Enhanced DMRS indication for cell access

Abstract

A UE receives indication about candidate symbol position(s) for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB. The UE receives indication of time offset(s) for the candidate symbol position(s) for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB. The UE determines, based on the candidate symbol position(s) for the DMRSs and the time offset(s), position of DMRS(s) to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB. A network element sends indication about candidate symbol position(s) for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB and sends indication of time offset(s) for the candidate symbol position(s) for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB. The network element determines, based on the candidate symbol position(s) for the DMRSs and the time offset(s), position of the DMRS(s) to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

Description

Enhanced DMRS Indication for Cell AccessTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of embodiments herein relate generally to wireless communication and, more specifically, relate to DMRS (demodulation reference signals) when used for cell access.BACKGROUND

[0002] DMRS stands for Demodulation Reference Signal, and this is an essential component of cellular systems, particularly in the context of 5G and beyond. In cellular systems, DMRS serves multiple purposes:

[0003] Channel Estimation: DMRS is used by the receiver (UE, a User Equipment, a wireless, typically mobile device) to estimate the characteristics of the wireless channel between the transmitter (e.g., eNodeB or gNB) and the receiver. This information is crucial for coherent demodulation of the received signals.

[0004] Channel Equalization: Based on the channel estimation, the receiver performs channel equalization to compensate for the effects of multipath propagation, interference, and other impairments on the transmitted signal.

[0005] MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) Transmission: In MIMO systems, where multiple antennas are used at both the transmitter and receiver, DMRS helps in determining the precoding matrices and spatial multiplexing schemes.

[0006] Beamforming: DMRS assists in beamforming, a technique used to direct the transmission and reception beams towards the intended user or users, thereby improving the signal quality and coverage.

[0007] DMRS is typically embedded within transmitted data and reference signals. In 5G NR (fifth generation, New Radio), for example, DMRS symbols are periodically inserted within a resource grid, which is the grid structure used for organizing time-frequency resources in the air interface. The receiver uses these DMRS symbols to estimate the channel and perform other necessary signal processing tasks. DMRS is also used in a process for cell access by the UE.

[0008] Overall, DMRS plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and efficient communication in cellular systems by enabling accurate channel estimation, MIMO transmission, and beamforming techniques. There are, however, instances when use of DMRS could be improved.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] This section is intended to include examples and is not intended to be limiting.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0011] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus. Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0012] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0013] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions forthe DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for: receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0016] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus. Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0017] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0018] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for: sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings use reference numerals, where the same reference numerals may be used to refer to like parts throughout, but parts having the same reference numeral can differ in operation and components. In the attached drawings:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating system information acquisition;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates Table 1, which shows ratio of max. (maximum) Doppler shift and sub-carrier spacing (SCS) in percentages for different velocities and carrier frequencies with SCS= I 5 KHz;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates Table 2, which shows ratio of max. Doppler shift and sub-carrier spacing (SCS) in percentages for different velocities and carrier frequencies with SCS=30 KHz;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates Table 3, which shows ratio of max. Doppler shift and sub-carrier spacing (SCS) in percentages for different velocities and carrier frequencies with SCS=60 KHz;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates Table 4, which shows estimated time density (full-filling Nyquist sampling theorem) of DMRS symbols for different velocities and carrier frequencies with 15 KHz sub-carrier spacing;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates Table 5, which shows estimated time density (full-filling Nyquist sampling theorem) of DMRS for different velocities and carrier frequencies with 30 KHz sub-carrier spacing;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates Table 6, which shows estimated time density (fulfilling Nyquist sampling theorem) of DMRS for different velocities and carrier frequencies with 60 KHz sub-carrier spacing;

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an MIB extension for 6G initial access that is provided as an example;

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates Table 7, which shows an extended 6G-dmrs-typeA- Position with a 3 -bit extension;

[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates Table 8, which shows examples of DMRS position signaling for different bit combinations;

[0031] FIG. 11 shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of multiple DMRS positions and one common time offset value for DMRS of SIB 1 associated with PDSCH;

[0032] FIG. 11A illustrates an example using FIG. 11;

[0033] FIG. 12 shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of multiple candidate DMRS positions and multiple time offset values for DMRS of SIB 1 associated with PDSCH;

[0034] FIG. 12 A illustrates an example using FIG. 12;

[0035] FIG. 13 shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of one candidate DMRS position and multiple time offset values for DMRS of SIB1 associated with PDSCH;

[0036] FIG. 13 A illustrates an example using FIG. 13; and

[0037] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the exemplary embodiments may be practiced.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined below, at the end of the detailed description section.

[0039] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the examples.

[0040] When more than one drawing reference numeral, word, or acronym is used within this description with “ / ”, and in general as used within this description, the “ / ” may be interpreted as “or”, “and”, or “both”. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] It is noted that capital and lowercase words or phrases are considered to be the same herein. For instance, the words Slice and slice are the same, as are the phrases Network Repository Function and network repository function.

[0043] Any flow diagram or signaling diagram (see FIGS. 1, 11, 12, and 13) herein is considered to be a logic flow diagram, and illustrates the operation of an exemplary method, results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a computer readable memory, functions performed by logic implemented in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Block diagrams (such as FIG. 14) also illustrate the operation of an exemplary method, results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a computer readable memory, functions performed by logic implemented in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. For methods, flow diagrams, and signaling diagrams, the orders of method steps, blocks in the flow, or signaling are not critical and instead are examples.

[0044] Technical context is now provided for technical areas related to the understanding of the examples. One such context is for system information (SI). See 3GPP TS 38.331, e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331 V18.1.0 (2024-03).

[0045] System Information (SI) includes two parts: (1) MIB (Master Information Block); and (2) SIB (System Information Block). See FIG. 1, which is a signaling diagram illustrating system information acquisition. This figure is a modified version of Figure 5.2.2.1-1: System information acquisition from 3GPP TS 38.331. Signaling is shown between the UE 10 and the network 110, which signals the MIB 120 to the UE 10 first, then signals the SIB1 130 to the UE 10. The SI 140 includes both the MIB 120 and the SIB 130. The subsequent messages are system information request and other messages.

