Methods for determining time location of sub-band full duplex

By configuring UEs with SBFD patterns and BWPs, SBFD enhances 5G NR system capacity and coverage while preserving compatibility with existing features, addressing latency issues in TDD systems.

WO2025184061A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-09-04GOOGLE LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/017134
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-09-20
Filing Date
2025-02-25
Publication Date
2025-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing 5G NR systems face increased latency and reduced capacity due to limited uplink time domain resources, which can be addressed by implementing sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) to enhance TDD coverage and reduce system latency, but this configuration affects features like configured grant (CG) and semi-persistent scheduling (SPS).

Method used

A UE is configured with a SBFD pattern indicating symbols for transmission or reception, based on a TDD pattern, and communicates using bandwidth part (BWP) and SBFD sub-band configurations to manage simultaneous downlink and uplink transmissions.

Benefits of technology

SBFD enhances TDD coverage and reduces system latency while maintaining compatibility with existing NR features by strategically configuring time domain resources for SBFD operations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, devices, apparatus, and methods, including computer programs encoded on storage media, for determining time location of sub-band full duplex. A user equipment, UE (102), receives (602), from a radio access network, RAN, node (104), a configuration including a time-division duplex, TDD, pattern. The UE (102) receives (604), from the RAN node (104), a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation. The UE (102) transmits (612), to the RAN node (104), an uplink, UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern.
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Description

METHODS FOR DETERMINING TIME LOCATION OF SUB-BAND FULL DUPLEX CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 558,109, filed 26 February 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 697,307, filed 20 September 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication, and more particularly, to support networks to perform full duplex transmission by indicating frequency and time domain resource for sub-band transmission. BACKGROUND

[0003] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifies a radio interface referred to as fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) (5G NR). An architecture for a 5G NR wireless communication system includes a 5G core (5GC) network, a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), a user equipment (5G UE), etc. The 5G NR architecture seeks to provide increased data rates, decreased latency, and / or increased capacity compared to prior generation cellular communication systems.

[0004] Wireless communication systems, in general, provide various telecommunication services (e.g., telephony, video, data, messaging, etc.) based on multiple-access technologies, such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technologies, that support communication with multiple UEs. Improvements in mobile broadband continue the progression of such wireless communication technologies. For example, sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (referred to as SBFD) can increase TDD coverage, and therefore reduce the system latency and improve uplink (UL) system capacity. SBFD allows for a simultaneous downlink and uplink transmissions within a Time-division duplex (TDD) carrier through strategic placement of SBFD sub-bands. Although SBFD shows advantages in increasing coverage to TDD system, configuring time domain resource for the new purpose may affect existing new radio (NR) features such as configured grant (CG), semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), dynamic TDD, etc. 1 G1143802650WOBRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects. This summary neither identifies key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineates the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] Time-division duplex (TDD) communication is widely deployed in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) systems. In a legacy TDD system, networks split the time domain resource into downlink (DL), uplink (UL), or flexible symbols or slots in dynamic TDD. However, due to limited uplink time domain resources configured for a user equipment (UE), TDD suffers from drawbacks such as, increased latency, reduced coverage, and lower system capacity compared to frequency-division duplex (FDD). Sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (referred to as SBFD) can increase TDD coverage, and therefore reduce the system latency and improve UL system capacity. SBFD allows for a simultaneous downlink and uplink transmissions within a TDD carrier through strategic placement of SBFD sub-bands. SBFD also creates a sub-band (also referred to as a frequency region or a resource block (RB) set) in the time domain resource, where the transmission direction is different from the configured / indicated TDD pattern. In some examples, a network entity can configure a UL sub-band in a slot or a symbol that is configured, in the TDD pattern, as DL or flexible. Likewise, the network entity can configure a DL or flexible sub-band in a similar manner.

[0007] With different TDD UL / DL directions configured in the same time instance, the base station can apply full duplex (FD) by scheduling a time domain resource for DL reception for some UEs, and scheduling the same time domain resource for UL transmissions for some other UEs. Meanwhile, to control the power emission in the spectrum, an SBFD aware UE performs half-duplex (HD) only. Accordingly, the UE will not simultaneously transmit and receive signals to / from a cell configured with SBFD sub-bands. Although SBFD shows advantages in increasing coverage to TDD system, configuring time domain resource for the new purpose may affect existing NR features such as configured grant (CG), semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), dynamic TDD, etc. 2 G1143802650WO

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure address the above-noted and other deficiencies by implementing SBFD time domain resource configuration techniques. A UE is configured to transmit or receive a transmission on an assigned symbol. In one example, the radio access network (RAN) node transmits, to the UE, a configuration for the TDD UL-DL transmission to indicate a SBFD pattern associated with the TDD pattern. The UE determines, based on the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol for transmission or reception. In another example, the RAN node transmits, to the UE, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: a bandwidth part (BWP) configuration or a SBFD sub-band configuration.

[0009] According to some aspects, a UE receives, from a RAN node, a configuration including a TDD pattern; receives, from the RAN node, a SBFD pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and transmits, to the RAN node, an UL transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern. According to some other aspects, the UE receives from a RAN node, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: a BWP configuration, and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and communicates, with the RAN node, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol configured for an SBFD operation corresponding to a SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of a TDD pattern.

[0010] According to some aspects, a network entity, transmits, to a UE, a configured scheduling configuration based on a BWP configuration, and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and communicates, with the UE, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol associated with at least one of the BWP configuration or the SBFD sub-band configuration. According to some other aspects, the network entity transmits, to a UE, a configuration including a TDD pattern; transmits, to the UE a SBFD pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and receives, from the UE, a UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 3 G1143802650WO

[0011] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system in which a radio access network (RAN) and / or a user equipment (UE) can implement the techniques of this disclosure for transmitting uplink (UL) transmissions on a sub- band full duplex (SBFD) UL sub-band according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an example base station including a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) that can operate in the system of FIG.1A according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram for configuring SBFD time domain resource according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates an example scenario where downlink (DL) symbol in a DL slot, DL symbol in a special slot, and flexible symbol of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on a SBFD pattern according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates an example scenario where DL symbol in a DL slot and DL symbol in a special slot of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on the SBFD pattern according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates an example scenario where DL symbol in a DL slot of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on the SBFD pattern according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3D illustrates an example scenario where the TDD UL and DL configuration includes an additional TDD pattern for DL slot and UL slot according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates examples of a TDD UL-DL configuration and SBFD pattern association according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates an example SBFD configuration configuring a SBFD pattern with consecutive DL, UL, flexible, and / or SBFD symbol(s) / slot(s) in the periodicity according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates an example SBFD pattern configuration, where the SBFD pattern includes at least one slot format, each slot format is associated with a slot in the SBFD pattern according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIGs. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, and 7 illustrate flowcharts of methods implemented at a UE for determining transmission direction of a symbol in a TDD UL-DL configuration based on a SBFD pattern according to some embodiments. 4 G1143802650WO

[0022] FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G illustrate flowcharts of methods implemented at a UE for performing SBFD sub-band communication with a RAN node according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIGs. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, and 9G illustrate flowcharts of methods implemented at a RAN node for performing SBFD sub-band communication with a UE according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIGs. 10, 11A, and 11B illustrate flowcharts of methods implemented at a RAN node for performing SBFD sub-band communication with a UE according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIGs.12, 13A, and 13B illustrate flowcharts of methods implemented at a UE for performing SBFD sub-band communication with a RAN node according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a hardware implementation for an example UE apparatus according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a hardware implementation for one or more example network entities according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Generally speaking, the techniques of the disclosure introduce a mechanism for a user equipment (UE) to transmit an uplink (UL) transmission (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical random access channel (PRACH), or sounding reference signal (SRS)) when the UE is configured or scheduled, by a base station (BS), to transmit the UL transmission on a sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) UL sub-band. The frequency region of the SBFD is configured by the BS. The UE determines the UL transmission frequency resource according to the configured SBFD frequency region, bandwidth part switching, and associated UL channel / signal configuration (refer to PUCCH, PUSCH, SRS, etc.).

[0029] FIG. 1A depicts an example wireless communication system 100 in which communication devices can implement these techniques. The wireless communication system 100 includes a UE 102, a base station 104 (source BS 104), a base station 106 (operating in the handover scenarios discussed below as the target BS 106, and a core network (CN) 110. The UE 102 initially connects to the BS 104. 5 G1143802650WOThe BSs 104 and 106 can operate in a RAN 105 connected to the CN 110. The CN 110 can be implemented as an evolved packet core (EPC) 111 or a fifth generation (5G) core (5GC), 160, for example.

[0030] Among other components, the EPC 111 can include a Serving Gateway (SGW) 112, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 114, and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 116. Generally speaking, the SGW 112 is configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., and the MME 114 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions. The PGW 116 provides connectivity from the UE to external packet data networks including Internet network and / or an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network by being the point of exit and entry of traffic for the UE. The 5GC 160 includes a User Plane Function (UPF) 162, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 164, and / or Session Management Function (SMF) 166. Generally speaking, the UPF 162 is configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., the AMF 164 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions, and the SMF 166 is configured to manage PDU sessions.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG.1A, the BS 104 supports a cell 124, and the BS 106 supports a cell 126. The BS 104 can additionally support a cell 125. The cells 124 and 125 can partially overlap, so that while communicating with the UE 102 via the cell 124, the BS 104 hands over the UE 102 to the cell 125. The cells 124 and 126 can partially overlap, so that while communicating with the UE 102 via the cell 124, the BS 104 hands over the UE 102 to the BS 106 operating as a target BS. To directly exchange messages during handover scenarios discussed below, the BS 104 and the BS 106 can support an X2 or Xn interface. In general, the CN 110 can connect to any suitable number of base stations supporting new radio (NR) cells and / or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) cells.

[0032] In general, the wireless communication network 100 can include any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. More particularly, the EPC 111 or the 5GC 160 can be connected to any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. Although the examples below refer specifically to specific CN types (EPC, 5GC) and RAT types (5G NR and EUTRA), in general the techniques of this disclosure also can apply to other suitable radio access 6 G1143802650WOand / or core network technologies such as sixth generation (6G) radio access and / or 6G core network.

[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, the BS 104 is equipped with processing hardware 130 that can include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)) and a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions that the one or more general-purpose processors execute. Additionally, or alternatively, the processing hardware 130 can include special-purpose processing units. The processing hardware 130 can include a physical layer (PHY) controller 132 configured to transmit data and control signal on physical downlink (DL) channels and DL reference signals with one or more user devices (e.g., UE 102) via one or more cells and / or one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). The PHY controller 132 is also configured to receive data and control signal on physical uplink (UL) channels and / or UL reference signals with the one or more user devices via one or more cells and / or one or more TRPs. The PHY controller 132 can be configured to manage SBFD transmission for one or more UL transmissions from one or more user devices. The processing hardware 130 in an example implementation includes a medium access control (MAC) controller 134 configured to perform MAC functions with one or more user devices. The MAC functions include a random access (RA) procedure, managing UL timing advance for the one or more user devices, and / or communicating UL / DL MAC protocol data units (PDUs) with the one or more user devices. The processing hardware 130 can further include a RLC controller (not show in FIG.1A) configured to perform radio link control (RLC) functions with one or more user devices. The processing hardware 130 can further include a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) controller (not shown in FIG. 1A) configured to perform PDCP functions with one or more user devices. The processing hardware 130 can further include a radio resource control (RRC) controller 136 to implement procedures and messaging at the RRC sublayer of the protocol communication stack. For example, the RRC controller 132 may be configured to support RRC messaging associated with SBFD transmission, resource configuration, measurement configuration procedure and reconfiguration procedure and / or handover procedures. The base station 106 can include processing hardware 140 that is similar to processing hardware 130. In particular, components 142, 144, and 146 can be similar to the components 132, 134, and 136, respectively. 7 G1143802650WO

[0034] The UE 102 is equipped with processing hardware 150 that can include one or more general-purpose processors such as CPUs and non-transitory computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions executable on the one or more general- purpose processors, and / or special-purpose processing units. The PHY controller 152 is also configured to receive data and control signal on physical DL channels and / or DL reference signals with the BS 104 or 106 via one or more cells and / or one or more TRPs. The PHY controller 152 is also configured to transmit data and control signal on physical UL channels and / or UL reference signals with the BS 104 or 106 via one or more cells and / or one or more TRPs. The PHY controller 132 can also be configured to perform SBFD transmission for one or more UL transmissions. The processing hardware 150 in an example implementation includes a MAC controller 154 configured to perform MAC functions with BS 104 or 106. For example, the MAC functions include a random-access procedure, managing UL timing for communication with the BS 104 or 106, and communicating UL / DL MAC PDUs with the BS 104 or 106. The processing hardware 150 can further include an RRC controller 156 to implement procedures and messaging at the RRC sublayer of the protocol communication stack. The processing hardware 150 can further include a RLC controller (not show in FIG.1A) configured to perform RLC functions with the BS 104 or 106. The processing hardware 150 can further include a PDCP controller (not shown in FIG. 1A) configured to perform PDCP functions with the BS 104 or 106.

