Patent ID: 12212505

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some wireless communications systems (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE)/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system or a millimeter wave (mmW) system) may employ a fixed tone spacing for all spectrum bands supported by the system. For instance, in an LTE/LTE-A system, the tone spacing may be the reciprocal of the symbol duration and may be selected in order to avoid or mitigate blurring caused by the Doppler shift and to maintain orthogonality between tones.

As the center frequency of different spectrum bands increases, however, having a higher tone spacing may help mitigate phase noise experienced when communicating at higher frequencies. Accordingly, in some examples, a wireless communications system may support spectrum bands having different tone spacings. The tone spacing may be predetermined or based on each spectrum band. Additionally or alternatively, the tone spacing may be dictated by the type of signal to be communicated. For example, some control channels may be transmitted using a first tone spacing, while some reference signals may be transmitted using a second tone spacing different from the first tone spacing used for transmission of the control channels.

In some examples, a number of repetitions, a number of symbols, or a symbol duration associated with transmission of a signal may be determined based on the tone spacing. The number of repetitions may be used to determine how many times a signal is transmitted using resources allocated for transmission, while the number of symbols and the symbol duration may be used to determine the number of symbols and the length of each symbol that the signal transmission spans.

In some examples, the number of repetitions, number of symbols, or symbol duration may be indicated to a user equipment (UE) by a base station. For instance, the number of repetitions, number of symbols, or symbol duration may be transmitted to the UE using a radio resource control (RRC) channel or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In some instances, indication of the number of repetitions, number of symbols, or symbol duration may be transmitted to the UE using reserved bits of downlink control information (DCI) of a PDCCH.

Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communication system. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to numerology dependent signal transmission.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a wireless communications system100in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100includes base stations105, UEs115, and a core network130. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may be an LTE (or LTE-A) system. The wireless communications system100may support numerology dependent signal transmissions by varying tone spacing based on spectrum band or signal type, for instance. In some examples, the wireless communications system100may support communication using a number of repetitions, a number of symbols, or a symbol duration determined based on the tone spacing or signaling information of a control channel (e.g., a PDCCH or a radio resource control (RRC) channel).

Base stations105may wirelessly communicate with UEs115via one or more base station antennas. Each base station105may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area110. Communication links125shown in wireless communications system100may include uplink (UL) transmissions from a UE115to a base station105, or downlink (DL) transmissions, from a base station105to a UE115. UEs115may be dispersed throughout the wireless communications system100, and each UE115may be stationary or mobile. A UE115may also be referred to as a mobile station, a subscriber station, a remote unit, a wireless device, an access terminal (AT), a handset, a user agent, a client, or like terminology. A UE115may also be a cellular phone, a wireless modem, a handheld device, a personal computer, a tablet, a personal electronic device, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. In one aspect, a UE115may be a device that includes a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE115may be a device that does not include a UICC but nevertheless may have much of the same functionalities as a mobile station or mobile terminal.

Base stations105may communicate with the core network130and with one another. For example, base stations105may interface with the core network130through backhaul links132(e.g., S1, etc.). Base stations105may communicate with one another over backhaul links134(e.g., X2, etc.) either directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network130). Base stations105may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communication with UEs115, or may operate under the control of a base station controller (not shown). In some examples, base stations105may be macro cells, small cells, hot spots, or the like. Base stations105may also be referred to as eNodeBs (eNBs)105.

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, and OFDMA systems. A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations, each simultaneously supporting communication for one or more multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as a UE.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200for numerology dependent signal transmission. In some cases, wireless communications system200may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIG.1. The wireless communications system200may include a base station105-athat supports communication with multiple UEs115-aand115-bover a coverage area110-a.

As shown, base station105-asupports bi-directional communication with UE115-aover communication link125-a. Communication link125-amay be associated with a first spectrum band. In DL communication, for example, base station105-amay transmit a signal to UE115-ausing resources205(e.g., time, frequency). In some examples, resources205may represent a nominal symbol associated with communication link125-a. A nominal symbol may refer to a symbol duration associated with the first spectrum band. For example, in an LTE/LTE-A communications system, a nominal symbol may span a duration of 66.7 microseconds (μs) and may be associated with a tone spacing of 15 kilohertz (kHz). It should be understood that 66.7 μs and 15 kHz described herein are for purposes of example only and a nominal symbol may span other durations or may be associated with other tone spacings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some examples, in order to support communication with UE115-aover communication link125-a, a base station105-amay determine a number of repetitions for a signal to be transmitted using resources205. In this example, the number of repetitions for transmission may be determined to be four and the signal may be transmitted four times using resources205, as shown. Each transmission in this case would have a symbol duration that is one quarter of the duration associated with resources205.

