HK40007242B - Signaling and determination of slot and mini-slot structure - Google Patents

Description

Signaling and determination of time slot and mini-time slot structures

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 15/712,761, filed on September 22, 2017; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/402,966, filed on September 30, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes.

Technical Field

In general, the techniques discussed in this disclosure relate to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to the signaling and determination of slot and mini-slot structures (e.g., for fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) network deployments). Embodiments implement and provide solutions and techniques for wireless communication devices to transmit multiple transmission digital schemes that can be decoupled from a reference slot structure used to define a scheduling unit.

Background Art

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication, such as voice, data, and video. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple access terminals by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth and transmit power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) systems, and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. Typically, a wireless communication system includes several base stations (BSs), each of which communicates with a mobile station or user equipment (UE) using a forward link, and each mobile station (or access terminal) communicates with a base station using a reverse link.

5G NR is a next-generation wireless technology designed to meet the growing demand for wireless data services. NR is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based system that supports a scalable digital scheme with various tone spacings, such as 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 kilohertz (kHz).

Summary of the Invention

The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the technology discussed. This summary is not an extensive overview of all anticipated features of the present disclosure and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all of the aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be presented later.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanisms and techniques for signaling time slot structures, mini-time slot structures, and/or transmission digital schemes. A network may employ multiple (or mixed) digital schemes (e.g., subcarrier spacing or tone spacing) for communication. In an embodiment, a base station (BS) may transmit synchronization signals and system information signals based on a predetermined digital scheme and a predetermined time slot structure to enable a user equipment (UE) to perform initial network access. The system information signal may indicate a digital scheme for subsequent communications (e.g., for transmitting other system information signals and/or random access signals). In some embodiments, after initial network access, the BS may also indicate various transmission digital schemes for communicating with the UE in connected mode.

For example, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes transmitting, by a first wireless communication device, a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone spacing. The first signal may indicate a second digital scheme including at least a second tone spacing. The method may also include transmitting, by the first wireless communication device, a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: receiving, by a first wireless communication device, a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and receiving, by the first wireless communication device, a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to: transmit a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone spacing; and transmit a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a transceiver configured to: receive a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone spacing, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone spacing; and receive a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

After reviewing the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although features of the present invention may be discussed with respect to certain embodiments and drawings below, all embodiments of the present invention may include one or more advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention discussed herein. In a similar manner, although exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system or method embodiments, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 illustrates a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG2 illustrates a subframe configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG3 illustrates a subframe transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG4 illustrates a subframe configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG5 illustrates a time division duplex (TDD) configuration in a macro cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG6 is a block diagram of an exemplary user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG7 is a block diagram of an exemplary base station (BS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG8 illustrates a self-contained subframe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG9 illustrates a timeslot/minislot signaling method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG10 illustrates a slotted/mini-slotted signaling method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a table showing an example for defining digital schemes for various channels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG12 illustrates a slotted/mini-slotted signaling method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG13 is a flowchart of a method of timeslot/mini-slot structure signaling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG14 is a flowchart of a method for receiving a signal based on a time slot/mini-time slot structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

The techniques described herein can be used in various wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and other networks. The terms "network" and "system" are generally used interchangeably. A CDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) and cdma2000. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variations of CDMA. cdma2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network can implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash OFDMA, and the like. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are new releases of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein can be used for the wireless networks and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies, such as next-generation (e.g., 5th generation (5G)) networks.

A network (e.g., an NR network) may employ time slots and mini-slots for transmission. The time slot and mini-slot structures may be defined based on a reference transmission digital scheme. However, different transmission digital schemes may be used to transmit different channel signals. Therefore, techniques are needed for signaling and/or determining the time slot structure, mini-slot structure, and/or transmission digital scheme.

The present disclosure describes mechanisms and techniques for signaling communication slot/microslot structures and transmission digital schemes. These innovations may be useful in hybrid digital scheme systems, where determining the slot structure may be challenging. In one embodiment, a single slot structure is used for communication in all channels. In one example, the slot structure may be used for a specific frequency band in the network. In one example, the BS sends a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal to signal the digital scheme (e.g., tone intervals) and the slot structure defined based on the digital scheme. The slot structure can be decoupled from the transmission digital scheme (i.e., unrelated or separated from the ambiguity). In another embodiment, different slot structures are defined for different channel signals. For example, the BS sends a PBCH to signal the downlink (DL) control transmission digital scheme for the slot structure. The BS can send a DL control message (e.g., grant) based on the DL control transmission digital scheme. The DL control message can indicate the data transmission digital scheme used for data transmission.

While various aspects and embodiments are described in this application, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that implementations and use cases may occur in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein may be implemented across many different platform types, shapes, sizes, packaging arrangements, for example, via integrated chip embodiments and other non-module component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communications devices, computing devices, industrial devices, retail/procurement devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some claims may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide variety of applicability of the described innovations may occur. Implementations may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and also to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations.

Turning now specifically to the drawings, FIG1 illustrates a wireless communication network 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network 100 may include a plurality of UEs 102 and a plurality of BSs 104. The BSs 104 may be stations that communicate with the UEs 102 and may also be referred to as base transceiver stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs) or next generation Node Bs (gNBs), access points, etc.

BS 104 may include an evolved Node B (eNode B). BS 104 may be a station that communicates with UE 102 and may also be referred to as a base transceiver station, a Node B, an access point, etc.

As indicated by communication signals 106, BS 104 communicates with UE 102. UE 102 can communicate with BS 104 via an uplink (UL) and a downlink (DL). The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from BS 104 to UE 102. The UL (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from UE 102 to BS 104. BSs 104 can also communicate with each other, directly or indirectly, over wired and/or wireless connections, as indicated by communication signals 108.

As shown, UEs 102 may be dispersed throughout network 100, and each UE 102 may be fixed or mobile. UE 102 may also be referred to as a terminal, mobile station, subscriber unit, etc. UE 102 may be a cellular phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, wireless modem, laptop computer, tablet computer, IoT device, vehicle, medical device, industrial device, wearable device, sports device, implantable device, etc. Network 100 is one example of a network to which various aspects of the present disclosure may apply.

