Path loss reference signal management

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment (UE) that monitors one or more downlink reference signals for uplink power control. The UE can receive an indication that a downlink reference signal is assigned to the UE for a first operation. The first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal. The UE then determines whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second, different operation. When the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second, different operation, the UE configures the downlink reference signal to be a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] User equipment (UE) can be configured to monitor one or more downlink reference signals for uplink power control. For example, the UE may determine the transmission power of a specific uplink channel or signal based at least in part on a path loss metric derived from the downlink reference signal. Different downlink reference signals can be used for different uplink channels or signals. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to manage the downlink reference signals that the UE is configured to monitor for uplink power control. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is performed at a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving an indication that a downlink reference signal is allocated to the UE for a first operation. The first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal. The UE then determines whether it is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation. When the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the UE configures the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

[0003] Another exemplary embodiment includes: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and a processor configured to perform operations. These operations include receiving an indication that a downlink reference signal is allocated to the UE for a first operation. The first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal. The UE then determines whether it is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation. When the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the UE configures the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

[0004] Another exemplary embodiment includes an integrated circuit. This integrated circuit includes circuitry configured to receive an indication that a downlink reference signal is allocated to the UE for a first operation. The first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal. The integrated circuit then determines whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation, and selects the downlink reference signal as the path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation when the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 Exemplary network arrangements according to various exemplary implementations are shown.

[0006] Figure 2 Exemplary UEs according to various exemplary implementations are shown.

[0007] Figure 3 Exemplary methods for path loss reference signal management are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0008] Exemplary embodiments can be further understood with reference to the following description and related figures, wherein similar elements have the same reference numerals. Exemplary embodiments relate to user equipment (UE) that monitors one or more downlink reference signals for uplink power control.

[0009] The exemplary embodiments are described with reference to path loss reference signals. Throughout this specification, the term "path loss reference signal" refers to a downlink reference signal that can be used by the UE for uplink power control. For example, the UE can determine the transmission power of a particular uplink channel or signal based at least in part on a path loss metric derived from the path loss reference signal. Different path loss reference signals can be used for different uplink channels or signals. Therefore, the UE can be configured to monitor multiple path loss reference signals simultaneously. However, the use of the term path loss reference signal is provided for illustrative purposes only, and different entities may refer to similar concepts by different names.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments are also described with reference to active reference signals. Throughout this specification, when a reference signal is characterized as active, the UE is configured to monitor that reference signal. Thus, the UE can understand the frequency and timing at which the network will transmit the active reference signal. From the UE's perspective, activating a reference signal may include, but is not limited to, receiving control information associated with the reference signal from the network, collecting one or more samples of the reference signal, and processing those samples. However, reference to active reference signals is provided for illustrative purposes only, and different entities may refer to similar concepts using different names.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments are further described with reference to the UE determining which reference signals should be used as path loss reference signals for a specific channel or signal. In a first aspect, this may include the UE activating reference signals, for example, monitoring reference signals. In a second aspect, this may include the UE determining that reference signals active for different purposes can also be used as path loss reference signals for uplink power control. Exemplary embodiments include various techniques that can be implemented by the UE to configure already active reference signals as path loss reference signals for a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0012] The exact manner in which uplink power control is performed using one or more path loss reference signals is beyond the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Instead, the exemplary embodiments relate to how the UE determines which reference signal to use as the path loss reference signal. The exemplary techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with currently implemented reference signal management techniques, future specific implementations of reference signal management techniques, or independently of other reference signal management techniques.

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary network arrangement 100 according to various exemplary embodiments is illustrated. The exemplary network arrangement 100 includes a UE 110. Those skilled in the art will understand that the UE 110 can be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a mobile phone, tablet, desktop computer, smartphone, phablet, embedded device, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. It should also be understood that a practical network arrangement can include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, only an example with a single UE 110 is provided.

