WO2024258411A1 - Fft processing with configurable profile for different frequency portions - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determine a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmit a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

Description

FFT Processing With Configurable Profile For Different Frequency Portions

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The examples and non-limiting example embodiments relate generally to communications and, more particularly, to FFT processing with a configurable profile for different frequency portions.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use timing and frequency resources for communication in a communication network.

SUMMARY

[0003] In accordance with an aspect, an apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determine a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmit a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0004] In accordance with an aspect, an apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receive a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determine, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operate based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which the example embodiments may be practiced.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows different options for 6G parameters.

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a distributed MIMO scenario.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows an example of multiple processing profiles.

[0010] FIG. 5 is an example apparatus configured to implement the examples described herein.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a representation of an example of non-volatile memory media used to store instructions that implement the examples described herein.

[0012] FIG. 7 is an example method, based on the examples described herein.

[0013] FIG. 8 is an example method, based on the examples described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Turning to FIG. 1, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and nonlimiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, radio access network (RAN) node 170, and network element(s) 190 are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 1, the user equipment (UE) 1 10 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and/or 140- 2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 140 may be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 may be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0015] The RAN node 170 in this example is a base station that provides access for wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The RAN node 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface (such as connection 131) to a 5GC (such as, for example, the network element(s) 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface (such as connection 131) to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU 195 may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU 196 is a logical node hosting radio resource control (RRC), SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that control the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU 196 terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU 195. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the RAN node 170 and centralized elements of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB- DU 195. The gNB-DU 195 is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU 196. One gNB-CU 196 supports one or multiple cells. One cell may be supported with one gNB-DU 195, or one cell may be supported/shared with multiple DUs under RAN sharing. The gNB-DU 195 terminates the Fl interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU 196. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (long term evolution), a 6G radio access network node, or any other suitable base station or node.

[0016] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, one or more memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory/memories and processor(s), and/or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0017] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The module 150 may be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 may be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0018] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards such as 6G. [0019] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the RAN node 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH/DU 195, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU 196) of the RAN node 170 to the RRH/DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0020] A RAN node / gNB can comprise one or more TRPs to which the methods described herein may be applied. FIG. 1 shows that the RAN node 170 comprises two TRPs, TRP 51 and TRP 52. The RAN node 170 may host or comprise other TRPs not shown in FIG. 1 .

[0021] A relay node in NR can be called an integrated access and backhaul node. A mobile termination part of the IAB node facilitates the backhaul (parent link) connection. In other words, the mobile termination part comprises the functionality which carries UE functionalities. The distributed unit part of the IAB node facilitates the so called access link (child link) connections (i.e. for access link UEs, and backhaul for other IAB nodes, in the case of multi-hop IAB). In other words, the distributed unit part is responsible for certain base station functionalities. The IAB scenario may follow the so called split architecture, where the central unit hosts the higher layer protocols to the UE and terminates the control plane and user plane interfaces to the 5G core network or 6G core network.

[0022] It is noted that the description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell may perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0023] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality, and which provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include location management functions (LMF(s)) and/or access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(S)) and/or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and/or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (mobility management entity)/SGW (serving gateway) functionality. Such core network functionality may include SON (self- organizing/optimizing network) functionality. These are merely example functions that may be supported by the network element(s) 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. Computer program code 173 may include SON and/or MRO functionality 172.

[0024] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, or a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0025] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, non-transitory memory, transitory memory, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as nonlimiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, RAN node 170, network element(s) 190, and other functions as described herein.

[0026] In general, the various example embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices having wireless communication capabilities, internet appliances including those permitting wireless internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, head mounted displays such as those that implement virtual/augmented/mixed reality, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions. The UE 110 can also be a vehicle such as a car, or a UE mounted in a vehicle, a UAV such as e.g. a drone, or a UE mounted in a UAV. The user equipment 110 may be terminal device, such as mobile phone, mobile device, sensor device etc., the terminal device being a device used by the user or not used by the user.

[0027] UE 110, RAN node 170, and/or network element(s) 190, (and associated memories, computer program code and modules) may be configured to implement (e.g. in part) the methods described herein, including FFT processing with a configurable profile for different frequency portions. Thus, computer program code 123, module 140-1, module 140-2, and other elements/features shown in FIG. 1 of UE 110 may implement user equipment related aspects of the examples described herein. Similarly, computer program code 153, module 150-1, module 150-2, and other elements/features shown in FIG. 1 of RAN node 170 may implement gNB/TRP related aspects of the examples described herein. Computer program code 173 and other elements/features shown in FIG. 1 of network element(s) 190 may be configured to implement network element related aspects of the examples described herein.

