Patent Description:
The following relates generally to wireless communication, and more specifically to providing protection for information delivered in demodulation reference signals (DMRS).

<CIT> relates to a configuration method for an enhanced downlink control channel, which configures K ePDCCH detection clusters for a terminal, including: independently configuring an antenna port index of a corresponding demodulation reference signal (DMRS) at the time of detection of each ePDCCH detection cluster or different transmission modes of ePDCCH detection clusters of the K ePDCCH detection clusters; and/or independently configuring a scrambling sequence index of the corresponding DMRS at the time of detection of each ePDCCH detection cluster or different transmission modes of ePDCCH detection clusters of the K ePDCCH detection clusters; and/or independently configuring the correlation between a corresponding DMRS scrambling sequence at the time of detection of each ePDCCH detection cluster or different transmission modes of ePDCCH detection clusters of the K ePDCCH detection clusters and a DMRS scrambling sequence of a physical downlink shared channel PDSCH, and the like. Disclosed at the same time are a detection method and device for an enhanced downlink control channel, a configuration device for an enhanced downlink control channel, a terminal and an evolved node B. The present invention allows an ePDCCH to have stronger stability and configuration flexibility.

<NPL>) relates to a scrambling sequence which is configurable in a UE-specific manner. It is further disclosed that all the benefits of the CoMP transmission and MU-MIMO on PDSCH can also be obtained on ePDCCH for any given UE by having the PDSCH DMRS and ePDCCH RMRS scrabling sequences exactly the same for a given UE. In some wireless communications systems, a device-such as a base station or UE-may transmit a DMRS containing signaling information, channel estimation information, or both types of information. However, signaling information conveyed by a DMRS may be susceptible to detection errors at the receiving device. If the receiving device incorrectly detects the information in the DMRS, the receiving device may experience processing latency (e.g., system acquisition latency, handover latency, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) retransmission delay, etc.).

Exemplary aspects and embodiments are described in the following to illustrate the invention. The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support providing protection for information delivered in a DMRS. The described techniques provide for identifying a set of reference signal bits associated with the DMRS and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. The techniques may provide for calculating a set of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits as a function of both the reference signal bits and the data bits. In some cases, the techniques may provide for identifying a scrambling code based on the reference signal bits and scrambling the data bits based on the scrambling code. Further described techniques provide for transmitting the DMRS transmission and the data transmission.

In some wireless communications systems (e.g., new radio (NR) wireless systems), a device-such as a base station or a user equipment (UE)-may transmit a DMRS associated with a physical data channel, and may transmit a data payload on the same physical data channel. To extend the functionality of DMRS signaling, the DMRS may include signaling information in addition to channel estimation information. For example, the signaling information may be conveyed in the DMRS using pseudo noise (PN) sequences. Although the cross-correlation between PN sequences may be low, a device receiving a DMRS may incorrectly detect a PN sequence, which may cause incorrect reception of the signaling information. To improve reception of the DMRS signaling information at a receiving wireless device, the transmitting device may employ data protection techniques to the signaling information and modify the data payload with information corresponding to the signaling information.

In one aspect, the transmitting device may employ CRC techniques to include verification for the signaling information. For example, the device may compute the CRC bits based on the signaling information in the DMRS in addition to the information in the payload. In another example, the device may compute a preliminary set of CRC bits based on information in the payload. The device may then mask the preliminary set of CRC bits using a bit array generated based on the DMRS signaling information. In both examples, the resulting set of CRC bits may include indications of the correct DMRS signaling information. According to the invention, the device selects or is configured with a CRC configuration (e.g., computing the CRC based on the DMRS signaling information or masking the CRC based on the DMRS signaling information) statically or dynamically. In some cases, the selection may be based on a number of DMRS signaling information bits, data payload information bits, CRC bits, or some combination of these numbers of bits. The device may transmit the CRC bits in the data payload to a receiving device, and the receiving device may use the CRC bits to verify the decoding of information received in both the data payload and the DMRS.

In another aspect, the transmitting device may determine a scrambling code based on the DMRS signaling information. The device may scramble the data payload bits based on the determined scrambling code. Accordingly, a receiving device may detect the DMRS signaling information, and may begin decoding the data payload based on the detected DMRS signaling information. If the receiving device incorrectly detected the DMRS signaling information, decoding of the data payload may fail early in the process due to the scrambled payload bits.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of wireless communications systems. Further aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to a resource element (RE) mapping format, CRC processes with DMRS signaling information, a CRC masking function, and process flow diagrams. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to providing protection for information delivered in DMRS.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> includes base stations <NUM>, UEs <NUM>, and a core network <NUM>. In some examples, the wireless communications system <NUM> may be a 5th Generation (<NUM>)/New Radio (NR) or long term evolution (LTE) (or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)) network. In one aspect, wireless communications system <NUM> may support enhanced broadband communications, ultra-reliable (i.e., mission critical) communications, low latency communications, and communications with low-cost and low-complexity devices. The wireless communications system <NUM> may support conveying signaling information in DMRS transmissions in addition to channel estimation information. A device may protect the signaling information within the DMRS (e.g., using CRC or scrambling techniques) and may modify data transmissions to include the protection, which may improve detection reliability and decrease latency associated with conveying signaling information in DMRS.

Each base station <NUM> may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area <NUM>. Control information and data may be multiplexed on an uplink channel or downlink according to various techniques. Control information and data may be multiplexed on a downlink channel, for example, using time division multiplexing (TDM) techniques, frequency division multiplexing (FDM) techniques, or hybrid TDM-FDM techniques. In some examples, the control information transmitted during a transmission time interval (TTI) of a downlink channel may be distributed between different control regions in a cascaded manner (e.g., between a common control region and one or more UE-specific control regions).

