WO2022147645A1

WO2022147645A1 - System and method for sounding reference signal transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2022147645A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/070258
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuxin Wang; Zhaohua Lu; Hao Wu; Chuangxin JIANG
Original assignee: Zte Corporation
Priority date: 2021-01-05
Filing date: 2021-01-05
Publication date: 2022-07-14
Also published as: CN116803126A

Abstract

A system and method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission are disclosed herein. In one implementation, a method performed by a wireless communication device includes receiving, by a wireless communication device from a wireless communication node, information that configures a plurality of resources, wherein an allocation of a portion of the resources is configured based on a repetition number of the reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset, and sending, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, a plurality of reference signals using the portion of the resources. In another implementation, a method performed by a wireless communication node includes sending, by a wireless communication node to a wireless communication device, information that configures a plurality of resources, wherein an allocation of a portion of the resources is configured based on a repetition number of the reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset, and receiving, by the wireless communication node from the wireless communication device, a plurality of reference signals using the portion of the resources.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOUNDING REFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMISSION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to systems and methods for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication service covers more and more application scenarios, with the increasing degree of social digitization. Among them, enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable and low latency communication and massive machine type of communication have become three major scenarios supported by fifth generation (5G) systems. However, conventional systems may not effectively mitigate interference from power boosting of user equipment (UE) associated with sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions. Thus, a technological solution for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission is desired.

SUMMARY

The example implementations disclosed herein are directed to solving the issues relating to one or more of the problems presented in the prior art, as well as providing additional features that will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In accordance with various implementations, example systems, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed herein. It is understood, however, that these implementations are presented by way of example and are not limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who read the present disclosure that various modifications to the disclosed implementations can be made while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

In one implementation, a method performed by a wireless communication device includes receiving, by a wireless communication device from a wireless communication node, information that configures a plurality of resources, wherein an allocation of a portion of the resources is configured based on a repetition number of the reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset, and sending, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, a plurality of reference signals using the portion of the resources.

In another implementation, a method performed by a wireless communication node includes sending, by a wireless communication node to a wireless communication device, information that configures a plurality of resources, wherein an allocation of a portion of the resources is configured based on a repetition number of the reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset, and receiving, by the wireless communication node from the wireless communication device, a plurality of reference signals using the portion of the resources.

The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various example implementations of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict example implementations of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Figure 1 illustrates an example cellular communication network in which techniques and other aspects disclosed herein may be implemented, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates block diagrams of an example base station and a user equipment device, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3A illustrates a first example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3B illustrates a second example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3C illustrates a third example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3D illustrates a fourth example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 4A illustrates a first example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 4B illustrates a second example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 4C illustrates a third example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission, in accordance with present implementations.

Figure 6 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figure 5.

Figure 7 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figure 5.

Figure 8 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 9 illustrates a further example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission, in accordance with present implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATIONS

Various example implementations of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying figures to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. As would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, various changes or modifications to the examples described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present solution. Thus, the present solution is not limited to the example implementations and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example approaches. Based upon design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.

Figure 1 illustrates an example wireless communication network, and/or system, 100 in which techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of things (NB-IoT) network, and is herein referred to as “network 100. ” Such an example network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter “BS 102” ) and a user equipment device 104 (hereinafter “UE 104” ) that can communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel) , and a cluster of

cells

126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and 140 overlaying a geographical area 101. In Figure 1, the BS 102 and UE 104 are contained within a respective geographic boundary of cell 126. Each of the

other cells

130, 132, 134, 136, 138 and 140 may include at least one base station operating at its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to its intended users.

For example, the BS 102 may operate at an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to the UE 104. The BS 102 and the UE 104 may communicate via a downlink radio frame 118, and an uplink radio frame 124 respectively. Each radio frame 118/124 may be further divided into sub-frames 120/127 which may include data symbols 122/128. In the present disclosure, the BS 102 and UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of “communication nodes, ” generally, which can practice the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and/or wired communications, in accordance with various implementations of the present solution.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals, e.g., OFDM/OFDMA signals, in accordance with some implementations of the present solution. The system 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative implementation, system 200 can be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment such as the wireless communication environment 100 of Figure 1, as described above.