Each BS 104 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to this specific geographic coverage area of the BS and/or the BS subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In this regard, the BS 104 can provide communication coverage for a macrocell, a picocell, a femtocell, and/or other types of cells. A macrocell typically covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and can allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A picocell typically covers a relatively small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femtocell can also typically cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a residence) and, in addition to unrestricted access, can also provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femtocell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in a home, etc.). A BS for a macrocell can be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a picocell can be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS.

In the example shown in FIG1 , BSs 104a, 104b, and 104c are examples of macro BSs for coverage areas 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. BSs 104d and 104e are examples of pico BSs and/or femto BSs for coverage areas 110d and 110e, respectively. As will be appreciated, BS 104 may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

The network 100 may also include a relay station. A relay station is a station that receives transmissions of data and/or other information from an upstream station (e.g., a BS, a UE, etc.) and sends transmissions of data and/or other information to a downstream station (e.g., another UE, another BS, etc.). A relay station may also be a UE that relays transmissions for other UEs. A relay station may also be referred to as a relay BS, a relay UE, a relay, etc.

Network 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, BSs 104 may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs 104 may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, BSs 104 may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs 104 may not be aligned in time.

In some implementations, the network 100 utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the UL. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as tones, bins, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain using OFDM and in the time domain using SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, K can be equal to 72, 180, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 for corresponding system bandwidths of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 megahertz (MHz), respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband may cover 1.08 MHz, and there may be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands for a corresponding system bandwidth of 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 MHz, respectively.

In an embodiment, BS 104 may assign or schedule transmission resources for DL and UL transmissions in network 100 (e.g., in the form of time-frequency resource blocks). Communication may be performed in the form of radio frames. A radio frame may be divided into a plurality of subframes. In FDD mode, simultaneous UL and DL transmissions may occur in different frequency bands. In TDD mode, UL and DL transmissions occur in different time periods using the same frequency band. For example, a subset of subframes in a radio frame may be used for DL transmissions, while another subset of subframes may be used for UL transmissions. DL and UL subframes may be shared between BS 104 and UE 102, respectively.

DL and UL subframes can be further divided into several regions. For example, each DL or UL subframe can have a predefined region for transmitting reference signals, control information, and data. Reference signals are predetermined signals that facilitate communication between BS 104 and UE 102. For example, reference signals can have a specific pilot pattern or structure, where pilot tones can span an operating bandwidth or frequency band, each positioned at a predefined time and predefined frequency. Control information can include resource assignments and protocol control. Data can include protocol data and/or operational data.

In an embodiment, BS 104 may transmit synchronization signals (e.g., including a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) to facilitate synchronization in network 100. BS 104 may also broadcast system information associated with network 100 (e.g., including a master information block (MIB), remaining minimum system information (RMSI), and other system information (OSI)) to facilitate initial network access.

In an embodiment, a UE 102 attempting to access the network 100 may perform an initial cell search by detecting the PSS from the BS 104. The PSS may enable synchronization to periodic timing and may indicate a physical layer identification value. The UE 102 may then detect the SSS. The SSS may enable radio frame synchronization and may provide a cell identification value that may be combined with the physical layer identification value to identify the cell. The SSS may also enable detection of duplex mode and cyclic prefix length. Some systems, such as TDD systems, may transmit the SSS without transmitting the PSS. After receiving the PSS and SSS, the UE 102 may receive the MIB from the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The MIB may include system information for initial network access and scheduling information for RMSI and/or OSI. After decoding the MIB, the UE 102 may receive the RMSI and/or OSI. RMSI and/or OSI may include radio resource configuration (RRC) configuration information related to random access channel (RACH) procedures, paging, physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), power control, SRS, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). For example, UE 102 may use RACH to exchange signals and messages for initial network access. UE 102 may send UL control information (e.g., scheduling requests, acknowledgments, and/or channel quality reports) and UL data in PUCCH and PUSCH, respectively. BS 104 may send DL control information (e.g., UL and DL grants) and DL data in PDCCH and PDSCH, respectively. UE 102 may communicate with each other in PSSCH.

In an embodiment, UE 102 may initiate initial network access or a random access procedure by sending a random access preamble (e.g., a physical signal including a predetermined sequence without data bits). When BS 104 detects the random access preamble, the BS may respond with a random access response (RAR). UE 102 may monitor the RAR within a RAR window (e.g., a duration of a specific duration). UE 102 may configure the RAR window based on the transmission time of the random access. Upon detecting the RAR, UE 102 may send a connection request to BS 104 to establish an RRC connection with BS 104. BS 104 may respond with a connection response. In some embodiments, the random access preamble, RAR, connection request, and connection response may be referred to as Msg 1, Msg 2, Msg 3, and Msg 4, respectively.

After completing the initial network access, the UE 102 and the BS 104 may enter a normal operation phase, in which operational data may be exchanged. The BS 104 may assign a UE identifier (ID) to the UE 102 for identifying the UE 102 in the network 100. During normal operation, data exchanged between the BS 104 and the UE 102 may be based on the assigned UE ID.

In an embodiment, BS 104 may schedule UL and/or DL communications with UE 102 in units of time slots, which may include time-frequency resources spanning multiple subcarriers in frequency and multiple symbols in time, as described in more detail herein. Network 100 may operate on multiple frequency bands. Network 100 may predefine a predetermined transmission digital scheme for each frequency band. Time slots in a particular frequency band may be defined in units of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols) based on the corresponding predetermined transmission digital scheme. For example, a time slot may have a duration of approximately 1 millisecond (ms). The predetermined digital scheme may indicate a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of approximately 15 kHz and approximately 14 OFDM symbols. Signal transmission may use any integer multiple of the tone spacing (e.g., at approximately 15 kHz, approximately 30 kHz, or approximately 60 kHz). Alternatively, the predetermined digital scheme may indicate a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of approximately 30 kHz and 7 OFDM symbols. The mechanism for the signaling transmission digital scheme is described in more detail herein.

