METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS BY A USER DEVICE, APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEMORY

Abstract

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques and apparatus for improving random access for SRS switching in a wireless network. Before transmitting an SRS, a UE can interrupt communication on a first SRS carrier to switch from the first carrier to a second carrier to transmit a PRCH. To reduce interruption to the first carrier, the UE can use the initial symbol(s) of an UPTs on the second carrier to transmit the PRCH. Furthermore, to reduce interruption to the first carrier, the UE can monitor another PDCCCH request before transmitting another PRCH. In addition, aspects of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for jointly triggering SRS transmissions and effecting power control for SRS transmissions.A BS can trigger SSR transmissions from multiple UEs, trigger SSR transmissions from multiple carriers from the same UE simultaneously, and / or perform power control separately for each carrier.

Description

1 / 92 "METHOD FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS BY A USER DEVICE, APPARATUS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEMORY" INTRODUCTION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 619,063, filed June 9, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 402,915, filed September 30, 2016, assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND I. Field of the Invention

[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for physical random access channel (PRACH) and / or probe reference signal switching (SRS) devices, for example, methods and apparatus for PRACH transmission for SRS switching between component carriers. II. Description of the Related Technique

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely implemented to provide various telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power). Examples of such multiple access technologies include Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 6 / 219 2 / 92 Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems, code-division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time-division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and synchronous time-division code-division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] A wireless communication network may include a number of base stations (BS) that can support communication to a number of user equipment (UEs). A UE can communicate with a BS via downlink and uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the BS to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the BS. As will be described in greater detail here, a BS may be referred to as a B Node, eNB, gNB, access point (AP), radio head, transmit-receive point (TRP), new radio (NR) BS, Mobile B Node, etc.).

[0005] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in several telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that allows different wireless devices to communicate on a municipal, national, regional, and even global level. An example of an emerging telecommunications standard is new radio (NR), for example, 5G radio access. NR is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) project. It is designed to support better mobile broadband internet access by improving spectral efficiency, Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 7 / 219 3 / 92 cost reduction, service improvement, use of new spectrum, and better integration with other open standards using OFDMA with cyclic prefix (CP) in the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) as well as support beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. However, as the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, there is a need for further improvements in NR technology. Preferably, these improvements should be applicable to other multiple access technologies and to the telecommunications standards that employ these technologies.

[0006] In some networks (e.g., LTE), a UE can be configured with multiple component carriers (CCs) for carrier aggregation. Each CC can be configured for uplink transmission only, downlink transmission, or both uplink and downlink transmission. For CCs that support both uplink and downlink, transmission diversity-based feedback (e.g., with SRS) is beneficial as channel reciprocity can be used (e.g., by BS) to estimate the downlink channel based on feedback. However, UE may be able to aggregate a larger number of downlink CCs than uplink CCs. As a result, if UE is restricted to transmitting SRS on the configured uplink CCs, there may be some CCs with downlink transmission to UE that cannot have an uplink transmission with SRS, and thus transmission diversity-based feedback to these carriers based on channel reciprocity between uplink and downlink may not be effective. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 8 / 219 4 / 92 available.

[0007] In such situations, some networks may support SRS switching between CCs to allow the UE to transmit SRS on configured downlink (i.e., unconfigured uplink) CCs in order to exploit channel reciprocity. SRS switching, in general, may involve interrupting communication on one CC, switching / retuning on a different CC to transmit SRS, and switching / retuning back to the CC after transmitting SRS.

[0008] Additionally, the UE may not have a valid timing advance (TA) for SRS transmission on the downlink CC (for example, the downlink CC may belong to a different TA group (TAG) than that of other CCs configured for the UE). In such cases, the UE may attempt to transmit a PRACH on the downlink CC to obtain an initial TA estimate for SRS transmission. However, PRACH transmission on the downlink CC may also interrupt communication on another CC (e.g., similar to SRS transmission). This additional interruption due to PRACH transmission(s) may have a significant impact on transmission capacity and communications on the other CC. Consequently, techniques to improve the random access procedure, for example, for SRS switching, may be desirable.

[0009] Furthermore, in general, the UE can be triggered to transmit SRS in a periodic or aperiodic manner. However, such conventional triggering mechanisms are generally not capable of simultaneously triggering SRS transmissions and performing control of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 9 / 219 5 / 92 power for SRS transmissions. Consequently, techniques for jointly triggering SRS transmissions AND effecting power control for SRS transmissions may be desirable. SUMMARY

[0010] The systems, methods, and devices of the invention each have several aspects, none of which is exclusively responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this description, as expressed by the claims that follow, some features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” it should be understood how the features of the present invention provide advantages that include improved communications between access points and stations in a wireless network.

[0011] Certain aspects of the present invention generally relate to one or more improvements for PRACH and / or SRS switching in a wireless network.