System 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter “BS 202” ) and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter “UE 204” ) . The BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus 220. The UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus 240. The BS 202 communicates with the UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmission of data as described herein.

As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, system 200 may further include any number of modules other than the modules shown in Figure 2. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those familiar with the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

In accordance with some implementations, the UE transceiver 230 may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230 that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuitry that is coupled to the antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in time duplex fashion. Similarly, in accordance with some implementations, the BS transceiver 210 may be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210 that includes a RF transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuity that is coupled to the antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in time duplex fashion. The operations of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link 250 at the same time that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212. In some implementations, there is close time synchronization with a minimal guard time between changes in duplex direction.

The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via the wireless data communication link 250, and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna arrangement 212/232 that can support a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative implementations, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, and the like. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to a particular standard and associated protocols. Rather, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternate, or additional, wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

In accordance with various implementations, the BS 202 may be an evolved node B (eNB) , a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station, for example. In some implementations, the UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user devices such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) , tablet, laptop computer, wearable computing device, etc. The

processor modules

214 and 236 may be implemented, or realized, with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in a software module executed by

processor modules

214 and 236, respectively, or in any practical combination thereof. The

memory modules

216 and 234 may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard,

memory modules

216 and 234 may be coupled to the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, such that the processors modules 210 and 230 can read information from, and write information to,

memory modules

216 and 234, respectively. The

memory modules

216 and 234 may also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some implementations, the

memory modules

216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

Memory modules

216 and 234 may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

The network communication module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and/or other components of the base station 202 that enable bi-directional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communication with the base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface such that base station transceiver 210 can communicate with a conventional Ethernet based computer network. In this manner, the network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connection to the computer network (e.g., Mobile Switching Center (MSC) ) . The terms “configured for, ” “configured to” and conjugations thereof, as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc., that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted and/or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

In some implementations, sounding reference signal (SRS) is used for measuring channel state information (CSI) of a channel between a communication node and a communication terminal device. In some implementations, under various communication protocols, a communication terminal device regularly transmits an uplink (UL) SRS on the last data symbol of a sub-frame. In some implementations, the communication terminal device transmits the UL SRS based at least partially on parameters indicated by the communication node. As one example, these parameters can be associated with one or more of a frequency band, a frequency domain position, a sequence cyclic shift, a period, a sub-frame offset, and the like. In some implementations, a communication node determines CSI for one or more corresponding UL channels of the user equipment (UE) based on the received TTT (STS) , and performs operations according to the determined CSI. As one example, these operations can include one or more of frequency selection scheduling and close-loop power control, and the like. It is to be understood that various protocols include but are not limited to one or more protocols associated with LTE. As one example, LTE can include LTE release 10.

Under various protocols, non-precoding SRS (s) are used in UL communications. As one example, UL communications can include an. antenna dedicated SRS. In some implementations, a de-modulation reference signal (DMRS) of a physical UL shared channel (PUSCH) performs precoding. In some implementations, by receiving the non-precoding SRS, the communication node is able to estimate an original CSI. In some implementations, an original CSI cannot be acquired based on the precoding DMRS. In some implementations, under this condition, the communication terminal device requires more SRS resources when using multiple antennas to transmit non-precoding SRSs. In some implementations, the number of communication terminal devices simultaneously multiplexing in the system decreases as a result. In some implementations, the communication terminal device transmits the SRS configured by higher layer signaling or downlink control information (DCI) . As one example, higher layer signaling can be or include a type-0 trigger. As another example, DCI can be or include a type-1 trigger. In some implementations, one or more SRS transmissions configured by the higher layer signaling are periodic and one or more SRS transmissions configured by the DCI are aperiodic. Under various further protocols, usage of SRS can be classified into four categories. In some implementations, the four categories are beam management, codebook based, non-codebook-based, and antenna switching. It is to be understood that various further protocols include but are not limited to one or more protocols associated with new radio (NR) release 15.