FIG2 illustrates a subframe configuration 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Configuration 200 may be used by BS 104 and UE 102 for transmission. In FIG2 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Configuration 200 illustrates two self-contained subframes 210 and 220. Subframes 210 and 220 may be configured for either UL transmission or DL transmission. As an example, subframe 210 may be configured for UL transmission, while subframe 220 may be configured for DL transmission. Thus, subframe 210 may be referred to as a UL-centric subframe, while subframe 220 may be referred to as a DL-centric subframe. Subframe 210 includes a DL control portion 212 for carrying DL control, a UL data portion 214 for carrying UL data, and a UL control portion 216 for carrying UL control. Subframe 220 includes a DL control portion 222 for carrying DL control, a DL data portion 224 for carrying DL data, and a UL control portion 226 for carrying UL control. As shown, subframe 210 also includes a guard band 218 between DL control portion 212 and UL data portion 214. Subframe 220 also includes a guard band 228 between DL data portion 224 and UL data portion 226. Guard bands 218 and 228 allow switching between transmission and reception. As shown, configuration 200 allows dynamic TDD operation.

FIG3 illustrates a subframe transmission method 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 300 may be used by BS 104 and UE 102 for transmission. In FIG3 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Configuration 300 illustrates subframes 210 and 220 in operation. For example, the BS may employ subframe 210 to grant a UE an UL transmission. As shown, the BS may transmit an UL grant in a DL control portion 212, and the UE may transmit UL data in a UL data portion 214, and UL control in a UL control portion 216. The BS may employ subframe 220 to transmit DL data to the UE. As shown, the BS may transmit a DL grant in a DL control portion 222 and transmit DL data in a DL data portion 224, wherein the UE may send an acknowledgment to the UE in the UL control portion 216. Thus, method 300 may enable modular operation and low latency.

FIG4 illustrates a subframe configuration 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Configuration 400 can be used by BS 104 and UE 102 for transmission. In FIG4 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Configuration 400 illustrates a self-contained subframe 410 centered on the UL and a self-contained subframe 420 centered on the DL. Subframe 410 is similar to subframe 210, but includes an additional portion 432. Similarly, subframe 420 is similar to subframe 220, but includes an additional portion 434. Additional portions 432 and 434 can be used to carry other signals, which may include control information or data. Thus, configuration 400 allows for forward compatibility.

FIG5 shows a TDD configuration 500 in a macro cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Configuration 500 can be used by BS 104 and UE 102 for transmission. In FIG5 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. As shown, the BS and UE can communicate through multiple UL-centered subframes 510 and DL-centered subframes 520. Subframe 510 can be similar to subframes 210 and 410. Subframe 520 can be similar to subframes 220 and 420. In an embodiment, a group 550 of subframes 510 and 520 can span a duration of approximately 2 milliseconds (ms). In an embodiment, both subframes 510 and 520 can carry OFDM waveforms. In an embodiment, subframe 510 can optionally carry SC-FDM waveforms, which can provide better link budget for UEs located near or at the edge of the macro cell.

In configuration 500, the BS may transmit a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signal in the DL control portion 222 of subframe 520 and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) signal in the DL data portion 224 of subframe 510. The PDSCH signal may carry DL data. The PDCCH signal may carry DL control information, for example, including a DL grant indicating a transmission configuration for the PDSCH signal. The UE may transmit an UL common burst in the UL control portion 226 of subframe 520. The UL common burst may include UL control information, for example, including a channel quality report and/or a scheduling request.

Similarly, the BS may transmit a PDCCH in the DL control portion 212 of subframe 510. The UE may transmit UL data in the UL data portion 214 of subframe 510 and a UL common burst in the UL control portion 216 of subframe 510. In an embodiment, both subframes 510 and 520 may carry OFDM waveforms. In an embodiment, subframe 510 may optionally carry an SC-FDM waveform, which may provide better link budget for edge UEs in a macro cell. Cell-edge UEs may not transmit UL common bursts for PUSCH.

The subframes 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, and 520 may be divided into slots and/or mini-slots to define shorter durations for UL and/or DL transmissions, as described in greater detail herein.

6 is a block diagram of an exemplary UE 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. UE 600 may be UE 102 as described above. As shown, UE 600 may include a processor 602, a memory 604, a slot/mini-slot processing module 608, a transceiver 610 including a modem subsystem 612 and an RF unit 614, and an antenna 616. These elements may communicate with each other directly or indirectly, for example, via one or more buses.

The processor 602 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 602 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

Memory 604 may include a cache (e.g., a cache of processor 602), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, a solid-state memory device, a hard drive, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In an embodiment, memory 604 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Memory 604 may store instructions 606. Instructions 606 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 602, cause processor 602 to perform the operations described herein with reference to UE 102 in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure. Instructions 606 may also be referred to as code. The terms "instructions" and "code" should be broadly interpreted to include any type of computer-readable statements. For example, the terms "instructions" and "code" may refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, etc. "Instructions" and "code" may include a single computer-readable statement or a plurality of computer-readable statements.

The time slot/mini-slot processing module 608 can be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the time slot/mini-slot processing module 608 can be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and/or instructions 606 stored in the memory 604 and executed by the processor 602. The time slot/mini-slot processing module 608 can be used in various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the time slot/mini-slot processing module 608 is configured to receive configuration information associated with the time slot/mini-slot structure and/or transmission digital scheme, and communicate with a BS (e.g., BS 104) based on the received configuration information, as described in more detail herein.

As shown, the transceiver 610 may include a modem subsystem 612 and an RF unit 614. The transceiver 610 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as the BS 104. The modem subsystem 612 may be configured to modulate and/or encode data from the memory 604 and/or the slot/mini-slot processing module 608 according to a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) (e.g., a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc.). The RF unit 614 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) the modulated/encoded data from the modem subsystem 612 (on outbound transmissions) or from another source (such as the UE 102 or the BS 104). Although shown as integrated in the transceiver 610, the modem subsystem 612 and the RF unit 614 may be separate devices coupled together at the UE 102 to enable the UE 102 to communicate with other devices.