[0035] FIG. 1B depicts an example, distributed or disaggregated implementation of any one or more of the BSs 104, 106. In this implementation, the BS 104, 106 includes a central unit (CU) 172 and one or more DUs 174. Each of the DU(s) can operate one or more cells. For example, the BS 104 includes a distributed unit (DU) operating the cell 124 and / or cell 125. In another example, the BS 104 includes a DU 174A and a DU 174B that operate the cell 124 and the cell 125, respectively. The CU 172 includes processing hardware, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and a computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions executable on the general-purpose processor(s), and / or special-purpose processing units. For example, the CU 172 can include an RRC controller such as RRC controller 136, 146. The CU 172 can a PDCP controller and / or a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) controller. 8 G1143802650WO

[0036] Each of the DUs 174 also includes processing hardware that can include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions executable on the one or more general-purpose processors, and / or special-purpose processing units. For example, the processing hardware can include a MAC controller (e.g., MAC controller 132, 142) configured to manage or control one or more MAC operations or procedures (e.g., a random access procedure), and / or a RLC controller configured to manage or control one or more RLC operations or procedures. The process hardware can also include a physical layer controller configured to manage or control one or more physical layer operations or procedures.

[0037] In some implementations, the CU 172 can include a logical node centralized unit- control plane (CU-CP) 172A that hosts the control plane part of the PDCP protocol of the CU 172. The CU 172 can also include logical node(s) centralized unit-user plane (CU-UP) 172B that hosts the user plane part of the PDCP protocol and / or SDAP protocol of the CU 172. The CU-CP 172A can transmit control information (e.g., RRC messages, F1 application protocol messages), and the CU-UP 172B can transmit the data packets (e.g., SDAP PDUs or Internet Protocol packets).

[0038] The CU-CP 172A can be connected to multiple CU-UP 172B through the E1 interface. The CU-CP 172A selects the appropriate CU-UP 172B for the requested services for the UE 102. In some implementations, a single CU-UP 172B can be connected to multiple CU-CP 172A through the E1 interface. The CU-CP 172A can be connected to one or more DUs 174 through an F1-C or W1-C interface. The CU- UP 172B can be connected to one or more DU 174 through a functional split-user plane (F1-U) or W1-U interface under the control of the same CU-CP 172A. In some implementations, one DU 174 can be connected to multiple CU-UP 172B under the control of the same CU-CP 172A. In such implementations, the connectivity between a CU-UP 172B and a DU 174 is established by the CU-CP 172A using Bearer Context Management functions.

[0039] FIG.2 illustrates a diagram 200 of a technique for configuring SBFD time domain resource according to some embodiments.

[0040] Referring first to FIG. 2, in a scenario 200, the BS 104 broadcasts 201A system information (e.g., a system information block (SIB)) including a TDD UL and DL configuration (e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon) via the cell 124. The TDD 9 G1143802650WOUL-DL configuration includes configuration parameters for a TDD carrier frequency of the cell 124. The parameters include a subcarrier spacing (e.g., referenceSubcarrierSpacing) and a pattern (e.g., TDD pattern-1301 in FIGs.3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B, and TDD pattern-2 303 in FIGs. 3D and 4). The pattern parameter includes a periodicity of the pattern, number of DL slots, number of DL symbols, number of UL slots, and / or number of UL symbols. A number of consecutive slots can be derived according to the periodicity of the pattern and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the bandwidth part (BWP). For example, as shown in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B, the periodicity of TDD pattern-1 301 is equivalent to 5 slots, and the periodicity of TDD pattern-2303 in FIGs. 3D and 4 is equivalent to 2 slots. The number of DL slots configures the number of consecutive DL slots (DL slot refers to a slot with all DL symbols) from the beginning of the pattern, for example, as shown in FIGs.3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B, Slot #n 304, Slot #n+1306, and Slot # n+2308 are 3 consecutive DL slots from the beginning of TDD pattern-1 301, and Slot #n+5 338 in FIGs. 3D and 4 is a DL slot from the beginning of TDD pattern-2303. The number of DL symbols configures the number of consecutive DL symbols in the beginning of the slot following the last DL slot of the consecutive DL slots, for example, DL symbol(s) 314 in Slot #n+3310 in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B. The number of UL slots configures the number of consecutive UL slots from the end of the pattern, for example, as shown in FIGs.3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B, Slot #n+4312 is an UL slot from the end of TDD pattern- 1301, and Slot #n+6340 in FIG. 3D and FIG. 4 is an UL slot from the end of TDD pattern-2303. The number of UL symbols configures the number of consecutive UL symbols in the end of the slot preceding the first UL slot of the consecutive UL slots, for example, DL symbol(s) 318 in Slot #n+3310 in FIGs.3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B. Remaining symbols or slots (e.g., not indicated as DL or UL) are considered as flexible symbols or slots, respectively. Flexible symbol 316 in slot #n+3310 in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, and 5B is an example of a flexible symbol. In some implementations, the SIB is SIB1.

[0041] After receiving 201A the system information, the UE 102 communicates 201B with the BS 104 via the cell 124. In some implementations, the UE 102 in single connectivity communicates 201B with a node of the BS 104 via the cell 124. In other implementations, the UE 102 in dual connectivity communicates with a master node 10 G1143802650WO(MN) and a secondary node (SN) of the BS 104. In one implementation, the UE 102 communicates 201B with the MN (e.g., the BS 104) via the cell 124. In another implementation, the UE 102 communicates 201B with the SN (e.g., the BS 104) via the cell 124.

[0042] During the communication 201B, the UE 102 receives 201C a UE capability enquiry message from the BS 104. In response, the UE 102 transmits 201D a UE capability information message to the BS 104. The UE 102 may include a first UE capability information element (IE) in the UE capability information message. In some implementations, the first UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for all TDD frequency bands supported by the UE 102.

[0043] In other implementations, the first UE capability IE includes a first capability indicating support of SBFD operation for all frequency range 1 (FR1) TDD frequency band(s) supported by the UE 102. In one implementation, the first UE capability IE also includes a second capability for all frequency range 2 (FR2) TDD frequency band(s) supported by the UE 102. In another implementation, the first UE capability excludes the second capability for all FR2 TDD frequency band(s) supported by the UE 102, to indicate that the UE 102 does not support SBFD operation for the FR2 TDD frequency band(s). In some implementations, the first capability and the second capability are the same field / IE. In other implementations, the first capability and the second capability are different fields / IEs.

[0044] In yet other implementations, the first UE capability IE includes a plurality of TDD band numbers each identifying a respective TDD frequency band. In one implementation, the first UE capability includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for each of the TDD frequency bands. In another implementation, the first UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for each of a first portion of the TDD frequency bands and does not include a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for each of a second portion (e.g., rest) of the TDD frequency bands.

[0045] In yet other implementations, the first UE capability IE includes a plurality of band combinations for single-RAT DC (e.g., NR-DC) and each of the band combinations includes a TDD band. In one implementation, the first UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for a TDD band in each of the band combinations. In another implementation, the band combinations include 11 G1143802650WOa first portion and a second portion (e.g., rest). The first UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for a TDD band in each of the first portion. The first UE capability IE includes the capability for a TDD band in each of the second portion. Alternatively, the first UE capability IE excludes the capability for a TDD band in each of the second portion.

[0046] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes a second UE capability IE in the UE capability information message. In other implementations, the UE 102 receives an additional UE capability enquiry message from the BS 104 and transmits an additional UE capability information message including the second UE capability to the BS 104. The second UE capability IE includes a plurality of band combinations for multi-RAT dual connectivity (e.g., EN-DC or NGEN-DC). In one implementation, the second UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD for a TDD band in each of the multi-RAT band combinations. In another implementation, the band combinations include a first portion and a second portion (e.g., rest). The second UE capability IE includes a capability indicating support of SBFD operation for a TDD band in each of the first portion. The second UE capability IE includes the capability for a TDD band in each of the second portion. Alternatively, the second UE capability IE excludes the capability for a TDD band in each of the second portion.

[0047] In some implementations, one of the first UE capability IE is a UE-NR-Capability IE and the second UE capability UE is a UE-MRDC-Capability IE. In some implementations, the BS 104 receives the first UE capability IE and / or the second UE capability from the CN 110 (not shown in FIG. 5) instead of the UE 102. In other implementations, the BS 104 (e.g., a SN or a target BS) receives the first UE capability IE and the second UE capability IE from BS 106 (e.g., a MN or a source BS). In these cases, the BS 104 refrains from transmitting a UE capability enquiry message to the UE 102.

[0048] Based on the capability / capabilities indicating support of the SBFD operation as described above, the BS 104 determines to configure the UE 102 to perform the SBFD operation. In response to the determination, the BS 104 transmits 202 a RRC reconfiguration message including at least one of following SBFD SB configuration(s) to the UE 102: UL sub-band (SB) configuration, DL SB configuration, guard band (GB) configuration, and at least one SBFD pattern (or configuration). In some embodiments, the BS 104 transmits 204 a RRC 12 G1143802650WOreconfiguration message including at least one SBFD pattern. In response, the UE 102 transmits 205 a RRC reconfiguration complete message to the BS 104. The UE 102 may apply the SBFD SB configuration(s) and the SBFD pattern(s) to communicate with the BS 104 as described below. For example, the UE 102 and the BS 104 apply the SBFD SB configuration(s) to the SBFD or UL slots / symbols configured in the SBFD pattern(s).

[0049] In some implementations, the UE 102 receives, from the BS 104, a DL BWP configuration and a UL BWP configuration that configure a DL BWP and a UL BWP, respectively. The UL BWP is paired with the DL BWP. For example, the DL BWP and / or UL BWP is BWP 302 in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D. In some implementations, the UE 102 receives the DL BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration in the system information. In other implementations, the UE 102 receives the DL BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration in a dedicated RRC message from the BS 104 during the event 201B. In some implementations, the dedicated RRC message is a RRC resume message or a RRC reconfiguration message. In yet other implementations, the BS 104 includes the DL BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message 202.

[0050] In cases where the DL BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration are included in the system information, the UE 102 and the BS 104 communicate with each other via the DL BWP and the UL BWP in events 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 202, 205, 206, and / or 212. In cases where the BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration are included in the dedicated RRC message, the BS 104 may activate the DL BWP and the UL BWP in the dedicated RRC message. In these cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 communicate with each other via the DL BWP and the UL BWP in events 201B, 201C, 201D, 202, 205, 206, and / or 212. Alternatively, after transmitting the dedicated RRC message the BS 104 may activate the DL BWP and the UL BWP by transmitting an activation command to the UE 102 in the event 201B. The activation command may be a downlink control information (DCI). In these cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 communicate with each other via the DL BWP and the UL BWP in events 201B, 201C, 201D, 202, 205, 206, and / or 212. In cases where the DL BWP configuration and the UL BWP configuration are included in the RRC reconfiguration message 202, the BS 104 may activate the DL BWP and the UL BWP in the RRC reconfiguration message. In these cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 13 G1143802650WOcommunicate with each other via the DL BWP and the UL BWP in events 205, 206, and / or 212. Alternatively, after transmitting the dedicated RRC message the BS 104 may activate the DL BWP and the UL BWP by transmitting an activation command to the UE 102 in the event 201B. The activation command may be a DCI. In these cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 communicate with each other via the DL BWP and the UL BWP in events 206 and / or 212. When the UE 102 and the BS 104 communicate with each other via a DL BWP (e.g., the DL BWP) and a UL BWP (e.g., the UL BWP), the DL BWP and the UL BWP are active BWPs.