[0028] Having thus introduced a suitable but non-limiting technical context for the practice of the example embodiments, the example embodiments are now described with greater specificity. [0029] The examples described herein relate to 6G, and more specifically to numerology.

It is assumed that OFDM is to be the mainstream waveform also in 6G.

[0030] Current UE operation (including UE energy saving) assumes that the baseband processing is switched on and off with the granularity of the channel bandwidth (a.k.a. carrier). This is the case also with 5G bandwidth parts which can be configured to cover only as subset of the channel bandwidth. FFT processing is a big part of the total UE baseband processing burden. In 6G, maximum channel bandwidth (CBW) is to increase from 100 MHz to -400 MHz (when considering frequency bands below FR2). The drawback is that the needed FFT/IFFT sizes increase as well. The so called bandwidth part (BWP) concept does not help, since when the DL BWP is narrowed down, the FFT processing is expected to continue according to the CBW.

[0031] To solve this problem of the existing mechanism when moving to larger CBWs of 6G, described herein is a method such that a frequency domain resource is split into N frequency domain regions and the N frequency domain regions can be configured with the same or different processing profile (profile A, profile B). N is a positive number (e.g. 4). The frequency domain resource can be a contiguous portion of a spectrum or frequency band that a radio access network can use for transmission. The frequency domain resource may be expressed e.g., in terms of number of resource blocks with certain subcarrier spacing, and a location in frequency.

[0032] In one example scenario, the FFT processing profile is expected to continue only for those frequency domain regions having processing profile A (allowing the UE (e.g. UE 110) to save power more efficiently/dynamically than according to existing methods).

[0033] Signaling: The processing profile per frequency domain region may be configured with RRC. In an embodiment, the UE may be configured with multiple profiles for the same frequency domain region and the used processing profile may be indicated to the UE with a MAC CE or DCI.

[0034] It is possible to implement adaptive scalable FFT based on some parameters, for example, frequency point interval, SCS or symbol duration etc. and FFT decomposition. Use of multiple or different FFT timings and “small FFTs” used to achieve “big FFT” is also possible to implement. However, using FFT decomposition in a dynamic manner and configuring N frequency domain regions with different processing profiles to turn FFT processing per frequency domain region on and off is the basis and overall framework of the examples described herein.

[0035] In the solution described herein, when a BWP is changed, the processing profile for the relevant frequency range is selected according to the current BWP settings, such as numerology and timing. For frequency ranges that do not overlap with any active BWP, a default processing profile is used (e.g., no FFT processing with power saving mode off). This approach allows for efficient signaling and power management across different frequency domains.

[0036] In an embodiment, frequency domain regions with different FFT timings may follow independent timing advance controls.

[0037] The solution allows for better power saving for UEs by using FFT decomposition in a smart way, which is important because FFT processing requires a lot of power, and the solution also handles D-MIMO with different timings for receiving signals, without adding too much extra processing burden.

[0038] The method described herein includes: dividing a frequency domain resource into N frequency domain regions (N is a positive number, for example N=4), determining the size of frequency domain regions according to configuration and/or configuration parameters, determining the frequency domain location for the N frequency domain regions, configuring the N frequency domain regions with the same or different processing profile, and operating the UE (e.g. UE 110) according to configured profiles in the N frequency domain regions.

[0039] The maximum channel bandwidth (CBW) supported by fifth-generation new radio (5G-NR) in frequency-range 1 (FR1) is 100 MHz.

[0040] Inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) of size 4096 is needed for generating OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM waveforms for a 100 MHz CBW with 30 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS). The maximum number of RBs per carrier is 275 (in RANI specs). This would require an FFT size of 3300 (=12*275). However, due to implementation constraints the maximum FFT utilization should not be larger than -80% (3300/4096=0.806). Hence, an FFT size of 4096 is a good option for the considered scenario with up to 275 RBs.

[0041] In sixth-generation (6G) developments, wider CB Ws are expected to be defined also for frequency bands between 7 and 15 GHz. We assume that the maximum CBW is expected to increase from 100 MHz (FR1) to 400 MHz (or even 500 MHz). The drawback is that the needed FFT and IFFT sizes increase as well. For example, up to 400 MHz CBW may be considered, which would require a 16384 FFT/IFFT size for 30 kHz SCS and a 8192 FFT/IFFT size for 60 kHz SCS. An OFDM receiver has typically FFT (time to frequency), an OFDM transmitter has typically IFFT (frequency to time), and a DFT-s-OFDM transmitter and receiver have typically both FFT (time to frequency) and IFFT (frequency to time).

[0042] FIG. 2 shows different exemplary options for 6G parameters. In option 0, subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, the maximum FFT size is 8192, and the maximum channel bandwidth (BW) is 200 MHz. In option 1, subcarrier spacing is 30 kHz, the maximum FFT size is 16384, and the maximum channel bandwidth is 400 MHz. In option 2, subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, the maximum FFT size is 8192, and the maximum channel bandwidth is 400 MHz. FIG. 2 should not be seen as a comprehensive list of different options available for 6G. The examples described herein are also applicable to those scenarios not listed in FIG. 2.