A UE <NUM> may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE <NUM> may also be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a personal electronic device, a handheld device, a personal computer, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an appliance, an automobile, or the like.

In some examples, a UE <NUM> may also be able to communicate directly with other UEs (e.g., using a peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocol). In some examples, groups of UEs <NUM> communicating via D2D communications may utilize a one-to-many (<NUM>:M) system in which each UE <NUM> transmits to every other UE <NUM> in the group. In one aspect, a base station <NUM> facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communications. In another aspect, D2D communications are carried out independent of a base station <NUM>.

In one aspect, an MTC device may operate using half-duplex (one-way) communications at a reduced peak rate. MTC devices may also be configured to enter a power saving "deep sleep" mode when not engaging in active communications. In some examples, MTC or IoT devices may be designed to support mission critical functions and wireless communications system may be configured to provide ultra-reliable communications for these functions.

At least some of the network devices may include subcomponents such as an access network entity, which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). Each access network entity may communicate with a number of UEs <NUM> through a number of other access network transmission entities, each of which may be an example of a smart radio head, or a transmission/reception point (TRP).

Wireless communications system <NUM> may operate in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency region using frequency bands from <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM>), although some networks (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)) may use frequencies as high as <NUM>. This region may also be known as the decimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one decimeter to one meter in length. UHF waves may propagate mainly by line of sight, and may be blocked by buildings and environmental features. However, the waves may penetrate walls sufficiently to provide service to UEs <NUM> located indoors. Transmission of UHF waves is characterized by smaller antennas and shorter range (e.g., less than <NUM>) compared to transmission using the smaller frequencies (and longer waves) of the high frequency (HF) or very high frequency (VHF) portion of the spectrum. In some examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may also utilize extremely high frequency (EHF) portions of the spectrum (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>). This region may also be known as the millimeter band, since the wavelengths range from approximately one millimeter to one centimeter in length. Thus, EHF antennas may be even smaller and more closely spaced than UHF antennas. In some examples, this may facilitate use of antenna arrays within a UE <NUM> (e.g., for directional beamforming). However, EHF transmissions may be subject to even greater atmospheric attenuation and shorter range than UHF transmissions.

Thus, wireless communications system <NUM> may support millimeter wave (mmW) communications between UEs <NUM> and base stations <NUM>. Devices operating in mmW or EHF bands may have multiple antennas to allow beamforming. That is, a base station <NUM> may use multiple antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>. Beamforming (which may also be referred to as spatial filtering or directional transmission) is a signal processing technique that may be used at a transmitter (e.g., a base station <NUM>) to shape and/or steer an overall antenna beam in the direction of a target receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>). This may be achieved by combining elements in an antenna array in such a way that transmitted signals at particular angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference.

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems use a transmission scheme between a transmitter (e.g., a base station <NUM>) and a receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>), where both transmitter and receiver are equipped with multiple antennas. Some portions of wireless communications system <NUM> may use beamforming. For example, base station <NUM> may have an antenna array with a number of rows and columns of antenna ports that the base station <NUM> may use for beamforming in its communication with UE <NUM>. Signals may be transmitted multiple times in different directions (e.g., each transmission may be beamformed differently). A mmW receiver (e.g., a UE <NUM>) may try multiple beams (e.g., antenna subarrays) while receiving the synchronization signals.

In one aspect, the antennas of a base station <NUM> or UE <NUM> may be located within one or more antenna arrays, which may support beamforming or MIMO operation. One or more base station antennas or antenna arrays may be collocated at an antenna assembly, such as an antenna tower. In some examples, antennas or antenna arrays associated with a base station <NUM> may be located in diverse geographic locations. A base station <NUM> may multiple use antennas or antenna arrays to conduct beamforming operations for directional communications with a UE <NUM>.

In some examples, wireless communications system <NUM> may be a packet-based network that operate according to a layered protocol stack. The MAC layer may also use Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAC layer to improve link efficiency. In the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE <NUM> and a network device <NUM>-c, network device <NUM>-b, or core network <NUM> supporting radio bearers for user plane data.

A resource element may consist of one symbol period and one subcarrier (e.g., a <NUM> frequency range). A resource block may contain <NUM> consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and, for a normal cyclic prefix in each OFDM symbol, <NUM> consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain (<NUM> slot), or <NUM> resource elements. The number of bits carried by each resource element may depend on the modulation scheme (the configuration of symbols that may be selected during each symbol period). Thus, the more resource blocks that a UE receives and the higher the modulation scheme, the higher the data rate may be.

Wireless communications system <NUM> may support operation on multiple cells or carriers, a feature which may be referred to as carrier aggregation (CA) or multi-carrier operation. A carrier may also be referred to as a component carrier (CC), a layer, a channel, etc. The terms "carrier," "component carrier," "cell," and "channel" may be used interchangeably herein. A UE <NUM> may be configured with multiple downlink CCs and one or more uplink CCs for carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation may be used with both frequency division duplexed (FDD) and time division duplexed (TDD) component carriers.

In one aspect, wireless system <NUM> may utilize both licensed and unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands. For example, wireless system <NUM> may employ LTE License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) or LTE Unlicensed (LTE U) radio access technology or NR technology in an unlicensed band such as the <NUM> Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. When operating in unlicensed radio frequency spectrum bands, wireless devices such as base stations <NUM> and UEs <NUM> may employ listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures to ensure the channel is clear before transmitting data. Operations in unlicensed bands may be based on a CA configuration in conjunction with CCs operating in a licensed band. Operations in unlicensed spectrum may include downlink transmissions, uplink transmissions, or both. Duplexing in unlicensed spectrum may be based on FDD, TDD, or a combination of both.