[0046] 3GPP TS 38.331 clause 5.2.1 provides the following definition for SIB1 and master information block (MIB). It is noted that numbers within brackets, such as “

[0017] ”, are references cited in 3GPP TS 38.331, and the citations can be examined there.

[0047] System Information (SI) is divided into the MIB and a number of SIBs and positioning (pos)SIBs where:

[0048] - the MIB is always transmitted on the broadcast channel (BCH) with a periodicity of 80 ms and repetitions made within 80 ms (TS 38.212

[0017] , clause 7.1) and it includes parameters that are needed to acquire SIB I from the cell. The first transmission of the MIB is scheduled in subframes as defined in TS 38.213

[0013] , clause 4.1 and repetitions are scheduled according to the period of SSB;

[0049] - the SIBI is transmitted on the downlink-shared channel (DL)-(SCH) with a periodicity of 160 ms and variable transmission repetition periodicity within 160 ms as specified in TS 38.213

[0013] , clause 13. The default transmission repetition periodicity of SIBI is 20 ms but the actual transmission repetition periodicity is up to network implementation.

[0050] For SSB and CORESET multiplexing pattern 1, SIBI repetition transmission period is 20 ms. For SSB and CORESET multiplexing pattern 2 / 3, SIBI transmission repetition period is the same as the SSB period (TS 38.213

[0013] , clause 13).

[0051] SIBI includes information regarding the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of SIBs to system information (SI) message, periodicity, Si-window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand and, in that case, the configuration needed by the UE to perform the SI request. SIBI is cell-specific SIB;

[0052] - SIBs other than SIBI and posSIBs are carried in Systeminformation (SI) messages, which are transmitted on the DL-SCH. Only SIBs or posSIBs having the sameperiodicity can be mapped to the same SI message. SIBs and posSIBs are mapped to the different SI messages. Each SI message is transmitted within periodically occurring time domain windows (referred to as Si-windows with same length for all SI messages). Each SI message is associated with an Si-window and the Si-windows of different SI messages do not overlap. That is, within one Si-window only the corresponding SI message is transmitted. An SI message may be transmitted a number of times within the Si-window. Any SIB or posSIB except SIB I can be configured to be cell specific or area specific, using an indication in SIB I. The cell specific SIB is applicable only within a cell that provides the SIB while the area specific SIB is applicable within an area referred to as SI area, which consists of one or several cells and is identified by systemlnformationArealD',

[0053] 3GPP TS 38.331 defines MIB as follows:

[0054] MIB ::= SEQUENCE {

[0055] systemFrameNumber BIT STRING (SIZE (6)),

[0056] subCarrierSpacingCommon ENUMERATED {scsl5or60, scs30orl20},

[0057] ssb-SubcarrierOffset INTEGER (0..15),

[0058] dmrs-TypeA-Position ENUMERATED {pos2, pos3},

[0059] pdcch-ConfigSIB 1 Type,

[0060] cellBarred ENUMERATED {barred, notBarred},

[0061] intraFreqReselection ENUMERATED {allowed, notAllowed},

[0062] spare BIT STRING (SIZE (1))

[0063] }

[0064] where information element dmrs-TypeA-Position defines one position of DMRS symbol (i.e., pos2 or pos 3) with respect to the start of the slot, where pos2 means offset DMRS symbol to be located with a two-symbol offset and pos3 with a three-symbol offset with respect to the start of the slot. In other words, it is possible only to indicate via MIB only one position for DMRS of PDSCH (e.g., a data channel) associated with SIB1.

[0065] Now that an introduction to the technical area has been described, problems associated with this area are described. Table 1 in FIG. 2, Table 2 in FIG. 3, and Table 3 in FIG. 4 show the ratio of maximum Doppler shift and sub-carrier spacing for different velocities, carrier frequencies and sub-carrier spacings. FIG. 2 shows ratio of max. (maximum) Doppler shift and sub-carrier spacing (SCS) in percentages for different velocities and carrier frequencies with SCS= 15 KHz; FIG. 3 shows the same with SCS=30KHz; and FIG. 4 shows the same with SCS=60KHz. The elements of table markedwith light gray and dark gray indicate moderate and severe potential inter-carrier tracking problems, respectively, due to high mobility, causing severe degradation impact to demodulation performance of DL / UL channel. Similarly, due to high mobility, the elements of table marked with dark gray indicate potential channel estimation tracking problems associated with antenna ports of DL / UL reference signal resource. These figures illustrate that lower SCS is associated with higher degradation impact due to higher speeds.

[0066] Table 4 in FIG. 5, Table 5 in FIG. 6, and Table 6 in FIG. 7 show estimated number of required DMRS symbols for different velocities, carrier frequencies and subcarrier spacings (15, 30 and 60KHz). The number of required DMRS symbols has been obtained by using Nyquist Sampling theorem, where at least samples required within coherency time of time varying radio channel. The values can be rounded into nearest integer number. As is shown, the number of DMRS symbols varies significantly subject to subcarrier spacing, carrier frequency, and velocity. That is, the number of DMRS symbols increases with increase in speed (among the other factors).

[0067] As discussed previously, current Rel-18 NR specification supports only one DMRS position to be indicated via PBCH associated with MIB for SIB reception via PDSCH. Based on the above Tables and discussion, current support for one DMRS symbol for SIB 1 reception is not sufficient to guarantee feasible demodulation performance of PDSCH association with SIB1 in high-speed mobility scenarios / use cases, even with high sub-carrier spacings (i.e., 60KHz) at 12 GHz or 15GHz carrier frequency.

[0068] The examples herein target at least the issue where the current NR specification supports only one DMRS position for SIB reception via PDSCH, which is not sufficient to guarantee feasible demodulation performance of PDSCH association with SIB 1 in high mobility scenarios. That is, the examples address the problem of how to enhance DMRS time density indication for 6G high speed mobility use or other high speed mobility use. Examples herein propose related signaling information enhancements and as well as corresponding UE procedures for this.

[0069] Examples herein are summarized as follows:

[0070] 1) For cell access, the UE is indicated with 6G-MIB about one or moreDMRS symbol positions for the reception of 6G-SIB 1 associated with PDSCH.