[0051] Regarding the SBFD SB configuration(s) (i.e., UL SB configuration, DL SB configuration, GB configuration), a UL SB configuration configures a frequency region (e.g., resource block set) for a UL SB. In some implementations, the UL SB is in a BWP. In some implementations, one UL SB configuration can configure more than one UL SBs, and each UL SB is associated with at least one BWP. For example, in FIGs.3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, the UL SB configuration configures a UL SB 324 in the middle of BWP 302.

[0052] A DL SB configuration configures a frequency region (e.g., resource block set) for a DL SB. In some implementations, the DL SB is in a BWP. In some implementations, one DL SB configuration can configure more than one DL SBs, and each DL SB is associated with at least one BWP. In other implementations, the BS 104 does not transmit a DL SB configuration to the UE 102. In such cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 determine (e.g., derives) at least one DL SB for SBFD operation based on (e.g., from) a UL SB configuration and a DL BWP configuration. For example, In FIG.3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the DL SB configuration configures a DL SB- 1320 and a DL SB-2328, where DL SB-1320 is configured in the upper end of BWP 302 and DL SB-2328 is configured in the lower end of BWP 302.

[0053] A GB configuration configures a frequency region (e.g., resource block set) for a GB (e.g., GB 322 and 326 in FIG.3A, 3B, 3C and 3D). In some implementations, the GB is in a BWP. In some implementations, one GB configuration can configure more than one GBs, and each GB is associated with at least one BWP. For example, in FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the GB configuration configures a GB-1322 and a GB-1326 in BWP 302, where GB-1322 is configured in between UL SB 324 and DL SB-1320, and GB 326 is configured in between UL SB 324 and DL SB-2328. 14 G1143802650WO

[0054] In some implementations, the UL / DL SB(s), GB(s) and / or the SBFD SB configuration(s) described above are cell-specific or UE-specific. For example, a first SBFD SB (configuration) is configured for the SBFD operation in the cell 124. Similarly, a second SBFD SB (configuration) is also configured for the SBFD operation in the cell 124. In some implementations, the BS 104 includes the SBFD SB configuration(s) in a serving cell configuration (e.g., ServingCellConfigCommon or ServingCellConfig) and includes the serving cell configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message 508. In some implementations, each of the SBFD SB(s) (configuration(s)) are BWP-specific. For example, a SBFD SB (configuration) is associated with the DL BWP (configuration) or the UL BWP (configuration).

[0055] In general, the SBFD pattern(s) includes a SBFD pattern (configuration) configuring which DL or flexible symbol / slot (based on TDD UL-DL configuration(s), e.g., TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon and / or TDD-UL-DL- ConfigDedicated) are configured for the SBFD operation.

[0056] FIG.3A illustrates an example scenario 300A, where DL symbol in a DL slot, DL symbols in a special slot, and flexible symbol of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) (e.g., TDD pattern-1 301) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on a SBFD pattern (e.g., SBFD pattern (configuration) 402, 404, 406, 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and 522). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the BS 104 configures the UE 102 with a TDD pattern-1301 and an associated SBFD pattern-1 402. In some implementations, SBFD pattern-1 402 can be configured with a periodicity the same as the TDD pattern-1301. In other implementations, the SBFD pattern-1 402 applies the periodicity of TDD pattern-1 301 without an additional parameter. The indication of the first slot (e.g., slot #n 304) in the SBFD pattern-1 402 is associated with the first slot (e.g., slot #n 304) in the TDD pattern-1301, the second slot (e.g., slot #n+1 306) in the SBFD pattern-1 402 is associated with the second slot (e.g., slot #n+1306) in the TDD pattern-1301, and so on. Likewise, the indication of the firstin a slot (e.g., slot #n 304, slot #n+1306, slot #n+2308, slot #n+3 310, and slot #n+4 312) in the periodicity of the SBFD pattern-1 402 is associated with the first symbol in the slot (e.g., slot #n 304, slot #n+1306, slot #n+2 308, slot #n+3310, and slot #n+4312) in the periodicity of the TDD pattern-1301, the second symbol in a slot (e.g., slot #n 304, slot #n+1306, slot #n+2308, slot #n+3 310, and slot #n+4312) in the periodicity of SBFD pattern-1402 is associated with 15 G1143802650WOthe second symbol in the slot (e.g., slot #n 304, slot #n+1 306, slot #n+2308, slot #n+3310, and slot #n+4312) in the periodicity of TDD pattern-1301. Thereby the UE 102 can determine which symbol or slot of the TDD pattern-1301 is configured for SBFD operation based on the TDD pattern-1301 and SBFD pattern 402.

[0057] In the example scenario 300A, the SBFD operation is applicable from time instance 330 in slot #n+1306 to time instance 317 in slot #n+3310, where flexible symbol(s) 334 in slot #n+1306 is configured as a guard period to accommodate time advance (TA) for UL transmission. In some implementations, the BS 104 can schedule or configure the UE 102 to transmit a UL transmission on UL SB 324 in slot #n+1306 (after time instance 332), slot #n+2308, and / or slot #n+3310 (before time instance 317). In some implementations, the BS 104 can schedule (dynamic scheduling) and / or configure (configured scheduling) the UE 102 to receive a DL transmission on DL SB-1 320 and / or DL SB-2 328 in slot #n+1 306 (after time instance 330), slot #n+2308, and / or slot #n+3310 (before time instance 315).

[0058] FIG.3B illustrates an example scenario 300B, where the scenario 300B is similar to 300A, except that only DL symbol in a DL slot and DL symbol in a special slot of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on the SBFD pattern.

[0059] FIG.3C illustrates an example scenario 300C, where the scenario 300C is similar to 300A, except that only DL symbol in a DL slot of TDD UL-DL configuration(s) can be configured for the SBFD operation based on the SBFD pattern. The SBFD operation is applicable from time instance 330 in slot #n+1306 to time instance 313 at the end of slot #n+2308 or the start of slot #n+3310.

[0060] FIG.3D illustrates an example scenario 300D, where the scenario 300D is similar to 300A, except that the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) includes an additional TDD pattern-2303 for slot #n+5338 (DL slot) and slot #n+6340 (UL slot). The SBFD operation is applicable in the additional TDD pattern-2303 from time instance 342 at the end of slot #n+4 or the start of slot #n+5338 to time instance 344 at the end of slot #n+5338 or the start of slot #n+6340. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 4, the BS 104 configures the UE 102 with a TDD pattern-1 301 and a TDD pattern-2303. In some implementations, the BS 104 configures the UE 102 a SBFD pattern-1 402 and a SBFD pattern-2 404, where SBFD pattern-1 402 is associated 16 G1143802650WOwith TDD pattern-1301, and SBFD pattern-2404 is associated with TDD pattern-2 303. Thereby the UE 102 can determine which symbol or slot in TDD pattern-1301 is configured for SBFD operation based on TDD pattern-1301 and SBFD pattern-1 402; and / or determine which symbol or slot of the TDD pattern-2303 is configured for SBFD operation based on the TDD pattern-2 303 and SBFD pattern-2 404. In some implementations, the BS 104 configures the UE 102 only one SBFD pattern (SBFD pattern-1402 or SBFD pattern-2404) to associate with TDD pattern-1301 or TDD pattern-2303. In some implementations, the BS 104 configures the UE 102 with SBFD pattern 406 to associate with TDD pattern-1301 and TDD pattern-2303. In one example, the periodicity of SBFD pattern 406 is the summation of the periodicity of TDD pattern-1301 and TDD pattern-2303. In another example, the indication of the first slot (e.g., slot #n 304) in the SBFD pattern-1402 is associated with the first slot (e.g., slot #n 304) in the TDD pattern-1301, the indication of the sixth slot (e.g., slot #n+5338) in the SBFD pattern-1402 is associated with the first slot (e.g., slot #n+5338) in the TDD pattern-2303, and so on. Thereby, the UE 102 can determine which symbol or slot of TDD pattern-1301 and TDD pattern-2303 is configured for SBFD operation based on TDD pattern-1301, TDD pattern-2303, and SBFD pattern 406.

[0061] In some implementations, the SBFD pattern(s) described above are cell-specific or UE-specific. For example, a first SBFD pattern is configured for the SBFD operation in the cell 124. Similarly, a second SBFD pattern is also configured for the SBFD operation in the cell 124. In some implementations, the BS 104 includes the SBFD pattern(s) configuration(s) in a serving cell configuration (e.g., ServingCellConfigCommon or ServingCellConfig) and includes the serving cell configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message 508. In other implementations, the SBFD pattern(s) described above may be BWP-specific. For example, a SBFD pattern (configuration) is associated with a DL BWP (configuration) or a UL BWP (configuration). In some implementations, the BS 104 includes a first SBFD pattern configuration in a first DL BWP configuration or in a first UL BWP configuration. In some implementations, the BS 104 includes a second SBFD pattern configuration in a second DL BWP configuration or a second UL BWP configuration. In yet other implementations, the SBFD pattern(s) described above are SBFD SB-specific. For 17 G1143802650WOexample, a first SBFD pattern is associated with a first UL SB (configuration), and a second SBFD pattern is associated with a second UL SB (configuration).

[0062] In some implementations, the BS 104 can include a first SBFD SB configuration in a first DL BWP configuration or a first UL BWP configuration and includes the first SBFD pattern in the serving cell configuration, and include a second SBFD SB configuration in a second DL BWP configuration or a second UL BWP configuration and includes the second SBFD pattern in the serving cell configuration. In some implementations, the BS 104 configures a SBFD pattern to UE 102 as a separate RRC information element or as part of the legacy TDD-UL-DL-ConfigCommon or as part of the legacy TDD-UL-DL-ConfigDedicated.

[0063] In some implementations, the UE 102 and the BS 104 perform SBFD operation based on the configurations in the RRC reconfiguration message 202. In some implementations, the UE 102 applies the SBFD SB configuration and the SBFD pattern upon receiving the RRC reconfiguration message 202. The BS 104 applies the SBFD SB configuration and SBFD pattern after (e.g., in response to) transmitting the RRC reconfiguration message 202.

[0064] In other implementations, after (e.g., in response to) transmitting 202 the RRC reconfiguration message, the BS 104 transmits an activation command to the UE 102 to activate SBFD operation. In other words, the UE 102 does not apply the SBFD SB configuration, and / or SBFD pattern before receiving the activation command. In response to receiving the activation command, the UE 102 applies the SBFD SB configuration and / or SBFD pattern as described above. After transmitting the activation command, the BS 104 applies the SBFD SB configuration and / or SBFD pattern as described above.

[0065] FIG. 5A illustrates an example configuration 500A, where example SBFD configurations 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510 configures a SBFD pattern with consecutive DL, UL, flexible, and / or SBFD symbol(s) / slot(s) in the periodicity.

[0066] Regarding configuration 502, the SBFD pattern parameter includes the same parameter as the pattern (e.g., TDD pattern-1301 and TDD pattern-2303) in TDD UL and DL configuration, wherein UL and flexible slots and symbols in the SBFD pattern indicate the applicable slot and / or symbol for SBFD operation if the associated slots and / or symbols in the TDD pattern are DL and / or flexible. 18 G1143802650WO

[0067] Configuration 504 is similar to the configuration 502, except that configuration 504 uses flexible slot and / or symbol in the SBFD pattern to indicate the applicable slot and / or symbol for SBFD operation if the associated slots and / or symbols in the TDD pattern are DL and / or flexible.

[0068] Configuration 506, similar to configuration 502, uses UL and flexible symbols and slots in SBFD pattern to indicate applicable symbols and slots for SBFD operation, except that consecutive flexible slots and symbols can be configured at the end of the pattern. In some implementations, the SBFD pattern parameter includes at least one of following information: a periodicity, a number of DL slots, a number DL symbols, a number of UL symbols-1, a number of UL slots, and a number of UL symbols-2. Parameters for a periodicity, a number of DL slots, and a number of DL symbols are similar to the parameters of configuration 502. A number of UL symbol- 1 indicates a number of consecutive UL symbols at the end of the slot after the last DL slot; a number of UL slots indicate a number of consecutive UL slots after the last DL slot; a number of UL symbol-2 indicates a number of consecutive UL symbols at the beginning of the slot after the last UL slot.

[0069] In other implementations, the SBFD pattern parameter of configuration 506 includes at least one of following information: a periodicity, a number of DL slots, a number DL symbols, a number of flexible symbols-1, a number of flexible slots, and a number of flexible symbols-2. Parameters for a periodicity, a number of DL slots, and a number of DL symbols are similar to the parameters of configuration 502. A number of flexible symbols-1 indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbols after the last DL symbol; a number of flexible slots indicate a number of consecutive flexible slots at the end of the pattern; a number of flexible symbol-2 indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbols at the end of the slot preceding the first flexible slot. Remaining symbols and / or slots in the SBFD pattern are considered as UL symbols and UL slots, respectively.

