH or associated indication of punctured RBs on the PBCH), the UE may assume that it has no uncertainty regarding punctured and unpunctured RBs of the PBCH.

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

[0034] According to certain exemplary embodiments, there may be multiple Core Set #0 configuration tables, and the applicable Core Set #0 configuration table (legacy or new table with the above-mentioned information) may be determined based on certain conditions. For example, one condition is that the new configuration table may include entries with any one or more of the above-mentioned information. Another condition is that the applicable Core Set #0 configuration table (legacy or new table) may be determined based on an identified synchronization raster point (legacy or new synchronization raster point), and operationally, the synchronization raster point may be close to a band edge (e.g., the low or high edge of a band in frequency, which may include required guard bands or frequency-available RBs). For example, if the PSS / SSS is detected on a legacy synchronization raster point, the legacy configuration table may be applied. In another exemplary embodiment, if the PSS / SSS is detected on a new synchronization raster point and there is available bandwidth for the PBCH with 15 non-punctured RBs, the first new / modified Core Set #0 configuration table may be applied. In a further exemplary embodiment, if the PSS / SSS is detected on a new synchronization raster point and there is no room in the band for the PBCH with 15 non-punctured RBs (12 / 13 non-punctured RBs for the PBCH) as it is too close to the band edge, then a second new / modified Core Set #0 configuration table may be applied. In certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may also decide to apply the new table based on invalid SSB and PDCCH SCS combinations indicated in the Master Information Block (MIB) and / or based on the k_SSB value indicated in the MIB.

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

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

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

[0038] According to certain exemplary embodiments, entries having the above information may form a subset of an existing Core Set #0 Configuration Table, where certain entries in the table are used for legacy operations and entries having the above information may be used with a punctured Core Set #0.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a new Core Set #0 configuration table according to a specific exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, Core Set #0 configured by the new Core Set #0 configuration table may have its low edge aligned with the low edge of the punctured SSB. Furthermore, the rows of the table in FIG. 8 indicate the number of non-punctured RBs and may indicate interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping. The number of non-punctured RBs may be indicated in a specific column, or may be indicated by reusing an existing column in the legacy table, such as the "Number of RBs" column. In other words, the number of non-punctured RBs may be indicated in a new column, or may be indicated by reusing an existing column. In another exemplary embodiment, the Core Set #0 configuration table may indicate the number of RBs before puncturing, e.g., 24, as in the legacy table. Furthermore, the number of RBs may be less than or greater than 24, at least for certain rows (=indexes). Furthermore, the Core Set #0 configuration table may indicate a puncturing pattern for the PDCCH. One advantage of this approach (i.e., the number of RBs before puncturing is 24 and the Core Set #0 configuration table indicates the puncturing pattern for the PDCCH) is that it does not require defining a new size option for Core Set #0. Another advantage is that it allows using a different puncturing pattern (i.e., a larger Tx BW) for the RRC configuration search space associated with Core Set #0 (in other words, the puncturing pattern can be a new information element for the Core Set configuration or search space configuration, or a new RRC parameter). This is particularly beneficial in 3-5 MHz scenarios. As an example, the puncturing pattern can be considered as a 24-bit bitmap (24 bits is the Core Set C0 size in frequency). '0' means that if the transmitted PDCCH does not contain the corresponding RB, the gNB will puncture it (i.e., such RB is not transmitted), and '1' means that if the transmitted PDCCH contains the corresponding RB, the RB is transmitted.As another example, the puncturing pattern may define whether RBs are punctured from the lower, upper, or both ends of the frequency band, and / or how many RBs are punctured. According to an embodiment, the resolution used in the puncturing pattern may be 1 RB, 2 RBs, 3 RBs, 1 CCE, etc. Depending on the scenario, the puncturing pattern may cover only a portion of the CORE SET, e.g., only 12 RBs from one end or only X RBs from both ends. The remaining RBs in the core set may be considered non-punctured. Depending on the scenario, the puncturing pattern may be indicated via the number of transmitted RBs counted from the lowest (or highest) RB of the core set. In certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may decide to apply the table of FIG. 8 based on the synchronization raster point or based on the invalid SSB and PDCCH SCS combinations indicated in the MIB.

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

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates another new Core Set #0 configuration table according to certain exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 10, the new Core Set #0 configuration table aligns the low edge of the PDCCH Core Set #0 with the low edge of the punctured SSBs, and each row indicates the number of non-punctured RBs. Additionally, the rows of the table indicate interleaved or non-interleaved CCE-to-REG mapping. In this example, interleaving may be used for two-symbol Core Sets, and non-interleaving may be used for three-symbol Core Sets. In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may determine to apply the table of FIG. 10 based on the synchronization raster point or based on invalid SSB and PDCCH SCS combinations indicated in the MIB.

