Patent Description:
Transmissions of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in NR (i.e., 3GPP <NUM> standard) are scrambled as specified in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> reproduced below.

Up to two codewords can be transmitted, q ∈ {<NUM>,<NUM>}. In case of single-codeword transmission, q = <NUM>.

For each codeword q, the UE shall assume the block of bits <MAT>, where <MAT> is the number of bits in codeword q transmitted on the physical channel, are scrambled prior to modulation, resulting in a block of scrambled bits <MAT> according to <MAT>
where the scrambling sequence c(q)(i) is given by clause <NUM>. The scrambling sequence generator shall be initialized with <MAT>
where.

Also, in NR, some downlink reference signals such as the demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) are generated using a pseudo-random sequence as specified in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> reproduced below.

The UE shall assume the reference-signal sequence r(m) is defined by <MAT>
where the pseudo-random sequence c(i) is defined in clause <NUM>. The pseudo-random sequence generator shall be initialized with <MAT>
where l is the OFDM symbol number within the slot and.

As indicated above, in NR, it is possible to use a configurable value or identifier, for instance nID for PDSCH message and <MAT> for DM-RS, in the generation of the initialization value (also referred to as a scrambling seed) instead of using the physical-layer cell identity, <MAT>. The reason for this is to allow for UEs (also referred to as wireless devices) to move between cells, or to receive transmissions from multiple cells, without having to be reconfigured.

Document <CIT> discloses systems and methodologies that facilitate initializing scrambling sequence generation in a wireless communication environment. Scrambling sequence generation can be initialized (e.g., at a start of each subframe,. ) at least in part as a function of a type of Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI). Further, the type of RNTI utilized for initialization of scrambling sequence generation can correspond to a transmission type (e.g., whether the transmission is related to system information, paging, random access response, scheduled transmission or contention resolution message of a random access procedure, SPS traffic, regular unicast traffic,. Moreover, the scrambling sequence can be leveraged to scramble data for transmission over a data channel (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH),. Further, a receiving wireless communication apparatus can utilize a descrambling sequence similarly yielded based upon the type of RNTI corresponding to the transmission type.

According to the present disclosure, methods, a radio network node, a wireless device and computer program products according to the independent claims are provided. Developments are set forth in the dependent claims.

The radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) is an identity of the wireless device (or UE). It can take multiple values. For instance, the C-RNTI is a wireless-device-specific identity, unique within a cell and typically used for unicast transmission. There are also common RNTIs used for common messages, e.g., paging, system information delivery, and other similar functions.

Common messages using a common RNTI and targeting multiple wireless devices, e.g., paging messages, system information delivery, and random-access response, cannot be delivered to wireless devices having a configured nID or a configured <MAT> as these wireless devices are likely to have different values configured (e.g., different from <MAT>).

Hence, in a broad aspect, a first identifier (e.g., nID or <MAT> ) to be used in the generation of an initialization value (or scrambling seed) will be equal to a first parameter only if the first parameter is configured and if a second identifier (e.g., a RNTI) corresponds to a wireless-device-specific (also referred to as UE-specific) identifier (e.g., C-RNTI and other UE-specific RNTIs). Otherwise, if the first parameter has not been configured, the first identifier will be equal to a cell identifier (e.g., <MAT>). Possibly, if a second parameter has been configured, the first identifier can be equal to the second parameter if the second parameter has been configured and if the second identifier does not correspond to a wireless-device-specific identifier, that is if the second identifier corresponds to a common identifier (e.g., P-RNTI, SI-RNTI, and other common RNTIs).

According to one aspect, some embodiments include a method performed by a radio network node. The method generally comprises obtaining a pseudo-random sequence initialization value, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value being based, at least in part, on a first identifier, wherein the first identifier equals to a first parameter if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier; and obtaining a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the pseudo-random sequence initialization value.

In some embodiments, the first identifier may be equal to a cell identifier if the first parameter has not been configured or if the second identifier does not correspond to a wireless-device-specific identifier. In some embodiments, the first identifier may be equal to a second parameter if the second parameter has been configured and if the second identifier does not correspond to a wireless-device-specific identifier. In some embodiments, the second identifier may be a radio network temporary identifier, RNTI. In some embodiments, the wireless-device-specific identifier may be a cell RNTI, C-RNTI, a temporary C-RNTI, or a configured-scheduling RNTI, CS-RNTI.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, scrambling a downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence, and transmitting the scrambled downlink message to a wireless device. In some embodiments, the downlink message may be a shared channel downlink message (e.g., a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, message).