[0070] Configuration 508 uses UL or SBFD slots and symbols in the SBFD pattern to indicate applicable slots and symbols for SBFD operation, or uses flexible slots and symbols to indicate which slots and symbols are not applicable for SBFD operation. In configuration 508, only flexible and / or UL slots and symbols are indicated in the SBFD pattern. In some implementations, the SBFD pattern parameters include following information: a number of flexible slots-1, a number of flexible symbols-1, 19 G1143802650WOa number of flexible slots-2, and a number of flexible symbols-2. A number of flexible slots-1 indicates a number of consecutive flexible slots at the beginning of the pattern; a number of flexible symbols-1 indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbol in the slot after the last flexible slot at the beginning of the pattern; a number of flexible slots-2 indicates a number of consecutive flexible slots at the end of the pattern; a number of flexible symbols indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbols at the end of the slot preceding the first flexible slot at the end of the pattern. In some implementations, remaining slots, or symbols in the SBFD pattern are considered as UL slots or UL symbols. In other implementations, remaining slots or symbols are considered as SBFD slots or symbols (refer to slots or symbols that is applicable for SBFD operation).

[0071] In other implementations, the SBFD pattern parameters include following information: a number of flexible slots, a number of flexible symbols, a number of UL slots, a number of UL symbols-1, a number of UL symbols-2. A number of flexible indicates a number of consecutive flexible slots at the beginning of the pattern; a number of flexible symbols indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbol in the slot after the last flexible slot at the beginning of the pattern; a number of UL slots indicates a number of consecutive UL slot after the slot with the last flexible symbol; a number of UL symbols-1 indicates a number of consecutive UL symbols at the end of the slot preceding the first UL slot; a number of UL symbl-2 indicates a number of consecutive UL symbols at the beginning of the slot after the last UL slot. In some implementations, instead of including parameters: a number of UL, a number of UL symbols-1, and a number of UL symbl-2; the SBFD pattern parameter includes a number of SBFD slots (all SBFD symbol in the slot) to indicate a number of consecutive SBFD slot after the slot with the last flexible symbol; a number of SBFD symbols-1 indicates a number of consecutive SBFD symbols at the end of the slot preceding the first SBFD slot; a number of SBFD symbol-2 indicates a number of consecutive SBFD symbols in the beginning of the slot after the last SBFD slot.

[0072] Configuration 510 uses SBFD and / or flexible slots and symbols in the SBFD pattern to indicate applicable slots and symbols for SBFD operation. In some implementations, the SBFD pattern parameter of configuration 510 includes at least one of following parameters: a number of DL slots, a number of DL symbols, a 20 G1143802650WOnumber of flexible symbols, a number of SBFD slots, a number of SBFD symbols-1, a number of SBFD symbols-2, a number of UL slots, a number of UL symbols. The definition of a number of DL slots, a number of DL symbols, a number of UL slots, and a number of UL symbols are identical to configuration 502. A number of flexible symbols indicates a number of consecutive flexible symbols after the last DL symbol; a number of SBFD slots indicate a number of consecutive SBFD slots after the slot with the last DL or flexible (if configured) symbol; a number of SBFD symbols-1 indicates a number of consecutive SBFD symbols in the end of the slot preceding the first SBFD slot; a number of SBFD symbols-2 indicate a number of consecutive SBFD symbols in the beginning of the slot after the last SBFD slot.

[0073] FIG.5B illustrates example SBFD pattern configurations 500B, where the SBFD pattern includes at least one slot format, each slot format is associated with a slot in the SBFD pattern.

[0074] In some implementations, SBFD pattern parameters include a slot index in a slot format to associate with a slot in the periodicity of the SBFD pattern. For example, the SBFD patterns of configurations 512 to 522 associate with TDD pattern-1301, so the SBFD patterns of configurations 512 to 522 have the same periodicity (i.e., 5 slots) as TDD pattern-1301. Example SBFD patterns of configurations 512 to 522 include a first, second, and third slot formats; the first slot format includes a slot index of 1 to associate with the 2ndslot (e.g., slot #n+1 306) in the periodicity; the second slot format includes a slot index of 2 to associate with the 3rdslot (e.g., slot #n+2308) in the periodicity; the third slot format includes a slot index of 3 to associate with the 4thslot (e.g., slot #n+3310) in the periodicity. Remaining symbols in a slot format are considered as flexible. In some implementations, for a slot that is not indicated by a slot format in the SBFD pattern configuration (e.g., the 1stand 5thslot in configuration 512 to 522), the slot is not applicable for SBFD operation.

[0075] Example SBFD pattern configurations 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and 522 illustrate different approaches to indicate applicable symbols and slots for SBFD operation.

[0076] Regarding the configuration 512, UL and flexible slots and symbols in a slot format indicate applicable slot and symbols for SBFD operation. In additional to the slot index, configuration 512 includes at least one of following parameters in a slot format: all DL symbols in the slot, all UL symbols in the slot, a number of consecutive 21 G1143802650WODL symbols in the beginning of the slot, a number of consecutive UL symbols in the end of the slot.

[0077] Example of configuration 514 is similar to configuration 512, except that only UL slots and symbols in the SBFD pattern are used to indicate applicable slots and symbols for SBFD operation. Example of configuration 516 is similar to configuration 512, except that in addition to the slot format parameters of configuration 512, configuration 516 includes at least one of following parameters in the slot format: a number of consecutive UL symbols in the beginning of the slot, a number of consecutive flexible symbols in the end of the slot.

[0078] Example of configuration 518 only uses UL slots and symbols to indicates applicable slots and symbols for SBFD operation. Thus, configuration 518 includes at least one of following parameters for a slot format: a number of UL symbols in the beginning of the slot, all UL symbols in the slot, and a number of UL symbols in the end of the slot.

[0079] Example of configuration 520 is similar to configuration 512, except that configuration 520 uses SBFD and / or flexible slots and symbols in a slot format to indicate applicable slots and symbols for SBFD operation. In additional to the slot format parameters of configuration 512, configuration 520 includes at least one of following parameters in a slot format: all SBFD symbols in the slot, a number of consecutive SBFD symbols in the beginning of the slot, a number of consecutive SBFD symbols in the end of the slot.

[0080] In other implementations, the slot format is predefined in the specifications. For example, the specification includes a table of slot formats (e.g., “Table 11.1.1-1: Slot formats for normal cyclic prefix” in 3GPP TS 38.213), where each row indicates a slot format. A slot format indicates the transmission directions of each symbol in a slot by different notations. For example, notations ‘D’, ‘U’, and ‘F’ can be used to indicate DL, UL, and flexible symbols in a slot, respectively (e.g., DDDDDDFFFFUUUU for a special slot, DDDDDDDDDDDDDD for a DL slot, and UUUUUUUUUUUUUU for a UL slot, etc.). In some implementations, a notation (e.g., ‘X’) can be introduced to indicate a symbol that is not applicable for SBFD operation. In some implementations, a notation (e.g., ‘S’ or ‘B’) can be introduced to indicate a symbol that is applicable for SBFD operation. A SBFD pattern 22 G1143802650WOconfiguration can include the row index of the table to associate to the slot format in the row of table. The predefined slot format can be applied to configurations 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and 522. For example, each configuration of configurations 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and 522 includes a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5thslot formats by including 5 associated row indexes of the table of slot formats, wherein the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5thslot format is associated with the slot #n 304, slot #n+1306, slot #n+2308, slot #n+3 310, and slot #n+4312 in the periodicity of SBFD patterns, respectively.

[0081] In still other implementations, the SBFD pattern (e.g., configuration 522) is indicated by a bit map, where the bitmap can have a size of the periodicity of the associated TDD pattern(s) (e.g., TDD pattern-1301 and / or TDD pattern-2303) or the maximum number of slots (e.g., maxNrofSlots) or as a size the number of DL and / or flexible slots in the associated TDD pattern(s). For example, if the special / flexible slot in a TDD pattern is applicable for the SBFD operation and the BS 104 is to configure the 2nd, 3rd, and 4thslots in the TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) for the SBFD operation, the BS 104 configures the bitmap as {01110}, where ‘1’ implies the presence of a SBFD slot (or {1 0 0 0 1}, if ‘0’ implies the presence of a SBFD slot). If the special / flexible slots in a TDD pattern are not applicable for SBFD operation and the BS 104 is to configure the 2ndand 3rdslot in the TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) for SBFD operation, the BS 104 configures the bitmap as {01100}. In one example, if the UL slots in TDD pattern are not included in the SBFD pattern as they could not be changed to SBFD, the bitmap can have a size equal to the number of DL and special slots (if the special slot can be overwritten); for example, the BS 104 can configure the bitmap as {01 11} to indicate the 2nd, 3rd, and 4thslot in a TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) are applicable for the SBFD operation. In another example, if the special slot is not applicable for the SBFD operation, the BS 104 configures the bitmap as {0 11} to indicate the 2ndand 3rdslots in a TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) are applicable for the SBFD operation.

[0082] In some implementation, in addition to a first bitmap as introduced above, a second bitmap can also be included in the SBFD pattern configuration to indicate which symbols in the special slot are applicable for the SBFD operation. The second bitmap for the special slot can have the same number of symbols of the slot (14 symbols / 12 symbols) or can be the same as the number of DL symbols and / or the flexible symbols. 23 G1143802650WO

[0083] In some implementations, the SBFD pattern includes a bitmap indicating which DL slots in the consecutive DL slots are configured for the SBFD operation. In one implementation, a length of the bitmap is the same as the number of the consecutive DL slots. In another implementation, a length of the bitmap is smaller the number of the consecutive DL slots. The SBFD pattern might include a periodicity indicating the bitmap periodically applies to the consecutive DL slots.

[0084] In other implementations, the SBFD pattern includes a start position of a DL slot and the number of consecutive DL slots within the consecutive DL slots configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration to define a pattern. The SBFD pattern might include a periodicity indicating the pattern periodically applies to the consecutive DL slots configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration.

[0085] In some implementations, the BS 104 configures the UL SB configuration(s) (e.g., the first UL SB configuration and / or the second UL SB configuration) and does not configure a SBFD pattern. In such cases, the UE 102 and the BS 104 may apply the SB UL configuration(s) to the consecutive DL slots.

[0086] In some implementations, the SBFD pattern(s) includes a second SBFD pattern (configuration) configuring which DL slots in the consecutive DL slots are configured for the SBFD operation. In some implementations, the second SBFD pattern includes a bitmap indicating which DL slots in the consecutive DL slots are configured for the SBFD operation. In one implementation, a length of the bitmap is the same as the number of the consecutive DL slots. In another implementation, a length of the bitmap is smaller than the number of the consecutive DL slots. The second SBFD pattern might include a periodicity indicating the bitmap periodically applies to the consecutive DL slots.

[0087] In other implementations, the second SBFD pattern includes a start position of a DL slot and the number of consecutive DL slots within the consecutive DL slots configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration to define a pattern. The second SBFD pattern might include a periodicity indicating the pattern periodically applies to the consecutive DL slots configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration. The second SBFD pattern is different from the first SBFD pattern because the parameters in the second SBFD pattern are different from the parameters in the first SBFD pattern. 24 G1143802650WO

[0088] In some other implementations, the SBFD pattern can be configured with at least one of following information: a number of SBFD slots (e.g., from 0 to maxNrofSlots), a number of SBFD symbols. In some implementations, the number of SBFD slots implies a number of consecutive SBFD slots preceding the first UL slot of the TDD UL and DL configuration(s); the number of SBFD symbols implies a number of consecutive SBFD symbols preceding the first SBFD slot. For example, if the special / flexible slot can be overwritten by SBFD slot and the BS 104 is to configure the 2nd, 3rd, and 4thslots in a TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) for SBFD operation, the BS 104 configures “the number of consecutive SBFD slots” equal to 3. In other implementations, the number of SBFD slots implies a number of consecutive SBFD slots preceding the special slot (e.g., the first non-DL slot preceding the first UL slot). For example, if the special / flexible slots are not applicable for SBFD operation and the BS 104 is to configure the 2ndand 3rdslots in a TDD pattern (e.g., DDDSU) for SBFD operation, the BS 104 configures “the number of consecutive SBFD slots” equal to 2. If a special slot is indicated as SBFD, this could be interpreted as the DL symbols or / and the flexible symbols in that special slot are to be considered SBFD and not the UL symbols. For example, if the TDD pattern is DDDSU and the special slot is 10:2:2 where 10 is the number of DL symbols, 2 is the number of guard symbols, and 2 is the number of UL symbols and if the SBFD pattern is [D SBFD SBFD SBFD U], then the 2ndand 3rdslot are SBFD and in the special slot (i.e., 4thslot): the first 10 symbols are SBFD, and then 2 guard symbols, and then 2 UL symbols.