Base station105-aalso supports communication with UE115-bover communication link125-b. Communication link125-bmay be associated with a second spectrum band different from the first spectrum band associated with communication link125-a. In DL communication, for example, base station105-amay transmit a signal to UE115-busing resources210. In this case, resources210may represent a nominal symbol associated with communication link125-b. In order to support communication with UE115-bover communication link125-b, the base station105-amay determine a number of symbols to be used for transmission based on resources210. In this example, the signal spans two nominal symbols. In some examples, tone spacing, symbol duration, or nominal symbol duration associated with resources210may be different from the tone spacing, symbol duration, or nominal symbol duration associated with resources205.

FIGS.3A and3Billustrate examples of sub-carriers301and302and corresponding spacings that support numerology dependent signal transmission. In some cases, sub-carriers301and302may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1and2. As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, tone spacing as well as nominal symbol duration may vary based on signal type or spectrum band.

InFIG.3A, Signal Type A may be associated with a tone spacing of 60 kHz and may include a control signal (e.g., a PDCCH, an RRC channel), a data signal, or an overhead signal (e.g., a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)). Signal Type B may be associated with a tone spacing of 240 kHz and may include a synchronization signal (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization (SSS)), an extended synchronization signal (ESS)), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a random access channel (RACH), a scheduling request channel, a beam reference signal (BRS), an extended PBCH, or a beam refinement reference signal (BRRS)).

Signal Type A may have a corresponding nominal symbol duration based on the tone spacing. For example, Signal Type A may have a nominal symbol duration of the reciprocal of the tone spacing which is 16.7 μs in this example. Signal Type B may have a corresponding nominal symbol duration based on the tone spacing, which also may be related to the reciprocal of the tone spacing resulting in a nominal symbol duration of 4.17 μs.

To support transmission of a Signal Type B using the sub-carriers301of Signal Type A, a fixed scaling factor may be used based on the tone spacing of Signal Type B. For example, as the tone spacing of Signal Type B is four times the tone spacing of Signal Type A, a Signal Type B may be transmitted four times within the nominal symbol duration of 16.7 μs associated with Signal Type A.

InFIG.3B, Spectrum Band A may be associated with a tone spacing of 120 kHz and associated with a first carrier frequency. Spectrum Band A may be used for communication of a control signal (e.g., a PDCCH, an RRC channel), a data signal, or an overhead signal (e.g., a CSI-RS).

Spectrum Band B may be associated with a tone spacing of 480 kHz and may be used for communication of a synchronization signal (e.g., a PSS, an SSS), a RACH, a scheduling request channel, a BRS, an extended PBCH, or a BRRS.

Spectrum Band A may have a corresponding nominal symbol duration based on the tone spacing. For example, Spectrum Band A may have a nominal symbol duration of the reciprocal of the tone spacing which is 8.34 μs in this example. Spectrum Band B may have a corresponding nominal symbol duration based on the tone spacing, which also may be related to the reciprocal of the tone spacing resulting in a nominal symbol duration of 2.08 μs.

To support transmission on a Spectrum Band B using the sub-carriers302of Spectrum Band A, a fixed scaling factor may be used based on the tone spacing of Spectrum Band B. For example, as the tone spacing of Spectrum Band B is four times the tone spacing of Spectrum Band A, a signal transmitted using Spectrum Band B may be transmitted four times within the nominal symbol duration of 8.34 μs associated with Spectrum Band A.

In some cases, however, the symbol duration associated with Spectrum Band B may be too short for a receiver (such as UE115) to successfully receive the signal and thus, a fixed scaling factor may be inadequate for such transmissions. To account for this, a number of repetitions, a number of symbols, and a symbol duration may be determined based on tone spacing, rather than using a fixed scaling factor for all signal types and for all supported spectrum bands.

It should be understood that the tone spacings and symbols durations described above with reference toFIGS.3A and3Bare for purposes of example only and other tone spacings or symbol durations may be considered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a frame structure400for numerology dependent signal transmission. In some cases, frame structure400may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,3A and3B. InFIG.4, a radio frame405spans 10 ms and includes 10 subframes (0through9) of 1 ms each. In this example, radio frame405may be associated with a carrier frequency and may span one or more tones having a given tone spacing. For example, the tone spacing may correspond to a particular spectrum band or wireless communication system such as an LTE/LTE-A or an mmW system. For example, the tone spacing may be identified as 288 kHz having a corresponding nominal symbol duration of 3.47 μs.