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

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

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the UE may determine valid row entries and invalid row entries according to a NB NR scenario. For example, the UE may determine that a valid entry is an entry with 24 RBs, and an invalid entry is an entry with more than 24 RBs. In the example of FIG. 12, the invalid entry is replaced with an entry applicable to NB NR, where NumRB indicates the number of RBs before puncturing, e.g., 24. In further exemplary embodiments, the UE may obtain the row index of the modified Core Set #0 configuration table from the MIB. For an invalid entry, the UE may determine that the low edge of Core Set #0 configured by the modified Core Set #0 table is aligned with the low edge of the punctured SSB. Furthermore, for a valid entry, the UE may determine that legacy operation applies (i.e., no puncturing, CCE-level interleaving, start of Core Set C0 edge defined by k_SSB, etc.).

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

[0046] According to certain exemplary embodiments, a UE can perform PDCCH blind detection by applying the new Core Set #0 configuration table shown in FIG. 8 and / or FIG. 10. For example, the UE may search for a PSS / SSS in a band where NB NR may be deployed. When searching for a PSS / SSS, there may be another synchronization raster point defined for NB NR in a particular band. After performing the search, the UE can detect a PSS / SSS on the synchronization raster point that indicates that the serving cell operates in NB NR. The UE can also receive and demodulate the PBCH according to a particular puncturing assumption (e.g., punctured and non-punctured RBs of the PBCH). For example, the UE can determine the non-punctured RBs to be transmitted for the PBCH.

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

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

[0049] Furthermore, the UE may receive and demodulate the PBCH according to a particular puncturing assumption (e.g., punctured and unpunctured RBs of the PBCH). For example, the UE may determine the unpunctured RBs to be transmitted for the PBCH. The UE may also obtain a row index from the MIB that points to the modified Core Set #0 configuration table.

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the UE may obtain a row index into the determined Core Set #0 configuration table from the MIB to determine Core Set #0 resources. For example, for the determined legacy table, the UE may determine Core Set #0 resources based on legacy Core Set C0 operations including subcarrier offsets specified in k_SSB of the MIB, as well as CCE-level interleaving assumptions. In other exemplary embodiments, for the determined first or second new tables (e.g., tables 13(a) and 13(b) of Figures 13(a) and 13(b)), the UE may apply new Core Set #0 receive operations.

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

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

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

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

[0060] In certain exemplary embodiments, the interleaving information may include an indication of a control channel element interleaving option indicating interleaved or non-interleaved control channel elements or resource element groups. In some exemplary embodiments, the determination of whether the user equipment is operating in narrowband new radio may be based on at least one of the synchronization raster point, the number of available physical broadcast channel resource blocks, a combination of the synchronization signal block and the subcarrier spacing of the physical downlink control channel, or the subcarrier offset between the synchronization signal block and the resource in which control resource set zero is located. In other exemplary embodiments, the received information may be conveyed in the configuration table by adding or replacing one or more entries in the configuration table for the legacy scenario.

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

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

[0063] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the method may also include implementing legacy operations, including legacy assumptions regarding physical resource block start, resource block offset, and transmission bandwidth, when the configuration table entry is deemed valid. According to some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include implementing new control resource set zero reception operations, including aligning the low edge of control resource set zero in frequency with the low edge of the synchronization signal block, when the configuration table entry is deemed invalid. According to other exemplary embodiments, the method may further include determining, based on the row index, whether an interleaved control channel element to resource element group mapping or a non-interleaved control channel element to resource element group mapping applies.

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

[0065] 15 shows an example flow diagram of another method according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 15 may be performed by a network entity or a group of network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 15 may be performed by a gNB similar to one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown in FIG. 16.

[0066] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 15 may include, at 1500, determining whether the cell is operating with narrowband new radio. The method may also include, in response to the determination, determining a control resource set zero configuration for the narrowband new radio, at 1505. The method may further include, at 1510, transmitting information regarding the determined configuration of control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. According to certain example embodiments, the transmitted information may include at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource block information or interleaving information.

[0067] 16 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain exemplary embodiments. In certain exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 may be an element within a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. Note that one skilled in the art will understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not illustrated in FIG. 16 .

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more wireless access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other wireless access technology. Note that one skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may include components or functionality not shown in FIG. 16 .

[0069] As shown in the example of FIG. 16, device 10 may include or be coupled to processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Indeed, processor 12 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. While a single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 16, multiple processors may be utilized according to other exemplary embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 represents a multiprocessor). According to certain exemplary embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0070] Processor 12 performs, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including the processes and examples shown in FIGS. 1-14.

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transmitting and receiving circuitry.

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

[0078] As shown in the example of Figure 16, device 20 may be a network, core network element, or element within a communications network, such as a gNB, BS, cell, or NW, or an element associated with such a network. Note that a person skilled in the art would understand that device 20 may include components or features not shown in Figure 16.

[0079] As shown in the example of FIG. 16, device 20 may include processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. For example, processor 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, by way of example. While a single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 16, multiple processors may be utilized according to other exemplary embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain exemplary embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 represents a multiprocessor). In certain exemplary embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

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

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

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

[0083] In certain exemplary embodiments, device 20 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and receiving signals and / or data to and from device 20. Device 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include multiple wireless interfaces, which may be coupled to antenna(s) 25, for example. The wireless interfaces may support multiple wireless access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The wireless interfaces may include components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission over one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via UL).