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, generating a downlink reference signal based at least in part on the obtained pseudo-random sequence, and transmitting the generated downlink reference signal to a wireless device. In some embodiments, the downlink reference signal may be a demodulation reference signal, DM-RS (e.g., a demodulation reference signal, DM-RS, associated with a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH).

According to another aspect, some embodiments include a radio network node adapted, configured, enabled, or otherwise operable, to perform one or more of the described radio network node functionalities (e.g. actions, operations, steps, etc.).

In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise one or more transceivers, one or more communication interfaces, and processing circuitry operatively connected to the one or more transceivers and to the one or more communication interfaces. The one or more transceivers are configured to enable the radio network node to communicate with one or more wireless devices over a radio interface. The one or more communication interfaces are configured to enable the radio network node to communicate with one or more other radio network nodes (e.g., via a radio access network communication interface), with one or more core network nodes (e.g., via a core network communication interface), and/or with one or more other network nodes. The processing circuitry is configured to enable the radio network node to perform one or more of the described radio network node functionalities. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory storing instructions which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the at least one processor to enable the radio network node to perform one or more of the described radio network node functionalities.

In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise one or more functional units (also referred to as modules) configured to perform one or more of the described radio network node functionalities. In some embodiments, these functional units may be embodied by the one or more transceivers and the processing circuitry of the radio network node.

According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product. The computer program product comprises computer-readable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the computer program product. When the instructions are executed by processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) of the radio network node, they enable the radio network node to perform one or more of the described radio network node functionalities.

According to another aspect, some embodiments include a method performed by a wireless device. The method generally comprises obtaining a pseudo-random sequence initialization value, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value being based, at least in part, on a first identifier, wherein the first identifier equals to a first parameter if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier, and obtaining a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the pseudo-random sequence initialization value.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, receiving a scrambled downlink message from a radio network node, and unscrambling the received scrambled downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence. In some embodiments, the downlink message may be a shared channel downlink message (e.g., a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, message).

In some embodiments, the method may comprise, or further comprise, generating a reference signal based, at least in part, on the obtained pseudo-random sequence, receiving a downlink reference signal from a radio network node, and estimating a downlink channel based on a comparison between the downlink reference signal received from the radio network node and the reference signal generated by the wireless device. In some embodiments, the reference signal may be a demodulation reference signal, DM-RS (e.g., a demodulation reference signal, DM-RS, associated with a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH).

According to another aspect, some embodiments include a wireless device adapted, configured, enabled, or otherwise operable, to perform one or more of the described wireless device functionalities (e.g. actions, operations, steps, etc.).

In some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise one or more transceivers and processing circuitry operatively connected to the one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers are configured to enable the wireless device to communicate with one or more radio network nodes over a radio interface. The processing circuitry is configured to enable the wireless device to perform one or more of the described wireless device functionalities. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory storing instructions which, upon being executed by the processor, enable the wireless device to perform one or more of the described wireless device functionalities.

In some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise one or more functional units (also referred to as modules) configured to perform one or more of the described wireless device functionalities. In some embodiments, these functional units may be embodied by the one or more transceivers and the processing circuitry of the wireless device.

According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product. The computer program product comprises computer-readable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the computer program product. When the instructions are executed by processing circuitry (e.g., at least one processor) of the wireless device, they enable the wireless device to perform one or more of the described wireless device functionalities.

Some embodiments may enable the use of a configurable identifier in the generation of an initialization value for use in generating a scrambling or pseudo-random sequence when beneficial.

Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures, in which:.

The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the description and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the description.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of the description. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included description, will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.

Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a wireless communication network <NUM> that may be used for wireless communications. Wireless communication network <NUM> includes wireless devices 110A-110B (collectively referred to as wireless devices or WDs <NUM>) and a plurality of radio network nodes 130A-130B (e.g., NBs and/or RNCs in UMTS, eNBs in LTE, gNBs in NR, etc.) (collectively referred to as radio network node or radio network nodes <NUM>) directly or indirectly connected to a core network <NUM> which may comprise a plurality of core network nodes (e.g., SGSNs and/or GGSNs in UMTS, MMEs, SGWs, and/or PGWs in LTE/EPC, AMFs, SMFs, and/or UPFs in NGC, etc.) (collectively referred to as core network node or core network nodes). The wireless communication network <NUM> may use any suitable radio access network (RAN) deployment scenarios, including UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, UTRAN, Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, EUTRAN, and Next Generation Radio Access Network, NG-RAN. Wireless devices <NUM> within coverage areas <NUM> may each be capable of communicating directly with radio network nodes <NUM> over a wireless interface. In certain embodiments, wireless devices may also be capable of communicating with each other via device-to-device (D2D) communication.

As an example, wireless device 110A may communicate with radio network node 130A over a wireless interface. That is, wireless device 110A may transmit wireless signals to and/or receive wireless signals from radio network node 130A. The wireless signals may contain voice traffic, data traffic, control signals, and/or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, an area of wireless signal coverage associated with a radio network node <NUM> may be referred to as a cell.

In wireless networks such as wireless communication network <NUM>, pseudo-random sequences are used in the transmission of some downlink messages and/or in the transmission of some downlink reference signal (In the present description, downlink generally refers to communication from the radio network node to one or more wireless devices while uplink generally refers to communications from one or more wireless devices to the radio network node. For example, in wireless networks deployed according to the 3GPP LTE and/or NR standards, downlink messages sent over the physical downlink shared channels (PDSCH) are scrambled with a pseudo-random (or scrambling) sequence before being modulated and ultimately transmitted by the radio network node (e.g., eNB in LTE, gNB in NR) to the wireless device (e.g., UE in both LTE and NR). The scrambling of the downlink PDSCH messages is described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V14. <NUM> (for LTE) and in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> (for NR). Similarly, in wireless networks deployed according to the 3GPP LTE and/or 3GPP NR standards, downlink reference signals such as the UE-specific reference signals or demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) are generated using a pseudo-random sequence. The generation of the DM-RS is described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V14. <NUM> (for LTE) and in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> (for NR).

As indicated above, downlink messages that are targeted at multiple wireless devices such as paging messages, system information messages, etc., may not be delivered to wireless devices when a certain identifier (e.g., nID, <MAT>) has been configured by higher layers (e.g., by the RRC layer).

According to a broad embodiment, the identifier used in the generation of the initialization value and which can be configured by higher layers (e.g., nID, <MAT>) takes the value of a first parameter, that is the parameter configured by the higher layer(s) only when the first parameter is configured and when a second identifier is a wireless-device-specific identifier. By doing so, the configurable identifier can be configured to a particular value when necessary and/or beneficial. Additional details and embodiments are disclosed below.

<FIG> is a flow chart that illustrates some operations of a radio network node <NUM> according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the radio network node <NUM> first obtains a pseudo-random sequence initialization value (e.g., cinit ) which will be used when subsequently obtaining the pseudo-random (or scrambling) sequence (action S100). The pseudo-random sequence initialization value is based, at least in part, on a first identifier (e.g., nID, <MAT>). In some embodiments, the first identifier equals to a first parameter (e.g., Data-scrambling-Identity or DL-DMRS-Scrambling-ID) if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier.

In some embodiments, how the pseudo-random sequence initialization value (e.g., cinit ) is obtained may differ according to the intended use of the pseudo-random sequence initialization value. For instance, when the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is used to generate or otherwise obtain a scrambling sequence to scramble a downlink message, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value may be obtained using the relation described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>: <MAT>
wherein nID corresponds to the first identifier mentioned above.

When the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is used to generate or otherwise obtain a pseudo-random sequence to generate or otherwise obtain a downlink reference signal, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value may be obtained using the relation described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>: <MAT>
wherein <MAT> corresponds to the first identifier mentioned above.

Regardless of how the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is obtained, as indicated above, the value of the first identifier will be equal to the first parameter if the first parameter is configured (typically by higher layer(s) such as the RRC layer) and if the second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier.

In some embodiments, the second identifier is a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). In NR, RNTIs are summarized in section <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. However, not all RNTIs are wireless-device-specific RNTIs. For instance, paging RNTI (P-RNTI) and system information RNTI (SI-RNTI) are usually not wireless-device-specific RNTIs in the sense that they do not identify a unique wireless device. However, cell RNTI (C-RNTI), temporary C-RNTI, and configured scheduling RNTI (CS-RNTI) are usually wireless-device-specific RNTIs in the sense that they identify a unique wireless device. Understandably, other RNTIs exist and still other RNTIs may be developed in the future. As such, the above RNTIs are non-limitative examples of RNTIs.