[0071] 2) For cell access, the UE is indicated with 6G-type0-PDCCH about relative time offsets between DMRS symbols indicated in MIB with one of the following examples:

[0072] a) Example 1: One common relative time offset for all DMRS symbols; or

[0073] b) Example 2: Multiple DMRS symbol specific absolute / relative time offset values.

[0074] 3) For cell access, the UE may be jointly indicated with typeO-PDCCH(e.g., type0-PDCCH-6G) about additional DMRS symbols and absolute / relative time offset associated with DMRS symbols associated with SIB1 associated with PDSCH (e.g., a data channel).

[0075] 4) For cell access, upon detection of MIB and typeO-PDCCH- 6G, for the reception of SIB 1 associated with the data channel of PDSCH, the UE applies both DMRS positions (indicated in MIB) and absolute / relative time offsets (indicated in typeO-PDCCH) to determine actual DMRS symbol positions for SIB 1 associated with the data channel of PDSCH.

[0076] Other options are possible and are described below.

[0077] It is noted that the term typeO-PDCCH may also encompass other terms, such as type0-PDCCH-6G, 6G-type0-PDCCH, or PDCCH-typeO, or the like that encompasses corresponding search spaces for SIB.

[0078] In particular, for typeO-PDCCH, Type 0 PDCCH Common Search Space is a subset of NR PDCCH Search Space that is dedicated to transmit the PDCCH for SI message (SIB), e.g., SIB1. Further, 3GPP TS 38.213, clause 10.1 defines typeO-PDCCH as follows:

[0079] ‘A set of PDCCH candidates for a UE to monitor is defined in terms of PDCCH search space sets. A search space set can be a CSS set or a USS set. A UE monitors PDCCH candidates in one or more of the following search spaces sets

[0080] - a TypeO-PDCCH CSS set on the primary cell of the MCG configured by

[0081] - pdcch-ConfigSIBI in MIB or by searchSpaceSIB 1 in PDCCH-ConfigCommon or by searchSpaceZero in PDCCH-ConfigCommon for a DO format l_0 with CRC scrambled by a SI-RNTI, or

[0082] - searchSpaceZero by providing searchSpaceH)-0 for searchSpaceMCCH or searchSpaceMTCH for a DCI format 4_0 with CRC scrambled by a MCCH-RNTI or a G- RNTI for broadcast, or

[0083] - searchSpaceZero by providing searchSpacelD-Q for searchspaceMulticastMCCPI for a DCI format 4_0 with CRC scrambled by a multicast-MCCH-RNTI, or by searchSpaceMulticastMTCH for a DCI format 4_1 with CRC scrambled by a G-RNTI for multicast in RRC_INACTIVE state”.

[0084] Now that an overview has been provided, more details are provided. In one implementation, an example of an MIB extension for 6G initial access is provided as an example. See FIG. 8. The following example can be implemented, for instance, in 6G RRC specification (i.e., 6G derivative of 3GPP TS 38.331). See reference 810 and the code “6G- dmrs-TypeA-Position ENUMERATED {pos2, pos3, pos5, pos6}”. In this example, the higher-layer parameter 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position is repurposed and extended, e.g., with 1 -bit without increasing the payload of existing NR MIB. As a result of this, 6G-dmrs-typeA- Position is 2-bit length bit-map, where pos2, pos3 are same as in NR but pos5 and pos6 correspond to an offset with 5 and 6 symbols from the start of the slot. It is worth noting that pos5 and pos6 can be any value, i.e., not necessarily 5 and 6, and these can be pre-defined in a specification as one example. As a result of this extension, the extended MIB can indicate four different DMRS symbol positions in time, where the network can configure two DMRS symbols in time to be ‘ON’ for a high-speed mobility use case. The following combinations as examples can be supported with 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position bit-map: 00= pos2 ‘ON’, pos5(‘ON’), 01= pos2 ‘ON’, pos6(‘ON’), 10= pos3 ‘ON’, pos5(‘ON’), 11 =pos3 ‘ON’, pos6(‘ON’). It is noted that the term “position” (e.g., in time) is mainly used here for DMRS symbols, but this term is not limiting. That is, other terms may be used, such as “location” or other terms indicating a time period when a DMRS symbol could occur. Also, the terms DMRS position, DMRS time position, and DMRS symbol position are assumed to be the same.

[0085] In another implementation example, 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position is repurposed such that instead of having a 2 bit-map to fixed time position in a slot (refer to the above implementation example), 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position is extended further with 1 -bit up to a 3 bit-map. In this case, MSB defines whether two DMRS symbol positions in time are indicated simultaneously (i.e., MSB =1) or only DMRS symbol position in time is indicated (MSB =0) and MSB-1 indicating whether pos2 or pos3 is only used (i.e., legacy NR behavior). Table 7, see FIG. 9, summarizes an extended 3-bit indication. Reference 910 indicates that only one DMRS symbol position in time is indicated, while reference 920 indicates that two DMRS symbol positions in time are simultaneously indicated. For instance, for bits of 100, pos2 and pos5 may be simultaneously indicated. It is noted, however, that while pos2 and pos5 can be simultaneously indicated, they do not occur simultaneouslybecause they are associated with different symbol positions 2 and 5, which are not overlapping in time.

[0086] In one alternative implementation example, 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position can be extended up to N-bits (N>3) resulting also in increased MIB payload. By increasing bit width of 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position, a larger number of DMRS positions in time can be supported, e.g., N=4 means that 4 different DMRS positions in time can be supported with the same principle as described in the above implementation example.

[0087] In one alternative embodiment, MIB signaling of DMRS symbols positions may carry implicit indication of support for other position information. The following illustrates four alternatives: altl; alt2; alt3; and alt4. See FIG. 10, which illustrates Table 8, which shows examples of DMRS position signaling for different bit combinations, e.g., for altl, alt2, alt3, and alt4.

[0088] 1) As an example, in altl there is one value reserved for additional DMRS position, e.g., the pos6 and then indication whether additional pos2 or pos3 is also supported.