In some implementations, NR supports beam indication by informing at least one UE that a certain PDSCH and/or PDCCH transmission uses the same transmission beam as a configured reference signal. In some implementations, a configured reference signal is or includes CSI-RS or SS block. In some implementations, NR supports informing the device that a certain PDSCH and/or PDCCH is transmitted using the same spatial filter as the configured reference signal. In some implementations, beam indication is based on a configuration and downlink signaling of Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states. In some implementations, each TCI state includes at least information about a reference signal. As one example, the information can be associated with at least one of a CSI-RS or an SS block. In some implementations, by associating a certain downlink transmission with a certain TCI, the network informs the device that the device can assume that the downlink transmission is done using the same spatial filter as the reference signal associated with that TCI. In some implementations, the TCI is associated with at least one of a PDCCH or PDSCH.

Figures 3A-D illustrate a plurality of SRS coverage configurations in accordance with present implementations. In order to improve SRS coverage, the technique of repetition and partial frequency SRS transmission can be considered jointly. In some implementations, for partial frequency SRS transmission, a UE can conduct power boosting to enhance, extend, or the like, SRS coverage. In some implementations, power boosting introduces strong interference to UE of neighbour cells. Thus, in some implementations, frequency hopping of partial frequency sounding is used to reduce interference between cells. As one example, RB-level partial frequency sounding can be used. In this example, when a repetition factor is equal to 4, SRS_RB_offset is defined as an RB level offset for the frequency hopping of RB-level partial frequency sounding.

In some implementations, at least one of following rules can be predefined to maximize signal compatibility, communication compatibility, transmission compatibility, and the like, between the wireless network and UE. In some implementations, the repetition factor of SRS is greater than or equal to 4. Here, SRS_RB_offset is changed circularly when UE transmit partial frequency SRS during the time of symbol based repetition and intra slot or inter slot frequency hopping. Correspondingly, SRS_RB_offset is otherwise kept the same. In some implementations, the repetition factor of SRS is less than or equal to 2. Here, a UE performs SRS frequency hopping, and SRS_RB_offset is kept the same during the time of symbol based repetition. Correspondingly, SRS_RB_offset is otherwise changed circularly. In some implementations, the repetition factor of SRS is less than 4. Here, the UE forgoes, blocks, or the like, performing intra-slot or inter-slot SRS frequency hopping, and when the SRS periodicity is less than a threshold value, SRS_RB_offset is changed circularly. Correspondingly, SRS_RB_offset is kept the same when the SRS periodicity is not less than a threshold value and the UE forgoes, blocks, or the like, performing intra-slot or inter-slot SRS frequency hopping. In some implementations, the SRS periodicity is less than a threshold value. Here, the SRS_RB_offset is changed circularly. Correspondingly, SRS_RB_offset is kept the same when the SRS periodicity is not less than the threshold value. In some implementations, the SRS periodicity is greater than a threshold value. Here, SRS_RB_offset is changed circularly. Correspondingly, SRS_RB_offset is kept the same when the SRS periodicity is now greater than the threshold value.

Figure 3A illustrates a first example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 3A, a first example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration 300A includes a first at least one resource block (RB) 310A, a second at least one RB 312A, a third at least one RB 314A, and a fourth at least one RB 316A. In some implementations, the second RB 312A is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one first frequency. In some implementations, the third RB 314A is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one second frequency greater than the first frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310A is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one third frequency greater than the second frequency. In some implementations, the fourth RB 316A is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one fourth frequency greater than the third frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310A and the fourth RB 316A are associated with a first time period 302. In some implementations, the first time period 302 is associated with a time of symbol based repetition. In some implementations, the second RB 312A and the third RB 314A are associated with a second time period 304. In some implementations, the second time period 304 is associated with a time of inter slot frequency hopping. It is to be understood that one or more of the

time period

302 and 304 can be contiguous, noncontiguous, repeating, nonrepeating, and the like. In some implementations, each of the

RBs

310A, 312A, 314A and 316A include a first SRS_RB_offset configuration including a first block region 320A and a second block region 322A. In some implementations, the first block region 320A is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 322A is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the first SRS_RB_offset configurations is the same when the UE transmits at least one partial frequency SRS during the time of symbol based repetition and the time of intra slot or inter slot frequency hopping.