[0089] After transmitting 202 the RRC reconfiguration message or receiving 205 the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the BS 104 transmits 206, to the UE 102, a first DL control information (DCI) scheduling a first UL transmission on the UL SB. The first DCI schedules a frequency resource and a time resource for the first UL transmission. The frequency resource is within the first UL SB. The time resource is one or more than one DL or flexible symbols in a DL or special slot (e.g., slot #n+1 306, slot #n+2308, and slot #n+3310 in Fig 3A to 3D, or slot #n+5338 in FIG.3D) configured in the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) and / or is configured as UL, SBFD, or flexible symbols in the SBFD pattern. The UE 102 transmits 212 a first UL transmission on the frequency resource and the time source in accordance with the first DCI. In some implementations, the first UL transmission is a PUSCH 25 G1143802650WOtransmission. In some implementations, the PUSCH transmission includes a MAC PDU. In other implementations, the PUSCH transmission includes a channel state information (CSI) report.

[0090] In some implementations, instead of being scheduled by 206 the first DCI, a first UL transmission 212 is configured by a configured grant (CG) in RRC reconfiguration 202. The UE 102 transmits 212 a UL transmission in accordance with the CG to the BS 104. In some implementations, the CG is associated with a SBFD SB configuration. If the UE 102 determines, based on the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) and / or the SBFD pattern, that the time domain resource is not applicable for SBFD operation on the UL SB, the UE 102 drops the first UL transmission. In some implementations, if the UE 102 determines, based on the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) and / or the SBFD pattern, that the time domain resource of a second UL transmission (configured by a CG) is not identical to a first UL transmission (configured by the same CG as the second UL transmission), the UE 102 drops the second UL transmission. In other implementations, if the UE 102 determines, based on the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) and / or the SBFD pattern, that the time domain resource is not applicable for SBFD operation on the UL SB, the UE 102 transmits the first UL transmission based on the UL BWP configuration, otherwise the UE 102 transmits the first UL transmission based on the UL SB configuration.

[0091] After transmitting 202 the RRC reconfiguration message or receiving 205 the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the BS 104 transmits 206, to the UE 102, a second DL control information (DCI) scheduling a first DL transmission on the one or more DL SBs in the DL BWP. The second DCI configures a frequency resource and a time resource for the first DL transmission. In some implementations, the DL SB is the upper DL SB (e.g., DL SB-1320 in FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D) described above, and the frequency resource is within the upper DL SB. In other implementations, the DL SB(s) is the lower DL SB described (e.g., DL SB-2328 in FIG.3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D), and the frequency resource is within the lower DL SB. In yet other implementations, the DL SBs are the upper DL SB and the lower DL SB described, and a portion of the frequency resource is within the upper DL SB and the rest portion of the frequency resource is within the first DL SB. In yet other implementations, the DL SB is the DL SB described above and the frequency resource 26 G1143802650WOis within the DL SB. The time resource is a DL slot (e.g., slot # n+1306, slot #n+2 308 in Fig 3A, 3B, and 3D, or slot #n+5338) or a special slot (e.g., slot #n+3310 in Fig 3A, 3B, and 3D) configured in the TDD DL and UL configuration. The UE 102 receives 212 a first DL transmission on the frequency resource and the time source in accordance with the first DCI. In some implementations, the first DL transmission is a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission. In some implementations, the PDSCH transmission includes a MAC PDU.

[0092] In some implementations, instead of being scheduled by 206 the second DCI, the first DL transmission 212 is configured by a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) in RRC reconfiguration 202. The UE 102 receives 212 a DL transmission in accordance with the SPS from the BS 104. In some implementations, the SPS is associated with the SBFD SB configuration. If the UE 102 determines that the time domain resource is not applicable for SBFD operation based on the TDD UL and DL configuration(s) and / or the SBFD pattern, the UE 102 drops the first DL transmission. In some implementations, if the UE 102 determines that the time domain resource of a second DL transmission (configured by the SPS) is not identical to the first DL transmission (configured by the same SPS as the second DL transmission), the UE 102 drops the second DL transmission. In some implementations, if the UE 102 determines that the first DL transmission is not applicable for SBFD operation, the UE 102 receives 212 the first DL transmission based on the DL BWP configuration, otherwise, the UE 102 receives 212 the first DL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration.

[0093] After transmitting 202 the RRC reconfiguration message or receiving 205 the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the BS 104 transmits 206, to the UE 102, a third DCI scheduling a second UL transmission on the UL BWP. The third DCI configures a frequency resource and a time resource for the second UL transmission. The frequency resource is within the UL BWP. In some implementations, the time resource is a UL slot or UL symbol(s) in UL or special slot (e.g., slot #n+4312 in Fig 3A, 3B, 3C, or 3D, or slot #n+3 310 in FIG. 3C) configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration and not configured in the SBFD pattern. In other implementations, the time resource is a UL slot (e.g., slot #n+4312 in Fig 3A, 3B, 3C, or 3D, or slot #n+3 310 in FIG. 3C) configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration and in the SBFD pattern. In some implementations, the frequency resource may include more physical resource blocks than the UL SB. The UE 102 transmits 214 a second UL transmission 27 G1143802650WOon the frequency resource and the time source in accordance with the third DCI. In some implementations, the second UL transmission is a PUSCH transmission. In some implementations, the PUSCH transmission includes a MAC PDU. In other implementations, the PUSCH transmission includes a CSI report.

[0094] After transmitting 202 the RRC reconfiguration message or receiving 205 the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the BS 104 transmits 206, to the UE 102, a fourth DCI scheduling a second DL transmission on the first DL BWP. The fourth DCI configures a frequency resource and a time resource for the second DL transmission. In some implementations, the time resource is a DL slot (e.g., slot #n 304 in Fig 3A, 3B, 3C, or 3D, or slot #n+3310 in FIG. 3C) configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration and not configured in the SBFD pattern. In other implementations, the time resource is a DL slot (e.g., slot #n 304 in Fig 3A, 3B, 3C, or 3D, or slot #n+3310 in FIG.3C) configured in the TDD UL-DL configuration and in the SBFD pattern. In some implementations, the frequency resource may include more physical resource blocks than each or sum of the DL SB(s) (e.g., i.e., the upper DL SB and / or the lower DL SB, or the DL SB). The UE 102 receives 214 a first DL transmission on the frequency resource and the time source in accordance with the fourth DCI. In some implementations, the first DL transmission is a PDSCH transmission. In some implementations, the PDSCH transmission includes a MAC PDU.

[0095] Events described above with reference to 212 can occur in the same slot or in different slots. Events described above with reference to 214 can occur in different slots. Events described above with reference to 206 can occur in the same slot or in different slots. In some implementations, events similar to events 206, 212, and 214 can occur during event 201B.

[0096] In cases where the BS 104 includes the CU 172 and the DU 174, the CU 172 transmits the UE capability enquiry message to the UE 102 via the DU 174 and receives the UE capability information message from the UE 102 via the DU 174. The CU 172 may transmit the first UE capability IE and / or the second UE capability IE to the DU 174. The CU 172 transmits 202 the RRC reconfiguration message via the DU 174 to the UE 102 and receives 205 the RRC reconfiguration complete message from the UE 102 via the DU 174. The CU 172 may receive, from the DU 174, a first interface message including the UL SB configuration(s), the DL SB configuration(s), 28 G1143802650WOthe GB configuration(s) and / or the pattern(s). The CU 172 then includes the UL SB configuration(s), the DL SB configuration(s), the GB configuration(s) and / or the pattern(s) in the RRC reconfiguration message 202. In some implementations, the first interface message is a UE Context Modification Required message. In other implementations, the first interface message is a UE Context Modification Response message. In yet other implementations, the first interface message is a UE Context Setup Response message.

[0097] FIG.6A illustrates a method 600A, which can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102), for determining transmission direction of a symbol configured in TDD UL and DL configuration(s) according to configurations (e.g., configuration 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and / or 522, for examples SBFD pattern-1402, and / or SBFD pattern-2404) from a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105). The method 600A begins at block 602, where the UE receives a TDD UL and DL configuration from the RAN, where the TDD UL-DL configuration includes a TDD pattern(s) (e.g., example TDD pattern-1301 and / or TDD pattern-2 303). At block 604, the UE receives a SBFD pattern(s) (e.g., example SBFD pattern- 1402, and / or SBFD pattern-2404, with SBFD pattern 406) from the RAN, where the SBFD pattern is associated with the TDD pattern. At block 606, the UE receives, from the RAN, a UL grant or DL assignment in a DCI, a SPS configuration, or a CG configuration to transmit / receive a DL / UL transmission in a BWP, UL SB, or DL SB. At block 608A, the UE determines that an assigned symbol of the DL / UL transmission is a DL symbol in a DL slot based on the TDD UL and DL configuration. At block 610A, if the UE determines that the assigned symbol for the DL / UL transmission is a UL symbol based on the SBFD pattern, the flow proceeds to block 611; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 613. At block 611, the UE determines that the assigned symbol for the DL / UL transmission is applicable for SBFD operation (e.g., indicated as a SBFD symbol). At bock 612, the UE transmits the UL transmission on the assigned symbol based on the SBFD operation. At block 613, the UE determines that the assigned symbol for the DL / UL transmission is not applicable for SBFD operation. At block 614, the UE transmits the UL transmission on an UL BWP.

[0098] FIG. 6B illustrates a method 600B, where the method 600B is similar to method600A, except that at block 610B, if the UE determines that the assigned symbol for29 G1143802650WOthe DL / UL transmission is a SBFD symbol based on the SBFD pattern, the flow proceeds to blocks 611 and 612; otherwise, the flow proceeds to blocks 613 and 614.

[0099] FIG. 6C illustrates a method 600C, where the method 600C is similar to method600A, except that at block 610C, if the UE determines that the assigned symbol forthe DL / UL transmission is a flexible symbol based on the SBFD pattern, the flow proceeds to blocks 611 and 612; otherwise, the flow proceeds to blocks 613 and 614.

[0100] FIG. 6D illustrates a method 600D, where the method 600D is similar to method600A, except that at block 608D, the UE determines that an assigned symbol for the DL / UL transmission is a DL symbol in a special slot based on the TDD UL and DL configuration. FIG. 6E illustrates a method 600E, where the method 600E is similarto method 600D, except block 610B. FIG. 6F illustrates a method 600F, where themethod 600F is similar to method 600D, except block 610C.

[0101] FIG. 6G illustrates a method 600G, where the method 600G is similar to method600A, except that at block 608G, the UE determines that an assigned symbol for the DL / UL transmission is a flexible symbol based on the TDD UL and DL configuration. FIG. 6H illustrates a method 600H, where the method 600H is similar to method600G, except for block 610B.

[0102] FIG.7 illustrates a method 700, which can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102), for determining transmission direction of a symbol configured in TDD UL and DL configuration(s) according to configurations (e.g., configuration 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, and / or 522, for examples SBFD pattern-1 402, and / or SBFD pattern-2404) from a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105). The method 700 begins at block 702, where the UE receives a first and a second TDD UL and DL configuration from the RAN, then the flow proceeds to blocks 604 and 606. At block 704, the UE receive a BWP configuration and / or a SBFD SB configuration from the RAN. At block 707, if the BWP configuration is associated with the SBFD configuration and / or with the SBFD SB configuration enabled, the flow proceeds to block 708; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 710. At block 708, the UE determines whether assigned symbol(s) for the DL / UL transmission are applicable for SBFD operation based on the SBFD pattern and / or the second TDD UL and DL configuration, and with at least one of following methods: 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, 600G, and 600H. At block 710, the UE 30 G1143802650WOdetermines the transmission direction for receiving / transmitting the DL / UL transmission on a BWP (configured in the BWP configuration) based on the first TDD UL and DL configuration.