[0043] In considered scenarios for 6G “frequency range 3” (7GHz - 24.24 GHz), due to a need for dynamic spectrum sharing with 5G (in FR1), 30 kHz SCS may be preferred (especially for FR1). In order to maximize the similarity between FR1 and FR3, 30 kHz SCS may be preferred also for FR3. Scenarios may involve “big FFT”, either 8k or 16k.

[0044] Current UE operation (including UE energy saving) assumes that the baseband processing is switched on and off with the granularity of the channel bandwidth (a.k.a. carrier).

[0045] On top of that, the so called bandwidth part (BWP) concept has been defined. However, when the DL BWP is narrowed down (e.g. from 260 RBs down to 50 RBs), the FFT processing is expected to continue according to a channel bandwidth of 275 RBs, i.e., maximum transmission bandwidth (i.e. according to 4k FFT).

[0046] That reduces opportunities for further improved UE power saving. This is emphasized by the fact that FFT processing is a big part of the total UE baseband processing burden.

[0047] The goal is to support a scenario where when BWP changes, the UE could switch off the corresponding amount of IFFT blocks which becomes even more important when the supported bandwidths increase. The problem in short is: how to make it happen?

[0048] D-MIMO problem: CP length limits the size of the collaboration area in a distributed MIMO scenario where the UE may have multiple RX timings. In other words, all the received signals in the collaboration area need to stay within the CP at the UE receiver.

[0049] FIG. 3 depicts a distributed MIMO scenario. RAN node 170-1 serves UE 110-1, UE 110-2, and UE 110-3 and provides for UE 110-1, UE 110-2, and UE 110-3 access to the core network including one or more network elements 190. RAN node 170-2 serves UE 110-2, UE 110-3, and UE 110-4 and provides for UE 110-2, UE 110-3, and UE 110-4 access to the core network including one or more network elements 190. RAN node 170-3 serves UE 110- 4, UE 110-5, and UE 110-6 and provides for UE 1 10-4, UE 110-5, and UE 110-6 access to the core network including one or more network elements 190. Thus, each of UE 110-2, UE 110-3, and UE 110-4 are served by more than one RAN node and in this case two RAN nodes, transmit uplink signals to more than one RAN node and in this case two RAN nodes, and have multiple Rx timings for downlink signals received from the more than one RAN node.

[0050] Multiple FFT timings may not be needed if multiple DL signals received from different base stations are received substantially at the same time (i.e. within a cyclic prefix length). However, this assumption limits the size of the collaboration area for D-MIMO. Hence it makes sense to support also multiple FFT timings.

[0051] Decomposed FFT processing in general may be implemented, but decomposed FFT processing does not relate to how to control or adjust the decomposed processing for improved system operation.

[0052] The examples described herein provide support for adaptive FFT processing.

[0053] The starting assumption is that UE supports FFT processing of received or transmitted signal for up to K frequency bins: K can be e.g. 6600 (=2*12*275) or 13200 (=4* 12*275). In general: K=L * num SCJPRB * numJPRB, where L is the number of nominal carriers we would like to combine in a single FFT processing (in the example above for a total bandwidth of 400MHz, for 30kHz SCS £=4 and for 60kHz SCS Z=2 would be needed), num_SC_PRB is the number of subcarriers in a physical resource block (PRB), and num PRB is the number of PRBs of a nominal channel bandwidth (e.g. 275 in the examples above) of a nominal carrier. K may cover one or more component carriers. This corresponds to a total FFT size of 8192 or 16384 when again assuming a maximum FFT utilization of3300/4096 = 80.6% as in 5G NR. Parameter K can be determined based on specification. Parameter K may also be UE capability. Alternatively or additionally, the parameter L could be a UE capability or determined based on specification. Alternatively, specification or capability could define directly numJPRB.

[0054] Another starting assumption is that UE supports decomposed FFT processing configured by parameter M, where parameter M equals frequency domain granularity. M is the number of “small FFTs” used to achieve a “big FFT”. Each “small FFT” or component FFT supports FFT processing of an Rx/Tx signal up to k frequency bins, e.g., K = M * k. k may be a parameter defined by the specifications (it could be e.g. -80% of the size of “small FFT”). Parameter M can be UE capability. M may be applicable only for specific FFT sizes, e.g. above 1024. The size of “small FFT” may be determined by specification (it can be e.g. 4096 or other power of two number). Alternatively, it can be determined by UE capability reporting.

[0055] In the herein described solution, the UE (e.g. UE 110) is configured with parameter N<M for a serving cell.