Figure 3B illustrates a second example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 3B, a second example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration 300B includes a first at least one RB 310B, a second at least one RB 312B, a third at least one RB 314B, and a fourth at least one RB 316B. In some implementations, the second RB 312B is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one first frequency. In some implementations, the third RB 314B is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one second frequency greater than the first frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310B is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one third frequency greater than the second frequency. In some implementations, the fourth RB 316B is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one fourth frequency greater than the third frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310B and the fourth RB 316B are associated with the first time period 302. In some implementations, the second RB 312B and the third RB 314B are associated with the second time period 304. In some implementations, each of the

RBs

310B, 312B, 314B and 316B include a second SRS_RB_offset configuration including a first block region 320B and a second block region 322B. In some implementations, the first block region 320B is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 322B is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second SRS_RB_offset configuration changes circularly, cyclically, or the like, when the UE transmits at least one partial frequency SRS during the time of symbol based repetition and intra slot or inter slot frequency hopping. In some implementations, the granularity of the changed SRS_RB_offset of the second SRS_RB_offset configuration, in the time domain, is one symbol.

Figure 3C illustrates a third example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 3C, a third example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration 300C includes a first at least one RB 310C, a second at least one RB 312C, a third at least one RB 314C, and a fourth at least one RB 316C. In some implementations, the second RB 312C is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one first frequency. In some implementations, the third RB 314C is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one second frequency greater than the first frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310C is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one third frequency greater than the second frequency. In some implementations, the fourth RB 316C is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one fourth frequency greater than the third frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310C and the fourth RB 316C are associated with the first time period 302. In some implementations, the second RB 312C and the third RB 314C are associated with the second time period 304. In some implementations, each of the

RBs

310B, 312B, 314B and 316B include a third SRS_RB_offset configuration including a first block region 320C and a second block region 322C. In some implementations, the first block region 320C is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 322C is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the third SRS_RB_offset configuration changes circularly, cyclically, or the like, when the UE transmits at least one partial frequency SRS during the time of symbol based repetition and intra slot or inter slot frequency hopping. In some implementations, the granularity of the changed SRS_RB_offset of the third SRS_RB_offset configuration, in the time domain, is two symbols.

Figure 3D illustrates a fourth example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration associated with a plurality of example time periods, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 3D, a fourth example sounding reference signal (SRS) offset configuration 300D includes a first at least one RB 310D, a second at least one RB 312D, a third at least one RB 314D, and a fourth at least one RB 316D. In some implementations, the second RB 312D is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one first frequency. In some implementations, the third RB 314D is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one second frequency greater than the first frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310D is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one third frequency greater than the second frequency. In some implementations, the fourth RB 316D is at least partially, within, associated with, or the like, at least one fourth frequency greater than the third frequency. In some implementations, the first RB 310D and the fourth RB 316D are associated with the first time period 302. In some implementations, the second RB 312D and the third RB 314D are associated with the second time period 304. In some implementations, each of the

RBs

310B, 312B, 314B and 316B include a third SRS_RB_offset configuration including a first block region 320C and a second block region 322C associated with the first time period 302 and a third block region 30D and a fourth block region 332D associated with the second time period. In some implementations, the first block region 320C and the fourth block region 332D are associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 322C and the third block region 330D are not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the third SRS_RB_offset configuration is the same when the UE transmits at least one partial frequency SRS during the time of symbol based repetition. In some implementations, the third SRS_RB_offset configuration changes during intra slot or inter slot frequency hopping.

Figures 4A-D illustrate example cyclic shift hopping in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, to randomize the interference between UEs, the UE can perform cyclic shift hopping on one or more of the SRS symbols with repetition and partial frequency sounding.