The RF unit 614 can provide modulated and/or processed data (e.g., data packets (or more generally, data messages that can include one or more data packets and other information)) to the antenna 616 for transmission to one or more other devices. The antenna 616 can also receive data messages sent from other devices. This can include, for example, receiving signals based on a time slot/mini-time slot structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna 616 can provide the received data message for processing and/or demodulation at the transceiver 610. Although Figure 6 shows the antenna 616 as a single antenna, the antenna 616 can include multiple antennas with similar or different designs to maintain multiple transmission links. The RF unit 614 can configure the antenna 616.

FIG7 is a block diagram of an exemplary BS 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, BS 700 may be BS 104. As shown, BS 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a slot/mini-slot configuration module 708, a transceiver 710 including a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714, and an antenna 716. These elements may communicate with each other directly or indirectly, for example, via one or more buses.

The processor 702 may have various characteristics as a specific type of processor. For example, these may include a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 702 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The memory 704 may include a cache (e.g., a cache of the processor 702), RAM, MRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a solid-state memory device, one or more hard disk drives, a memristor-based array, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In some embodiments, the memory 704 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 704 may store instructions 706. The instructions 706 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 702, cause the processor 702 to perform the operations described herein. The instructions 706 may also be referred to as code, which may be broadly interpreted to include any type of computer-readable statements as discussed above with respect to FIG. 6 .

The time slot/mini-slot configuration module 708 can be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the time slot/mini-slot configuration module 708 can be implemented as a processor, circuit, and/or instructions 706 stored in the memory 704 and executed by the processor 702. The time slot/mini-slot configuration module 708 can be used in various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the time slot/mini-slot configuration module 708 can configure and signal the time slot/mini-slot structure and/or transmission digital scheme, as described in more detail herein.

As shown, the transceiver 710 may include a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714. The transceiver 710 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as the UE 102 and/or another core network element. The modem subsystem 712 may be configured to modulate and/or encode data according to an MCS (e.g., an LDPC coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc.). The RF unit 714 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) the modulated/encoded data from the modem subsystem 712 (on outbound transmissions) or from another source, such as the UE 102. Although shown as being integrated together in the transceiver 710, the modem subsystem 712 and the RF unit 714 may be separate devices coupled together at the BS 104 to enable the BS 104 to communicate with other devices.

The RF unit 714 can provide modulated and/or processed data (e.g., data packets (or more generally, data messages that can contain one or more data packets and other information)) to the antenna 716 for transmission to one or more other devices. This can include, for example, the transmission of information according to embodiments of the present disclosure to complete attachment to a network and communication with a camped UE 102. The antenna 716 can also receive data messages sent from other devices and provide the received data messages for processing and/or demodulation at the transceiver 710. Although Figure 7 shows the antenna 716 as a single antenna, the antenna 716 can include multiple antennas with similar or different designs to maintain multiple transmission links.

FIG8 illustrates a self-contained subframe 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Subframe 800 can be used by BSs 104 and 700 and UEs 102 and 600. In FIG8 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Subframe 800 can be similar to subframes 210, 220, 410, 420, 510, and 520. Subframe 800 includes M time slots 820. Each time slot 820 includes K mini-slots 830. Each mini-slot 830 can include 1, 2, 3, or 7 symbols.

In an embodiment, the digital scheme for the time slot 820 and/or the mini-time slot 830 can be scalable. Some examples of the digital scheme may include the transmission time interval (TTI), the number of symbols per millisecond, the tone spacing, the signal part duration, the symbol duration, the cyclic prefix (CP) overhead, the carrier bandwidth, and the number of active subcarriers (e.g., tones). The following table shows some examples of scalable digital schemes in different scenarios, such as in rural areas, urban microcells (UMi), urban macrocells (UMa), and indoor areas:

Table 1: Scalable digital solutions

In an embodiment, a subframe 800 may include x OFDM symbols 840 having a common CP in a reference digital scheme (e.g., a tone spacing), where x is a positive integer. The reference digital scheme may be predetermined, e.g., defined in a standard specification. The BS may signal a parameter y, where y may be equal to x or (e.g., y=x) or a factor of x (e.g., y=x/2). A slot 820 may be defined as having a duration of y OFDM symbols 840. An integer number of slots 820 may fit within the duration of the subframe 800, e.g., at least greater than or equal to the tone spacing of the reference digital scheme. In one embodiment, the structure of the slot 820 may include a control portion (e.g., DL control portions 212 and 222) at the beginning of the slot 820. In another embodiment, the structure of the slot 820 may include a control portion (e.g., UL portions 216 and 226) at the end of the slot 820. In another embodiment, the structure of the time slot 820 may include a control portion (e.g., DL control portions 212 and 222) at the beginning of the time slot 820 and another control portion (e.g., UL control portions 216 and 226) at the end of the time slot 820. The time slot 820 may represent a scheduling unit.

The mini-slot 830 can support at least a transmission shorter than y OFDM symbols in the digital scheme used for transmission. The mini-slot 830 can include a control portion at the beginning and/or end of the mini-slot 830. The smallest mini-slot 830 is the smallest allowable scheduling unit and can include 1, 2, 3, or 7 symbols 840.

In an embodiment, the network may adopt different tone intervals for different channel signals. As an example, PSS, SSS and PBCH signals may be sent at a tone interval of 15kHz. The BS may send PSS and SSS, and the UE may synchronize with the BS based on the PSS and SSS. The BS may send transmission control information (e.g., UL and DL grants) in the PDCCH, and send DL data in the PDSCH based on the DL grant indicated in the PDCCH. The PDCCH may be sent at 60kHz intervals. The PDSCH may be sent at a tone interval of 30kHz. The UE may send UL data based on the UL in the PUSCH to the BS based on the UL grant indicated in the PDCCH, and send UL control information (e.g., channel reports, acknowledgments and/or scheduling requests) in the PUCCH. The PUSCH may be sent at a tone interval of 30kHz. The PUCCH may be sent at a tone interval of 60kHz. When different channels have different digital schemes and the channels are transmitted in the slot 820 or the mini-slot 830, the structure of the slot 820, the mini-slot 830, and the signaling of the different channels are important for communication between the BS and the UE.