[0089] 2) As an example, in alt2 there are two values reserved for additionalDMRS positions, e.g., the pos5 / pos6) and then indication whether additional pos2 or pos3 is also supported in addition for the pos5 / pos6.

[0090] 3) As an example, in alt3, when the additional DMRS position is signaled(e.g., pos6) it is associated with specific another DMRS position (e.g., pos2 or pos3). One value may be reserved.

[0091] 4) As an example, in alt4, when the additional DMRS position is signaled(e.g., pos6) one value indicates only support for pos6 DMRS. One value may indicate support for both pos6 and pos2.

[0092] In one further embodiment, if the bit is set to MSB=‘0\ the LSB bit is reserved, i.e., the LSB may not encode any additional information for DMRS.

[0093] I) In one implementation embodiment, the UE is dynamically indicated via typeO-PDCCH (e.g., with DCI format l_0) about one or more relative time offset(s) between DMRS symbol positions indicated as part of MIB (as described in above implementation examples).

[0094] 1) For indication of one common relative time symbol offset for DMRS ofSIB 1 associated with PDSCH, the following options can be defined:

[0095] a) A new codepoint field can be defined for typeO-PDCCH (e.g., DCI format l_0 or the codepoint field can be a 6G derivative, which means a 6G version would be an evolution of NR and a different DCI format instead of l_0 could be used).

[0096] Consider 6G-Relative-offset-DMRS-typeA with K-bit bit width. Further consider the following: K-2, 4 offset values, ‘00’ = apply same time offsets as indicated in MIB (i.e., no extra offset indicated), ‘01’= 2, ‘10’=3, ‘11=4’.

[0097] b) In one alternative approach, some existing codepoint field for indication of one common relative time offset(s) can be re-purposed which is not used in typeO- PDCCH.

[0098] c) Upon detection of a SS / PBCH block, the UE determines candidate DMRS symbol positions based on MIB with 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position. Then, upon detection of a typeO-PDCCH (e.g., DCI format l_0) including codepoint either of 6G-Relative-offset- DMRS-typeA or of repurposed existing codepoint field, the UE determines a common time offset to be applied for candidate DMRS symbol positions in time.

[0099] The UE should determine new DMRS symbol positions (except the first DMRS symbol in time indicated in MIB) by adding an indicated single time offset value, indicated by typeO-PDCCH, into candidate DMRS symbol time positions indicated by MIB.

[0100] 2) For indication of multiple relative time symbol offsets for DMRS ofSIB 1 associated with PDSCH, the following options can be defined:

[0101] a) A new codepoint field can be defined for typeO-PDCCH (e.g., DCI format l_0 or it is 6G derivative).

[0102] Consider the following. 6G-Relative-multi-ojfset-DMRS-typeA with M-bit bit width, the codepoint value defines an M-bit bit-map, where each element is associated with predefined offset-values, e.g., M=2, 1stelement =2, and 2ndelement =3, and so on.

[0103] b) In one alternative approach, some existing codepoint field for indication of multiple relative time offset value can be re-purposed which is not used in typeO-PDCCH (e.g., DCI format l_0) for SIB1 scheduling purposes.

[0104] c) Upon detection of a SS / PBCH block, the UE determines candidate DMRS symbol positions based on MIB with 6G-dmrs-typeA-Position. Then, upon detection of a typeO-PDCCH (e.g., DCI format l_0) including codepoint either 6G-Relative-offset- DMRS-typeA or repurposed existing codepoint field, the UE determines multiple relative time offset values to applied for each candidate DMRS symbol positions in time. It is noted thatrelative time offset values are respect to previous DMRS symbol position (excluding 1stDMRS position).

[0105] d) The UE determines new DMRS symbol positions (except the first DMRS symbol in time indicated in MIB) by adding indicated time offset values indicated by typeO-PDCCH into candidate DMRS symbol time positions indicated by MIB.

[0106] II) In one alternative implementation embodiment, the UE is dynamically jointly indicated via typeO-PDCCH (e.g., with DCI format l_0) about additional DMRS symbol positions in time and number of additional DMRS symbols as well as relative time offset between DMRS symbol positions with respect to DMRS symbol indicated via MIB.

[0107] For joint indication of additional DMRS symbol positions in time and number of additional DMRS symbols as well as relative time offsets, the following options can be defined.

[0108] Upon detection of MIB with only one DMRS symbol positions and typeO- PDCCH with 6G-Relative-offset-DMRS-typeA, the UE should determine the number of DMRS symbols by increasing the number of indicated relative time offset values by one. Furthermore, the UE should determine additional DMRS time positions for the reception of SIB associated with PDSCH by using the first candidate DMRS symbol time position as “root” with respect to additional DMRS symbol positions in time are determined. For instance, K=2, 3 different offset values and 3 additional DMRS symbol positions in time can be indicated.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 11 , this figure shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of multiple DMRS positions and one common time offset value for DMRS of SIB1 associated with PDSCH. This figure has signaling between the network 110 and the UE 10. In signaling 1105, the network 110 sends to the UE 10 an MIB (with multiple candidate DMRS positions for SIB1 associated with PDSCH) via PBCH. In block 1110, the UE 10 determines candidate DMRS positions for the reception of SIB1 via PDSCH. The network 110 sends typeO-PDCCH (e.g., one common time offset for DMRS of SIB associated with PDSCH) via DCI (e.g., DCI format l_0). In block 1120, the UE 10 determines new DMRS time positions by adding time offset value for candidate DMRS positions for the reception of SIB1 via PDSCH. In signaling 1125, the network 110 sends indication of multiple DMRS symbols for SIB1 associated with PDSCH to the UE 10. It is noted that DMRS symbols are used in PDSCH and the time-frequency resource space used there, but the UE can be considered to receive DMRSs that are embedded within corresponding symbols, and thenetwork 110 can be considered to determine position of the DMRSs and then to place these within corresponding symbols for transmission. The signaling 1130 has the network 110 sending the UE 10 an SIB1 associated with PDSCH.