[0103] In some implementations, at block 702, the first and second TDD UL and DL configurations refer to a first and second TDD patterns in a TDD UL and DL configuration, respectively.

[0104] FIG.8A illustrates a method 800A, which can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102), for performing SBFD SB communication with a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105). The method 800A begins at block 602. At block 804, the UE receives, from the RAN, a BWP configuration, a SBFD SB configuration, and a SBFD pattern, where the SBFD pattern is associated with the TDD pattern. At block 806A, the UE receives, from the RAN, a configured scheduling configuration (e.g., CG and SPS), where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and / or signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD SB configuration. At block 808A, the UE determines whether the assigned symbol(s) for a configured DL / UL transmission are applicable for SBFD operation or not based on at least one of following methods: 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, 600G, 600H, and / or 700. At block 810A, if the assigned symbol(s) for the configured DL / UL transmission are SBFD symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, the flow proceeds to block 812A; otherwise, the flow proceeds to 814A. At block 812A, the UE communicates with the RAN, the configured DL / UL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 814A, the UE communicates with the RAN, the configured DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration.

[0105] In some implementations, at block 810A, if not all of the assigned symbol(s) for the configured DL / UL transmission are SBFD symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, the UE determines the transmission direction of the configured DL / UL transmission based on the direction of the first assigned symbol. If the first assigned symbol is a SBFD symbol, the UE drops (or punctures) a part of the DL / UL transmission that is not assigned on SBFD symbol(s), then proceeds the flow to block 812A. Likewise, if the first assigned symbol is not 31 G1143802650WOSBFD symbol, the UE drops a part of the DL / UL transmission that is assigned on SBFD symbol(s), then proceeds the flow to block 814A.

[0106] FIG.8B illustrates a method 800B, which is similar to method 800A, except that at block 806B, the UE receives, from the RAN, a configured scheduling configuration (e.g., CG and SPS), where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and / or signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI- RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 815B, the UE drops the configured DL / UL transmission.

[0107] FIG.8C illustrates a method 800C, which is similar to method 800B, except that at block 806C, the UE receives, from the RAN, a configured scheduling configuration (e.g., CG and SPS), where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and / or signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI- RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration. At block 810A, the flow proceeds to block 815B and 814A, instead of block 812A and 815B.

[0108] FIG.8D illustrates a method 800D, which is similar to method 800A, except that at block 806D, the UE receives, from the RAN, a configured scheduling configuration (e.g., CG and SPS), where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and / or signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI- RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration includes a first and a second frequency domain resource assignments (FDRA). At block 812D, the UE communicates with the RAN, the configured DL / UL transmission according to the first FDRA. At block 814D, the UE communicates with the RAN, the configured DL / UL transmission according to the second FDRA.

[0109] FIG.8E illustrates a method 800E, which is similar to method 800A, except that at block 808, the UE determines whether assigned symbol(s) for a first configured DL / UL transmission are applicable for SBFD (e.g., indicated as SBFD symbol(s)) or BWP operation based on at least one of following methods: 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, 600G, 600H, and / or 700. At block 810E, if the UE determines that a second configured DL / UL transmission of the configured scheduling configuration applies the same operation (SBFD or BWP) as the first configured DL / UL 32 G1143802650WOtransmission by using the same method(s) for determining the first configured DL / UL transmission, the flow proceeds to block 812E; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 813E. At block 812E, the UE transmits the second configured DL / UL transmission from / to the RAN. At block 813E, the UE drops the second configured DL / UL transmission.

[0110] FIG. 8F illustrates a method 800F, which is similar to method 800E, except that at block 810F, if assigned symbol(s) for the configured DL / UL transmission are flexible symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern, the flow proceeds to block 813B; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 812A.

[0111] FIG. 8G illustrates a method 800G, which is similar to method 800A, except thatat block 806G, the UE receives, from the RAN, a UL grant or DL assignment in a DCI, where the DCI schedules a DL / UL channel and signal transmission (e.g., PDSCH, PUSCH, PPUCCH, SRS, CSI-RS). At block 810G, if assigned symbol(s) for the DL / UL transmission scheduled by the DCI are applicable for SBFD operation based on at least one of following methods: 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D, 600E, 600F, 600G, 600H and 700, the flow proceeds to block 812G; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 814G. At block 812G, the UE communicates with the RAN, the DL / UL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 814G, the UE communicates with the RAN, the DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration.

[0112] FIG. 9A illustrates a method 900A, which can be implemented by a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105), for performing SBFD SB communication with a UE (e.g., the UE 102). The method 900A begins at block 902, where the RAN transmits a TDD UL and DL configuration to the UE, wherein the TDD UL and DL configuration includes a TDD pattern. At block 904, the RAN transmits, to the UE, a BWP configuration, a SBFD SB configuration, and a SBFD pattern, where the SBFD pattern is associated with the TDD pattern. At block 906A, the RAN transmits, to the UE, a configured scheduling configuration, where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and / or signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD SB configuration. At block 910A, if assigned symbol(s) for a configured DL / UL transmission are SBFD 33 G1143802650WOsymbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, the flow proceeds to block 912A; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 914A. At block 912A, the RAN communicates with the UE, the configured UL / DL transmission on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 914A, the RAN communicates with the UE, the configured UL / DL transmission on the BWP configuration.

[0113] FIG.9B illustrates a method 900B, which is similar to method 900A, except that at block 906B, the RAN transmits, to a UE, a configured scheduling configuration, where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 915B, the RAN drops the configured UL / DL transmission.

[0114] FIG.9C illustrates a method 900C, which is similar to method 900B, except that at block 906C, the RAN transmits, to a UE, a configured scheduling configuration, where the configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; the configured scheduling configuration is applicable for DL / UL transmission based on the BWP configuration. At block 910A, if assigned symbol(s) for a configured DL / UL transmission are SBFD symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, the flow proceeds to block 915B; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 914A.

[0115] FIG.9D illustrates a method 900D, which is similar to method 900A, except that at block 906D, the RAN transmits, to the UE, a configured scheduling configuration configures at least one of following DL / UL channel and signal transmission: PDSCH, PDCCH, CSI-RS, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, or PRACH; and the configured scheduling configuration includes a first and a second frequency domain resource assignments (FDRA). At block 912D, the RAN communicates with the UE, the configured UL / DL transmission according to the first FDRA. At block 914D, the RAN communicates with the UE, the configured UL / DL transmission according to the second FDRA.

[0116] FIG.9E illustrates a method 900E, which is similar to method 900A, except that at block 910E, if assigned symbol(s) for a first configured UL / DL transmission of a configured scheduling configuration are SBFD symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern 34 G1143802650WOand / or TDD UL and DL configuration, the flow proceeds to block 912E; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 914E-1. At block 912E, the RAN communicates with the UE, the first configured UL / DL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 914E-1, the RAN communicates with the UE, the first configured UL / DL transmission based on the BWP configuration. At block 916, based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, if assigned symbol(s) for a second configured UL / DL transmission of the configured scheduling configuration are identified with the same direction as the first configured UL / DL transmission, the flow proceeds to block 914E-2; otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 915E. At block 914E-2, the RAN communicates with the UE, the second configured UL / DL transmission based on the same configuration (SBFD SB or BWP configuration) as the first configured UL / DL transmission. At block 915E, the RAN drops the second configured UL / DL transmission.

[0117] FIG. 9F illustrates a method 900F, which is similar to method 900A, except that at block 910A, the flow proceeds to block 810F and 914A. At block 810F, the flow proceeds to block 912A and 815B.

[0118] FIG.9G illustrates a method 900G, which is similar to method 900A, except that at 906G, the RAN transmits, to the UE, a UL grant or DL assignment in a DCI, where the DCI schedules a UL / DL channel and signal transmission (e.g., PDSCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, SRS, CSI-RS). At block 910G, if assigned symbol(s) for the DL / UL transmission is SBFD Symbol(s) based on the SBFD pattern and / or the TDD UL and DL configuration, the flow proceeds to 912G, otherwise, the flow proceeds to 914G. At block 912G, the RAN communicates with the UE, the UL / DL transmission based on the SBFD SB configuration. At block 914G, the RAN communicates with the UE, the UL / DL transmission based on the BWP configuration.

[0119] FIG.10 illustrates a method 1000, which can be implemented by a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105), for performing SBFD SB communication with a UE (e.g., the UE 102). The method 1000 begins at block 1001, where the RAN transmits a TDD UL and DL configuration, a first DL BWP configuration, and a first UL BWP configuration to a UE, where the first DL BWP configuration and the first UL BWP configuration configure a first DL BWP and a first UL BWP respectively, and the TDD UL-DL configuration configures a TDD pattern. At block 1014-1, the RAN receives UL transmissions from the UE in the first 35 G1143802650WOUL BWP on UL symbols or in UL slots in accordance with the TDD pattern. At block 1014-2, the RAN transmits DL transmissions to the UE in the first DL BWP on DL symbols and / or in DL slots in accordance with the TDD pattern. At block 1003, the RAN transmits a first UL SB configuration and a SBFD pattern to the UE, where the SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the TDD pattern are configured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern. At block 1012, the RAN receives UL transmissions from the UE in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern.

[0120] FIG.11A illustrates a method 1100A, which can be implemented by a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105), for performing SBFD SB communication with a UE (e.g., the UE 102). The method 1100A begins at block 1101, the RAN transmits a TDD UL and DL configuration, a first DL BWP configuration, and a first UL BWP configuration to a UE, where the first DL BWP configuration and the first UL BWP configuration configure a first DL BWP and a first UL BWP respectively, and the TDD UL-DL configuration configures a first TDD pattern and a second TDD pattern. At block 1114-1, the RAN receives UL transmissions from the UE in the first UL BWP on UL symbols and / or in UL slots in accordance with the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern. At block 1114-2, the RAN transmits DL transmissions to the UE in the first DL BWP on DL symbols and / or in DL slots in accordance with the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern. At block 1103A, the RAN transmits a first UL SB configuration and a SBFD pattern to the UE, where the SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern are configured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern. At block 1112A, the RAN receives UL transmissions from the UE in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern.

[0121] FIG. 11B illustrates a method 1100B, which is similar to method 1100A, except that at block 1103B, the RAN transmits a first UL SB configuration, a first SBFD pattern, and a second SBFD pattern to the UE, where the first SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the first TDD pattern, the second SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the second TDD pattern are 36 G1143802650WOconfigured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the first and SBFD patterns. At block 1112B, the RAN receives UL transmissions from the UE in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the first and second SBFD patterns.

[0122] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200, which can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102), for performing SBFD SB communication with a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105). The method 1200 begins at block 1201, the UE 102 receives a TDD UL-DL configuration, a first DL BWP configuration and a first UL BWP configuration from a RAN, where the first DL BWP configuration and the first UL BWP configuration configure a first DL BWP and a first UL BWP respectively, and the TDD UL and DL configuration configures a TDD pattern. At block 1214-1, the UE 102 transmits UL transmissions to the RAN in the first UL BWP on UL symbols and / or in UL slots in accordance with the TDD pattern. At block 1214- 2, the UE 102 receives DL transmissions from the RAN in the first DL BWP on DL symbols and / or in DL slots in accordance with the TDD pattern. At block 1203, the UE 102 receives a first UL SB configuration and a SBFD pattern from the RAN, where the SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the TDD pattern are configured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern. At block 1212, the UE 102 transmits UL transmissions to the RAN in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern.

[0123] FIG. 13A illustrates a method 1300A, which can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102), for performing SBFD SB communication with a RAN (e.g., the DU 174, CU 172, BS 104 or 106, or RAN 105). The method 1300A begins at block 1301, the UE 102 receives a TDD UL-DL configuration, a first DL BWP configuration and a first UL BWP configuration from a RAN, where the first DL BWP configuration and the first UL BWP configuration configure a first DL BWP and a first UL BWP respectively, and the TDD UL-DL configuration configures a first TDD pattern and a second TDD pattern. At block 1314-1, the UE 102 transmits UL transmissions to the RAN in the first UL BWP on UL symbols and / or in UL slots in accordance with the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern. At block 1314-2, the UE 102 receives 37 G1143802650WODL transmissions from the RAN in the first DL BWP on DL symbols and / or in DL slots in accordance with the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern. At block 1303A, the UE 102 receives a first UL SB configuration and a SBFD pattern from the RAN, where the SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the first TDD pattern and the second TDD pattern are configured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern. At block 1312A, the UE 102 transmits UL transmissions to the RAN in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the SBFD pattern.