[0056] A frequency domain resource (e.g. channel bandwidth or aggregated bandwidth in CA) is split into N frequency domain regions. In a preferred embodiment, the N frequency domain regions are non-overlapping in frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the N frequency domain regions are approximately of the same size.

[0057] Regarding the size of frequency domain region, there is Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3:

[0058] Option 1 is where the size is determined according to K and N. The size is K/N subcarriers (K/(N*12) RBs). In an example, K=13200 (=3300*4), N=4, and the size would be 3300 (=275 RBs).

[0059] Option 2 is where the size is determined according to Channel BW and N. The Channel BW = X RBs (configured via higher layer signaling) can be equal to or smaller than the channel BW of whole cell that the base station (e.g. RAN node 170) is transmitting. The size of the frequency domain region is 12X/N subcarriers but at most k subcarriers (size of “small FFT”). In an example, X=520 RBs, N=4, and size would be 12*520/4 = 1560 subcarriers (=130 RBs).

[0060] Option 3 is where the size for a frequency domain region is configured by the gNB (e.g. RAN node 170). In an embodiment, the size is configured separately for each frequency domain region and is configured either in number of subcarriers or RBs.

[0061] The herein described method includes determining a frequency domain location for N frequency domain regions. The non-overlapping frequency domain regions can be aligned with a common RB grid and channel bandwidth, starting from CRB=0, or the CRB0 of the lowest cell in frequency in the case of multiple carriers. Alternatively, the starting position for each frequency domain region is separately configured, which may be used for example when at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping.

[0062] The N frequency domain regions can be configured with the same or different processing profile. Different profiles involve one or more of the following (1-4):

[0063] 1 . Different FFT timing.

[0064] 2. Different power saving profile (on/off). For instance, a frequency domain region in which the synchronization signal blocks are transmitted or any other signal used by the UE for the time and frequency synchronization tracking may be considered implicitly active in the definition of the power saving profile, such that the power saving mode is ‘off .

[0065] 3. Different I independent BWP (with the same or different numerology etc.)

[0066] 4. Different grouping to “big FFT” (i.e. which frequency domain regions are part of the same “big FFT”). For example, frequency domain regions with different FFT timing or numerology are used to form different “big FFTs”. In one embodiment, adjacent frequency domain regions configured with the same processing profile are part of the same “big FFT” processing. Alternatively, adjacent frequency domain regions configured with the same FFT timing and numerology are part of the same “big FFT” processing. Grouping to “big FFT” may determine also the maximum size for DFT (in the case of DFT-s-OFDM).

[0067] In the preferred embodiment the UE would be operating according to one of the following configurations (1-2):

[0068] 1. The same processing profile for all frequency domain regions (legacy). [0069] 2. Two (or more) processing profiles are defined for the UE. Each processing profile is applicable for one or more adjacent frequency domain regions. FIG. 4 shows two examples (both examples assume M=N=4 (the same functionality can be achieved with N=2), and two processing profiles - Profile A and Profile B). In this example, frequency domain resources are determined according to Option 2: X=1092 RBs. Size=12* 1092/4=3276 (=273 RBs).

[0070] In the power saving example (200), there are four frequency domain regions (202, 204, 206, 208), and in the distributed MIMO example (250), there are four frequency domain regions (252, 254, 256, 258).

[0071] a) UE power saving (200): 16k FFT corresponds to legacy operation (210), b. 8k FFT (220) corresponds to the case where the first (202) and the second (204) frequency domain regions are active (on) according to Profile A while the third (206) and the fourth (208) frequency domain regions are in power saving mode (off) according to Profile B. Similar power saving may be applied at the BS side to improve network energy saving.

[0072] b) Distributed MIMO (250): a. 16k FFT (260) corresponds to legacy operation, which corresponds to single timing for the whole frequency band, b. 8k FFT (270) corresponds to the case where the first (252) and the second (254) frequency domain region are configured to operate according to timing A (based on Profile A), while the third (256) and the fourth (258) frequency domain region are configured to operate according to timing B (based on Profile B). Timing A/B correspond to rx timing in the case of DL scenario, and tx timing in the case of UL scenario, respectively.

[0073] Signaling: The used processing profile can be signaled to UE 110 in various ways. The processing profile may be configured with RRC. UE 110 may be configured with multiple profiles and the used or active processing profile may be indicated with a MAC control element or downlink control information.

[0074] In case the BWP is the basis for determining the frequency domain regions, one or more frequency domain regions may be configured or associated to the BWP (association may simply be that the configured BWP overlaps at least partially in frequency with the frequency domain region). When BWP is switched, the processing profile for the associated frequency domain region is determined based on the active BWP parameters (like numerology and/or timing). With this kind of signaling, frequency domain regions that are not overlapping with any active BWP use a configured default processing profile (e.g. active, i.e. power saving mode OFF).