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

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

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

[0087] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor having software (including a digital signal processor) that cooperates to cause a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit and / or processor, or portion thereof, that uses software for operation but may be absent if not necessary for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may also cover simply a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry may also include, for example, a baseband integrated circuit of a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0088] In other exemplary embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether the cell is operating with narrowband new radio. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine, in response to the determination, a control resource set zero configuration for narrowband new radio. Apparatus 20 may further be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit information regarding the determined configuration of control resource set zero for narrowband new radio. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the transmitted information may include at least one of punctured or non-punctured resource block information or interleaving information.

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

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

[0091] Another example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus including means for determining whether a cell is operating in a narrowband new radio. The apparatus may also include means for determining, in response to the determination, a configuration of control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting information regarding the determined configuration of control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio. According to certain example embodiments, the transmitted information may include at least one of punctured or unpunctured resource block information or interleaving information.

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

[0093] The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform some exemplary embodiments when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof. The modifications and configurations required to perform the functionality of certain exemplary embodiments may be performed as routines or as additional or updated software routines. The software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0094] By way of example, the software or computer program code, or portions thereof, may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. Such carriers include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optical and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunications signals, software distribution packages, and the like. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed on a single electronic digital computer or distributed among several computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0095] In other exemplary embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), for example, through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as signals, which are non-tangible means that may be conveyed by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other network.

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

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

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

Claims

1. A means for determining a control resource set zero configuration table to be applied based on a synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected; means for receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; means for obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel; means for determining, based on said row index, information relating to a punctured or non-punctured resource block and whether an interleaved mapping is applied; means for determining a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio using the determined information; An apparatus comprising:

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

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

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

5. The device described in claim 1, wherein the interleaving information indicates interleaved or non-interleaved control channel elements or resource element groups.

6. Synchronous raster points, the number of available physical broadcast channel resource blocks; a combination of subcarrier spacing between the synchronization signal block and the physical downlink control channel; a subcarrier offset between the synchronization signal block and the resource in which the control resource set zero is located; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for determining whether the apparatus is operating in the narrowband new radio based on at least one of:

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

8. The control resource set zero configuration table is added to a configuration table of a legacy scenario, determining to apply the control resource set zero configuration table includes determining to apply the control resource set zero configuration table instead of the configuration table of the legacy scenario; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. the control resource set zero configuration table includes a plurality of entries for a narrowband new radio scenario; The apparatus further comprises means for determining which entry to use based on the row index.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

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

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

12. further comprising means for determining at least one of a lower edge of the transmitted synchronization signal block, an upper edge of the transmitted synchronization signal block; or means for obtaining subcarrier spacing and subcarrier offset from the master information block; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

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

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

15. determining a control resource set zero configuration table to be applied, determining that an existing control resource set zero configuration table is applicable when the synchronization signal block is detected based on an existing synchronization raster point; determining a first new control resource set zero configuration table to be applied when the synchronization signal block is detected based on a new synchronization raster point that is not near a band edge; determining a second new control resource set configuration table to be applied when the synchronization signal block is detected based on a new synchronization raster point near a band edge; 15. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one of:

16. When the combination of the subcarrier spacing of the synchronization signal block and the physical downlink control channel and / or the subcarrier offset is determined from the received master information block, determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table includes determining a control resource set zero configuration table from among a plurality of applicable configuration tables based on the combination of the subcarrier spacings and / or the subcarrier offsets; 13. The apparatus of claim 12.

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

18. 1. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; and means for transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table associated with the synchronization raster is transmitted in a master information block indicated on the physical broadcast channel, the row index relating to a punctured or non-punctured resource block and whether interleaved mapping is applied.

19. determining an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of the narrowband new radio in which the synchronization signal block is detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated on the received physical broadcast channel; - determining, based on said row index, information relating to punctured or non-punctured resource blocks and whether interleaved mapping is applied; using the determined information to determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio; A method comprising:

20. transmitting a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table associated with said synchronization raster is stored in a master information block indicated in said physical broadcast channel, said row index relating to punctured or non-punctured resource blocks and whether interleaved mapping is applied; A method comprising:

21. When operated by a processor, the method causes the processor to determine an applicable control resource set zero configuration table based on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio in which a synchronization signal block is detected; receiving a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption; obtaining a row index pointing to the control resource set zero configuration table from a master information block indicated in the received physical broadcast channel; - determining, based on said row index, information relating to punctured or non-punctured resource blocks and whether interleaved mapping is applied; using the determined information to determine a control resource set zero for the narrowband new radio; A computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing

22. when operated by a processor, causing the processor to transmit a synchronization signal block on a synchronization raster of a narrowband new radio; transmitting a physical broadcast channel according to a puncturing assumption, wherein a row index pointing to a control resource set zero configuration table associated with said synchronization raster is carried in a master information block indicated on said physical broadcast channel, said row index relating to punctured or non-punctured resource blocks and whether interleaved mapping is applied; A computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing

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