[0014] UE 110 can be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of network configuration 100, the networks with which UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are 5G New Radio (NR) Radio Access Network (5G NR-RAN) 120, LTE Radio Access Network (LTE-RAN) 122, and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 124. However, it should be understood that UE 110 can also communicate with other types of networks, and UE 110 can also communicate with networks via wired connections. Therefore, UE 110 may include a 5G NR chipset communicating with 5G NR-RAN 120, an LTE chipset communicating with LTE-RAN 122, and an ISM chipset communicating with WLAN 124.

[0015] 5G NR-RAN 120 and LTE-RAN 122 can be parts of cellular networks that can be deployed by cellular providers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks 120, 122 can include, for example, cells or base stations (NodeB, eNodeB, HeNB, eNBS, gNB, gNodeB, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, femtocell base stations, etc.) configured to send and receive traffic from UEs equipped with appropriate cellular chipsets. WLAN 124 can include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspot, IEEE 802.11x network, etc.).

[0016] UE 110 can connect to 5G NR-RAN 120 via gNB 120A. gNB 120A can be configured with the necessary hardware (e.g., antenna array), software, and / or firmware to perform massive MIMO functionality. Massive MIMO can refer to a base station configured to generate multiple beams for multiple UEs. During operation, UE 110 can be within range of multiple gNBs. Therefore, simultaneously or alternatively, UE 110 can also connect to 5G NR-RAN 120 via gNB 120B. Reference to the two gNBs 120A and 120B is for illustrative purposes only. Exemplary implementations can be applied to any suitable number of gNBs. Additionally, UE 110 can communicate with eNB 122A of LTE-RAN 122 to transmit and receive control information for downlink and / or uplink synchronization relative to the 5G NR-RAN 120 connection.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand that any relevant procedures can be performed for UE 110 to connect to 5G NR-RAN 120. For example, as described above, 5G NR-RAN 120 can be associated with a specific cellular provider, where UE 110 and / or its user have protocol and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card). Upon detecting the presence of 5G NR-RAN 120, UE 110 can transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with 5G NR-RAN 120. More specifically, UE 110 can be associated with a specific base station (e.g., gNB 120A of 5G NR-RAN 120).

[0018] In addition to networks 120, 122, and 124, network deployment 100 also includes a cellular core network 130, an Internet 140, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 150, and a network services backbone 160. The cellular core network 130 can be viewed as an interconnected set of components that manage the operation and traffic of the cellular network. The cellular core network 130 also manages the traffic flowing between the cellular network and the Internet 140. The IMS 150 can generally be described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to the UE 110 using IP protocols. The IMS 150 can communicate with the cellular core network 130 and the Internet 140 to provide multimedia services to the UE 110. The network services backbone 160 communicates directly or indirectly with the Internet 140 and the cellular core network 130. The network services backbone 160 can generally be described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage deployments, etc.) that implement a set of services that can be used to extend the functionality of the UE 110 to communicate with various networks.

[0019] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. Reference will be made to... Figure 1The network layout 100 is used to describe UE 110. UE 110 can represent any electronic device and may include processor 205, memory layout 210, display device 215, input / output (I / O) device 220, transceiver 225, and other components 230. Other components 230 may include, for example, audio input devices, audio output devices, batteries providing limited power, data acquisition devices, ports for electrically connecting UE 110 to other electronic devices, one or more antenna panels, etc.

[0020] Processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines of UE 110. For example, an engine may include path loss reference signal management engine 235. Path loss reference signal management engine 235 may perform various operations related to configuring downlink reference signals for uplink power control for specific uplink channels or signals. Path loss reference signal management engine 235 may manage multiple path loss reference signals for multiple uplink channels or signals.