In some systems, a base station <NUM> or a UE <NUM> may transmit a DMRS to a receiving device for the receiving device to perform channel estimation on a physical data channel. In one aspect, along with the channel estimation information, the DMRS may include additional signaling information (e.g., timing information or uplink control information). To enhance the reliability of conveying such signaling information in DMRS transmissions, the transmitting device may include error detection check bits in a data payload transmitted over the physical data channel associated with the DMRS. For example, the transmitting device may calculate CRC bits for the data payload based on the signaling information contained in the DMRS. In some aspects, the transmitting device may determine a scrambling code based on the signaling information in the DMRS, and may scramble the bits of the data payload based on the scrambling code. A receiving device may use the error detection check or the scrambling code contained in the data payload to verify the detected DMRS signaling information.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communications system <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system <NUM> may include base station <NUM>-a, geographic coverage area <NUM>-a, and UE <NUM>-a, which may be examples of the corresponding devices and features described with reference to <FIG>. Base station <NUM>-a and UE <NUM>-a may communicate on the uplink, downlink, or both over communication link <NUM>. Both base station <NUM>-a and UE <NUM>-a may transmit a DMRS <NUM> over communication link <NUM> along with a data payload <NUM>. To provide protection and more reliable detection for the DMRS <NUM>, the transmitting device may modify the payload <NUM>. For example, the transmitting device may include an indication within the CRC bits <NUM> of information (e.g., signaling information) transmitted in the DMRS <NUM>, or the transmitting device may determine a scrambling code based on the information in the DMRS <NUM>, and may scramble bits within the payload <NUM> based on the scrambling code.

A wireless transmitter (e.g., base station <NUM>-a or UE <NUM>-a) may transmit a reference signal-such as a DMRS <NUM>-to a receiving device in order for the receiving device to perform channel estimation. For example, in the uplink, UE <NUM>-a may transmit a DMRS <NUM> to base station <NUM>-a, and base station <NUM>-a may estimate a channel quality or a phase shift associated with the wireless channel based on the received DMRS <NUM>. In the downlink, base station <NUM>-a may transmit a DMRS <NUM> to UE <NUM>-a for channel estimation (e.g., in addition to or instead of transmitting a cell-specific reference signal). A DMRS <NUM> may be associated with a physical data channel, such as a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or any other channel that carries data payloads <NUM>. A device may transmit the DMRS <NUM> over the associated physical data channel, or in resources allocated for DMRS transmission.

In some wireless systems-such as next generation or NR wireless systems-a device may extend the functionality of DMRS <NUM> beyond channel estimation. For example, base station <NUM>-a and/or UE <NUM>-a may include signaling information <NUM>-a in the DMRS <NUM>. This signaling information <NUM>-a may include a timing indication, a payload identifier, or other signaling information. For example, the timing indication may include a system frame number (SFN), a synchronization signal block time index, or any other timing information associated with a physical data channel. The payload identifier may identify one or more multiplexed payloads <NUM> in a physical data channel (e.g., for a PUSCH, uplink control information (UCI) multiplexed payloads). The device may construct DMRSs <NUM> using different DMRS sequences, where the different DMRS sequences may correspond to the signaling information to transmit within the DMRS <NUM>. The DMRS sequences may be constructed based on pseudorandom-noise (PN) sequences, which may reduce cross-correlation of bits between different DMRS sequences. In one example, if the device transmits <NUM> bits of signaling information <NUM>-a in a DMRS <NUM>, the device may utilize one of sixteen DMRS sequences to indicate the information. A device receiving the DMRS <NUM> may perform correlation and/or detection to determine the signaled DMRS sequence. For example, at a receiver of the device, the device may correlate the received signal with a DMRS sequence hypothesis, and may select a received DMRS sequence based on the hypothesis and the received DMRS signal. The PN sequences used to construct the DMRS sequences may limit the false alarm rate-that is, the receiver may select an incorrect DMRS sequence, and in turn decode incorrect information bits based on the incorrect detection of the DMRS sequence).

In some examples, a device (e.g., base station <NUM>-a and/or UE <NUM>-a) may transmit some signaling information <NUM>-a in a DMRS <NUM>, and may transmit other signaling information <NUM>-b within a data payload <NUM> over a physical data channel. The device may determine the number of bits of signaling information <NUM>-a to transmit in the DMRS <NUM> and the number of bits of signaling information <NUM>-b to transmit in the data payload <NUM> based on a significance of the bits, a number of bits available for signaling information in the DMRS <NUM>, or other signaling information splitting criteria. The complete set of signaling information bits <NUM> may be referred to as N bits. In the examples where the signaling information bits are divided between the DMRS <NUM> and the data payload <NUM>, the signaling information bits <NUM>-a transmitted in the DMRS <NUM> may be referred to as N1 bits, and the signaling information bits <NUM>-b transmitted in the payload <NUM> may be referred to as N2 bits. The signaling information bits <NUM> may include bits indicating an SFN or a synchronization signal block. For example, for the SFN, the device may transmit a total of <NUM> signaling information bits <NUM>, including <NUM> bits (e.g., N1 bits) in the DMRS <NUM> and <NUM> bits (e.g., N2 bits) in the data payload <NUM>. In another example, the device may transmit all of the SFN signaling information bits <NUM> in the DMRS <NUM>, in which case the data payload <NUM> may not include any N2 bits.