[0075] FFT timing: UE 110 may determine the timing based on a reference signal that is associated to the frequency domain region. Additionally, frequency domain regions with different FFT timing may follow independent timing advance controls (comprising at least DL reference signal time tracking and timing advance control adjustments).

[0076] Advantages and technical effects of the examples described herein include further improved UE power saving by enabling use of FFT decomposition in a dynamic manner. This is emphasized by the fact that FFT processing is a big part of the total UE baseband processing burden. The solution also facilitates opportunities for further improved network energy saving, such as providing opportunities for switching a portion of the FFT processing on or off in the network side. The herein described solution provides flexible support for D- MIMO with RX timing differences exceeding CP length, with minor or moderate (depending on M) increases in FFT processing burden.

[0077] The examples described herein related to decomposed FFT processing may be adopted for UE functionality in 6G, and/or for one or more standards.

[0078] It is expected that OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) will continue to be the dominant waveform in 6G networks, with wider CBWs (channel bandwidths) and some improvements to support various services. However, it is not guaranteed that OFDM will be the only or the best waveform for all 6G use cases and scenarios. The evolution of 6G technology may bring new waveforms or modifications to existing ones to better suit specific requirements and challenges. The herein described solution applies to any waveforms involving frequency domain processing at the transmitter, receiver or both. For example, DFT-s-OFDM is an example of such frequency domain processing.

[0079] If OFDM does become the primary waveform in 6G, it is likely to face several challenges with the increase in channel bandwidths (CBWs), particularly in accommodating different use cases and scenarios. These challenges may include issues related to interference, synchronization, and power efficiency, as well as limitations in the number of subcarriers that can be used for high-speed data transmission.

[0080] The examples described herein address one of the potential challenges that may arise if OFDM (or similar waveform involving frequency domain processing) becomes the dominant or primary waveform in 6G, by providing a solution for improving energy savings and supporting D-MIMO more flexibly.

[0081] Thus, the herein described examples enable FFT decomposition in a dynamic manner for UE power saving and provide flexible support for D-MIMO, for example in 6G.

[0082] FIG. 5 is an example apparatus 300, which may be implemented in hardware, configured to implement the examples described herein. The apparatus 300 comprises at least one processor 302 (e.g. an FPGA and/or CPU), one or more memories 304 including computer program code 305, the computer program code 305 having instructions to carry out the methods described herein, wherein the at least one memory 304 and the computer program code 305 are configured to, with the at least one processor 302, cause the apparatus 300 to implement circuitry, a process, component, module, or function (implemented with control module 306) to implement the examples described herein, including FFT processing with a configurable profile for different frequency portions. The memory 304 may be a non- transitory memory, a transitory memory, a volatile memory (e.g. RAM), or a non-volatile memory (e.g. ROM). Configurable profile 330 of the control module implements the herein described aspects related to FFT processing with a configurable profile for different frequency portions.

[0083] The apparatus 300 includes a display and/or I/O interface 308, which includes user interface (UI) circuitry and elements, that may be used to display aspects or a status of the methods described herein (e.g., as one of the methods is being performed or at a subsequent time), or to receive input from a user such as with using a keypad, camera, touchscreen, touch area, microphone, biometric recognition, one or more sensors, etc. The apparatus 300 includes one or more communication e.g. network (N/W) interfaces (I/F(s)) 310. The communication I/F(s) 310 may be wired and/or wireless and communicate over the Internet/other network(s) via any communication technique including via one or more links 324. The link(s) 324 may be the link(s) 131 and/or 176 from FIG. 1. The link(s) 131 and/or 176 from FIG. 1 may also be implemented using transceiver(s) 316 and corresponding wireless link(s) 326. The communication I/F(s) 310 may comprise one or more transmitters or one or more receivers.

[0084] The transceiver 316 comprises one or more transmitters 318 and one or more receivers 320. The transceiver 316 and/or communication I/F(s) 310 may comprise standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de)modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries and one or more antennas, such as antennas 314 used for communication over wireless link 326.

[0085] The control module 306 of the apparatus 300 comprises one of or both parts 306-1 and/or 306-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The control module 306 may be implemented in hardware as control module 306-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 302. The control module 306-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the control module 306 may be implemented as control module 306-2, which is implemented as computer program code (having corresponding instructions) 305 and is executed by the one or more processors 302. For instance, the one or more memories 304 store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 302, cause the apparatus 300 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Furthermore, the one or more processors 302, the one or more memories 304, and example algorithms (e.g., as flowcharts and/or signaling diagrams), encoded as instructions, programs, or code, are means for causing performance of the operations described herein.