[0124] FIG. 13B illustrates a method 1300B, which is similar to method 1300A, except that at block 1303B, the UE 102 receives a first UL SB configuration, a first SBFD pattern and a second SBFD pattern from the RAN, where the first SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the first TDD pattern, the second SBFD pattern indicates which DL symbols and / or DL slots in the second TDD pattern are configured for SBFD operation, and the first UL SB configuration configures a first UL SB for UL transmission on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the first and SBFD patterns. At block 1312B, the UE 102 transmits UL transmissions to the RAN in the first UL SB on the DL symbols and / or in DL slots configured in the first and second SBFD patterns.

[0125] A UE apparatus 1402, as described in FIG. 14, may perform the method of flowchart as depicted in FIGs. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 12, 13A, and 13B. The one or more network entities 104, as described in FIG.15, may perform the method of flowchart as depicted in FIGs.9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 10, 11A, and 11B.

[0126] FIG.14 is a diagram 1400 illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a UE apparatus 1402. The UE apparatus 1402 may be the UE 102, a component of the UE 102, or may implement UE functionality. The UE apparatus 1402 may include an application processor 1406, which may have on-chip memory 1406’. In examples, the application processor 1406 may be coupled to a secure digital (SD) card 1408 and / or a display 1410. The application processor 1406 may also be coupled to a sensor(s) module 1412, a power supply 1414, an additional module of memory 1416, a camera 1418, and / or other related components. 38 G1143802650WO

[0127] The UE apparatus 1402 may further include a wireless baseband processor 1426, which may be referred to as a modem. The wireless baseband processor 1426 may have on-chip memory 1426'. Along with, and similar to, the application processor 1406, the wireless baseband processor 1426 may also be coupled to the sensor(s) module 1412, the power supply 1414, the additional module of memory 1416, the camera 1418, and / or other related components. The wireless baseband processor 1426 may be additionally coupled to one or more subscriber identity module (SIM) card(s) 1420 and / or one or more transceivers 1430 (e.g., wireless RF transceivers).

[0128] Within the one or more transceivers 1430, the UE apparatus 1402 may include a Bluetooth module 1432, a WLAN module 1434, an SPS module 1436 (e.g., GNSS module), and / or a cellular module 1438. The Bluetooth module 1432, the WLAN module 1434, the SPS module 1436, and the cellular module 1438 may each include an on-chip transceiver (TRX), or in some cases, just a transmitter (TX) or just a receiver (RX). The Bluetooth module 1432, the WLAN module 1434, the SPS module 1436, and the cellular module 1438 may each include dedicated antennas and / or utilize antennas 1440 for communication with one or more other nodes. For example, the UE apparatus 1402 can communicate through the transceiver(s) 1430 via the antennas 1440 with another UE (e.g., sidelink communication) and / or with a network entity 104 (e.g., uplink / downlink communication), where the network entity 104 may correspond to a base station or a unit of the base station, such as the RU 106, the DU 108, or the CU 110.

[0129] The wireless baseband processor 1426 and the application processor 1406 may each include a computer-readable medium / memory 1426', 1406', respectively. The additional module of memory 1416 may also be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory 1426', 1406', 1416 may be non-transitory. The wireless baseband processor 1426 and the application processor 1406 may each be responsible for general processing, including execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory 1426', 1406', 1416. The software, when executed by the wireless baseband processor 1426 / application processor 1406, causes the wireless baseband processor 1426 / application processor 1406 to perform the various functions described herein. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the wireless baseband processor 1426 / application processor 1406 when executing the 39 G1143802650WOsoftware. The wireless baseband processor 1426 / application processor 1406 may be a component of the UE 102. The UE apparatus 1402 may be a processor chip (e.g., modem and / or application) and include just the wireless baseband processor 1426 and / or the application processor 1406. In other examples, the UE apparatus 1402 may be the entire UE 102 and include the additional modules of the apparatus 1402.

[0130] As discussed, and implemented with respect to FIGs.6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 7, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 12, 13A, 13B, and 14 the SBFD operation component 141a-141b is configured to receive, from a RAN node, a configuration including a TDD pattern; receive, from the RAN node, a SBFD pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and transmit, to the RAN node, an UL transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern. The SBFD operation component 141a- 141b is further configured to receive from a RAN node, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: a BWP configuration, and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and communicate, with the RAN node, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol configured for an SBFD operation corresponding to a SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of a TDD pattern.

[0131] The SBFD operation component 141a-141b may be within the application processor 1406 (e.g., at 141a), the wireless baseband processor 1426 (e.g., at 141b), or both the application processor 1406 and the wireless baseband processor 1426. The SBFD operation component 141a-141b may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes / algorithm, implemented by one or more processors configured to perform the stated processes / algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by the one or more processors, or a combination thereof.

[0132] FIG.15 is a diagram 1500 illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for one or more network entities 104. The one or more network entities 104 may be a base station, a component of a base station, or may implement base station functionality. The one or more network entities 104 may include, or may correspond to, at least one of the RU 106, the DU, 108, or the CU 110. The CU 110 may include a CU processor 1546, which may have on-chip memory 1546'. In some aspects, the 40 G1143802650WOCU 110 may further include an additional module of memory 1556 and / or a communications interface 1548, both of which may be coupled to the CU processor 1546. The CU 110 can communicate with the DU 108 through a midhaul link 162, such as an F1 interface between the communications interface 1548 of the CU 110 and a communications interface 1528 of the DU 108.

[0133] The DU 108 may include a DU processor 1526, which may have on-chip memory 1526'. In some aspects, the DU 108 may further include an additional module of memory 1536 and / or the communications interface 1528, both of which may be coupled to the DU processor 1526. The DU 108 can communicate with the RU 106 through a fronthaul link 160 between the communications interface 1528 of the DU 108 and a communications interface 1508 of the RU 106.

[0134] The RU 106 may include an RU processor 1506, which may have on-chip memory 1506'. In some aspects, the RU 106 may further include an additional module of memory 1516, the communications interface 1508, and one or more transceivers 1530, all of which may be coupled to the RU processor 1506. The RU 106 may further include antennas 1540, which may be coupled to the one or more transceivers 1530, such that the RU 106 can communicate through the one or more transceivers 1530 via the antennas 1540 with the UE 102.

[0135] The on-chip memory 1506', 1526', 1546' and the additional modules of memory 1516, 1536, 1556 may each be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory may be non-transitory. Each of the processors 1506, 1526, 1546 is responsible for general processing, including execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. The software, when executed by the corresponding processor(s) 1506, 1526, 1546 causes the processor(s) 1506, 1526, 1546 to perform the various functions described herein. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor(s) 1506, 1526, 1546 when executing the software. In examples, the SBFD pattern component 151a-151c may sit at any of the one or more network entities 104, such as at the CU 110; both the CU 110 and the DU 108; each of the CU 110, the DU 108, and the RU 106; the DU 108; both the DU 108 and the RU 106; or the RU 106.

[0136] As discussed, and implemented with respect to FIGs.9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 10, 11A, 11B, and 15 the SBFD pattern component 151a-151c is configured to 41 G1143802650WOtransmit, to a UE, a configured scheduling configuration based on: BWP configuration, and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and communicate, with the UE, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol associated with at least one of the BWP configuration or the SBFD sub-band configuration. The SBFD pattern component 151a-151c is further configured to transmit, to a UE, a configuration including a TDD pattern; transmit, to the UE a SBFD pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and receive, from the UE, a UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0137] The SBFD pattern component 151a-151c may be within one or more processors of the one or more network entities 104, such as the RU processor 1506 (e.g., at 151a), the DU processor 1526 (e.g., at 151b), and / or the CU processor 1546 (e.g., at 151c). The SBFD pattern component 151a-151c may be one or more hardware components specifically configured to carry out the stated processes / algorithm, implemented by one or more processors 1506, 1526, 1546 configured to perform the stated processes / algorithm, stored within a computer-readable medium for implementation by the one or more processors 1506, 1526, 1546, or a combination thereof.

[0138] The specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes and flowcharts disclosed herein is an illustration of example approaches. Hence, the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes and flowcharts may be rearranged. Some blocks may also be combined or deleted. Dashed lines may indicate optional elements of the diagrams. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various blocks in an example order, and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented in the claims, processes, and flowcharts.

[0139] The detailed description set forth herein describes various configurations in connection with the drawings and does not represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough explanation of various concepts. However, these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. 42 G1143802650WO

[0140] Aspects of wireless communication systems, such as telecommunication systems, are presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods are described in the following detailed description and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, call flows, systems, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0141] An element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented as a “processing system” that includes one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems-on-chip (SoC), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other similar hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in the processing system may execute software, which may be referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, or any combination thereof.

[0142] If the functionality described herein is implemented in software, the functions may be stored on, or encoded as, one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Computer- readable media includes computer storage media and can include a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer executable code in the form of instructions 43 G1143802650WOor data structures that can be accessed by a computer. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer.

[0143] Aspects, implementations, and / or use cases described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, the aspects, implementations, and / or use cases may come about via integrated chip implementations and other non-module-component based devices, such as end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchasing devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices, machine learning (ML)-enabled devices, etc. The aspects, implementations, and / or use cases may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular or non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregate, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more techniques described herein.

[0144] Devices incorporating the aspects and features described herein may also include additional components and features for the implementation and practice of the claimed and described aspects and features. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes a number of components for analog and digital purposes, such as hardware components, antennas, RF-chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processor(s), interleavers, adders / summers, etc. Techniques described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or disaggregated components, end-user devices, etc., of varying configurations.

[0145] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be interpreted in view of the full scope of the present disclosure consistent with the language of the claims.

[0146] Reference to an element in the singular does not mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Terms such as “if,” “when,” and “while” do not imply an immediate temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, e.g., “when,” do not imply an immediate action in response to or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that if a condition is met then an action will occur, but 44 G1143802650WOwithout requiring a specific or immediate time constraint for the action to occur. The terms “may”, “might”, and “can”, as used in this disclosure, often carry certain connotations. For example, “may” refers to a permissible feature that may or may not occur, “might” refers to a feature that probably occurs, and “can” refers to a capability (e.g., capable of). The phrase “For example” often carries a similar connotation to “may” and, therefore, “may” is sometimes excluded from sentences that include “for example” or other similar phrases.

[0147] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C” or “one or more of A, B, or C” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, and / or multiples of C, or may include A only, B only, or C only. Sets should be interpreted as a set of elements where the elements number one or more. Terms or articles such as “a”, “an”, and / or “the” may refer to one of an item, feature, element, etc., that the term or article precedes, or may refer to more than one of said item, feature, element, etc. that the term or article precedes. For example, the recitation “a widget” does not preclude reference to multiples of said widget, as “multiple widgets” necessarily includes “a widget”. Hence, the recitation “a widget” may be interpreted as “at least one widget” or, similarly, interpreted as “one or more widgets”.

[0148] Unless otherwise specifically indicated, ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply an order in time, sequence, numerical value, etc., but are used to distinguish between different instances of a term or phrase that follows each ordinal term.

[0149] Reference numbers, as used in the specification and figures, are sometimes cross- referenced among drawings to denote same or similar features. A feature that is exactly the same in multiple drawings may be labeled with the same reference number in the multiple drawings. A feature that is similar among the multiple drawings, but not exactly the same, may be labeled with reference numbers that have different leading numbers but have one or more of the same trailing numbers (e.g., 206, 306, 406, etc., may refer to similar features in the drawings). Hence, like numbers may refer to like actions.

[0150] Structural and functional equivalents to elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of 45 G1143802650WOordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are encompassed by the claims. The words “module,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of information, one or more conditions, one or more factors, or the like. In other words, the phrase “based on A”, where “A” may be information, a condition, a factor, or the like, shall be construed as “based at least on A” unless specifically recited differently.

[0151] Generally speaking, description for one of the above figures can apply to another of the above figures. An event or block described above can be optional or omitted. For example, an event or block with dashed lines in the figures can be optional. In some implementations, “message” is used and can be replaced by “information element (IE)”, and vice versa. In some implementations, “IE” is used and can be replaced by “field”, and vice versa. In some implementations, “configuration” can be replaced by “configuration(s)” or “configuration parameter(s)”, and vice versa. In some implementations, “PUSCH” can be replaced by “PUSCH transmission” or “a transmission on a PUSCH”.