A device may receive a DMRS <NUM>, and in some examples the device may detect an incorrect DMRS sequence associated with the DMRS <NUM> (e.g., based on channel noise, an incorrect DMRS hypothesis, etc.). This incorrect DMRS detection may result in processing latency or delays at the device. For example, the device may begin decoding a data payload <NUM> received over a physical data channel (e.g., the PBCH) using the incorrect DMRS sequence, which may result in decoding failure. The device may determine the decoding failure based on channel coding or CRC bits <NUM> associated with the data payload <NUM>. In one aspect, the device may identify that the decoding failure is based on an incorrect DMRS sequence, and the device may remove the DMRS sequence from physical data channel decoding.

However, in another aspect, the device may not determine whether the decoding failure is based on the selected DMRS sequence or the received signals corresponding to the data payload <NUM>. In such an aspect, the device may not remove the DMRS sequence from data channel decoding. In some procedures, the device may decode a data payload <NUM> despite using an incorrect DMRS sequence. However, further processing of the payload <NUM> (e.g., remaining minimum system information (RMSI) acquisition) may eventually fail based on the incorrect DMRS sequence used for decoding. In one aspect (e.g., when receiving PUSCH DMRS <NUM>), incorrect DMRS sequence detection may result in a delayed HARQ transmission. In any of the above aspects, the device may perform unnecessary or unsuccessful decoding operations on a data payload <NUM> based on an incorrect DMRS sequence, and may use additional time to correctly perform the decoding operations or further procedures. Accordingly, improving the reliability of DMRS sequence detection may improve processing latency-such as system acquisition latency, handover latency, or HARQ retransmission delay, among other processes-at the device.

The device may include protection within a data payload <NUM> to improve the reliability of correctly decoding the data payload <NUM>. For example, the data payload <NUM> may include error correcting code bits, such as CRC bits <NUM>. The device may determine K CRC bits <NUM> by performing a CRC computation on the bits in the data payload <NUM> containing information. For example, the data payload <NUM> may include N2 signaling information bits <NUM>-b, as well as M other information bits <NUM>. The K CRC bits <NUM> may be based on both of these sets of information bits (e.g., the N2 bits and the M bits). However, a DMRS <NUM> may not contain similar CRC bits to improve reliability of determining the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a. Instead, the device may modify the CRC bits <NUM> within the data payload <NUM> to additionally include information about the corresponding DMRS <NUM>. For example, the device may alter the CRC computation or the resulting CRC bit sequence for the payload <NUM> further based on the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a transmitted in the associated DMRS <NUM>. In this way, a receiver may use the CRC bits <NUM> in the data payload <NUM> to further improve detection of the corresponding DMRS sequence.

The device may implement a static or dynamic CRC configuration design. In a static CRC configuration design, the device may implement a same CRC determination process for all scenarios. In one implementation, the device may perform a CRC computation on the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a, the N2 signaling information bits <NUM>-b, and the M other information bits <NUM>. In a second implementation, the device may perform the CRC computation on the N2 signaling information bits <NUM>-b and the M other information bits <NUM> to obtain a set of preliminary CRC bits, and may perform a masking function on the preliminary CRC bits based on the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a. In the static design, the device may implement one such implementation. However, in a dynamic CRC configuration design, the device may semi-statically switch between implementations for determining the CRC bits <NUM>. For example, the device may switch between implementations based on the number of N1 bits, N2 bits, M bits, K bits, or some combination of these bits to transmit. In a specific example, the device may determine threshold numbers of N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a in relation to K CRC bits <NUM>, and may switch based on these threshold numbers. Below a certain threshold of N1 bits, the device may implement the CRC computation design, and above the threshold the device may implement the CRC masking design. For example, if the number of N1 bits is greater than half the number of K bits, but less than the total number of K bits, the device may select the masking implementation. Otherwise, the device may select the computation implementation.

The device may perform scrambling to improve protection for the DMRS signaling information bits <NUM>-a. For example, the device may determine a scrambling code based on the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>-a in the DMRS <NUM>. The device may scramble some or all of the bits in the data payload <NUM> based on this scrambling code. For example, the device may scramble the N2 signaling information bits <NUM>-b, the M other information bits <NUM>, the K CRC bits <NUM>, any other bits in the data payload <NUM> (e.g., other redundancy bits), or some combination of these sets of bits. A device may receive the DMRS <NUM> and the scrambled data payload <NUM>. If the receiving device incorrectly determines the DMRS sequence, decoding of the data payload <NUM> may fail based on the scrambling sequence. In this way, scrambling the data payload <NUM> may improve the processing latency, as the decoding of the data payload <NUM> may automatically fail early in decoding based on the incorrect DMRS sequence.

<FIG> illustrates an example of resource element (RE) mapping <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The RE mapping <NUM> may include REs allocated for DMRS transmission <NUM>, PBCH transmission <NUM>, primary synchronization signal (PSS) transmission <NUM>, secondary synchronization signal (SSS) transmission <NUM>, or some combination of these transmissions. Many other RE mapping formats may be used for the transmission of DMRS <NUM>.

A UE <NUM> may transmit DMRS <NUM> on the uplink or a base station <NUM> may transmit DMRS <NUM> on the downlink. In addition to the DMRS <NUM>, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may additionally transmit a primary synchronization signal (PSS) <NUM>, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) <NUM>, or both. The PSS <NUM>, SSS <NUM>, or both may be transmitted over a different bandwidth than the bandwidth allocated for the PBCH <NUM>. For example, the PBCH <NUM> may span a first bandwidth <NUM> while the PSS <NUM> and SSS <NUM> may span a second bandwidth <NUM>, which may be a smaller bandwidth. In one specific example, the first bandwidth <NUM> may span <NUM> resource elements (REs), while the second bandwidth <NUM> may span <NUM> REs. In one aspect, the UE or base station may leave a buffer on either end of the second bandwidth <NUM> where no signal is transmitted.

The UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may interleave the DMRS <NUM> throughout the PBCH <NUM> bandwidth <NUM>. In this way, DMRS <NUM> and PBCH <NUM> may be transmitted at a same time or during a same TTI (e.g., a same symbol or slot or subframe). The UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may include an indication of the DMRS <NUM> within a CRC transmitted in the PBCH <NUM> (e.g., using a computation process or a masking process). The PBCH <NUM> may include protection for the DMRS <NUM> transmitted in the same TTI as the PBCH <NUM>. This protection may include CRC protection or scrambling protection within a data payload transmitted in the PBCH <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a CRC computation process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The CRC computation process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> may illustrate one possible design for improving reliability of DMRS signaling information. The process may show a UE, such as UE <NUM>-b, generating the DMRS and data payload, and transmitting the DMRS and data payload on an uplink communication link <NUM> to base station <NUM>-b. However, the CRC computation process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> may apply in the downlink as well. For example, base station <NUM>-b may perform the transmitter side processes, while UE <NUM>-b may perform the receiver side processes.

As illustrated, UE <NUM>-b may perform a set of transmitter side processes to protect DMRS signaling information. The DMRS signaling information may be included in N1 bits within a DMRS. Further signaling information may be included in N2 bits included in a data payload. However, in some examples, the data payload may not include any further signaling information bits (e.g., there may be <NUM> N2 bits). Additionally, the data payload may include M other information bits. UE <NUM>-b may perform a CRC computation at <NUM> on the N1 bits, the N2 bits, and the M bits. The CRC computation may be an example of a systematic cyclic code, a polynomial division algorithm, a shift register based division algorithm, or any similar functions for determining a set of CRC bits based on a set of input bits (e.g., in this aspect, the N1 bits, the N2 bits, and the M bits). The CRC computation at <NUM> may result in K CRC bits, which UE <NUM>-b may attach or append to the data payload at <NUM>. With the CRC bits included in the data payload, UE <NUM>-b may transmit the DMRS and the payload to base station <NUM>-b (e.g., using a format such as the one described with reference to <FIG>) on the uplink communication link <NUM>, which may be an example of a physical data channel.

Base station <NUM>-b may receive the DMRS and the data payload, and may perform a set of receiver side functions in order to determine the information carried in the DMRS and the data payload. Base station <NUM>-b may detect N1 signaling information bits based on the DMRS at <NUM>. Additionally, base station <NUM>-b may decode N2 additional signaling information bits, as well as M other information bits, based on the data payload received over the physical data channel at <NUM>. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may perform CRC verification on the detected and decoded bits. For example, base station <NUM>-b may perform a CRC function on the N1, N2, and M bits in order to determine an expected value for the set of CRC bits attached to the data payload. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may compare the expected set of CRC bits to the actual received set of CRC bits. If the expected and received sets of CRC bits match, the CRC may pass and base station <NUM>-b may determine that the signaling information in the DMRS and the signaling and other information in the data payload were detected and decoded correctly. If the expected set of CRC bits is different than the received set of CRC bits, the CRC may fail, and base station <NUM>-b may determine that the signaling information in the DMRS, the signaling and other information in the data payload, or a combination of the two was incorrectly detected or decoded. In this way, the CRC bits included in the data payload may check not only the accuracy of the information contained in the data payload, but also the accuracy of information detected in the DMRS transmission.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a CRC masking process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The CRC masking process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> may illustrate one possible design for improving reliability of DMRS signaling information. The process may show a UE, such as UE <NUM>-c, generating the DMRS and data payload, and transmitting the DMRS and data payload on an uplink communication link <NUM> to base station <NUM>-c. However, the CRC masking process with DMRS signaling information <NUM> may apply in the downlink as well. For example, base station <NUM>-c may perform the transmitter side processes, while UE <NUM>-c may perform the receiver side processes.

UE <NUM>-c may perform a set of transmitter side processes to protect DMRS signaling information. The DMRS signaling information may be included in N1 bits within a DMRS. Further signaling information may be included in N2 bits included in a data payload. However, in some examples, the data payload may not include any further signaling information bits. Additionally, the data payload may include M other information bits. UE <NUM>-c may perform a CRC computation at <NUM> on the N2 bits and the M bits. The CRC computation at <NUM> may result in K CRC bits, which may be referred to as preliminary CRC bits. Rather than attaching the resulting CRC bits to the data payload, UE <NUM>-c may perform a masking process on the preliminary CRC bits at <NUM>. The masking process may be based on the N1 signaling information bits transmitted in the DMRS. In this way, the resulting masked CRC bits are based on both the N1 signaling information bits from the DMRS and the N2 and M information bits from the data payload. UE <NUM>-c may attach the masked CRC bits to the data payload at <NUM>. With the masked CRC bits included in the data payload, UE <NUM>-c may transmit the DMRS and the payload to base station <NUM>-c on the uplink communication link <NUM>, which may be an example of a physical data channel.

Base station <NUM>-c may receive the DMRS and the data payload, and may perform a set of receiver side functions in order to determine the information carried in the DMRS and the data payload. Base station <NUM>-c may detect N1 signaling information bits based on the DMRS at <NUM>. Additionally, base station <NUM>-c may decode N2 additional signaling information bits, as well as M other information bits, based on the data payload received over the physical data channel at <NUM>. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-b may perform CRC verification on the detected and decoded bits. For example, base station <NUM>-c may first perform a function (e.g., an inverse masking function) on the received masked CRC bits based on the detected N1 signaling information bits in the DMRS. Base station <NUM>-c may additionally perform a CRC function on the decoded N2 additional signaling information bits and M other information bits in the data payload to obtain an expected un-masked set of CRC bits. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-c may compare the expected un-masked set of CRC bits to the output of the function (e.g., the inverse masking function). If the expected un-masked CRC bits match the output of the function, the CRC may pass and base station <NUM>-c may determine that the signaling information in the DMRS and the signaling and other information in the data payload were detected and decoded correctly. If the expected un-masked CRC bits are different than the output of the function, the CRC may fail, and base station <NUM>-c may determine that the signaling information in the DMRS, the signaling and other information in the data payload, or a combination of the two was incorrectly detected or decoded. In this way, the masked CRC bits included in the data payload may check not only the accuracy of the information contained in the data payload, but also the accuracy of information detected in the DMRS transmission.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a potential CRC masking function <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The potential CRC masking function <NUM> may be performed at <NUM> by a transmitting device-such as a base station or a UE-as described with reference to <FIG>. While <FIG> illustrates a potential CRC masking function <NUM>, a transmitting device may implement other CRC masking functions in order to provide protection within a data payload for information in a DMRS.