Hence, when the first parameter is configured and when the second identifier is a wireless-device-specific identifier, the first identifier equals to the first parameter.

If the first parameter has not been configured and/or if the second identifier is not a wireless-device-specific identifier, then there are at least two possible scenarios.

In a first scenario, when the first parameter has not been configured and/or when the second identifier is not a wireless-device-specific identifier, then the first identifier takes a default value. In NR, this default value can be a cell identifier such as <MAT>.

In some embodiments, the following sections of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> may be modified as follows to enable one or more of the described embodiments, including the first scenario.

In a second scenario, which is not according to the claimed invention, it is possible that a second parameter (e.g., Data-scrambling-Identity-Common or DL-DMRS-Scrambling-ID-Common) be configured. In such a case, if the second parameter has been configured and if the second identifier is not a wireless-device-specific identifier, then the first identifier takes the value of the second parameter.

In some embodiments, the following sections of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> may be modified as follows to enable one or more of the described embodiments, including the second scenario.

Understandably, other scenarios are possible.

Once the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is obtained, the radio network node then obtains a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the previously obtained pseudo-random sequence initialization value (action S102). In NR for instance, the generation of the pseudo-random sequence is described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15.

Then, the radio network node <NUM> may use the obtained pseudo-random sequence differently depending on whether the pseudo-random sequence is used with a downlink message or with a downlink reference signal.

When the obtained pseudo-random sequence is to be used with a downlink message (e.g., a PDSCH message), the radio network node <NUM> scrambles the downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence (action S104) prior to transmitting the scrambled downlink message to a wireless device to which the downlink message is directed (action S106). The scrambling of the downlink message is described, for instance, in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15.

When the obtained pseudo-random sequence is to be used with a downlink reference signal (e.g., a DM-RS), the radio network node <NUM> generates the downlink reference signal based, at least in part, on the obtained pseudo-random sequence (action S108) prior to transmitting the generated downlink reference signal to the wireless device (action S110). The generation of the downlink reference signal DM-RS is described, for instance, in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15.

<FIG> is a flow chart that illustrates some operations of a wireless device <NUM> according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the wireless device <NUM> first obtains a pseudo-random sequence initialization value (e.g., cinit ) which will be used when subsequently obtaining the pseudo-random (or scrambling) sequence (action S200). The pseudo-random sequence initialization value is based, at least in part, on a first identifier (e.g., nID, <MAT> ). In some embodiments, the first identifier equals a first parameter if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier.

In some embodiments, how the pseudo-random sequence initialization value (e.g., cinit ) is obtained may differ according to the intended use of the pseudo-random sequence initialization value. For instance, when the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is to be used to generate or otherwise obtain a scrambling sequence to scramble a downlink message, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value may be obtained using the relation described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>: <MAT>
wherein nID corresponds to the first identifier mentioned above.

When the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is to be used to generate or otherwise obtain a pseudo-random sequence to generate or otherwise obtain a downlink reference signal, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value may be obtained using the relation described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM>: <MAT>
wherein <MAT> corresponds to the first identifier mentioned above.

In a first scenario, when the first parameter has not been configured and/or when the second identifier is not a wireless-device-specific identifier, then the first identifier takes a default value. In NR, this default value can be a cell identifier such as <MAT>.

In a second scenario, it is possible that a second parameter (e.g., Data-scrambling-Identity-Common or DL-DMRS-Scrambling-ID-Common) be configured. In such a case, if the second parameter has been configured and if the second identifier is not a wireless-device-specific identifier, then the first identifier takes the value of the second parameter.

Once the pseudo-random sequence initialization value is obtained, the wireless device then obtains a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the previously obtained pseudo-random sequence initialization value (action S202). In NR for instance, the generation of the pseudo-random sequence is described in section <NUM>. <NUM> of 3GPP TS <NUM> V15.

Then, the wireless device <NUM> may use the obtained pseudo-random sequence differently depending on whether the pseudo-random sequence is used with a downlink message or with a downlink reference signal.