FIG9 shows a time slot/mini-time slot signaling method 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 900 can be used by a BS (such as BS 104 and 700) and a UE (such as UE 102 and 600) in a network (such as network 100). In FIG9, the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. In method 900, the BS can signal the structure for time slot 920 (e.g., time slot 820) in PBCH 910. Communication can be in the form of time slots, which can include uplink and/or downlink transmissions. Scheduling can be in units of time slots. The network can pre-define a reference transmission digital scheme for each frequency band. Time slots in a specific frequency band can be defined in units of OFDM symbols based on the corresponding reference transmission digital scheme.

All channels may use a slot 920 structure. For example, the BS may indicate a reference numbering scheme (e.g., tone spacing 922) and duration 924 (e.g., Y symbols) for slot 920. However, the structure of slot 920 may be decoupled from the transmission numbering scheme. For example, slot 920 may have 7 symbols with a 30 kHz tone spacing. Transmissions of the PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and/or PUCCH may use a different numbering scheme (e.g., a 60 kHz tone spacing). It should be noted that the BS may transmit the PBCH according to the reference numbering scheme and may span one or more slots that may be the same as or different from slot 920. The reference numbering scheme and duration (e.g., number of slots) of the PBCH 910 may be predetermined and known to the UE (e.g., UE 102). For example, in a 2 gigahertz (GHz) band, the BS may transmit the PBCH 910 in 7 symbols with a 30 kHz tone spacing. Alternatively, in the 30 GHz band, the BS may transmit the PBCH 910 in 14 symbols with a tone spacing of 120 kHz.

FIG10 illustrates a timeslot/minislot signaling method 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 1000 can be used by a base station (such as base stations 104 and 700) and a user equipment (UE) 102 and 600 in a network (such as network 100). In FIG10 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. In method 1000, the base station can signal the structure for timeslots 1020 (e.g., timeslots 820 and 920) in a PBCH 1010. PBCH 1010 can be transmitted according to a predetermined reference number scheme known to a user equipment (e.g., user equipment 102). The timeslot 1020 structure can be used for downlink control transmissions. The timeslot 1020 structure can be defined using a downlink control transmission number scheme (e.g., tone spacing 1022 and duration 1024 in terms of the number of symbols), which can be the same as or different from the reference number scheme.

The BS may signal the structure for time slot 1040 in grant 1030. Grant 1030 may be sent based on the digital scheme of the time slot 1020 structure. The time slot 1040 structure may be used for channel signal transmission. The time slot 1040 structure may be defined using the channel transmission digital scheme (e.g., tone spacing 1042 and duration 1044 in terms of the number of symbols). FIG11 is a table 1100 illustrating an example of defining digital schemes for various channels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Table 1100 illustrates a digital scheme definition mechanism when using method 1000. Column 1110 illustrates the data payload carried by the physical channels listed in column 1130. Column 1120 illustrates the grant or signaling that causes transmission on the physical channels listed in column 1130. Column 1140 illustrates the channels that define the time slot structure reference digital scheme for transmission on the physical channels listed in column 1130.

FIG12 illustrates a timeslot/minislot signaling method 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 1200 can be used by a BS (such as BSs 104 and 700) and a UE (such as UEs 102 and 600) in a network (such as network 100). In FIG12 , the x-axis represents time in some constant units, and the y-axis represents frequency in some constant units. Method 1200 can be used to signal a digital scheme such as that shown in Table 1100. In some embodiments, method 1200 can be used in conjunction with methods 900 and/or 1000.

In method 1200, the BS may transmit the PBCH 1210 signal according to a predetermined digital scheme known to UEs (e.g., UEs 102 and 600) in the network. In an embodiment, the predetermined digital scheme may be defined in a specification for a communication protocol used by the network. The specification may define a digital scheme (e.g., tone spacing) and a slot structure (e.g., number of symbols) based on a digital scheme for each frequency band. For example, the specification may specify a 30 kHz tone spacing and a slot structure with 7 OFDM symbols based on a 30 kHz tone spacing. The BS may transmit synchronization signals (e.g., PSS and SSS) in a specific frequency band using a predetermined digital scheme defined for the specific frequency band.

PBCH 1210 may carry system information signals. PBCH 1210 may include a payload containing a Master Information Block (MIB). The MIB may include system information for initial network access. The MIB may indicate the RMSI numbering scheme or the structure (e.g., including tone spacing 1222 and duration 1224 in terms of the number of symbols) for time slots 1220 (e.g., time slots 820, 920, and 1020). The BS may use the RMSI numbering scheme to transmit RMSI 1230. The RMSI numbering scheme may also be used for transmissions in the New Radio-Physical Downlink Shared Channel (NR-PDSCH) and the New Radio-Physical Downlink Control Channel (NR-PDCCH). The RMSI numbering scheme may be the same as or different from a predetermined numbering scheme (e.g., used to transmit PBCH 1210). RMSI 1230 may include a random access channel (RACH) configuration, for example, used by the BS and UE to exchange Msg 2 and Msg 4 as described above with respect to FIG. 1 .

In an embodiment, Msg 2 and/or Msg 4 are sent using an RMSI numbering scheme (e.g., a time slot 1220 structure). In an embodiment, after initial network access, the UE may be configured with one or more bandwidth parts (e.g., frequency bands). Each bandwidth part may include a numbering scheme (e.g., including time slots), a physical resource block (PRB) grid to index mapping, and a control resource set (CORESET) numbering scheme. The PRB grid may include multiple subcarriers in frequency and multiple symbols in time. The CORESET may indicate DL control information (DCI) (e.g., carried in the PDCCH or DL control sections 212 and 222). The DCI may indicate which configured BWPs may be used for (e.g., activated or deactivated) DL data transmission (e.g., in the PDSCH or DL data section 224).