The radio frame405may include resources allocated for transmission of synchronization signals such as PSS/SSS410. For example, the radio frame405may allocate 125 μs for PSS/SSS410. The radio frame405may also include resources allocated for transmission of other signals415such as data or overhead signals. Also as shown, the radio frame405may include resources allocated for a PBCH420and a RACH425. For example, the PBCH may be allocated 125 μs and the RACH may be allocated 500 μs.

The repetition of PSS/SSS helps the UE to change its subarray during each transmission and find the best subarray after several repetitions. Based on the tone spacing of 288 kHz, a number of repetitions and a number of symbols for transmission of PSS/SSS410signals may be determined. For example, the combination of the PSS and the SSS may be associated with a scale factor of four due to the tone spacing associated with PSS and SSS signals. For example, the tone spacing associated with PSS and SSS signals may be four times greater than the tone spacing associated with radio frame405and each of the PSS and SSS may be determined to be a quarter of the nominal symbol duration (or 868 nanoseconds (ns)). A cyclic prefix (CP) associated with each transmission of the PSS and the SSS may also be included and based on the determined symbol duration for the PSS or the SSS (in this case, 108 ns). As the PSS/SSS410was allocated 125 μs, it may be determined that the PSS/SSS sequence is repeated 64 times based on the determined tone spacing of the radio frame405and the tone spacing associated with the PSS/SSS410.

Similarly, as the tone spacing of 288 kHz is associated with radio frame405, a number of repetitions and a number of symbols for transmission of PBCH signals may be determined. For example, the PBCH420may be associated with a scale factor of four based on the tone spacing associated with the PBCH420. For example, the tone spacing associated with the PBCH420may be two times greater than the tone spacing associated with radio frame405and it may be determined that the PBCH is to be transmitted over half of the nominal symbol duration (or 1.74 μs). A CP associated with each transmission of the PBCH may also be included and based on the determined symbol duration for the PBCH (in this case, 217 ns). As the PBCH420was allocated 125 μs, it may be determined that the PBCH sequence is repeated 64 times based on the determined tone spacing of the radio frame405and the tone spacing associated with the PBCH420.

Using the tone spacing of 288 kHz, a number of repetitions and a number of symbols for transmission of RACH signals may be determined. For example, the RACH425may be associated with a scale factor of one eighth based on the tone spacing associated with the RACH425. For example, the tone spacing associated with the RACH425may be eight times less than the tone spacing associated with radio frame405and it may be determined that the RACH425is to be transmitted over eight nominal symbol durations (or 27.78 μs). A CP associated with each transmission of the RACH425may also be included and based on the determined symbol duration for the RACH425(in this case, 3.47 μs). As the RACH425was allocated 500 μs, it may be determined that the RACH sequence is repeated 16 times based on the determined tone spacing of the radio frame405and the tone spacing associated with the RACH425.

It should be understood that the tone spacings and symbols durations described above with reference toFIG.4are for purposes of example only and other tone spacings or symbol durations may be considered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a process flow500for numerology dependent signal transmission. In some cases, process flow500may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,3A,3B, and4.

At505, base station105-bidentifies a tone spacing for transmission of a signal. To identify the tone spacing, the base station105-bmay identify a spectrum band associated with transmission of the signal at505-a. The base station105-bmay also determine a signal type associated with the signal at505-bin order to identify the tone spacing for transmission. Based on the identified tone spacing, the base station105-bmay determine a number of repetitions for transmission of the signal at510. The number of transmissions may relate to the number of times the signal is to be transmitted over resources allocated for transmission of the signal. The number of repetitions may be based on the determined signal type or the identified spectrum band, or may be based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH). Each of the number of repetitions may also be associated with a duration for transmission of each of the repetitions (i.e., a symbol duration). The duration of the transmission may span multiple nominal symbol durations associated with the identified spectrum band or the determined signal type.

At515, the base station105-btransmits the signal to UE115-cbased on the identified tone spacing and the determined number of repetitions. For example, the base station105-bmay transmit the signal multiple times to UE115-cover resources allocated for communication between the base station105-band the UE115-c. Optionally, at520, the base station105-bmay transmit a signal to the UE115-cindicating the number of repetitions, the identified tone spacing, or the determined signal type. For example, the base station105-bmay transmit an indication to the UE115-cusing an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some examples, the base station105-bmay reserve bits in downlink control information to be transmitted to the UE115-cusing the PDCCH.