[0110] FIG. 11A illustrates an example using FIG. 11. This example uses altl of FIG. 10 with bits “11”, see reference 1108. That is, bits “11” would be the indication of the multiple candidate positions in signaling 1105. The UE in block 1110 determines from the bits of “11” and indication (not shown) that altl is used that the DMRS (time) positions are pos3 and pos6. There are two different options how to interpret pos#x, pos#y (where pos#x is pos3 below and pos#y is pos6 below):

[0111] Option 1) pos 3 and pos6 define exactly two absolute offsets from the start of the slot: pos3 = a 3-symbol offset from the start of the slot; pos6 = a 6-symbol offset from the start of the slot”.

[0112] Option 2) pos2 and pos3 define bit-maps which can be associated “freely” to any position from the start of the slot, e.g., pos2 = 5-symbol offset from start of the slot and pos3 = an 8-symbol offset from the start of the slot. Consider that the bitmap can be associated with any value. In other words, pos2 ->’ 10’ can be associated with for example with value 5 and pos3 ->’ 11’ can be associated with value 8.

[0113] As illustrated in reference 1123, the common time offset value =5 in signaling 115, and the UE in block 1120 determines new DMRS time positions as follows. For Option 1: pos3+2; and pos6+2. For Option 2: pos3=5+2; pos6 = 8+2 (based on the example above).

[0114] FIG. 12 shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of multiple candidate DMRS positions and multiple time offset values for DMRS of SIB 1 associated with PDSCH. This figure has signaling between the network 110 and the UE 10. The signaling in FIG. 12 is similar to the signaling in FIG. 11. The difference occurs in signaling 1215 as typeO-PDCCH (e.g., with one or multiple relative time offsets for DMRS of SIB associated with PDSCH) via DCI (e.g., DCI format l_0). There are two possible options: Option 1 , where a relative time offset value is with respect to a previous DMRS symbol position (excluding the 1st, first, DMRS position); and Option 2, where a relative time offset value is with respect to a previous DMRS symbol position (e.g., between adjacent DMRS symbol positions). In block 1220, the UE 10 determines new DMRS time positions by adding a relative time offset value for each candidate DMRS position for the reception of SIB 1 via PDSCH.

[0115] FIG. 12A illustrates an example using FIG. 12. This example uses altl of FIG. 10 with bits “11”, see 1108. That is, bits “11” would be the indication of the multiple candidate positions in signaling 1105. Reference 1113 is the same as in FIG. 11 A. The relative time offset value in 1215 is 2, so as indicated in reference 1223, the UE determines the new DMRS time positions of pos3 and pos6+2 (pos6 plus the relative time offset value of 2). This is for Option 1. For Option 2, the UE determines the new DMRS time positions of pos3 and pos6= pos3+2 (pos6 = pos3 plus the relative time offset value of 2). Pos6 is a current DMRS time position, and pos3 is a previous time position, and these are adjacent time positions. The previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position. This example only uses one relative time offset, though multiple relative time offsets could be used, e.g., pos3, pos6, and pos8 with relative time offsets of 2,3 so the DMRS time positions would be pos3, pos6+2, and pos8+3 for Option 1.

[0116] FIG. 13 shows a signaling flow-diagram for combination of one candidate DMRS position and multiple time offset values for DMRS of SIB 1 associated with PDSCH. This figure has signaling between the network 110 and the UE 10. The signaling in FIG. 13 is similar to the signaling in FIG. 12, except for the following. In signaling 1305, the network 110 sends (in the MIB) indication of one candidate position for SIB1 associated with PDSCH, via PBCH. In signaling 1315, from the network 110 to the UE 10, there is typeO- PDCCH with joint indication of multiple absolute or relative time offset values and DMRS positions for DMRS of SIB associated with PDSCH) via DCI (e.g., DCI format l_0). The absolute time offset values (an Option 1) are with respect to the 1st(first) DMRS symbol position, while the relative time offset values (an Option 2) are between adjacent DMRS symbol positions (e.g., between a current DMRS symbol position and a previous DMRS symbol position, where the previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position. In block 1320, the UE 10, when one candidate position and multiple time offset values are indicated, implicitly determines that multiple new DMRS time positions are present for the reception of SIB 1 via PDSCH. The UE 10 determines the DMRS symbols by increasing the number of indicated time offset values by one. In block 1323, the UE 10 determines new DMRS symbol time positions by adding the absolute time offset values into the 1st(first) indicated candidate DMRS symbol position in time, or by adding relative time offset values for current DMRS positions to previous DMRS positions. Examples are presented below.

[0117] In further detail, FIG. 13 defines a method, where MIB indicates only one candidate DMRS position (e.g., an “anchor” DMRS) and typeO-PDCCH indicates multiple DMRS offsets which also indicates implicitly the number of additional DMRS symbols. This way, it is possible to reuse existing MIB and define a new codepoint (or codepoints) into typeO-PDCCH. Naturally, this means also new UE behavior, e.g., how the UE should interpret combination of MIB and typeO-PDCCH information. For example, MIB indicates pos2 (=2 offset from the start of the slot) and typeO-PDCCH indicates offsets 2 and 4. As a result of this, the UE can determine that three different DMRS positions are indicated and UE assumes that DMRS symbols are located into following positions: 2, 4 and 6. Note that it is possible to define again two options how offsets are defined: Option 1) an absolute option with timing respect to a 1stDMRS symbol; and Option 2) a relative option with timing respect to previous DMRS symbol positions (e.g., for adjacent DMRS symbol positions).

[0118] More details are clarified in FIG. 13 A, which illustrates an example using FIG. 13. This example uses altl of FIG. 10 with bits “00”, see reference 1308. That is, bits “00” would be the indication of the a single (e.g., “anchor”) candidate position in signaling 1305. reference 1313 indicates the UE in block 1310 determines the candidate DMRS position is pos2. Reference 1322 indicates that the number of time offset values in signaling 1315 is two: 2 and 4. In block 1320, the UE determines that the number of DMRS symbols are three (3). This is for Option 1. Another option, Option 2, would have time offset values of 2,2 so that the number of DMRS symbols are also three (3). Reference 1324 indicates that the UE in block 1323 determines new DMRS time positions by the following: DMRS symbol time positions: pos2; pos2+2=pos4; pos2+4=pos6. This is for Option 1, and the timing is relative to the first DMRS symbol position, pos2. For Option 2: pos2; pos2+2=pos4; pos4+2 = pos6, and this is a relative timing option for adjacent DMRS symbol positions.