[0086] The apparatus 300 to implement the functionality of control 306 may be UE 110, RAN node 170 (e.g. gNB), or network element(s) 190. Thus, processor 302 may correspond to processor(s) 120, processor(s) 152 and/or processor(s) 175, memory 304 may correspond to one or more memories 125, one or more memories 155 and/or one or more memories 171, computer program code 305 may correspond to computer program code 123, computer program code 153, and/or computer program code 173, control module 306 may correspond to module 140-1, module 140-2, module 150-1, and/or module 150-2, and communication I/F(s) 310 and/or transceiver 316 may correspond to transceiver 130, antenna(s) 128, transceiver 160, antenna(s) 158, N/W I/F(s) 161, and/or N/W I/F(s) 180. Alternatively, apparatus 300 and its elements may not correspond to either of UE 110, RAN node 170, or network element(s) 190 and their respective elements, as apparatus 300 may be part of a self- organizing/optimizing network (SON) node or other node, such as a node in a cloud. Apparatus 500 may also correspond to the RAN nodes (170-1, 170-2, 170-3) and UEs (110- 1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4, 110-5, 110-6) shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0087] The apparatus 300 may also be distributed throughout the network (e.g. 100) including within and between apparatus 300 and any network element (such as a network control element (NCE) 190 and/or the RAN node 170 and/or UE 110.

[0088] Interface 312 enables data communication and signaling between the various items of apparatus 300, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the interface 312 may be one or more buses such as address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. Computer program code (e.g. instructions) 305, including control 306 may comprise object-oriented software configured to pass data or messages between objects within computer program code 305. The apparatus 300 need not comprise each of the features mentioned, or may comprise other features as well. The various components of apparatus 300 may at least partially reside in a common housing 328, or a subset of the various components of apparatus 300 may at least partially be located in different housings, which different housings may include housing 328.

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 400a (e.g. computer/compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 400b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) and 400c (e.g. cloud storage for downloading instructions and/or parameters 402 or receiving emailed instructions and/or parameters 402) storing instructions and/or parameters 402 which when executed by a processor allows the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods described herein.

[0090] FIG. 7 is an example method 500, based on the example embodiments described herein. At 510, the method includes dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions. At 520, the method includes determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions. At 530, the method includes transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions. Method 500 may be performed with RAN node 170, RAN node 170-1, RAN node 170-2, RAN node 170-3, one or more network elements 190, or apparatus 300.

[0091] FIG. 8 is an example method 600, based on the example embodiments described herein. At 610, the method includes dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions. At 620, the method includes receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions. At 630, the method includes determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions. At 640, the method includes operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions. Method 600 may be performed with UE 110, UE 110-1, UE 110-2, UE 110- 3, UE 110-4, UE 110-5, UE 110-6, or apparatus 300.

[0092] The following examples are provided and described herein.

[0093] Example 1. An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determine a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmit a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0094] Example 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the configuration comprises an association between one of the plurality of processing profiles and one of the frequency domain regions.

[0095] Example 3. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a frequency domain region with a processing profile, and configure another frequency domain region with another processing profile; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region, and the processing profile is different from the another processing profile.

[0096] Example 4. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a frequency domain region with a processing profile, and configure another frequency domain region with the same processing profile; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

[0097] Example 5. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of processing profiles are based on at least one of: a fast Fourier transform timing, power saving, a bandwidth part configuration, a bandwidth part numerology, a grouping of the frequency domain regions based on a frequency domain granularity, or a multiple input multiple output configuration of the at least one user equipment.

[0098] Example 6. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 5, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping in frequency, or wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping in frequency.

[0099] Example 7. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 6, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are substantially of the same size.

[0100] Example 8. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a size of the frequency domain regions, wherein the size is based on at least one of: a number of frequency bins and a number of the frequency domain regions, or a channel bandwidth and the number of the frequency domain regions, or the configuration transmitted to the at least one user equipment, or a number of subcarriers, or an upper bound on the number of subcarriers, or a number of resource blocks, or the number of resource blocks divided by the number of frequency domain regions.

[0101] Example 9. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine at least one frequency domain location for the frequency domain regions; align at least some of the frequency domain regions with a common resource block grid and a common starting position, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping; and configure starting positions of at least some of the frequency domain regions separately, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping.

[0102] Example 10. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit the configuration comprising an association between the plurality of processing profiles and the frequency domain regions with at least one of: radio resource control signaling, a medium access control element, or downlink control information.

[0103] Example 11. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a transmission or reception timing based on a reference signal associated with one of the frequency domain regions. [0104] Example 12. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 11, wherein the frequency domain resource comprises a contiguous portion of a spectrum or frequency band used for transmission within a radio access network.