At525, the UE115-cidentifies the tone spacing associated with reception of the signal. The tone spacing may be identified by identifying the spectrum band at525-aassociated with the signal. The tone spacing may also be identified based on determining a signal type associated with the signal at525-b. Using the identified tone spacing, the UE115-cmay determine a number of repetitions associated with reception of the signal at530. Based on the number of repetitions, the UE115-cmay then determine a receiver algorithm at525. The determined receiver algorithm may also be based on the identified tone spacing. The receiver algorithm may be used to determine how a receiver should receive the signal transmitted by the base station105-b.

At540, the UE115-creceives the signal transmitted by the base station and in some examples, the UE115-ccombines multiple repetitions at540-aof the transmitted signal based on the determined number of repetitions or the determined receiver algorithm, or a combination thereof.

WhileFIG.5illustrates a number of processes, it should be understood that not all of the steps in process flow500need to be performed or various steps may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than shown and described above.

FIG.6illustrates an example of a process flow600for numerology dependent signal transmission. In some cases, process flow600may represent aspects of techniques performed by a UE115or base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,3A,3B, and4.

At605, base station105-cidentifies a tone spacing for transmission of a signal. To identify the tone spacing, the base station105-cmay identify a spectrum band associated with transmission of the signal at605-a. The base station105-cmay also determine a signal type associated with the signal at605-bin order to identify the tone spacing for transmission. Based on the identified tone spacing, the base station105-cmay determine a number of symbols for transmission of the signal at610. The number of symbols may relate to the number of symbols used to transmit the signal over resources allocated for transmission of the signal. The number of symbols may be based on the determined signal type or the identified spectrum band, or may be based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH). Each of the number of symbols may also be associated with a duration for transmission of each of the symbols (i.e., a symbol duration). The duration of the transmission may span multiple nominal symbol durations associated with the identified spectrum band or the determined signal type.

At615, the base station105-ctransmits the signal to UE115-dbased on the identified tone spacing and the determined number of symbols. For example, the base station105-cmay transmit the signal over multiple symbols to UE115-dusing resources allocated for communication between the base station105-cand the UE115-d. Optionally, at620, the base station105-cmay transmit a signal to the UE115-dindicating the number of symbols, the identified tone spacing, or the determined signal type. For example, the base station105-cmay transmit an indication to the UE115-dusing an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some examples, the base station105-cmay reserve bits in downlink control information to be transmitted to the UE115-dusing the PDCCH.

At625, the UE115-didentifies the tone spacing associated with reception of the signal. The tone spacing may be identified by identifying the spectrum band at625-aassociated with the signal. The tone spacing may also be identified based on determining a signal type associated with the signal at625-b. Using the identified tone spacing, the UE115-dmay determine a number of symbols associated with reception of the signal at630. Based on the number of symbols, the UE115-dmay then determine a receiver algorithm at625. The determined receiver algorithm may also be based on the identified tone spacing. The receiver algorithm may be used to determine how a receiver should receive the signal transmitted by the base station105-c.

At640, the UE115-dreceives the signal transmitted by the base station and in some examples, the UE115-dcombines multiple symbols at640-aof the transmitted signal based on the determined number of repetitions or the determined receiver algorithm, or a combination thereof.

WhileFIG.6illustrates a number of processes, it should be understood that not all of the steps in process flow600need to be performed or various steps may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than shown and described above.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a wireless device705that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device705may be an example of aspects of a base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,5, and6. Wireless device705may include receiver710, base station signal transmission manager715, and transmitter720. Wireless device705may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver710may 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 numerology dependent signal transmission, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver710may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1040described with reference toFIG.10.

The base station signal transmission manager715may be an example of aspects of the base station signal transmission manager1015described with reference toFIG.10.

The base station signal transmission manager715may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings, determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), transmit the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing, determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for transmission of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, and transmit the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing.

The transmitter720may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter720may be collocated with a receiver705in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter720may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1040described with reference toFIG.10. The transmitter720may include a single antenna, or may include a set of antennas.

FIG.8shows a block diagram800of a wireless device805that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device805may be an example of aspects of a wireless device705or a base station105as described with reference toFIGS.1,2, and5-7. Wireless device805may include receiver810, base station signal transmission manager815, and transmitter820. Wireless device805may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver810may 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 numerology dependent signal transmission, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver810may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1040described with reference toFIG.10.

The base station signal transmission manager815may be an example of aspects of the base station signal transmission manager1015described with reference toFIG.10. The base station signal transmission manager815may also include tone spacing component825, signal repetition component830, subframe symbol component835, and signal transmitting component840.