Figure 4A illustrates a first example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 4A, an example at least one RB 400A includes a first block region 410A and a second block region 420A in a first cyclic shift hopping configuration. In some implementations, the first block region 410A is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 420A is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, when the UE performs SRS repetition on multiple symbols and uses the same RB level offset for the frequency hopping of RB-level partial frequency sounding, different cyclic shifts are employed on different symbols.

Figure 4B illustrates a second example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 4B, an example at least one RB 400B includes a first block region 410B and a second block region 420B in a second cyclic shift hopping configuration. In some implementations, the first block region 410B is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 420B is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, when the UE performs SRS repetition on multiple symbols, different cyclic shifts are employed on those symbols. In some implementations, the same RB level offset for the frequency hopping of RB-level partial frequency sounding is employed, corresponding or same cyclic shifts are employed on those symbols. In some implementations, a different RB level offset for the frequency hopping of RB-level partial frequency sounding is employed. In some implementations, this different RB level offset associated with RB 400B has a granularity of two symbols.

Figure 4C illustrates a third example cyclic shift hopping configuration associated with an example time period, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 4C, an example at least one RB 400C includes a first block region 410C and a second block region 420C in a third cyclic shift hopping configuration. In some implementations, the first block region 410C is associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, the second block region 420C is not associated with at least one SRS transmission. In some implementations, a different RB level offset with a granularity of one symbol for the frequency hopping of RB-level partial frequency sounding is employed. In some implementations, the same cyclic shifts are employed on different symbols.

Figure 5 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, at least one of the

example system

100 and 200 performs method 500 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 500 begins at step 510.

At step 510, the example system receives configuration information at a user equipment (UE) node from a base station (BS) node. In some implementations, step 510 includes at least one of

steps

512, 514, 516 and 518. At step 512, the example system receives configuration information for multiple reference resources. At step 514, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with one or more reference signals. At step 516, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with a repetition number associated with one or more reference signals. At step 518, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with one or more reference signals in at least one slot and having at least one resource block (RB) offset. The method 500 then continues to step 520.

At step 520, the example system determines whether to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on repetition associated with one or more reference signals. In accordance with a determination to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on repetition associated with one or more reference signals, the method 500 continues to step 602. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination not to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on repetition associated with one or more reference signals, the method 500 continues to step 530.

At step 530, the example system determines whether to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on time domain granularity. In accordance with a determination to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on time domain granularity, the method 500 continues to step 702. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination not to determine a portion of resources at least partially based on time domain granularity, the method 500 continues to step 510.

Figure 6 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figure 5. In some implementations, at least one of the

example system

100 and 200 performs method 600 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 600 begins at step 602. The method 600 then continues to step 610.

At step 610, the example system determines a repetition number. The method 600 then continues to step 620.

At step 620, the example system determines whether the repetition number is greater than or equal to 4 symbols. In accordance with a determination that the repetition number is greater than or equal to 4 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 660. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the repetition number is not greater than or equal to 4 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 630.

At step 630, the example system determines whether the repetition number is less than 2 symbols. In accordance with a determination that the repetition number is less than 2 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 660. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the repetition number is not less than 2 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 640.

At step 640, the example system determines whether the repetition number is less than 4 symbols. In accordance with a determination that the repetition number is less than 4 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 650. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that the repetition number is not less than 4 symbols, the method 600 continues to step 802.

At step 650, the example system determines whether frequency hopping is unavailable and whether periodicity is below a threshold value. In accordance with a determination that frequency hopping is unavailable and periodicity is below a threshold value, the method 600 continues to step 660. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that frequency hopping is available or periodicity is not below a threshold value, the method 600 continues to step 660. In some implementations, in accordance with a determination that periodicity is not below a threshold value, the method 600 continues to step 660.

At step 660, the example system determines an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain based at least partially on at least one RB offset. In some implementations, step 660 includes at least one of

steps

662 and 664. At step 662, the example system determines a portion of resources based at least partially on an RB offset that circularly changes. At step 664, the example system determines a portion of resources based at least partially on an RB offset that circularly changes with time domain granularity. The method 600 then continues to step 802.