[0105] Example 13. The apparatus of any of examples 1 to 12, wherein the frequency domain resource relates to at least one of: one component carrier, one network carrier, channel bandwidth, or contiguous resource blocks.

[0106] Example 14. An apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receive a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determine, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operate based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0107] Example 15. The apparatus of example 14, wherein the configuration comprises an association between one of the plurality of processing profiles and one of the frequency domain regions.

[0108] Example 16. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a processing profile of a frequency domain region; and determine another processing profile of another frequency domain region; wherein the processing profile is different from the another processing profile, and the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

[0109] Example 17. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a same processing profile for a frequency domain region and another frequency domain region; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

[0110] Example 18. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine the plurality of processing profiles based on at least one of: a fast Fourier transform timing, power saving, a bandwidth part configuration, a bandwidth part numerology, a grouping of the frequency domain regions based on a frequency domain granularity, or a multiple input multiple output configuration of the apparatus.

[0111] Example 19. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 18, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping in frequency, or wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping in frequency.

[0112] Example 20. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 19, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are substantially of the same size.

[0113] Example 21. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 20, wherein a size of the frequency domain regions is based on at least one of: a number of frequency bins and a number of the frequency domain regions, a channel bandwidth and the number of the frequency domain regions, or the configuration received from the base station or a number of subcarriers, or an upper bound on the number of subcarriers, or a number of resource blocks, or the number of resource blocks divided by the number of frequency domain regions.

[0114] Example 22. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 21, wherein: at least some of the frequency domain regions are aligned with a common resource block grid and a common starting position, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are nonoverlapping; and starting positions of at least some of the frequency domain regions are configured separately, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping.

[0115] Example 23. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 22, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive the configuration comprising an association between the plurality of processing profiles and the frequency domain regions with at least one of: radio resource control signaling, a medium access control element, or downlink control information.

[0116] Example 24. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 23, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a transmission or reception timing based on a reference signal associated with one of the frequency domain regions.

[0117] Example 25. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 24, wherein the frequency domain resource comprises a contiguous portion of a spectrum or frequency band used for transmission within a radio access network.

[0118] Example 26. The apparatus of any of examples 14 to 25, wherein the frequency domain resource relates to at least one of: one component carrier, one network carrier, channel bandwidth, or contiguous resource blocks.

[0119] Example 27. A method including: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0120] Example 28. A method including: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0121] Example 29. An apparatus including: means for dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; means for determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and means for transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0122] Example 30. An apparatus including: means for dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; means for receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; means for determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and means for operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0123] Example 31. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations including: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0124] Example 32. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations including: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

[0125] References to a ‘computer’, ‘processor’, etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequential or parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

[0126] The memories as described herein may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, non-transitory memory, transitory memory, fixed memory and removable memory. The memories may comprise a database for storing data.

[0127] As used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations, such as implementations in analog and/or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. As a further example, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or another network device.

[0128] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, features recited in the various dependent claims could be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, features from different example embodiments described above could be selectively combined into a new example embodiment. Accordingly, this description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0129] The following acronyms and abbreviations that may be found in the specification and/or the drawing figures are given as follows (the abbreviations and acronyms may be appended with each other or with other characters using e.g. a dash, hyphen, slash, or number, and may be case insensitive):

4G fourth generation

5G fifth generation

5GC 5G core network

6G sixth generation

AMF access and mobility management function

ASIC application-specific integrated circuit

BS base station

BW bandwidth

BWP bandwidth part

CA carrier aggregation

CB channel bandwidth

CBW channel bandwidth

CD compact/computer disc

CE control element

CP cyclic prefix CPU central processing unit

CRB common resource block

CU central unit or centralized unit

DCI downlink control information

DFT-s-OFDM discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing

DL downlink

D-MIMO distributed multiple input multiple output

DSP digital signal processor

DVD digital versatile disc eNB evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)

EN-DC E-UTRAN new radio - dual connectivity en-gNB node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and acting as a secondary node in EN- DC

E-UTRA evolved universal terrestrial radio access, i.e., the LTE radio access technology

E-UTRAN E-UTRA network

Fl interface between the CU and the DU

FFT fast Fourier transform

FPGA field-programmable gate array

FR frequency range gNB base station for 5G/NR, i.e., a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC

IAB integrated access and backhaul

I/F interface

IFFT inverse fast Fourier transform

I/O input/output

LMF location management function

LTE long term evolution (4G)