The tone spacing component825may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings, identify a second tone spacing from the set of available tone spacings, and identify the tone spacing based on the determined signal type.

The signal repetition component830may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), determine a second number of repetitions of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), where the determined second number of repetitions is different from the determined first number of repetitions, and determine the first number of repetitions is based on a carrier frequency of a spectrum band.

The subframe symbol component835may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for transmission of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), determine a second number of symbols of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), and determine the number of symbols based on a carrier frequency associated with a spectrum band.

The signal transmitting component840may transmit the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing and transmit the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. In some cases, transmitting the first signal includes: transmitting an indication of the determined first number of repetitions using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some cases, transmitting the signal includes: transmitting an indication of the determined number of symbols using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some examples, the signal transmitting component840may perform any of the above transmissions in conjunction with transmitter820and in some cases, the signal transmitting component840may perform a portion of the above transmissions while the transmitter820performs other portion(s).

The transmitter820may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter820may be collocated with a receiver805in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter820may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1040described with reference toFIG.10. The transmitter820may include a single antenna, or may include a set of antennas.

FIG.9shows a block diagram900of a base station signal transmission manager915that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The base station signal transmission manager915may be an example of aspects of a base station signal transmission manager715, a base station signal transmission manager815, or a base station signal transmission manager1015described with reference toFIGS.7,8, and10. The base station signal transmission manager915may include tone spacing component925, spectrum band component930, signal type component935, signal repetition component940, subframe symbol component945, symbol duration component950, bit reservation component955, and signal transmitting component960. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The tone spacing component925may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings, identify a second tone spacing from the set of available tone spacings, and identify the tone spacing based on the determined signal type.

The spectrum band component930may identify a spectrum band for transmission of the first signal, where identifying the tone spacing is based on the identified spectrum band. The spectrum band component930may identify a second spectrum band for transmission of the second signal, where identifying the second tone spacing is based on the identified second spectrum band. The spectrum band component930may identify a spectrum band for transmission of the signal, where identifying the tone spacing is based on the identified spectrum band, and identify a second spectrum band for transmission of the second signal, where identifying the second tone spacing is based on the identified second spectrum band.

The signal type component935may determine a signal type. In some cases, identifying the tone spacing includes: determining a signal type associated with the signal. In some cases, the signal type associated with the signal includes one of a BRRS, a PSS, a SSS, a PBCH, a PDCCH, or a PUCCH.

The signal repetition component940may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, determine a second number of repetitions of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), where the determined second number of repetitions is different from the determined first number of repetitions, and determine the first number of repetitions based on a carrier frequency of a spectrum band.

The subframe symbol component945may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for transmission of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), identify a second tone spacing from the set of available tone spacings, determine a second number of symbols of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), and determine the number of symbols based on a carrier frequency associated with a spectrum band.

The symbol duration component950may determine a symbol duration for each of the number of symbols, where transmitting the signal is based on the symbol duration.

The bit reservation component955may be used to reserve bits. In some cases, transmitting the first number of repetitions using a PDCCH includes: reserving bits in downlink control information to convey the first number of repetitions. In some cases, transmitting the number of symbols using a PDCCH includes: reserving bits in downlink control information to convey the number of symbols.

The signal transmitting component960may transmit the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing and transmit the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. In some cases, transmitting the first signal includes: transmitting an indication of the determined first number of repetitions using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some cases, transmitting the signal includes: transmitting an indication of the determined number of symbols using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH.

FIG.10shows a diagram of a system1000including a device1005that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device1005may be an example of a wireless device700, wireless device800, or a base station105as described above, e.g., with reference toFIGS.1,2,5,6,7and8.

Device1005may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including base station signal transmission manager1015, processor1025, memory1030, software1035, transceiver1040, antenna1045, network communications manager1050, and base station communications manager1055.

The processor1025may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.)

The memory1030may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory1030may store computer-readable, computer-executable software1035including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1030may contain, among other things, a Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software1035may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support numerology dependent signal transmission. Software1035may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software1035may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

The transceiver1040may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1040may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1040may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the device1005may include a single antenna1045. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1045, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

The network communications manager1050may manage communications with the core network130-a(e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications module1050may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more UEs115-eand115-f.

The base station communications manager1055may manage communications with other base station105-dand105-e, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with UEs115-eand115-fin cooperation with other base stations105-dand105-e. For example, the base station communications manager1055may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to UEs115-eand115-ffor various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, base station communications manager1055may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between base stations105-dand105-e.

