Methods and procedures to improve physical layer efficiency using unique word (uw) discrete fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (dft-s-ofdm)

A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for transmitting information using a unique word (UW) with discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM), the WTRU comprising:

• a processor configured to generate a reference sequence;
• the processor further configured to generate a DMRS sequence based on upsampling of the reference sequence, wherein the DMRS sequence includes a plurality of repeating sequences, wherein each repeating sequence includes a head sequence, a reference sequence and a tail sequence, and wherein a UW sequence within the DMRS includes one of the repeated head sequences and one of the repeated tail sequences;
• the processor further configured to generate a DMRS signal based on a waveform operation on the DMRS sequence;
• and
• a transceiver operatively coupled to the processor, the transceiver and the processor configured to transmit the DMRS signal as a reference signal.