[0119] Turning to FIG. 14, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example of a cellular network 1 that is connected to a user equipment (UE) 10. A number of network elements are shown in the cellular network of FIG. 14: a base station 70; and a core network 90. The base station 70 is one possible version of network 110 as used above. As described below, there are other possible network entities that can implement the base station 70.

[0120] In FIG. 14, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication via radio link 11 with the base station 70 of the cellular network 1. A UE 10 is a wireless communication device, such as a mobile device, that is configured to access a cellularnetwork. The UE 10 is illustrated with one or more antennas 28. The ellipses 2 indicate there could be multiple UEs 10 in wireless communication via radio links with the base station 70. The UE 10 includes one or more processors 13, one or more memories 15, and other circuitry 16. The other circuitry 16 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 17 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 18. A program 12 is used to cause the UE 10 to perform the operations described herein. For a UE 10, the other circuitry 16 could include circuitry such as for user interface elements (not shown) like a display. The program 12 may be implemented via instructions stored in memory / memories 15 and executed by processor(s) 13, or by hardware such being implemented as part of the processor(s) or other hardware elements, or both.

[0121] The base station 70, as a network element of the cellular network 1, provides the UE 10 access to cellular network 1 and to the data network 91 via the core network 90 (e.g., via a user plane function (UPF) of the core network 90). As such, the base station 70 may be considered to be an access node, which provides access by UE(s) 10 to the cellular network 1. The base station 70 is illustrated as having one or more antennas 58. In general, the base station 70 may be referred to as RAN node 70, although many will make reference to this as a gNB (gNode B, a base station for NR, new radio) instead. There are, however, many other examples of RAN nodes including an eNB (evolved Node B) or TRP (Transmission-Reception Point). The base station 70 includes one or more processors 73, one or more memories 75, and other circuitry 76. The other circuitry 76 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 77 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 78. A program 72 is used to cause the base station 70 to perform the operations described herein. The program 72 may be implemented via instructions stored in memory / memories 75 and executed by processor(s) 73, or by hardware such being implemented as part of the processor(s) or other hardware elements, or both.

[0122] It is noted that the base station 70 may instead be implemented via other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi (a wireless networking protocol that devices use to communicate without direct cable connections). In the case of Wi-Fi, the link 11 could be characterized as a wireless link.

[0123] Two or more base stations 70 communicate using, e.g., link(s) 79. The link(s) 79 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an Xn interface for 5G (fifth generation), an X2 interface for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0124] The cellular network 1 may include a core network 90, as a second network element or elements, that may include core network functionality, and which provide connectivity via a link or links 81 with a data network 91, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). The core network 90 includes one or more processors 93, one or more memories 95, and other circuitry 96. The other circuitry 96 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 97 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 98. A program 92 is used to cause the core network 90 to perform the operations described herein. The program 92 may be implemented via instructions stored in memory / memories 95 and executed by processor(s) 93, or by hardware such being implemented as part of the processor(s) or other hardware elements, or both.

[0125] The core network 90 could be a 5GC (5G core network). The core network 90 can implement or comprise multiple network functions (NF(s)) 99, and the program 92 may comprise one or more of the NFs 99. A 5G core network may use hardware such as memory and processors and a virtualization layer. It could be a single standalone computing system, a distributed computing system, or a cloud computing system. The NFs 99, as network elements, of the core network could be containers or virtual machines running on the hardware of the computing system(s) making up the core network 90.

[0126] Core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management functionality that is provided by a network function 99 such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), session management functionality that is provided by a network function such as a session management function (SMF). Core network functionality for access and mobility management in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network may be provided by an MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, which routes data to the data network. Many others are possible, as illustrated by the examples in FIG. 14: AMF; SMF; MME; SGW; GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center); LMF (Location Management Function); UDM (Unified Data Management) / UDR (Unified Data Repository); NRF (Network Repository Function); and / or E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center). These are merely exemplary core network functionality that may be provided by the core network 90, and note that both 5G and LTE core network functionality might be provided by the core network 90. The base station 70 is coupled via a backhaul link 31 to the core network 90. The base station 70 and the core network 90 may include an NG (Next Generation) interface for 5G, or an S 1 interface for LTE, or othersuitable interface for other radio access technologies for communicating via the backhaul link 31.

[0127] In the data network 91, there is a computer-readable medium 94. The computer-readable medium 94 contains instructions that, when downloaded and installed into the memories 15, 75, or 95 of the corresponding UE 10, base station 70, and / or core network element(s) 90, and executed by processor(s) 13, 73, or 93, cause the respective device to perform corresponding actions described herein. The computer-readable medium 94 may be implemented in other forms, such as via a compact disc or memory stick.

[0128] The programs 12, 72, and 92 contain instructions (as part of a corresponding program 12, 72, and 92) stored by corresponding one or more memories 15, 75, or 95. These instructions, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors 13, 73, or 93, cause the corresponding apparatus 10, 70, or 90, to perform the operations described herein. The computer readable memories 15, 75, or 95 are circuitry and may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, firmware, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The processors 13, 73, and 93, are circuitry and may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment. For example, these processors may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), processors based on a multicore processor architecture, and may also include specialized circuits such as field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other devices, or combinations of these devices, as non-limiting examples. The processors 13, 73, and 93 are circuitry that can be programmed to perform functions via software, firmware or the like (including microcode), but are not solely software.

[0129] The receivers 17, 77, and 97, and the transmitters 18, 78, and 98 may implement wired or wireless interfaces. The receivers and transmitters may be grouped together as transceivers.

[0130] The cellular network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts ofnetworks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities (such as network functions 99) that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 73 and / or 93 and memories 75 and / or 95, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0131] It is noted that a common way to view “cells” in a cellular system is as a 360-degree oval. However, antennas typically do not radiate over 360 degrees, and therefore a common technique is to have the 360 degrees subdivided into multiple sections. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For instance, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360- degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So, if there are three 120-degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of six cells. While the description herein may indicate that “cells” perform functions, it should be apparent that the base station that forms the cell will perform the functions.