FIG.11shows a block diagram1100of a wireless device1105that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device1105may be an example of aspects of a UE115as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,5, and6. Wireless device1105may include receiver1110, UE signal transmission manager1115, and transmitter1120. Wireless device1105may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1110may 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 numerology dependent signal transmission, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver1110may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1440described with reference toFIG.14.

The UE signal transmission manager1115may be an example of aspects of the UE signal transmission manager1415described with reference toFIG.14.

The UE signal transmission manager1115may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings, determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), receive the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing, determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for reception of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), and receive the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing.

The transmitter1120may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter1120may be collocated with a receiver1105in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1120may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1440described with reference toFIG.14. The transmitter1120may include a single antenna, or may include a set of antennas.

FIG.12shows a block diagram1200of a wireless device1205that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device1205may be an example of aspects of a wireless device1105or a UE115as described with reference toFIGS.1,2,5,6, and11. Wireless device1205may include receiver1210, UE signal transmission manager1215, and transmitter1220. Wireless device1205may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The receiver1210may 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 numerology dependent signal transmission, etc.). Information may be passed on to other components of the device. The receiver1210may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1440described with reference toFIG.14.

The UE signal transmission manager1215may be an example of aspects of the UE signal transmission manager1415described with reference toFIG.14.

The UE signal transmission manager1215may also include tone spacing component1225, signal repetition component1230, subframe symbol component1235, and signal receiving component1240.

The tone spacing component1225may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings and identify a second tone spacing from the set of available tone spacings.

The signal repetition component1230may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), determine a second number of repetitions of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), where the determined second number of repetitions is different from the determined first number of repetitions, and determine the first number of repetitions of the first signal is based on a carrier frequency associated with a spectrum band. In some cases, the first signal includes one of a BRRS, a PSS, an SSS, an ESS, a PBCH, a BRS, a PDCCH, or a PUCCH.

The subframe symbol component1235may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for reception of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), determine a second number of symbols of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), identifying a second spectrum band for reception of the second signal, where identifying the second tone spacing is based on the identified second spectrum band, and determine the number of symbols is based on a carrier frequency associated with the spectrum band.

The signal receiving component1240may receive the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing and receive the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. In some cases, receiving the first signal includes: combining multiple repetitions of the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions. In some cases, determining the first number of repetitions of the first signal includes: receiving an indication of the first number of repetitions using at least one of a radio resource control channel or a physical downlink control channel. In some cases, receiving the signal includes: combining multiple symbols of the subframe based on the determined number of symbols. In some cases, determining the number of symbols includes: receiving an indication of the number of symbols using at least one of a radio resource control channel or a physical downlink control channel.

In some examples, the signal receiving component1240may perform any of the above receptions in conjunction with receiver1210and in some cases, the signal receiving component1240may perform a portion of the above receptions while the receiver1210performs other portion(s).

The transmitter1220may transmit signals generated by other components of the device. In some examples, the transmitter1220may be collocated with a receiver1205in a transceiver module. For example, the transmitter1220may be an example of aspects of the transceiver1440described with reference toFIG.14. The transmitter1220may include a single antenna, or may include a set of antennas.

FIG.13shows a block diagram1300of a UE signal transmission manager1315that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE signal transmission manager1315may be an example of aspects of a UE signal transmission manager1115, a UE signal transmission manager1215, or a UE signal transmission manager1415described with reference toFIGS.11,12, and14. The UE signal transmission manager1315may include tone spacing component1325, signal repetition component1330, signal receiving component1335, and subframe symbol component1355. Each of these modules may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The tone spacing component1325may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings and identify a second tone spacing from the set of available tone spacings.

The spectrum band component1330may identify a spectrum band for reception of the signal, where identifying the tone spacing is based on the identified spectrum band.

The signal type component1335may determine signal type. In some cases, the signal type includes one of a BRRS, a PSS, an SSS, a PBCH, a PDCCH, or a PUCCH.

The signal repetition component1340may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH). The signal repetition component1340may determine a second number of repetitions of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), where the determined second number of repetitions is different from the determined first number of repetitions. The signal repetition component1340may determine the first number of repetitions of the first signal is based on a carrier frequency associated with a spectrum band. In some cases, the first signal includes one of a BRRS, a PSS, an SSS, a PBCH, a PDCCH, or a PUCCH.

The subframe symbol component1345may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for reception of a signal based on the identified tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), determine a second number of symbols of a second signal based on the determined second tone spacing, or based on signaling information of a control channel (RRC, PDCCH, PUCCH), identifying a second spectrum band for reception of the second signal, where identifying the second tone spacing is based on the identified second spectrum band, and determine the number of symbols is based on a carrier frequency associated with the spectrum band.