[0021] The engine described above, as an application (e.g., a program) executed by processor 205, is merely exemplary. The functionality associated with the engine may also be represented as a separate, integrated component of UE 110, or as a modular component coupled to UE 110, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry for receiving signals and processing circuitry for processing signals and other information. The engine may also be embodied as a single application or multiple separate applications. Furthermore, in some UEs, the functionality described for processor 205 is distributed among two or more processors, such as a baseband processor and an application processor. Exemplary implementations can be implemented according to any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0022] Memory arrangement 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by UE 110. Display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, while I / O device 220 may be a hardware component enabling user input. Display device 215 and I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touchscreen). Transceiver 225 may be a hardware component configured to establish connections with 5G NR-RAN 120, LTE-RAN 122, WLAN 124, etc. Therefore, transceiver 225 may operate on multiple different frequencies or channels (e.g., a continuous set of frequencies).

[0023] Figure 3 An exemplary method 300 for path loss reference signal management is illustrated according to various exemplary embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 2 UE 110 and Figure 1 The network layout is described by method 300 (100).

[0024] In step 305, UE 110 receives an indication that the network will allocate one or more reference signals to UE 110 for uplink power control. For example, UE 110 may receive control information such as, but not limited to, the identity of the allocated reference signals, an indication of when the allocated reference signals should be transmitted by the network, and an indication that the allocated reference signals are to be used for uplink power control. The network may transmit the control information to UE 110 using a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages, or any other suitable type of higher-level signaling.

[0025] The operations described above in 305 are described with reference to one or more reference signals assigned by the network. The following operations in 310-325 may then be performed based on each reference signal. As will be described in more detail below, this may include activating the reference signal indicated in 305 (e.g., 310-320) and determining that the reference signal indicated in 305 is already an active reference signal (e.g., 310 and 325).

[0026] In step 310, UE 110 determines whether the assigned reference signal is an active reference signal. As mentioned above, an active reference signal refers to a reference signal that UE 110 is configured to monitor. UE 110 may be configured with multiple active reference signals simultaneously. Therefore, in some scenarios, UE 110 may have been configured to monitor one or more assigned reference signals for different purposes. There are various factors that can provide a basis for UE 110 to determine whether an active reference signal will be used as a path loss reference signal. Specific examples of how UE 110 can determine whether one or more assigned reference signals are active reference signals will be described in more detail below after describing method 300.

[0027] If the assigned reference signal is not an active reference signal, method 300 continues to 315. In 315, UE 110 performs one or more operations to activate the assigned reference signal. This may include operations such as, but not limited to, listening to the corresponding downlink channel, collecting one or more samples, and processing the collected samples. For example, UE 110 may use (Y) samples to collect Layer 3 (L3) reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement data corresponding to the assigned reference signal. UE 110 may collect multiple samples to ensure that UE 110 has an accurate understanding of the assigned reference signal before activating it and using it for uplink power control.

[0028] In step 320, UE 110 configures the assigned reference signal as a path loss reference signal. Subsequently, this path loss reference signal can be used by UE 110 for uplink power control of a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0029] Returning to 310, if the assigned reference signal is already an active reference signal, method 300 continues to 325. In 325, UE 110 configures the already active reference signal as a path loss reference signal. Since the assigned reference signal is already an active reference signal, UE 110 already understands the applicable timing of the assigned reference signal and has an accurate understanding of the assigned reference signal. Therefore, UE 110 does not need to perform the type of operation described above with reference to 315. This allows UE 110 to minimize the delay associated with configuring UE 110 with a path loss reference signal. Subsequently, UE 110 can use the path loss reference signal for uplink power control of a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0030] As described at 310 of the above-mentioned reference method 300, there are various factors that can provide a basis for configuring a path loss reference signal for UE 110. In a first aspect, this can be based on identifying predetermined conditions. In a second aspect, this can be based on higher-layer signaling. In a third aspect, this can be based on a combination of one or more predetermined conditions and higher-layer signaling. Each of these aspects will be described in more detail below.

[0031] There are various predetermined conditions that can indicate to UE 110 that an assigned reference signal is already an active reference signal. One exemplary predetermined condition may involve whether the assigned reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal for another uplink channel or signal. For example, during operation, UE 110 may receive RRC signals and / or MACCEs that trigger UE 110 to configure (e.g., activate) a reference signal as a path loss reference for a specific uplink channel or signal. If UE 110 has already been configured to assign a reference signal in 305 for uplink power control of different uplink channels or signals, then the assigned reference signal has been activated.