In an embodiment, a single DL digital scheme may be used for at least the transmission of RMSI, Msgs 2 and 4, and OSI. In an embodiment, at least for initial network access, the RAR is carried in the NR-PDSCH scheduled by the NR-PDCCH. For example, the NR-PDCCH may carry a CORESET indicating the scheduling for the RAR, where the CORESET may be indicated in the RACH configuration. The configuration for the CORESET indicated in the RACH configuration may be the same as the CORESET configuration indicated in the PBCH 1210, or different from the CORESET configuration indicated in the PBCH 1210. In an embodiment, for a single Msg1 RACH transmission, the corresponding RAR window begins at the first available CORESET after a fixed duration from the end of Msg 1. The fixed duration may be defined in seconds and may apply to all RACH opportunities (e.g., random access attempts or attempts). In an embodiment, for a single Msg1 RACH transmission, the size or duration of the RAR window may be the same for all RACH opportunities. The RAR size and/or RAR start time may be indicated in the RMSI. The RAR window may adapt to or take into account processing time at the gNB (e.g., BS 104). For example, the maximum RAR window size may depend on the worst-case gNB delay after receiving Msg 1 at the gNB. The delay may include processing delay at the gNB (e.g., for processing Msg 1) and/or scheduling delay (e.g., for scheduling Msg 2). The minimum RAR window size may depend on the duration of Msg 2, the duration of the CORESET, or the scheduling delay (e.g., for scheduling Msg 2).

In an embodiment, in a contention-based random access procedure, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) (e.g., tone spacing) for Msg 1 is configured in the RACH configuration. The SCS for Msg 2 is the same as the numeric scheme used for RMSI. The SCS for Msg 3 is configured separately from the SCS for Msg 1 in the RACH configuration. The SCS for Msg 4 is the same as the SCS for Msg 2. For a contention-free random access procedure for handover, the SCS for Msg 1 and the SCS for Msg 2 are provided in the handover command.

In an embodiment, there is an initial active DL/UL bandwidth part pair that is valid for the UE until the UE is explicitly configured or reconfigured with one or more bandwidth parts during or after establishment of an RRC connection (e.g., exchange of Msgs 3 and 4). The initial active DL/UL bandwidth part is limited to the UE minimum bandwidth for a given frequency band. Support for activation/deactivation of DL and UL bandwidth parts can be achieved by explicit indication in at least the DCI. Timers can be used to support activation/deactivation of DL and UL bandwidth parts. The timers can enable the UE to switch the UE's active DL bandwidth part to or from a default bandwidth part. The default bandwidth part can be the initial active DL bandwidth part defined above.

FIG13 is a flow chart of a method 1300 for signaling a time slot/mini-slot structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The steps of method 1300 may be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, processing circuitry, and/or other appropriate components) of a wireless communication device (such as BSs 104 and 700). Method 1300 may employ similar mechanisms as described with reference to network 100 and methods 900, 1000, and 1200. As shown, method 1300 includes a plurality of the enumerated steps, but embodiments of method 1300 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At step 1310, method 1300 includes transmitting a first signal (e.g., PBCH 910, 1010, and 1210) according to a reference digital scheme. The first signal may be configured to indicate a first digital scheme of a first time slot structure (e.g., time slots 920, 1020, and 1220). The first digital scheme may be any of the parameters shown in Table 1.

At step 1320, method 1300 includes transmitting a second signal according to the second digital scheme and the first time slot structure. When method 900 is employed, the second signal may be any channel signal. When method 1000 is employed, the second signal may be a grant 1030. When method 1200 is employed, the second signal may be an RMSI, an NR-PDSCH signal, and/or an NR-PDCCH signal.

Thus, in some cases, a first wireless communication device transmits a first signal (e.g., PBCH signals 910, 1010, and 1210) according to a first digital scheme (e.g., a predetermined time slot structure) that includes at least a first tone interval (e.g., a predetermined tone interval). The first signal can be configured to indicate a second digital scheme (e.g., a structure of time slots 920, 1020, and 1220) that includes at least a second tone interval (e.g., tone intervals 922, 1022, and 1222). The first wireless communication device transmits a second signal according to the second digital scheme. The second digital scheme can be independent of the first digital scheme (i.e., unrelated, intermixed, and/or of different size, shape, and/or frequency).

FIG14 is a flow chart of a method 1400 for receiving a signal based on a time slot/mini-time slot structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The steps of method 1400 may be performed by a computing device (e.g., a processor, a processing circuit, and/or other appropriate components) of a wireless communication device (such as UE 102 and 600). Method 1400 may employ similar mechanisms as described with reference to network 100 and methods 900, 1000, and 1200. As shown, method 1400 includes a plurality of the enumerated steps, but embodiments of method 1400 may include additional steps before, after, and between the enumerated steps. In some embodiments, one or more of the enumerated steps may be omitted or performed in a different order.

At step 1410, method 1400 includes receiving a first signal (e.g., PBCH 910 and 1010) according to a reference digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a first digital scheme for a first time slot structure (e.g., time slots 920, 1020, and 1220). The first digital scheme can be any of the parameters shown in Table 1.

At step 1420, method 1400 includes receiving a second signal according to the second digital scheme and the first time slot structure. When method 900 is employed, the second signal may be any channel signal. When method 1000 is employed, the second signal may be a grant 1030. When method 1200 is employed, the second signal may be an RMSI, an NR-PDSCH signal, and/or an NR-PDCCH signal.

Thus, in some cases, a first wireless communication device receives a first signal (e.g., PBCH signals 910, 1010, and 1210) according to a first digital scheme (e.g., a predetermined time slot structure) including at least a first tone interval (e.g., a predetermined tone interval), wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme (e.g., a structure of time slots 920, 1020, and 1220) including at least a second tone interval (e.g., tone intervals 922, 1022, and 1222). The first wireless communication device receives the second signal according to the second digital scheme. The second digital scheme can be independent of the first digital scheme.