MAC medium access control

MIMO multiple input multiple output

MME mobility management entity MRO mobility robustness optimization

NCE network control element ng or NG new generation ng-eNB new generation eNB

NG-RAN new generation radio access network

NR new radio

N/W network

OFDM orthogonal frequency division multiplexing opt option

PDA personal digital assistant

PDCP packet data convergence protocol

PHY physical layer

PRB physical resource block

RAM random access memory

RAN radio access network

RANI radio layer 1

RB resource block

RLC radio link control

ROM read-only memory

RRC radio resource control

RU radio unit

Rx receiver or reception

SC subcarrier

SCS subcarrier spacing

SDAP service data adaptation protocol

SGW serving gateway

SMF session management function

SOC system on chip

SON self-organizing/optimizing network

TRP transmission reception point

Tx transmitter or transmission

UAV unmanned aerial vehicle

UE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)

UI user interface UPF user plane function

USB universal serial bus

X2 network interface between RAN nodes and between RAN and the core network

Xn network interface between NG-RAN nodes

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determine a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmit a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration comprises an association between one of the plurality of processing profiles and one of the frequency domain regions.

3. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a frequency domain region with a processing profile, and configure another frequency domain region with another processing profile; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region, and the processing profile is different from the another processing profile.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a frequency domain region with a processing profile, and configure another frequency domain region with the same processing profile; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of processing profiles are based on at least one of: a fast Fourier transform timing, power saving, a bandwidth part configuration, a bandwidth part numerology, a grouping of the frequency domain regions based on a frequency domain granularity, or a multiple input multiple output configuration of the at least one user equipment.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping in frequency, or wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping in frequency.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are substantially of the same size.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a size of the frequency domain regions, wherein the size is based on at least one of: a number of frequency bins and a number of the frequency domain regions, or a channel bandwidth and the number of the frequency domain regions, or the configuration transmitted to the at least one user equipment, or a number of subcarriers, or an upper bound on the number of subcarriers, or a number of resource blocks, or the number of resource blocks divided by the number of frequency domain regions.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine at least one frequency domain location for the frequency domain regions; align at least some of the frequency domain regions with a common resource block grid and a common starting position, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping; and configure starting positions of at least some of the frequency domain regions separately, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to transmit the configuration comprising an association between the plurality of processing profiles and the frequency domain regions with at least one of: radio resource control signaling, a medium access control element, or downlink control information.

11 . The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: configure a transmission or reception timing based on a reference signal associated with one of the frequency domain regions.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the frequency domain resource comprises a contiguous portion of a spectrum or frequency band used for transmission within a radio access network.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frequency domain resource relates to at least one of: one component carrier, one network carrier, channel bandwidth, or contiguous resource blocks.

14. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: divide a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receive a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determine, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operate based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the configuration comprises an association between one of the plurality of processing profiles and one of the frequency domain regions.

16. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a processing profile of a frequency domain region; and determine another processing profile of another frequency domain region; wherein the processing profile is different from the another processing profile, and the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a same processing profile for a frequency domain region and another frequency domain region; wherein the frequency domain region is different from the another frequency domain region.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine the plurality of processing profiles based on at least one of: a fast Fourier transform timing, power saving, a bandwidth part configuration, a bandwidth part numerology, a grouping of the frequency domain regions based on a frequency domain granularity, or a multiple input multiple output configuration of the apparatus.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping in frequency, or wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping in frequency.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein at least some of the frequency domain regions are substantially of the same size.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein a size of the frequency domain regions is based on at least one of: a number of frequency bins and a number of the frequency domain regions, a channel bandwidth and the number of the frequency domain regions, or the configuration received from the base station or a number of subcarriers, or an upper bound on the number of subcarriers, or a number of resource blocks, or the number of resource blocks divided by the number of frequency domain regions.

22. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 21, wherein: at least some of the frequency domain regions are aligned with a common resource block grid and a common starting position, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are non-overlapping; and starting positions of at least some of the frequency domain regions are configured separately, when the at least some of the frequency domain regions are overlapping.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 22, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive the configuration comprising an association between the plurality of processing profiles and the frequency domain regions with at least one of: radio resource control signaling, a medium access control element, or downlink control information.

24. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a transmission or reception timing based on a reference signal associated with one of the frequency domain regions.

25. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the frequency domain resource comprises a contiguous portion of a spectrum or frequency band used for transmission within a radio access network.

26. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 25, wherein the frequency domain resource relates to at least one of: one component carrier, one network carrier, channel bandwidth, or contiguous resource blocks.

27. A method comprising: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

28. A method comprising: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

29. An apparatus comprising: means for dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; means for determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and means for transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

30. An apparatus comprising: means for dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; means for receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; means for determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and means for operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

31. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; determining a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and transmitting a configuration to at least one user equipment, wherein the configuration comprises the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.

32. A non-transitory program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for performing operations, the operations comprising: dividing a frequency domain resource into frequency domain regions; receiving a configuration from a base station, wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; determining, based on the received configuration, the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions; and operating based on the plurality of processing profiles for the frequency domain regions.