Figure 7 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figure 5. In some implementations, at least one of the

example system

100 and 200 performs method 700 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 700 begins at step 702. The method 700 then continues to step 710.

At step 710, the example system determines time domain granularity. The method 700 then continues to step 720.

At step 720, the example system determines whether time domain granularity is equal to 0 symbols. In accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is equal to 0 symbols, the method 700 continues to step 770. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is not equal to 0 symbols, the method 700 continues to step 730.

At step 730, the example system determines whether time domain granularity is greater than or equal to 2 symbols. In accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is greater than or equal to 2 symbols, the method 700 continues to step 760. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is not greater than or equal to 2 symbols, the method 700 continues to step 740.

At step 740, the example system determines whether time domain granularity is equal to 1 symbol. In accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is equal to 1 symbol, the method 700 continues to step 750. Alternatively, in accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is not equal to 1 symbol, the method 700 continues to step 710. Alternatively, in some implementations, the method 700 ends at step 740 in accordance with a determination that time domain granularity is not equal to 1 symbol.

At step 750, the example system determines that an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain associated with different RB offsets has a same cyclic shift. The method 700 then continues to step 802.

At step 760, the example system determines that various subsets of an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain associated with various RB offsets has various cyclic shifts. In some implementations, step 760 includes at least one of

steps

762 and 764. At step 762, the example system determines that a first subset of a portion of resources having a same RB offset is associated with different cyclic shifts. At step 764, the example system determines that a second subset of a portion of resources having different RB offsets is associated with a same cyclic shift. The method 700 then continues to step 802.

At step 770, the example system determines that an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain is associated with different cyclic shifts. The method 700 then continues to step 802.

Figure 8 illustrates an example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission further to the example method of Figures 6 and 7. In some implementations, at least one of the

example system

100 and 200 performs method 800 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 800 begins at step 802. The method 800 then continues to step 810.

At step 810, the example system allocates at least one reference resource in a frequency domain. In some implementations, step 810 includes at least one of

steps

812 and 814. At step 812, the example system allocates at least one portion of resources based at least partially on a repetition number associated with one or more reference signals. At step 814, the example system allocates at least one portion of resources based at least partially on references signals associated with at least one predetermined slot and at least one RB offset. The method 800 then continues to step 820.

At step 820, the example system sends one or more reference signals from the UE to the BS. In some implementations, step 820 includes step 822. At step 822, the example system sends one or more reference signals based at least partially on an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain. In some implementations, the method 800 ends at step 820.

Figure 9 illustrates a further example method for sounding reference signal (SRS) transmission, in accordance with present implementations. In some implementations, at least one of the

example system

100 and 200 performs method 900 according to present implementations. In some implementations, the method 900 begins at step 910.

At step 910, the example system receives configuration information at a user equipment (UE) node from a base station (BS) node. In some implementations, step 910 includes at least one of

steps

912, 914, 916 and 918. At step 912, the example system receives configuration information for multiple reference resources. At step 914, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with one or more reference signals. At step 916, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with a repetition number associated with one or more reference signals. At step 918, the example system configures resource allocation in accordance with one or more reference signals in at least one slot and having at least one resource block (RB) offset. The method 900 then continues to step 920.

At step 920, the example system allocates at least one reference resource in a frequency domain. In some implementations, step 920 includes at least one of

steps

922 and 924. At step 922, the example system allocates at least one portion of resources based at least partially on a repetition number associated with one or more reference signals. At step 924, the example system allocates at least one portion of resources based at least partially on references signals associated with at least one predetermined slot and at least one RB offset. The method 900 then continues to step 930.

At step 930, the example system sends one or more reference signals from the UE to the BS. In some implementations, step 930 includes step 932. At step 932, the example system sends one or more reference signals based at least partially on an allocation of at least one reference resource in a frequency domain. In some implementations, the method 900 ends at step 932.

While various implementations of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or configuration, which are provided to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand example features and functions of the present solution. Such persons would understand, however, that the solution is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one implementation can be combined with one or more features of another implementation described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described illustrative implementations.