In an embodiment, referring to methods 1300 and 1400, the second signal may carry a channel signal (e.g., in a PBCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, NR-PDCCH, or NR-PDCCH). In an embodiment, the second signal includes a transmission grant (e.g., transmission grant 1030) indicating a third digital scheme. The first wireless communication device may transmit the third signal to the second wireless communication device according to the third digital scheme.

In an embodiment, referring to methods 1300 and 1400, the first signal includes first system information (e.g., MIB), and the second signal in methods 1300 and 1400 includes second system information (e.g., RMSI or OSI). The first wireless communication device may transmit a random access preamble (e.g., Msg 1 for initial network access) to the second wireless communication device. In response to the random access preamble, the first wireless communication device may transmit a random access response (e.g., Msg 2) to the second wireless communication device based on the second digital scheme. The first wireless communication device may transmit a connection request (e.g., Msg 3) to the second wireless communication device. In response to the connection request, the first wireless communication device may transmit a connection response (e.g., Msg 4) to the second wireless communication device based on the second digital scheme. Subsequently, the first wireless communication device may transmit a message indicating the configuration of one or more digital schemes (e.g., for one or more bandwidth parts) to the second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device may transmit a message indicating the selection of one of the one or more digital schemes to the second wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device may transmit a third signal (e.g., a data signal) to the second wireless communication device based on the selected digital scheme or bandwidth part.

Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the present disclosure herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or any combination thereof. The features used to implement the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that the various parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with a phrase such as "at least one" or "one or more") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of [at least one of A, B, or C] means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

An embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a method for wireless communication, comprising: sending a first signal by a wireless communication device according to a reference transmission digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a first transmission digital scheme of a first time slot structure; and sending a second signal by the wireless communication device according to a second digital scheme and the first time slot structure.

The method further includes: wherein the first signal is a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is different from the second digital scheme. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is the same as the second digital scheme, wherein the second signal carries a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme for a second time slot structure, and wherein the method further includes: transmitting, by the wireless communication device, a third signal according to the third digital scheme and the second time slot structure. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme includes at least one of a tone interval or a number of symbols in a time slot.

An embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a method of wireless communication, comprising: receiving a first signal by a wireless communication device according to a reference digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a first digital scheme of a first time slot structure; and receiving a second signal by the wireless communication device according to a second digital scheme and the first time slot structure.

The method further includes: wherein the first signal is a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is different from the second digital scheme. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is the same as the second digital scheme, wherein the second signal carries a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme for a second time slot structure, and wherein the method further includes: receiving, by the wireless communication device, a third signal according to the third digital scheme and the second time slot structure. The method further includes: wherein the first digital scheme includes at least one of a tone interval or a number of symbols in a time slot.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include an apparatus comprising: a transceiver configured to: transmit a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and transmit a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to configure the second digital scheme to indicate a digital scheme different from the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a request for initial network access from a second wireless communication device; and, in response to the request, transmit a response to the second wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit to the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; transmit to the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The apparatus further includes wherein the first numerical scheme further includes a number of symbols in a first time slot based on the first tone interval, and wherein the second numerical scheme includes a number of symbols in a second time slot based on the second tone interval.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include an apparatus comprising: a transceiver configured to: receive a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and receive a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is different from the second digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to: send a request for initial network access to a second wireless communication device; and, in response to the request, receive a response from the second wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to: receive from the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; receive from the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code including: code for causing a first wireless communication device to transmit a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the second digital scheme and the first digital scheme are different. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the computer-readable medium further includes code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the first signal comprises first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a request for initial network access from a second wireless communication device; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit a response to the second wireless communication device in response to the request according to the second digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit to the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; code for causing the first wireless communication device to transmit to the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The computer-readable medium further comprises: wherein the first digital scheme further comprises a number of symbols in a first time slot based on the first tone interval, and wherein the second digital scheme comprises a number of symbols in a second time slot based on the second tone interval.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, the program code including: code for causing a first wireless communication device to receive a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is different from the second digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: wherein the first signal comprises receiving first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to send a request for initial network access to a second wireless communication device; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive a response from the second wireless communication device in response to the request according to the second digital scheme. The computer-readable medium further includes: code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive from the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; code for causing the first wireless communication device to receive from the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and code for causing the first wireless communication device to communicate with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include an apparatus comprising: a unit for sending a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and a unit for sending a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes means for configuring the second digital scheme to indicate a digital scheme different from the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The apparatus further includes: wherein the transceiver is further configured to: receive a request for initial network access from a second wireless communication device; and, in response to the request, transmit a response to the second wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: means for transmitting to the second wireless communication device a configuration of one or more third digital schemes; means for transmitting to the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and means for communicating with the second wireless communication device based on the selection. The apparatus further includes wherein the first numerical scheme further includes a number of symbols in a first time slot based on the first tone interval, and wherein the second numerical scheme includes a number of symbols in a second time slot based on the second tone interval.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include an apparatus comprising: a unit for receiving a first signal according to a first digital scheme including at least a first tone interval, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme including at least a second tone interval; and a unit for receiving a second signal according to the second digital scheme.

The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal, and wherein the second digital scheme is independent of the first digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first digital scheme is different from the second digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the second signal comprises a transmission grant indicating a third digital scheme, and wherein the apparatus further includes: means for receiving a third signal according to the third digital scheme. The apparatus further includes: wherein the first signal comprises first system information associated with a network, and wherein the second signal comprises second system information associated with the network. The apparatus further includes: means for sending a request for initial network access to a second wireless communication device; and means for receiving a response from the second wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme in response to the request. The apparatus further includes: means for receiving from the second wireless communication device a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; means for receiving from the second wireless communication device a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and means for communicating with the second wireless communication device based on the selection.