When the obtained pseudo-random sequence is to be used with a downlink message (e.g., a PDSCH message), the wireless device <NUM> usually first receives a downlink message which has been previously scrambled by the sending radio network node (see action S104) (action S204), and then uses the obtained pseudo-random sequence to unscramble the received (and previously scrambled) downlink message (action S206).

When the obtained pseudo-random sequence is to be used with a downlink reference signal (e.g., a DM-RS), the wireless device <NUM> generates a (local) downlink reference signal based, at least in part, on the obtained pseudo-random sequence (action S208). The wireless device <NUM> also receives a downlink reference signal (e.g., DM-RS) from the radio network node (action S210). The wireless device then estimates a downlink channel based on a comparison between the downlink reference signal received from the radio network node and the reference signal generated by the wireless device (action S212). The results of the channel estimation can be used, for instance, in demodulating downlink messages received from the radio network node <NUM>.

Embodiments of a radio network node <NUM> will now be described with respect to <FIG>. As used herein, a "radio network node" is any node in a radio access network of a wireless communication network that operates to wirelessly transmit and/or receive signals. Notably, various communication standards sometimes use different terminologies when referring to or describing radio network nodes. For instance, in addition to base station, 3GPP also uses Node B (NB), evolved Node B (eNB), and Next Generation Node B (gNB). For its part, IEEE <NUM> (also known as WiFi™) uses the term access point (AP). Some examples of a radio network node include, but are not limited to, a base station (e.g., a New Radio (NR) base station (gNB) in a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (<NUM>) NR network or an enhanced or evolved Node B (eNB) in a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), a high-power or macro base station, a low-power base station (e.g., a micro base station, a pico base station, a home eNB, or the like), and a relay node.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an exemplary radio network node <NUM> according to some embodiments. Radio network node <NUM> may include one or more of a transceiver <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and one or more communication interface(s) <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transceiver <NUM> facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from wireless devices <NUM> (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) <NUM>, receiver(s) (Rx) <NUM>, and antenna(s) <NUM>). The processor <NUM> executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by a radio network node <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> stores the instructions to be executed by the processor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> form processing circuitry <NUM>. The communication interface(s) <NUM> enable the radio network <NUM> to communicate with other network nodes, including other radio network nodes (via a radio access network interface) and core network nodes (via a core network interface).

The processor <NUM> may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of radio network node <NUM>, such as those described above. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

The memory <NUM> is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information.

In some embodiments, the communication interface <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the processor <NUM> and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for radio network node <NUM>, send output from radio network node <NUM>, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. The communication interface <NUM> may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network.

Other embodiments of radio network node <NUM> may include additional components beyond those shown in <FIG> that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the radio network node's functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solutions described above). The various different types of network nodes may include components having the same physical hardware but configured (e.g., via programming) to support different radio access technologies, or may represent partly or entirely different physical components.

In some embodiments, the radio network node <NUM> may comprise a series of modules (or units) <NUM> configured to implement some or all the functionalities of the radio network node <NUM> described above. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the radio network node <NUM> may comprise a (first) obtaining module configured to obtain a pseudo-random sequence initialization value, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value being based, at least in part, on a first identifier, wherein the first identifier equals to a first parameter if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier, and a (second) obtaining module configured to obtaining a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the pseudo-random sequence initialization value. In some embodiments, the radio network node <NUM> may comprise, or further comprise, a scrambling module configured to scramble a downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence, and a transmitting module configured to transmit the scrambled downlink message to a wireless device. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the radio network node <NUM> may comprise, or further comprise, a generating module configured to generate a downlink reference signal based at least in part on the obtained pseudo-random sequence, and a transmitting module configured to transmit the generated downlink reference signal to a wireless device.

It will be appreciated that the various modules <NUM> may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and transceiver(s) <NUM> of radio network node <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Some embodiments may also include additional modules <NUM> to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