[0032] Another exemplary pre-determined condition may involve whether the allocated reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal for Power Headroom (PHR) reporting. Those skilled in the art will understand that PHR relates to how much maximum transmission power UE 110 has available. UE 110 can be configured to periodically measure PHR metrics and report these RSTD measurements to the network. If UE 110 is already configured to allocate a reference signal for PHR reporting in 305, then the allocated reference signal is activated.

[0033] Another exemplary pre-determined condition may relate to whether the assigned reference signal is configured as the default path loss reference signal. For example, the network may instruct UE 110 to use a specific reference signal as the path loss reference signal when the network does not assign a path loss reference signal for a specific uplink channel or signal to UE 110. If the assigned reference signal is the default reference signal in 305 and UE 110 has already configured that reference signal, then the assigned reference signal has been activated.

[0034] Another exemplary pre-determined condition may relate to whether the assigned reference signal is configured for use in Layer 1 (L1) RSRP measurement or L3 RSRP measurement for purposes other than uplink power control. For example, UE 110 may be configured to monitor various reference signals according to procedures related to UE 110 mobility. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited to mobility procedures and can be applied to reference signals for any appropriate purpose. If UE 110 has been configured with the reference signal assigned in 305 for different purposes, then the assigned reference signal has been activated.

[0035] In some implementations, UE 110 may be limited to monitoring a maximum number (N) of path loss reference signals for the bandwidth portion (BWP) or serving cell. However, there may be scenarios where UE 110 is assigned more than N reference signals, and more than N active reference signals are available for selection as path loss reference signals. In this type of scenario, UE 110 may select N reference signals as path loss reference signals from a set of more than N active reference signals. Alternatively, there may be scenarios where UE 110 is assigned fewer than N reference signals. In this scenario type, after an assigned reference signal is activated or selected from active reference signals, UE 110 may select additional active reference signals until N path loss reference signals are configured. In either scenario, UE 110 may have to determine which active reference signals from this set of active reference signals should be used as path loss reference signals for a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0036] To distinguish active reference signals, UE 110 may utilize the following exemplary criteria. Initially, UE 110 may use one or more of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions to select an active reference signal. In this example, UE 110 may select an active reference signal that satisfies the following predetermined conditions: i) a path loss reference signal for another uplink channel or signal, ii) a path loss reference signal for power headroom (PHR) reporting, and iii) a default path loss reference signal. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to these exemplary predetermined conditions, and any suitable predetermined conditions may be utilized when distinguishing active reference signals.

[0037] The sum of the active reference signals that satisfy the predetermined conditions may be represented by (N1). If N1 < N, UE 110 may select an additional reference signal from the set of active reference signals as the path loss reference signal for a specific uplink channel or signal. However, UE 110 does not need to select any additional active reference signals or activate any additional reference signals. Alternatively, UE 110 may decide that no additional path loss reference signals will be configured for a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0038] To further distinguish active reference signals, UE 110 may use the following exemplary criteria. One exemplary criterion may relate to the active reference signal having the lowest and / or highest ID. Another exemplary criterion may relate to the active reference signal having the smallest and / or largest periodicity. Another exemplary criterion may relate to the active reference signal providing the basis for the most recent channel state information (CSI) report. UE 110 may utilize the above criteria until N path loss reference signals have been selected. Alternatively, UE 110 may implement one or more of the above criteria and then determine not to configure additional path loss reference signals.

[0039] During operation, UE 110 may be configured with carrier aggregation (CA) and / or enhanced dual connectivity (ENDC). Thus, UE 110 may be configured with two or more component carriers (CCs). When using the above-mentioned predetermined conditions and / or criteria, UE 110 may decide that the active path loss reference signal with respect to the first CC may be used for power control of uplink channels or signals in CCs other than the first CC. Thus, in some embodiments, when UE 110 determines which active reference signals are used for a specific uplink channel or signal on the first CC, UE 110 may consider the active reference signals from different CCs for selection. Alternatively, UE 110 may not consider the active reference signals from different CCs. UE 110 may decide whether the active reference signals from different CCs are available for selection using any suitable basis.