A device may perform a CRC computation at <NUM>, using N2 signaling information bits and M other information bits from a data payload as inputs. The CRC computation may output a preliminary set of CRC bits, which may be referred to as a P array <NUM>. The P array <NUM> may contain K total bits, which may be the same number of bits as the device has allocated for CRC bits in the data payload.

At <NUM>, the device may mask the preliminary set of CRC bits based on N1 signaling information bits <NUM> from a DMRS. In one aspect, the device may utilize a lookup table <NUM>. The lookup table may include all possible values for the N1 signaling information bits <NUM>, and corresponding X arrays <NUM>. The X arrays <NUM> may be examples of distinct sets of bits also of length K. In another aspect, rather than using a lookup table <NUM>, the device may implement a projecting function to project each value of N1 signaling information bits <NUM> onto an array of K bits. In this way, the device may convert the signaling information contained in the DMRS into a set of bits (e.g., an X array <NUM>, which may be referred to as masking bits) equal in size to the preliminary set of CRC bits (e.g., the P array <NUM>).

The device may perform an operation based on the P array <NUM> and the X array <NUM> to calculate a Y array <NUM> of masked CRC bits. For example, the device may perform an elementwise exclusive or (XOR) function on the P array <NUM> and the X array <NUM>. For example, the device may perform an XOR function on the p0 and x0 indices of the P array <NUM> and the X array <NUM>, respectively, and may assign the result of the function to the y0 index of the Y array <NUM>. The device may apply this same process to the other indices of the P array <NUM> and the X array <NUM> to compute the remaining indices of the resulting Y array <NUM>. At <NUM>, the device may attach the computed masked CRC bits of the Y array <NUM> to the data payload for transmission.

A device receiving the data payload and a corresponding DMRS may detect N1 signaling information bits <NUM> within the DMRS, and may similarly decode the N2 and M bits of the data payload. The receiving device may then select an expected X array <NUM> based on the detected N1 signaling information bits <NUM> and an expected P array <NUM> based on the decoded N2 and M bits, and may perform an elementwise XOR function on the expected arrays to determine an expected Y array <NUM>. The receiving device may compare the expected Y array <NUM> to the masked CRC bits received in the data payload to verify the detected and decoded information.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The process flow <NUM> may include a base station <NUM>-d and UE <NUM>-d, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The process flow <NUM> may illustrate a DMRS transmission on the downlink, but the same processes may apply to uplink DMRS transmissions as well.

At <NUM>, the transmitting device (e.g., in this example, base station <NUM>-d) may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission. In one aspect, the set of reference signal bits may include a first subset of reference signal bits to be conveyed with the DMRS transmission and a second subset of reference signal bits to be conveyed with the data transmission.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-d may identify a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. Base station <NUM>-d may identify the set of data bits before or at the same time as the set of reference signal bits. Additionally, base station <NUM>-d may identify a scrambling code based on the reference signal bits, and may scramble the data bits based on the scrambling code.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-d may calculate a set of CRC bits based on the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. In one aspect, base station <NUM>-d may calculate the set of CRC bits based on the first subset of reference signal bits, the second subset of reference signal bits, and the set of data bits. In another aspect, base station <NUM>-d may calculate a subset of the set of CRC bits based on the second subset of reference signal bits and the set of data bits, and may mask the subset of the set of CRC bits using the first subset of reference signal bits. For example, base station <NUM>-d may retrieve a bit string based on the first subset of reference signal bits, and may combine the subset of the set of CRC bits with the bit string using an XOR function. Base station <NUM>-d may append the set of CRC bits to the data bits.

Calculating the set of CRC bits may further include base station <NUM>-d receiving configuration signaling indicating a CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits. Additionally, base station <NUM>-d may switch from a first CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits to a second CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits. In one aspect, this switch may be based on a size of the set of reference signal bits, a size of the set of data bits, a size of the set of CRC bits, or some combination of these sizes.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-d may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission with the set of CRC bits to UE <NUM>-d. In one aspect, base station <NUM>-d may transmit the first subset of reference signal bits in the DMRS transmission and the second subset of reference signal bits in the data transmission. Base station <NUM>-d may transmit the data transmission using a physical data channel, and may transmit the DMRS transmission using resources reserved for DMRS transmissions. The DMRS transmission may convey phase reference information associated with the physical data channel.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may detect the set of reference bits associated with the DMRS transmission. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may decode the set of data bits associated with the data transmission. Additionally, UE <NUM>-d may receive the set of CRC bits with the data transmission.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-d may perform a CRC verification process based on the set of CRC bits. UE <NUM>-d may determine whether or not the CRC verification is successful based on the detected set of reference signal bits and the decoded set of data bits.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a process flow <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The process flow <NUM> may include a base station <NUM>-e and UE <NUM>-e, which may be examples of the corresponding devices described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The process flow <NUM> may illustrate a DMRS transmission on the downlink, but the same processes may apply to uplink DMRS transmissions as well.