Some embodiments of a wireless device <NUM> will now be described with respect to <FIG>. Even though the expression "wireless device" is used throughout the description, it is to be understood that the expression is used generically. In that sense, a wireless device (WD) generally refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with one or more network nodes (e.g., radio network nodes) and/or with one or more other wireless devices. Notably, different communication standards may use different terminology when referring to or describing wireless device. For instance, 3GPP uses the terms User Equipment (UE) and Mobile Terminal (MT). For its part, 3GPP2 uses the terms Access Terminal (AT) and Mobile Station (MS). And IEEE <NUM> (also known as WiFi™) uses the term station (STA). In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. Such a wireless device may be referred to as a Machine Type Communication (MTC) device or as a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) device.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device <NUM> according to some embodiments. Wireless device <NUM> includes one or more of a transceiver <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and memory <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transceiver <NUM> facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from radio network node <NUM> (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) <NUM>, receiver(s) (Rx) <NUM>, and antenna(s) <NUM>). The processor <NUM> executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by wireless device <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> stores the instructions to be executed by the processor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> form processing circuitry <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of wireless device <NUM>, such as the functions of wireless device <NUM> described above. In some embodiments, the processor <NUM> may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

The memory <NUM> is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processor of wireless device <NUM>.

Other embodiments of wireless device <NUM> may include additional components beyond those shown in <FIG> that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the wireless device functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solution(s) described above). As just one example, wireless device <NUM> may include input devices and circuits, output devices, and one or more synchronization units or circuits, which may be part of the processor. Input devices include mechanisms for entry of data into wireless device <NUM>. As an example, wireless device <NUM> may include additional hardware <NUM> such as input devices and output devices. Input devices include input mechanisms such as microphone, input elements, display, etc. Output devices include mechanisms for outputting data in audio, video and/or hard copy format. For example, output devices may include a speaker, a display, etc..

<FIG> is a block diagram of another exemplary wireless device <NUM> according to some embodiments. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the wireless device <NUM> may comprise a series of modules (or units) <NUM> configured to implement some or all of the functionalities of the wireless device <NUM> described above. More particularly, in some embodiments, the wireless device <NUM> may comprise a (first) obtaining module configured to obtain a pseudo-random sequence initialization value, the pseudo-random sequence initialization value being based, at least in part, on a first identifier, wherein the first identifier equals to a first parameter if the first parameter has been configured and if a second identifier corresponds to a wireless-device-specific identifier, a (second) obtaining module configured to obtain a pseudo-random sequence based, at least in part, on the pseudo-random sequence initialization value. In some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise, or further comprise, a receiving module configured to receive a scrambled downlink message from a radio network node, and an unscrambling module configured to unscramble the received scrambled downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the wireless device may comprise, or further comprise, a generating module configured to generate a reference signal based, at least in part, on the obtained pseudo-random sequence, a receiving module configured to receive a downlink reference signal from a radio network node, and an estimating module configured to estimate a downlink channel based on a comparison between the downlink reference signal received from the radio network node and the reference signal generated by the wireless device.

It will be appreciated that the various modules <NUM> may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and transceiver(s) <NUM> of wireless device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Some embodiments may also include additional modules <NUM> to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

Some embodiments may be represented as a non-transitory software product stored in a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer-readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium may be any suitable tangible medium including a magnetic, optical, or electrical storage medium including a diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) memory device (volatile or non-volatile), or similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium may contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to one or more of the described embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described embodiments may also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Software running from the machine-readable medium may interface with circuitry to perform the described tasks.

The present description may comprise one or more of the following abbreviations:.

Claim 1:
A method in a radio network node (<NUM>, 130A, 130B), the method comprising:
obtaining (S100) a pseudo-random sequence initialization value Cinit as follows: <MAT> where
-- nID ∈ {<NUM>,<NUM>,...,<NUM>) equals a higher-layer parameter Data-scrambling-Identity if configured and if the radio network temporary identifier, RNTI, equals a cell-RNTI, C-RNTI, or another User Equipment, UE, -specific RNTI,
-- <MAT> otherwise;
obtaining (S102) a pseudo-random sequence c(q)(i) based on the pseudo-random sequence initialization value cinit in that a scrambling sequence generator is initialized with the pseudo-random sequence initialization value cinit;
scrambling (S104) a downlink message with the obtained pseudo-random sequence c(q)(i) as follows:
- up to two codewords are transmittable, q ∈ {<NUM>,<NUM>}, wherein in case of single-codeword transmission, q = <NUM>, and
- for each codeword q, a User Equipment, UE, is enabled to assume block of bits <MAT>, where <MAT> is the number of bits in codeword q transmitted on a physical channel, are scrambled prior to modulation, resulting in a block of scrambled bits <MAT> according to <MAT> and
transmitting (S106) the scrambled downlink message to a wireless device (<NUM>, 110A, 110B).