[0040] As described above, in some implementations, UE 110 may configure path loss reference signals based on higher-layer signaling. For example, UE 110 may receive an RRC signal and / or a MAC CE that triggers UE 110 to activate one or more reference signals for uplink power control of a specific uplink channel or signal.

[0041] Activation of reference signals via higher-layer signaling can be a hierarchical process. For example, the network may initially indicate to UE 110 that a first set of two or more reference signals is available as path loss reference signals. This indication may be provided to UE 110 in an RRC message. The network may then subsequently indicate to UE 110 that a second set of reference signals, a subset of the first set, is to be activated for uplink power control of a specific uplink channel or signal. This indication may be provided to UE 110 in a MAC CE. Thus, the network may send an RRC message to UE 110 identifying the possible path loss reference signals, and then send a MAC CE that triggers UE 110 to activate the subset of possible path loss reference signals. In some implementations, UE 110 may be allowed to configure cross-CC or cross-BWP path loss reference signals. For this purpose, in addition to the path loss reference signal index, the CC index and / or BWP index may also be included in the higher-layer signaling. Alternatively, UE 110 may not be allowed to configure cross-CC or cross-BWP path loss reference signals. Therefore, only the path loss reference signal index can be provided to UE 110.

[0042] As described above, in some implementations, UE 110 may configure path loss reference signals based on a combination of predetermined conditions and higher-layer signaling. In this arrangement type, UE 110 may initially determine a first set of active reference signals based on one or more of the predetermined conditions described above. For example, UE 110 may identify active reference signals based on: i) path loss reference signals for another uplink channel or signal, ii) path loss reference signals for power headroom (PHR) reporting, iii) default path loss reference signals, and iv) reference signals for L1 RSRP or L3 RSRP measurements for purposes other than uplink power control (e.g., mobility).

[0043] Subsequently, UE 110 can determine the second set of active reference signals based on higher-layer signaling. For example, UE 110 determines which reference signals have been activated via RRC messages and / or MAC CE. If the total number of reference signals from the first set of active reference signals and the second set of active reference signals is less than or equal to the maximum number (N) of path loss reference signals, then UE 110 can utilize the total number of reference signals from the first set of active reference signals and the second set of active reference signals.

[0044] In some implementations, if the total number of reference signals from the first set of active reference signals and the second set of active reference signals is greater than the maximum number (N) of path loss reference signals, then UE 110 may select an active reference signal only from the first set of active reference signals. Alternatively, UE 110 may select an active reference signal only from the second set of active reference signals.

[0045] In other implementations, if the total number of reference signals from the first group of active reference signals and the second group of active reference signals is greater than the maximum number (N) of path loss reference signals, UE 110 may select active reference signals from the second group of active reference signals based on the following criteria: One exemplary criterion may involve active reference signals with the lowest and / or highest IDs. Another exemplary criterion may involve active reference signals with the lowest and / or highest periodicity. A further exemplary criterion may involve active reference signals that provide a basis for the latest Channel State Information (CSI) reporting. UE 110 may utilize the above criteria until N path loss reference signals have been selected. Alternatively, UE 110 may implement one or more of the above criteria and then determine not to configure additional path loss reference signals.

[0046] As mentioned above Figure 2 As indicated in the description of UE 110, UE 110 may be equipped with other components 230 including one or more antenna panels. In some embodiments, the state of the antenna panels may be taken into account when configuring the path loss reference signal. For example, the predetermined conditions mentioned above related to whether the reference signal is a path loss reference signal for a different uplink channel or signal may be taken into account. The predetermined conditions may also include whether the same antenna panel (e.g., panel ID) is configured for a target uplink channel or signal and a different uplink channel or signal.