At <NUM>, the transmitting device (e.g., in this example, base station <NUM>-e) may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may identify a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. In one aspect, base station <NUM>-e may identify the set of data bits before or at the same time as the set of reference signal bits.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may identify a scrambling code based on the reference signal bits. At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may scramble the data bits based on the identified scrambling code. In some examples, base station <NUM>-e may additionally calculate a set of CRC bits based on the reference signal bits and the data bits.

At <NUM>, base station <NUM>-e may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission to UE <NUM>-e. For example, base station <NUM>-e may transmit the data transmission using a physical data channel, and may transmit the DMRS transmission using resources reserved for DMRS transmissions. The DMRS transmission may include an indication of a phase reference associated with the physical data channel.

At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-e may detect the set of reference bits associated with the DMRS transmission. At <NUM>, UE <NUM>-e may decode the set of data bits. UE <NUM>-e may determine the scrambling code based on the detected set of reference bits, and may decode the set of data bits based on un-scrambling the bits using the determined scrambling code.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> as described herein. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, DMRS protection module <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to providing protection for information delivered in DMRS, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas. DMRS protection module <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the DMRS protection module <NUM> or <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

DMRS protection module <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions of the DMRS protection module <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described in the present disclosure. The DMRS protection module <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations by one or more physical devices. In some examples, DMRS protection module <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be a separate and distinct component in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In other examples, DMRS protection module <NUM> and/or at least some of its various sub-components may be combined with one or more other hardware components, including but not limited to an I/O component, a transceiver, a network server, another computing device, one or more other components described in the present disclosure, or a combination thereof in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DMRS protection module <NUM> may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission and calculate a set of CRC bits based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. The DMRS protection module <NUM> may also detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission, decode a set of data bits associated with a data transmission, receive a set of CRC bits with the set of data bits, and perform a CRC verification process based on the set of CRC bits, where the set of CRC bits is computed based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. The DMRS protection module <NUM> may additionally identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission, identify a scrambling code based on the set of reference signal bits, and scramble the set of data bits based on the identified scrambling code.

Transmitter <NUM> may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission with the set of CRC bits.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a wireless device <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a wireless device <NUM> or a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>. Wireless device <NUM> may include receiver <NUM>, DMRS protection module <NUM>, and transmitter <NUM>. Wireless device <NUM> may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver <NUM> may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to providing protection for information delivered in DMRS, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the transceiver <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The receiver <NUM> may utilize a single antenna or a set of antennas.

DMRS protection module <NUM> may be an example of aspects of the DMRS protection module <NUM> or <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. DMRS protection module <NUM> may also include identification component <NUM>, CRC component <NUM>, detection component <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, CRC verification component <NUM>, and scrambling component <NUM>.

Identification component <NUM> may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. In one aspect, the set of reference signal bits includes a first subset of reference signal bits that are conveyed with the DMRS transmission and a second subset of reference signal bits that are conveyed with the data transmission.

CRC component <NUM> may calculate a set of CRC bits based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. In one aspect, CRC component <NUM> may calculate a subset of the set of CRC bits based on the second subset of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. In some examples, the set of CRC bits are calculated based on the first subset of reference signal bits, the second subset of reference signal bits, and the set of data bits.

Detection component <NUM> may detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission. Decoder <NUM> may decode a set of data bits associated with a data transmission.

CRC verification component <NUM> may receive a set of CRC bits with the set of data bits, and perform a CRC verification process based on the set of CRC bits, where the set of CRC bits is computed based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. CRC verification component <NUM> may additionally determine whether the CRC verification process is successful.

Scrambling component <NUM> may identify a scrambling code based on the set of reference signal bits and scramble the set of data bits based on the identified scrambling code.

Transmitter <NUM> may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission with the set of CRC bits. Transmitter <NUM> may transmit the first subset of reference signal bits in the DMRS transmission and the second subset of reference signal bits in the data transmission. In some examples, transmitter <NUM> may transmit the data transmission in a physical data channel, and may transmit the DMRS transmission using resources reserved for DMRS transmissions. The DMRS transmission may convey phase reference information associated with the physical data channel.

<FIG> shows a block diagram <NUM> of a DMRS protection module <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The DMRS protection module <NUM> may be an example of aspects of a DMRS protection module <NUM>, a DMRS protection module <NUM>, or a DMRS protection module <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The DMRS protection module <NUM> may include identification component <NUM>, CRC component <NUM>, detection component <NUM>, decoder <NUM>, CRC verification component <NUM>, scrambling component <NUM>, masking component <NUM>, bit set combining component <NUM>, CRC configuration component <NUM>, and CRC switching component <NUM>. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

CRC component <NUM> may calculate a set of CRC bits based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits and calculate a subset of the set of CRC bits based on the second subset of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. In some examples, the set of CRC bits are calculated based on the first subset of reference signal bits, the second subset of reference signal bits, and the set of data bits.

Detection component <NUM> may detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission. In some cases, detection component <NUM> may detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. Decoder <NUM> may decode a set of data bits associated with a data transmission.

CRC verification component <NUM> may receive a set of CRC bits with the set of data bits, and may perform a CRC verification process based on the set of CRC bits, where the set of CRC bits is computed based on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. Additionally, CRC verification component <NUM> may determine whether the CRC verification process is successful.

Scrambling component <NUM> may identify a scrambling code based on the set of reference signal bits and scramble the set of data bits based on the identified scrambling code. Additionally, scrambling component <NUM> may identify a scrambling code based on the set of reference signal bits and descramble the set of data bits based on the identified scrambling code.