The symbol duration component1350may determine a symbol duration for each of the number of symbols, where receiving the signal is based on the determined symbol duration.

The bit reservation component1355may obtain one or more reserved bits. In some cases, receiving the first number of repetitions using a PDCCH includes: obtaining reserved bits in downlink control information that convey the first number of repetitions. In some cases, receiving the number of symbols using a PDCCH includes: obtaining reserved bits in downlink control information that convey the number of symbols.

The algorithm component1360may determine a receiver algorithm to receive signal based on the determined tone spacing.

The signal receiving component1365may receive the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing and receive the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. In some cases, receiving the first signal includes: combining multiple repetitions of the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions. In some cases, determining the first number of repetitions of the first signal includes: receiving an indication of the first number of repetitions using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH. In some cases, receiving the signal includes: combining multiple symbols of the subframe based on the determined number of symbols. In some cases, determining the number of symbols includes: receiving an indication of the number of symbols using at least one of an RRC channel or a PDCCH.

In some examples, the signal receiving component1365may perform any of the above receptions in conjunction with a receiver such as receiver1210inFIG.12.

FIG.14shows a diagram of a system1400including a device1405that supports numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device1405may be an example of a wireless device1100, wireless device1200, or a UE115as described above, e.g., with reference toFIGS.1,2,5,6,11and12.

Device1405may include components for bi-directional voice and data communications including components for transmitting and receiving communications, including UE signal transmission manager1415, processor1425, memory1430, software1435, transceiver1440, antenna1445, and additional module1450.

The processor1425may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc.)

The memory1430may include RAM and ROM. The memory1430may store computer-readable, computer-executable software1435including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory1430may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

Software1435may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support numerology dependent signal transmission. Software1435may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software1435may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

The transceiver1440may communicate bi-directionally, via one or more antennas, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver1440may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bi-directionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver1440may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the wireless device may include a single antenna1445. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna1445, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions.

FIG.15shows a flowchart illustrating a method1500for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1500may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1500may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block1505, the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block1505may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1505may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1510, the base station105may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1510may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1510may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1515, the base station105may transmit the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1515may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1515may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

FIG.16shows a flowchart illustrating a method1600for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1600may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1600may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block1605, the base station105may identify a spectrum band for transmission of the first signal, where identifying the tone spacing is based on the identified spectrum band. The operations of block1605may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1605may be performed by a spectrum band component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1610, the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block1610may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1610may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1615, the base station105may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1615may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1615may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1620, the base station105may transmit the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1620may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1620may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

FIG.17shows a flowchart illustrating a method1700for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1700may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1700may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block1705, the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block1705may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1705may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1710, the base station105may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for transmission of a signal based on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1710may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1710may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1715, the base station105may transmit the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1715may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1715may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

FIG.18shows a flowchart illustrating a method1800for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1800may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1800may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block1805, the base station105may identify a spectrum band for transmission of the signal, where identifying the tone spacing is based on the identified spectrum band. The operations of block1805may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1805may be performed by a spectrum band component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1810, the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block1810may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1810may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1815, the base station105may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for transmission of a signal based on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1815may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1815may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIG.9.

At block1820, the base station105may transmit the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1820may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1820may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

FIG.19shows a flowchart illustrating a method1900for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method1900may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method1900may be performed by a UE signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through13. In some examples, a UE115may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block1905, the UE115may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block1905may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1905may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

At block1910, the UE115may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block1910may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1910may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

At block1915, the UE115may receive the first signal based on the determined first number of repetitions and/or the identified tone spacing. In some examples, the UE115may combine the received signal according to the first number of repetitions. The UE115may combine the signal coherently or non-coherently according to signal type. The operations of block1915may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block1915may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

FIG.20shows a flowchart illustrating a method2000for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2000may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2000may be performed by a UE signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through13. In some examples, a UE115may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2005, the UE115may identify a tone spacing from a set of available tone spacings. The operations of block2005may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block2005may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

At block2010, the UE115may determine a number of symbols to be used in a subframe for reception of a signal based on the identified tone spacing. The UE115may combine the received signal according to the determined number of symbols. In some examples, the UE115may combine the signal coherently or non-coherently according to signal type. The operations of block2010may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block2010may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

At block2015, the UE115may receive the signal based on the determined number of symbols and the identified tone spacing. The operations of block2015may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, the operations of block2015may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