[0152] A user device in which the techniques of this disclosure can be implemented (e.g., the UE 102) can be any suitable device capable of wireless communications such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile gaming console, a point- of-sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media- streaming dongle or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell, or a broadband router. Further, the user device in some cases may be embedded in an electronic system such as the head unit of a vehicle or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Still further, the user device can operate as an internet-of-things (IoT) device or a mobile-internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user device can include one or more general- purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0153] Certain embodiments are described in this disclosure as including logic or a number of components or modules. Modules may can be software modules (e.g., code stored on non-transitory machine-readable medium) or hardware modules. A 46 G1143802650WOhardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module can comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general- purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0154] When implemented in software, the techniques can be provided as part of the operating system, a library used by multiple applications, a particular software application, etc. The software can be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0155] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for managing multi-cell PDSCH transmissions through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

[0156] The following examples are illustrative only and may be combined with other examples or teachings described herein, without limitation.

[0157] Example 1 is a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment, UE, the method including receiving, from a radio access network, RAN, node, a configuration including a time-division duplex, TDD, pattern; receiving, from the RAN node, a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and transmitting, to the RAN node, an uplink, UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation 47 G1143802650WOcorresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non- UL symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0158] Example 2 may be combined with example 1 and further includes determining, based on the configuration, the assigned symbol in the TDD pattern for the UL transmission; and determining, based on the SBFD pattern, that the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is configured for the SBFD operation.

[0159] Example 3 may be combined with any examples 1-2 and further includes that the assigned symbol is associated with: an UL symbol, a flexible symbol, or an SBFD symbol of the SBFD pattern.

[0160] Example 4 may be combined with any examples 1-2 and further includes that the assigned symbol is associated with a DL symbol or a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0161] Example 5 may be combined with any examples 1-4 and further includes that the assigned symbol is in a same slot as the non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot.

[0162] Example 6 may be combined with example 1 and further includes that the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a DL symbol in a special slot of the TDD pattern.

[0163] Example 7 may be combined with example 6 and further includes that the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with at least one of: a SBFD symbol; or a flexible symbol.

[0164] Example 8 may be combined with example 1 and further includes that the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0165] Example 9 may be combined with example 8 and further includes that the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a SBFD symbol.

[0166] Example 10 may be combined with any examples 1-9 and further includes that the configuration includes a first TDD configuration configuring a first TDD pattern and a second TDD configuration configuring a second TDD pattern. 48 G1143802650WO

[0167] Example 11 may be combined with example 1 and further includes receiving, from the RAN node, a bandwidth part, BWP, configuration and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and receiving, from the RAN node, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: the SBFD sub-band configuration, or the BWP configuration.

[0168] Example 12 may be combined with example 11, the configured scheduling configuration includes a first frequency domain resource assignment, FDRA, and a second FDRA.

[0169] Example 13 may be combined with example 12 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration, the method and further includes determining that the assigned symbol for a first configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration is associated with the SBFD operation or a BWP operation; and communicating, with the RAN node, the first configured transmission based on the determination.

[0170] Example 14 may be combined with example 13 and further includes determining that a second configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration applies the same operation as the first configured transmission; and communicating, with the RAN node, the second configured transmission based on the determination.

[0171] Example 15 may be combined with example 13 and further includes Determining that a second configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration does not apply the same operation as the first configured transmission; and dropping the second configured transmission based on the determination.

[0172] Example 16 may be combined with example 11 and further includes determining that an assigned symbol for a configured transmission is associated with a flexible symbol based on the SBFD pattern; and dropping the configured transmission.

[0173] Example 17 may be combined with example 1 and further includes that a period of the SBFD pattern is equal to a sum of periods of a plurality of TDD patterns.

[0174] Example 18 may be combined with example 17 and further includes that the sum of periods of the plurality TDD patterns corresponds to two TDD patterns. 49 G1143802650WO

[0175] Example 19 is a method of wireless communication performed by a radio access network, RAN, node, the method including transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a configured scheduling configuration based on: a bandwidth part, BWP, configuration, and a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, sub-band configuration; and communicating, with the UE, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol associated with at least one of the BWP configuration or the SBFD sub-band configuration.

[0176] Example 20 may be combined with example 19 and further includes that the assigned symbol configured for an SBFD operation corresponding to a SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being in a same slot as a non-UL symbol of a TDD pattern, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot.

[0177] Example 21 may be combined with example 20 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration and further includes determining that the assigned symbol for a configured DL transmission is associated with a SBFD symbol based on at least one of: a SBFD pattern; or a TDD configuration.

[0178] Example 22 may be combined with example 20 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration includes a first frequency domain resource assignment, FDRA, and a second FDRA.

[0179] Example 23 may be combined with example 20 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration and further includes determining that the assigned symbol for a first configured transmission of a configured scheduling configuration is associated with a SBFD symbol based on at least one of: a SBFD pattern; or a TDD configuration; communicating with the UE, the first configured transmission based on the SBFD sub-band configuration; and determining, based on at least the SBFD pattern or the TDD configuration, that a direction of the assigned symbol for a second configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration is identified as the same direction as the first configured transmission.

[0180] Example 24 may be combined with example 21 and further includes determining that the assigned symbol for the configured transmission is associated with a flexible symbol of the SBFD pattern; and dropping the configured transmission. 50 G1143802650WO

[0181] Example 25 is a method of wireless communication performed by a radio access network, RAN, node, the method including transmitting, to a user equipment, UE, a configuration including a time-division duplex, TDD, pattern; transmitting, to the UE a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and receiving, from the UE, an uplink, UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0182] Example 26 may be combined with example 25 and further includes that the assigned symbol is associated with an UL symbol, a flexible symbol, or an SBFD symbol of the SBFD pattern.

[0183] Example 27 may be combined with example 25 and further includes that the assigned symbol is associated with a DL symbol or a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0184] Example 28 may be combined with example 25 and further includes that the assigned symbol being in a same slot as the non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot.

[0185] Example 29 may be combined with example 25 and further includes that the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a DL symbol in a special slot of the TDD pattern.

[0186] Example 30 may be combined with example 29 and further includes that the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with at least one of: a SBFD symbol; or a flexible symbol.

[0187] Example 31 may be combined with example 25 and further includes that the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern.

[0188] Example 32 may be combined with example 31 and further includes that the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a SBFD symbol. 51 G1143802650WO

[0189] Example 33 may be combined with any examples 25-32 and further includes that the configuration includes a first TDD configuration configuring a first TDD pattern and a second TDD configuration configuring a second TDD pattern.

[0190] Example 34 may be combined with example 25 and further includes transmitting, to the UE, a bandwidth part, BWP, configuration, a SBFD sub-band configuration; and transmitting, to the UE, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: the BWP configuration, or the SBFD sub-band configuration.

[0191] Example 35 may be combined with example 34, the configured scheduling configuration includes a first a frequency domain resource assignment, FDRA and a second FDRA.

[0192] Example 36 may be combined with example 34 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration, the assigned symbol for a first configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration being associated with an SBFD or a BWP operation, a second configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration applying the same operation as the first configured transmission.

[0193] Example 37 may be combined with example 34 and further includes that the assigned symbol for a configured transmission is associated with a flexible symbol based on the SBFD pattern.

[0194] Example 38 is a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment, UE the method including receiving, from a radio access network, RAN, node, a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, configuration, and a sub-band full duplex, SBFD sub-band configuration; and communicating, with the RAN node, a configured transmission on an assigned symbol configured for an SBFD operation corresponding to a SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of a TDD pattern.

[0195] Example 39 may be combined with example 38 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration, the assigned symbol for a configured DL transmission being a SBFD symbol based on at least one of: a SBFD pattern; or a time-division duplex, TDD, configuration. 52 G1143802650WO

[0196] Example 40 may be combined with example 38 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration includes a first frequency domain resource assignment, FDRA, and a second FDRA.

[0197] Example 41 may be combined with example 38 and further includes that the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration and further includes that the assigned symbol for a first configured transmission is associated with a SBFD symbol based on at least one of: a SBFD pattern or a TDD configuration; the method and further includes communicating with the RAN node, the first configured transmission based on the SBFD sub-band configuration and further includes that a direction of the assigned symbol for a second configured transmission is identified as the same direction as the first configured transmission.

[0198] Example 42 may be combined with example 39 and further includes that the assigned symbol for the configured transmission is associated with a flexible symbol of the SBFD pattern, the method and further includes dropping the configured transmission.

[0199] Example 43 may be combined with example 38, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot.

[0200] Example 44 may be combined with example 38 and further includes that a period of the SBFD pattern is equal to a sum of periods of a plurality of TDD patterns.

[0201] Example 45 may be combined with example 44 and further includes that the sum of periods of the plurality TDD patterns corresponds to two TDD patterns.

[0202] Example 46 an apparatus for wireless communication comprising a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the apparatus being configured to implement is a method as in any of claims 1- 45.

[0203] Example 47 is an apparatus for wireless communication including means for implementing a method as in any of Examples 1-45.

[0204] Example 48 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer executable code, the code when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement a method as in any of Examples 1-45. 53 G1143802650WO

[0205] Example 49 is a computer program product for implementing a method as in any of Examples 1-45. 54 G1143802650WO

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment, UE (102), the method comprising: receiving (602), from a radio access network, RAN, node (104), a configuration including a time-division duplex, TDD, pattern; receiving (604), from the RAN node (104), a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and transmitting (612), to the RAN node (104), an uplink, UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, a period of the SBFD pattern being equal to a sum of periods of a plurality of TDD patterns.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining (608), based on the configuration, the assigned symbol in the TDD pattern for the UL transmission; and determining (610A), based on the SBFD pattern, that the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is configured for the SBFD operation, wherein the SBFD pattern includes a slot index associated with a slot in the period of the SBFD pattern.

3. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the assigned symbol is associated with: an UL symbol, a flexible symbol, or an SBFD symbol of the SBFD pattern.

4. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the assigned symbol is associated with a DL symbol or a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the assigned symbol is in a same slot as the non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot. 55 G1143802650WO6. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a DL symbol in a special slot of the TDD pattern, wherein the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with at least one of: a SBFD symbol; or a flexible symbol.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a flexible symbol of the TDD pattern, wherein the SBFD pattern indicates the assigned symbol for the UL transmission is associated with a SBFD symbol.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving (804), from the RAN node (104), a bandwidth part, BWP, configuration and a SBFD sub-band configuration; and receiving (806A), from the RAN node (104), a configured scheduling configuration based on at least one of: the SBFD sub-band configuration, or the BWP configuration, the configured scheduling configuration includes a first frequency domain resource assignment, FDRA, and a second FDRA.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the configured scheduling configuration is based on the BWP configuration and the SBFD sub-band configuration, the method further comprising: determining (808) that the assigned symbol for a first configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration is associated with the SBFD operation or a BWP operation; and communicating, with the RAN node (104), the first configured transmission based on the determination.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: 56 G1143802650WOdetermining (810E) that a second configured transmission of the configured scheduling configuration applies the same operation as the first configured transmission; and communicating (812E), with the RAN node (104), the second configured transmission based on the determination.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sum of periods of the plurality of TDD patterns corresponds to two TDD patterns.

12. A method of wireless communication performed by a radio access network, RAN, node (104), the method comprising: transmitting (602), to a user equipment, UE (102), a configuration including a time-division duplex, TDD, pattern; transmitting (604), to the user equipment, UE (102), a sub-band full duplex, SBFD, pattern indicating symbols in the TDD pattern configured for a SBFD operation; and receiving (612), from the UE (102), an uplink, UL, transmission on an assigned symbol configured for the SBFD operation corresponding to the SBFD pattern, the assigned symbol being associated with a non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, a period of the SBFD pattern being equal to a sum of periods of a plurality of TDD patterns.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sum of periods of the plurality of TDD patterns corresponds to two TDD patterns.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the SBFD pattern includes a slot index associated with a slot in the period of the SBFD pattern.

15. The method of any of claims 12-14, wherein the assigned symbol is in a same slot as the non-UL symbol of the TDD pattern, the assigned symbol being one of a consecutive number of assigned symbols with the same slot. 57 G1143802650WO16. An apparatus for wireless communication comprising a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the transceiver, the apparatus being configured to implement a method as in any of claims 1- 15. 58 G1143802650WO

Citation Information

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