Masking component <NUM> may mask the subset of the set of CRC bits by the first subset of reference signal bits. Masking component <NUM> may retrieve a bit string based on the first subset of reference signal bits and combine the subset of the set of CRC bits with the bit string using an XOR function.

Bit set combining component <NUM> may append the set of CRC bits to the set of data bits. CRC configuration component <NUM> may receive configuration signaling indicating a CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits. CRC switching component <NUM> may switch from a first CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits to a second CRC configuration for calculating the set of CRC bits and switch from the first CRC configuration to the second CRC configuration based on a size of the set of reference signal bits, a size of the set of data bits, a size of the set of CRC bits, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or a UE <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE DMRS protection module <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and I/O controller <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more base stations <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In one aspect, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In another aspect, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting providing protection for information delivered in DMRS).

In some examples, the memory <NUM> may contain, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software <NUM> may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support providing protection for information delivered in DMRS. Software <NUM> may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In one aspect, the software <NUM> may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

In one aspect, the wireless device may include a single antenna <NUM>. However, in another aspect, the device may have more than one antenna <NUM>, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

In some examples, I/O controller <NUM> may represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral. In some examples, I/O controller <NUM> may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/<NUM>®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. I/O controller <NUM> may represent or interact with a modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In one aspect, I/O controller <NUM> may be implemented as part of a processor. In some examples, a user may interact with device <NUM> via I/O controller <NUM> or via hardware components controlled by I/O controller <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a diagram of a system <NUM> including a device <NUM> that supports providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Device <NUM> may be an example of or include the components of wireless device <NUM>, wireless device <NUM>, or a base station <NUM> as described above, e.g., with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Device <NUM> may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station DMRS protection module <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, software <NUM>, transceiver <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, network communications manager <NUM>, and inter-station communications manager <NUM>. These components may be in electronic communication via one or more buses (e.g., bus <NUM>). Device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with one or more UEs <NUM>.

Processor <NUM> may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In one aspect, processor <NUM> may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In another aspect, a memory controller may be integrated into processor <NUM>. Processor <NUM> may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting providing protection for information delivered in DMRS).

In some examples, the memory <NUM> may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Inter-station communications manager <NUM> may manage communications with other base station <NUM>, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs <NUM> in cooperation with other base stations <NUM>. In some examples, inter-station communications manager <NUM> may provide an X2 interface within an Long Term Evolution (LTE)/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a DMRS protection module as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by an identification component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may calculate a set of CRC bits based at least in part on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a CRC component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission with the set of CRC bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a transmitter as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. In some examples, the set of reference signal bits comprises a first subset of reference signal bits that are conveyed with the DMRS transmission and a second subset of reference signal bits that are conveyed with the data transmission. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by an identification component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may calculate a subset of the set of CRC bits based at least in part on the second subset of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a CRC component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may mask the subset of the set of CRC bits by the first subset of reference signal bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a masking component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may calculate a set of CRC bits based at least in part on the first subset of reference signal bits, the second subset of reference bits, and the set of data bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a CRC component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a detection component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may decode a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a decoder as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may receive a set of CRC bits with the set of data bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a CRC verification component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may perform a CRC verification process based at least in part on the set of CRC bits, wherein the set of CRC bits is computed based at least in part on both the set of reference signal bits and the set of data bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a CRC verification component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a scrambling code based at least in part on the set of reference signal bits. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a scrambling component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may scramble the set of data bits based at least in part on the identified scrambling code. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a scrambling component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At block <NUM> the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may transmit the DMRS transmission and the data transmission. The operations of block <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block <NUM> may be performed by a transmitter as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart illustrating a method <NUM> for providing protection for information delivered in DMRS in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method <NUM> may be implemented by a default or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method <NUM> may be performed by a DMRS protection module as described with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, a UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may perform aspects of the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At <NUM>, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may detect a set of reference signal bits associated with a DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a detection component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may identify a scrambling code based on the set of reference signal bits. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a scrambling component as described with reference to <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may descramble the set of data bits based on the identified scrambling code. The operations of <NUM> may be performed according to the methods described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of <NUM> may be performed by a scrambling component as described with reference to <FIG>. In some cases, the UE <NUM> or base station <NUM> may fail when scrambling the set of data bits when the identified scrambling code is incorrect. For example, when a UE <NUM> incorrectly decodes the DMRS, the decoding of the data channel would automatically fail.

The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-<NUM>, IS-<NUM>, and IS-<NUM> standards.

In LTE/LTE-A networks, including such networks described herein, the term evolved node B (eNB) may be generally used to describe the base stations. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include a heterogeneous LTE/LTE-A or NR network in which different types of eNBs provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB, next generation NodeB (gNB), or base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term "cell" may be used to describe a base station, a carrier or component carrier associated with a base station, or a coverage area (e.g., sector, etc.) of a carrier or base station, depending on context.

Base stations may include or may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an access point, a radio transceiver, a NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), gNB, Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or some other suitable terminology. The geographic coverage area for a base station may be divided into sectors making up only a portion of the coverage area. The wireless communications system or systems described herein may include base stations of different types (e.g., macro or small cell base stations). The UEs described herein may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, gNBs, relay base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

Also, as used herein, including in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of') indicates an inclusive list such 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).

By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

Claim 1:
A method for wireless communication, comprising:
receiving cyclic redundancy bits, CRC, in a data payload, wherein the CRC bits are computed based on a demodulation reference signal, DMRS;
detecting a set of reference signal bits associated with the DMRS transmission and a set of data bits associated with a data transmission on a physical data channel,
identifying a scrambling code based at least in part on the set of reference signal bits; and
descrambling the set of data bits based at least in part on the identified scrambling code,
wherein the DMRS includes timing information associated with the physical data channel.