[0132] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 10 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones (such as smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over Internet Protocol (IP) (VoIP) phones, and / or wireless local loop phones), tablets, portable computers, vehicles or vehicle- mounted devices for, e.g., wireless V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, Internet appliances (including Internet of Things, loT, devices), loT devices with sensors and / or actuators for, e.g., automation applications, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. That is, the UE 10 could be any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, the UE may also be referred to as a communication device,terminal device (MT), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT).

[0133] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect and / or advantage of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is the examples enable for UE-reliable reception of 6G-SIB 1 associated with PDSCH in the presence of high mobility with different sub-carrier and carrier frequency options.

[0134] The following are additional examples.

[0135] Example 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0136] Example 2. The method according to example 1, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is received as part of a MIB signaling.

[0137] Example 3. The method according to example 1 or 2, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is received as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0138] Example 4. The method according to example 1, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0139] Example 5. The method according to example 4, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0140] Example 6. The method according to example 4, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offsetis added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0141] Example 7. The method according to example 1, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0142] Example 8. The method according to example 7, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0143] Example 9. The method according to example 7, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0144] Example 10. The method according to example 1, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; receiving indication of the one or more time offsets comprises receiving indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0145] Example 11. The method according to example 10, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0146] Example 12. The method according to example 10, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0147] Example 13. The method according to any of examples 1 to 12, further comprising receiving the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0148] Example 14. A method, comprising: sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0149] Example 15. The method according to example 14, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is sent as part of a MIB signaling.

[0150] Example 16. The method according to example 14 or 15, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is sent as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0151] Example 17. The method according to example 14, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0152] Example 18. The method according to example 17, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start ofa slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0153] Example 19. The method according to example 17, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0154] Example 20. The method according to example 14, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0155] Example 21. The method according to example 20, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0156] Example 22. The method according to example 20, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0157] Example 23. The method according to example 14, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; sending indication of the one or more time offsets comprises sending indication of one or more timeoffset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0158] Example 24. The method according to example 23, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0159] Example 25. The method according to example 23, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0160] Example 26. The method according to any of examples 14 to 25, further comprising sending the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0161] Example 27. An apparatus, comprising means for: receiving indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB ; receiving indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0162] Example 28. The apparatus according to example 27, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is received as part of a MIB signaling.

[0163] Example 29. The apparatus according to example 27 or 28, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is received as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0164] Example 30. The apparatus according to example 27, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0165] Example 31. The apparatus according to example 30, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0166] Example 32. The apparatus according to example 30, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0167] Example 33. The apparatus according to example 27, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0168] Example 34. The apparatus according to example 33, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0169] Example 35. The apparatus according to example 33, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer tothe start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0170] Example 36. The apparatus according to example 27, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; receiving indication of the one or more time offsets comprises receiving indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0171] Example 37. The apparatus according to example 36, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0172] Example 38. The apparatus according to example 36, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0173] Example 39. The apparatus according to any of examples 27 to 38, wherein the means are further configured for receiving the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0174] Example 40. An apparatus, comprising means for: sending indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB ; sending indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB ; and determining based onthe one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0175] Example 41. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is sent as part of a MIB signaling.

[0176] Example 42. The apparatus according to example 40 or 41, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is sent as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0177] Example 43. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0178] Example 44. The apparatus according to example 43, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0179] Example 45. The apparatus according to example 43, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0180] Example 46. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0181] Example 47. The apparatus according to example 46, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to thecorresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0182] Example 48. The apparatus according to example 46, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0183] Example 49. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; sending indication of the one or more time offsets comprises sending indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0184] Example 50. The apparatus according to example 49, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0185] Example 51. The apparatus according to example 49, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0186] Example 52. The apparatus according to any of examples 40 to 51 , wherein the means are further configured for sending the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0187] Example 53. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB ; receiving indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0188] Example 54. The apparatus according to example 53, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is received as part of a MIB signaling.

[0189] Example 55. The apparatus according to example 53 or 54, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is received as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0190] Example 56. The apparatus according to example 53, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0191] Example 57. The apparatus according to example 56, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0192] Example 58. The apparatus according to example 56, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel.

[0193] Example 59. The apparatus according to example 53, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbolpositions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0194] Example 60. The apparatus according to example 59, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0195] Example 61. The apparatus according to example 59, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0196] Example 62. The apparatus according to example 53, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; receiving indication of the one or more time offsets comprises receiving indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0197] Example 63. The apparatus according to example 62, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or moreDMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0198] Example 64. The apparatus according to example 62, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0199] Example 65. The apparatus according to any of examples 53 to 64, wherein the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0200] Example 66. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for a data channel associated with a SIB ; sending indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs for the data channel associated with the SIB; and determining based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the DMRSs and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel associated with the SIB.

[0201] Example 67. The apparatus according to example 66, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for DMRSs is sent as part of a MIB signaling.

[0202] Example 68. The apparatus according to example 66 or 67, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is sent as part of typeO-PDCCH signaling.

[0203] Example 69. The apparatus according to example 66, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs.

[0204] Example 70. The apparatus according to example 69, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0205] Example 71. The apparatus according to example 69, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for DMRSs have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel.

[0206] Example 72. The apparatus according to example 66, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0207] Example 73. The apparatus according to example 72, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0208] Example 74. The apparatus according to example 72, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more DMRSs to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the DMRS for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0209] Example 75. The apparatus according to example 66, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; sending indication of the one or more time offsets comprises sending indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more DMRSs further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more DMRS symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more DMRSs using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more DMRSs and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs.

[0210] Example 76. The apparatus according to example 75, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRS symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

[0211] Example 77. The apparatus according to example 75, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more DMRSs symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for DMRS and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for DMRS to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

[0212] Example 78. The apparatus according to any of examples 66 to 77, wherein the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform sending the one or more DMRSs in the data channel associated with the SIB based on the position of the one or more DMRSs.

[0213] Example 79. A computer program, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the methods of any of examples 1 to 26.