It is also understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as "first, " "second, " and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits and symbols, for example, which may be referenced in the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two) , firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software module) , or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various illustrative logical blocks, modules, devices, components and circuits described herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) that can include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can further include antennas and/or transceivers to communicate with various components within the network or within the device. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A 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 in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

In this document, the term "module" as used herein, refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purpose of discussion, the various modules are described as discrete modules; however, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according implementations of the present solution.

Additionally, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be employed in implementations of the present solution. It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described implementations of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains may be used without detracting from the present solution. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements, or controllers, may be performed by the same processing logic element, or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only references to a suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims below.

Claims

A wireless communication method, comprising:

receiving, by a wireless communication device from a wireless communication node, information that configures at least one reference resource, wherein an allocation in a frequency domain of the reference resource is configured based on a repetition number of reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset; and

sending, by the wireless communication device to the wireless communication node, a plurality of reference signals using the at least one reference resource.
The method of claim 1, wherein the reference signals each include a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) .
The method of claim 1, wherein in response to determining that the repetition number is equal to or greater than a first predefined threshold, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 1, wherein in response to determining that the repetition number is less than a second predetermined threshold, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 1, wherein in response to determining that: (i) the repetition number is less than a first predefined threshold, (ii) frequency hopping to transmit the references signals is unavailable, and (iii) a periodicity of the reference signals is less than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 1, wherein in response to determining that a periodicity of the reference signals is less than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 1, wherein in response to determining that a periodicity of the reference signals is greater than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the portion of the resources based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of any of claims 3 through 7, wherein the time-domain granularity is equal to:1 symbol, 2 symbols, or 4 symbols.
The method of any of claims 3 through 7, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to 0 symbol, the method further comprises determining that the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource is associated with respectively different cyclic shifts.
The method of any of claims 3 through 7, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to or greater than 2 symbols, the method further comprises determining that a subset of the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that correspond to a same RB offset are associated with respectively different cyclic shifts, and a subset of the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that correspond to different RB offsets are associated with a same cyclic shift.
The method of any of claims 3 through 7, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to 1 symbol, the method further comprises determining that the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that corresponds to different RB offsets is associated with a same cyclic shift.
An apparatus comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to implement a method recited in any of claims 1 to 11.
A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to implement a method recited in any of claims 1 to 11.
A wireless communication method, comprising:

sending, by a wireless communication node to a wireless communication device, information that configures at least one reference resource, wherein an allocation in a frequency domain of the reference resource is configured based on a repetition number of reference signals within a slot and a resource block (RB) offset; and

receiving, by the wireless communication node from the wireless communication device, a plurality of reference signals using the at least one reference resource.
The method of claim 14, wherein the reference signals each include a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) .
The method of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that the repetition number is equal to or greater than a first predetermined threshold, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that the repetition number is less than a second predetermined threshold, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that: (i) the repetition number is less than a first predetermined threshold, (ii) frequency hopping to transmit the references signals is unavailable, and (iii) a periodicity of the reference signals is less than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that a periodicity of the reference signals is less than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that a periodicity of the reference signals is greater than a threshold value, the method further comprises determining the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource based on the RB offset that circularly changes with a time-domain granularity.
The method of any of claims 16 through 20 wherein the time-domain granularity is equal to:1 symbol, 2 symbols, or 4 symbols.
The method of any of claims 16 through 20, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to 0 symbol, the method further comprises determining that the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource is associated with respectively different cyclic shifts.
The method of any of claims 16 through 20, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to or greater than 2 symbols, the method further comprises determining that a subset of the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that correspond to a same RB offset are associated with respectively different cyclic shifts, and a subset of the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that correspond to different RB offsets are associated with a same cyclic shift.
The method of any of claims 16 through 20, wherein in response to determining that the time-domain granularity is equal to 1 symbol, the method further comprises determining that the allocation in the frequency domain of the reference resource that corresponds to different RB offsets is associated with a same cyclic shift.
An apparatus comprising at least one processor , wherein the at least one processor is configured to implement a method recited in any of claims 1 to 24.
A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to implement a method recited in any of claims 1 to 24.