[0047] Furthermore, consider the aforementioned predetermined conditions related to whether the reference signal is a path loss reference signal used for PHR reporting. These predetermined conditions may also include whether the same antenna panel (e.g., panel ID) is configured for the target uplink channel or signal and PHR operation. Moreover, consider the aforementioned predetermined conditions related to whether the reference signal is a default reference signal. These predetermined conditions may also include whether the same antenna panel (e.g., panel ID) is configured for the target uplink channel or signal and uplink channel or signal based on the default reference signal. Further, consider the aforementioned predetermined conditions related to the reference signal used for L1 RSRP or L3 RSRP measurements for purposes other than uplink power control (e.g., mobility, etc.). These predetermined conditions may also include whether the same antenna panel is configured for the target uplink channel or signal and L1 / L3 measurements.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above can be implemented with any suitable software or hardware configuration or combination thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, and mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, etc. In other examples, exemplary embodiments of the methods described above may be embodied as programs comprising lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, at compile time, can be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0049] Although this patent application describes various combinations of various embodiments, each with different features, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature of an embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments or features that are not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation or function of the device of the disclosed embodiment of the invention in any manner not explicitly denied.

[0050] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and variations thereof, provided that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed at a user equipment (UE), comprising: The UE receives an indication that a downlink reference signal is assigned to it for a first operation, wherein the first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal; Determine whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second distinct operation, wherein the second distinct operation is a power headroom (PHR) report; as well as When the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the downlink reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the UE is not configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the downlink reference signal is activated, wherein activating the downlink reference signal includes: collecting measurement data corresponding to the downlink reference signal; and After activating the downlink reference signal, the downlink reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation is based on higher-layer signaling.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the higher-layer signaling includes at least one of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein configuring the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal is further based on one of: i) ID; ii) periodicity; Or iii) Included in the Channel State Information (CSI) report.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the downlink reference signal corresponds to a CC different from the component carrier CC corresponding to the uplink signal.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein configuring the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal is further based on an antenna panel to be used for the uplink signal.

8. A user equipment (UE), comprising: A transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and A processor configured to perform operations including: The UE receives an indication that a downlink reference signal is assigned to it for a first operation, wherein the first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal; Determine whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second distinct operation, wherein the second distinct operation is a power headroom (PHR) report; and When the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the downlink reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

9. The UE according to claim 8, further comprising: When the UE is not configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, the downlink reference signal is activated, wherein activating the downlink reference signal includes: collecting measurement data corresponding to the downlink reference signal; and After activating the downlink reference signal, the downlink reference signal is configured as a path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein determining whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation comprises: The downlink reference signal is identified as a reference signal configured for use in the UE mobility procedure.

11. The UE of claim 8, wherein determining whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation is based on higher-layer signaling.

12. The UE of claim 11, wherein the higher-layer signaling includes at least one of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

13. The UE of claim 8, wherein configuring the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal is further based on an antenna panel to be used for the uplink signal.

14. An integrated circuit, comprising: A circuit configured to receive an indication that a downlink reference signal is allocated to a UE for a first operation, wherein the first operation is uplink power control of an uplink signal; A circuit configured to determine whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second distinct operation, wherein the second distinct operation is a power headroom (PHR) report; and A circuit configured to select the downlink reference signal as the path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation when the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation.

15. The integrated circuit according to claim 14, further comprising: Circuitry configured to activate the downlink reference signal when the UE is not configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for the second different operation, wherein activating the downlink reference signal includes: collecting measurement data corresponding to the downlink reference signal; and A circuit configured to select the downlink reference signal as the path loss reference signal to be used for the first operation after activating the downlink reference signal.

16. The integrated circuit of claim 14, wherein determining whether the UE is configured to monitor the downlink reference signal for a second different operation is based on higher-layer signaling.

17. The integrated circuit of claim 14, wherein selecting the downlink reference signal as a path loss reference signal is further based on an antenna panel to be used for the uplink signal.

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