As will now be understood by those skilled in the art and depending on the particular application at hand, many modifications, substitutions and changes may be made to the materials, apparatus, configurations and methods of use of the apparatus of the present disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. In view of this, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein, as they are merely examples thereof, but rather should be fully commensurate with the claims appended hereto and their functional equivalents.

Claims (24)

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A base station transmits a first signal according to a first digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme, wherein the first digital scheme defines a first time slot including a first number of symbols having a first tone interval and a first cyclic prefix (CP) overhead, wherein the second digital scheme defines a second time slot including a second number of symbols having a second tone interval different from the first tone interval and a second CP overhead equal to the first CP overhead, and wherein the second time slot includes a plurality of microtime slots with different lengths; and The base station communicates a second signal with the wireless communication device during a first micro-time slot of the plurality of micro-time slots in the second time slot according to the second digital scheme, wherein the first micro-time slot includes a third number of symbols that is less than the second number of symbols in the second time slot. Wherein, the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the first digital scheme are time-aligned with the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the second digital scheme at least in every 1 millisecond (ms) time interval. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the first signal includes sending a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) signal. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The base station sends a transmission permission according to the second digital scheme, the transmission permission being used to indicate the third digital scheme; and The base station transmits a third signal according to the third digital scheme. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the first signal includes sending first system information associated with the network, and wherein the method further comprises: The base station transmits second system information associated with the network according to the second digital scheme. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The base station receives a request for initial network access from the wireless communication device; and In response to the request, the base station sends a response to the wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme. 6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The base station sends a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes to the wireless communication device; The base station transmits a third signal to the wireless communication device to indicate the selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and The base station communicates with the wireless communication device based on the selection. 7. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A wireless communication device receives a first signal from a base station according to a first digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme, wherein the first digital scheme defines a first time slot including a first number of symbols having a first tone interval and a first cyclic prefix (CP) overhead, wherein the second digital scheme defines a second time slot including a second number of symbols having a second tone interval different from the first tone interval and a second CP overhead equal to the first CP overhead, and wherein the second time slot includes a plurality of microtime slots with different lengths; and The wireless communication device communicates a second signal with the base station during a first micro-time slot of the plurality of micro-time slots in the second time slot, according to the second digital scheme. The first micro-time slot includes a third number of symbols, which is less than the second number of symbols in the second time slot. Wherein, the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the first digital scheme are time-aligned with the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the second digital scheme at least in every 1 millisecond (ms) time interval. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein receiving the first signal includes receiving a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) signal. 9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The wireless communication device receives a transmission permission according to the second digital scheme, the transmission permission being used to indicate a third digital scheme; and The wireless communication device receives the third signal according to the third digital scheme. 10. The method of claim 7, wherein receiving the first signal includes receiving first system information associated with the network, and wherein the method further comprises: The wireless communication device receives second system information associated with the network according to the second digital scheme. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The wireless communication device sends a request for initial network access to the base station; and In response to the request, the wireless communication device receives a response from the base station according to the second digital scheme. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The wireless communication device receives from the base station a configuration indicating one or more third digital schemes; The wireless communication device receives from the base station a third signal indicating the selection of one or more third digital schemes; and The wireless communication device communicates with the base station based on the selection. 13. An apparatus comprising: The transceiver is configured as follows: A first signal is transmitted according to a first digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme, wherein the first digital scheme defines a first time slot including a first number of symbols having a first tone interval and a first cyclic prefix (CP) overhead, wherein the second digital scheme defines a second time slot including a second number of symbols having a second tone interval different from the first tone interval and a second CP overhead equal to the first CP overhead, and wherein the second time slot includes a plurality of microtime slots with different lengths; and According to the second digital scheme, a second signal is communicated with a wireless communication device during a first micro-time slot of the plurality of micro-time slots in the second time slot, wherein the first micro-time slot includes a third number of symbols, which is less than the second number of symbols in the second time slot. Wherein, the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the first digital scheme are time-aligned with the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the second digital scheme at least in every 1 millisecond (ms) time interval. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first signal includes a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) signal. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: A transmission permission is sent according to the second digital scheme, the transmission permission being used to indicate a third digital scheme; and The third signal is transmitted according to the third digital scheme. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Send second system information associated with the network according to the second digital scheme. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Receive a request for initial network access from the wireless communication device; and In response to the request, a response is sent to the wireless communication device according to the second digital scheme. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Send a configuration to the wireless communication device for indicating one or more third digital schemes; Sending a third signal to the wireless communication device for indicating the selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and Based on the selection, communicate with the wireless communication device. 19. An apparatus comprising: The transceiver is configured as follows: A first signal is received from a base station according to a first digital scheme, wherein the first signal indicates a second digital scheme, wherein the first digital scheme defines a first time slot including a first number of symbols having a first tone interval and a first cyclic prefix (CP) overhead, wherein the second digital scheme defines a second time slot including a second number of symbols having a second tone interval different from the first tone interval and a second CP overhead equal to the first CP overhead, and wherein the second time slot includes a plurality of microtime slots with different lengths; and According to the second digital scheme, a second signal is communicated with the base station during a first micro-time slot of the plurality of micro-time slots in the second time slot, wherein the first micro-time slot includes a third number of symbols that is less than the second number of symbols in the second time slot. Wherein, the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the first digital scheme are time-aligned with the symbol boundaries of the symbols in the second digital scheme at least in every 1 millisecond (ms) time interval. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first signal comprises a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) signal. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: A transmission permission is sent according to the second digital scheme, the transmission permission being used to indicate the third digital scheme; The third signal is received according to the third digital scheme. 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first signal includes first system information associated with a network, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Second system information associated with the network is received from the base station according to the second digital scheme. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Send a request for initial network access to the base station; and In response to the request, a response is received from the base station according to the second digital scheme. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the transceiver is further configured to: Receive configuration from the base station for indicating one or more third digital schemes; Receive from the base station a third signal indicating a selection of one of the one or more third digital schemes; and Based on the selection, communication is conducted with the base station.