[0214] Example 80. The computer program according to example 79, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus.

[0215] Example 81. The computer program according to example 79, wherein the computer program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0216] Example 82. The apparatus according to any of examples 27 to 39 or 53 to 65, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0217] Example 83. The apparatus according to any of examples 40 to 52 or 66 to 78, wherein the apparatus comprises a network element.

[0218] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0219] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0220] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

[0221] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0222] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0223] Embodiments herein may be implemented in software (executed by one or more processors), hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), or a combination of software and hardware. In an example embodiment, the software (e.g., application logic, an instruction set) is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a computer described and depicted, e.g., in FIG. 14. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium (e.g.,memories 15, 75, and 95 or other device) that may be any media or means that can contain, store, and / or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable storage medium does not comprise propagating signals, and therefore may be considered to be nontransitory. The term “non-transitory”, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM, random access memory, versus ROM, read-only memory).

[0224] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined.

[0225] Although various aspects of the embodiments are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the embodiments comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0226] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0227] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows:

[0228] 5G fifth generation

[0229] AMF access and mobility management function

[0230] BCH broadcast channel

[0231] BCCH broadcast control channel

[0232] CORESET control resource set

[0233] CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0234] CSS Common Search Space

[0235] DCI Downlink control information

[0236] DL-SCH downlink-shared channel

[0237] DMRS demodulation reference signal

[0238] E-SMLC evolved serving mobile location center

[0239] eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)

[0240] GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Center

[0241] gNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR

[0242] PF interface

[0243] LMF Location Management Function

[0244] LTE long term evolution

[0245] LSB least significant bit

[0246] max. maximum

[0247] MCG Master Cell Group

[0248] MIB master information block

[0249] MME mobility management entity

[0250] MSB most significant bit

[0251] NF network function

[0252] ng or NG next generation

[0253] NR new radio

[0254] NRF Network Repository Function

[0255] N / W or NW network

[0256] PBCH Physical broadcast channel

[0257] PDCCH physical downlink control channel

[0258] PDSCH physical downlink shared channel

[0259] posSIB positioning SIB

[0260] RAN radio access network

[0261] RRC Radio resource control

[0262] Rx receiver

[0263] SCS sub-carrier spacing

[0264] SGW serving gateway

[0265] SI system information

[0266] SIB system information block

[0267] SLRNTI System Information RNTI

[0268] SMF session management function

[0269] SSB Synchronization signal block

[0270] TRP transmission-reception point

[0271] Tx transmitter

[0272] UDM unified data management

[0273] UDR unified data repository

[0274] UE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)

[0275] UPF user plane function

[0276] USS UE-specific Search Space

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; receiving indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel associated with the system information block.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals is received as part of a master information block signaling.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is received as part of typeO-physical downlink control channel signaling.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a demodulation reference signal for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for demodulation reference signal and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for demodulation reference signal, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the demodulation reference signal for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; receiving indication of the one or more time offsets comprises receiving indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more demodulation reference signals further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more demodulation reference signal symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more demodulation reference signals using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signal symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for demodulation reference signal and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for demodulation reference signal to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving the one or more demodulation reference signals in the data channel associated with the system information block based on the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

14. A method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; receiving, by the user equipment, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining, by the user equipment based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel associated with the system information block.

15. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; sending indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel associated with the system information block.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals is sent as part of a master information block signaling.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the indication of one or more time offsets is sent as part of typeO-physical downlink control channel signaling.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise one common time offset for all of multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel at least by adding a value for the one common time offset to the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals define corresponding absolute offsets from a start of a slot; and the value for the common time offset is added to the corresponding absolute offsets from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: the multiple candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals have corresponding bitmaps, individual ones of the bitmaps defining position from a start of a slot; and the value for the one common time offset is added to the corresponding positions from the start of the slot to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel.

21. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets for corresponding candidate symbol positions; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel at least by using the individual time offsets on corresponding candidate symbol positions to determine the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions to be added to a corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding current candidate symbol position to determine the position for a demodulation reference signal for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the one or more time offsets comprise individual time offsets that indicate a number of symbol positions between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of a slot for demodulation reference signal and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for demodulation reference signal, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position; and the determining comprises determining the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel at least by adding for the individual time offsets the number of symbol positions to the corresponding previous candidate symbol position to determine the position for the demodulation reference signal for the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

24. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: the one or more candidate symbol positions comprise a single candidate symbol position; sending indication of the one or more time offsets comprises sending indication of one or more time offset values; and determining position of the one or more demodulation reference signals further comprises: determining, based on a number of the one or more time offset values, a number of how many of one or more demodulation reference signal symbols there will be; and determining position of the determined number of the one or more demodulation reference signals using the single candidate symbol position for a first position in a slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals and using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signal symbols comprises adding the one or more time offset values with respect to the first position in the slot to determine the other positions in the slot.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the using the one or more time offset values to determine other positions in the slot of the one or more demodulation reference signals symbols comprises adding individual ones of the time offset values between a corresponding current candidate symbol position with respect to a start of the slot for demodulation reference signal and a corresponding previous candidate symbol position with respect to the start of the slot for demodulation reference signal to determine individual ones of the other positions in the slot, wherein the corresponding previous candidate symbol position is closer to the start of the slot than is the corresponding current candidate symbol position.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform sending the one or more demodulation reference signals in the data channel associated with the system information block based on the position of the one or more demodulation reference signals.

28. A method, comprising: sending, by a network element, indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; sending, by the network element, indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining, by the network element, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel associated with the system information block.

29. An apparatus, comprising means for: receiving indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; receiving indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining, based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of one or more demodulation reference signals to be received in the data channel associated with the system information block.

30. An apparatus, comprising means for: sending indication about one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for a data channel associated with a system information block; sending indication of one or more time offsets for the one or more candidate symbol positions for demodulation reference signals for the data channel associated with the system information block; and determining based on the one or more candidate symbol positions for the demodulation reference signals and the one or more time offsets, position of the one or more demodulation reference signals to be sent in the data channel associated with the system information block.

31. A computer program, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of claim Error!Reference source not found.4 or 28.

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