FIG.21shows a flowchart illustrating a method2100for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2100may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2100may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2105the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a plurality of available tone spacings. The operations of block2105may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2105may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2110the base station105may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based at least in part on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block2110may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2110may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2115the base station105may identify signaling information indicating the determined first number of repetitions. The operations of block2115may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2115may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2120the base station105may transmit the signaling information via a control channel. The operations of block2120may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2120may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2125the base station105may transmit the first signal based at least in part on the determined first number of repetitions. The operations of block2125may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2125may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

FIG.22shows a flowchart illustrating a method2200for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2200may be implemented by a base station105or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2200may be performed by a base station signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.7through9. In some examples, a base station105may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the base station105may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2205the base station105may identify a tone spacing from a plurality of available tone spacings. The operations of block2205may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2205may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2210the base station105may determine a number of symbols to be used in a time duration for transmission of a signal based at least in part on the identified tone spacing. The operations of block2210may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2210may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2215the base station105may identify signaling information indicating the determined number of symbols. The operations of block2215may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2215may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2220the base station105may transmit the signaling information via a control channel. The operations of block2220may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2220may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

At block2225the base station105may transmit the signal based at least in part on the determined number of symbols. The operations of block2225may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2225may be performed by a signal transmitting component as described with reference toFIGS.7through9.

FIG.23shows a flowchart illustrating a method2300for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2300may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2300may be performed by a UE signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through13. In some examples, a UE115may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2305the UE115may identify a tone spacing from a plurality of available tone spacings. The operations of block2305may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2305may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2310the UE115may receive signaling information via a control channel. The operations of block2310may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2310may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2315the UE115may determine a first number of repetitions of a first signal based at least in part on the identified tone spacing, or the received signaling information, or a combination thereof. The operations of block2315may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2315may be performed by a signal repetition component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2320the UE115may receive the first signal based at least in part on the determined first number of repetitions. The operations of block2320may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2320may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

FIG.24shows a flowchart illustrating a method2400for numerology dependent signal transmission in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method2400may be implemented by a UE115or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method2400may be performed by a UE signal transmission manager as described with reference toFIGS.11through13. In some examples, a UE115may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the UE115may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block2405the UE115may identify a tone spacing from a plurality of available tone spacings. The operations of block2405may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2405may be performed by a tone spacing component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2410the UE115may receive signaling information via a control channel. The operations of block2410may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2410may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2415the UE115may determine a number of symbols to be used in a time duration for reception of a signal based at least in part on the identified tone spacing, or the received signaling information, or a combination thereof. The operations of block2415may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2415may be performed by a subframe symbol component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

At block2420the UE115may receive the signal based at least in part on the determined number of symbols. The operations of block2420may be performed according to the methods described with reference toFIGS.2through6. In certain examples, aspects of the operations of block2420may be performed by a signal receiving component as described with reference toFIGS.11through13.

It should be noted that the methods described above describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. 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-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases may be commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×, 1×, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×EV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications system (UMTS). 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are new releases of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) are described in documents from the organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as other systems and radio technologies. While aspects an LTE system may be described for purposes of example, and LTE terminology may be used in much of the description, the techniques described herein are applicable beyond LTE applications.

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 network in which different types of evolved node B (eNBs) provide coverage for various geographical regions. For example, each eNB or base station may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a small cell, or other types of cell. The term “cell” is a 3GPP term that 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), 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, relay base stations, and the like. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas for different technologies.

A macro cell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A small cell is a lower-powered base station, as compared with a macro cell, that may operate in the same or different (e.g., licensed, unlicensed, etc.) frequency bands as macro cells. Small cells may include pico cells, femto cells, and micro cells according to various examples. A pico cell, for example, may cover a small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with the network provider. A femto cell may also cover a small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may provide restricted access by UEs having an association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in the home, and the like). An eNB for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro eNB. An eNB for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell eNB, a pico eNB, a femto eNB, or a home eNB. An eNB may support one or multiple (e.g., two, three, four, and the like) cells (e.g., component carriers). A UE may be able to communicate with various types of base stations and network equipment including macro eNBs, small cell eNBs, relay base stations, and the like.

The wireless communications system or systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.

The downlink transmissions described herein may also be called forward link transmissions while the uplink transmissions may also be called reverse link transmissions. Each communication link described herein—including, for example, wireless communications system100and200ofFIGS.1and2—may include one or more carriers, where each carrier may be a signal made up of multiple sub-carriers (e.g., waveform signals of different frequencies).

The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

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

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

The functions described herein 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 may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. 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).

Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. 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 may be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.