[0012] In certain aspects, the techniques presented here can improve the random access procedure for SRS switching via ATT by enabling the UE to transmit a PRACH at the beginning (or first) symbols of an uplink pilot time partition (UpPTS) of a special subframe. For example, in some networks, UpPTS can be used for up to six symbols, and a PRACH of two to four symbols may be sufficient to allow the BS to determine the TA Estimate. The UE can determine which UpPTS symbols to use for PRACH transmission based on a configuration or Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 10 / 219 6 / 92 indication from BS. In one aspect, BS may configure UE to transmit a PRACH on the first symbols (e.g., at least the first two symbols) of UpPTS. In another aspect, BS may configure UE to transmit a PRACH on one or more symbols of UpPTS excluding one or more of the last symbols (e.g., the last two symbols) of UpPTS.

[0013] The UE can interrupt communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC to a second CC. After switching to the second CC, the UE can transmit a PRACH on the UpPTS based on the configuration (or indication) received from the BS. By configuring the UE to transmit PRACH on the first UpPTS symbols, aspects presented here can reduce the impact of switching / interruptions on one (e.g., first) CC due to PRACH transmission on another (e.g., second downlink only) CC for SRS.

[0014] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a method for wireless communication that can be performed, for example, by a user equipment (UE). The method generally includes determining, based on one or more conditions, whether to use one or more symbols of an uplink pilot time partition (UpPTS) for transmission of a PRACH to a base station (BS). The method also includes interrupting communication on a first component carrier (CC) to switch from the first CC to a second CC. The method further includes, after switching to the second CC, transmitting the PRACH on the UpPTS based on the determination.

[0015] Certain aspects of the present invention Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 11 / 219 7 / 92 provide a device for wireless communication, such as a UE. The device generally includes means for determining, based on one or more conditions, whether to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmitting a PRACH to a BS. The device also includes means for interrupting communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC to a second CC. The device further includes means for, after switching to the second CC, transmitting the PRACH on the UpPTS based on the determination.

[0016] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a UE. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to determine, based on one or more conditions, whether to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmission of a PRACH to a BS. The at least one processor is also configured to interrupt communication on a first component carrier (CC) to switch from the first CC to a second CC. The at least one processor is further configured to, after switching to the second CC, transmit the PRACH on the UpPTS based on the determination.

[0017] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a computer-readable means having computer-executable code stored therein for wireless communication which can be executed, for example, by a UE. The computer-executable code generally includes code to determine, based on one or more conditions, whether to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmission of a PRACH to a BS, code for Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 12 / 219 8 / 92 interrupt communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC to a second CC, and code for, after switching to the second CC, the transmission of the PRACH on the UpPTS based on the determination.

[0018] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a method for wireless communication that can be performed, for example, by a base station (BS). The method generally includes determining, based on one or more conditions, whether to configure a UE to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmitting a PRACH to the BS. The method also includes transmitting an indication of the determination to the UE. The method further includes receiving the PRACH from the UE on the UpPTS.

[0019] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a BS. The apparatus generally includes means for determining, based on one or more conditions, whether to configure an UE to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmitting a PRACH to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes means for transmitting an indication of the determination to the UE. The apparatus further includes means for receiving the PRACH from the UE on the UpPTS.

[0020] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a BS. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to determine, based on one or more conditions, whether to configure a UE to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmission of a PRACH to the apparatus. The at least Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 13 / 219 9 / 92 a processor is also configured to transmit an indication of the determination to the UE. At least one processor is also configured to receive the PRACH from the UE in the UpPTS.

[0021] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a computer-readable means having computer-executable code stored therein for wireless communication which can be executed, for example, by a BS. The computer-executable code generally includes code to determine, based on one or more conditions, whether to configure an UE to use one or more UpPTS symbols for transmitting a PRACH to the BS, code to transmit an indication of the determination to the UE, and code to receive the PRACH from the UE on the UpPTS.

[0022] In certain aspects, the techniques presented here can modify the conventional random access procedure in order to reduce the impact of switching / interruptions on one (e.g., first) control center (CC) due to PRACH transmission on another (e.g., a second downlink) CC. For example, the UE can monitor for a downlink physical control channel (PDCCH) from the BS for a PRACH transmission. The PDCCH order can include resource allocation information for the PRACH transmission. After the UE transmits the PRACH, the UE can monitor a random access response (RAR) from the BS. If the RAR is not detected (indicating that the PRACH attempt may have been successful), the UE can wait to receive confirmation from the BS before transmitting another PRACH. That is, if the RAR is not detected by the UE, the UE can monitor another PDCCH order before transmitting the PRACH. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 14 / 219 10 / 92 following, as opposed to the automatic repetition of PRACH transmission as in conventional random access procedures. By having the UE monitor for another PDCCH request before transmitting successive PRACHs, aspects presented here can reduce the impact of repeated switching / interruptions on one (e.g., first) CC due to successive PRACH transmissions on another (e.g., second downlink only) CC for SRS.

[0023] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a method for wireless communication that can be performed, for example, by a UE. The method generally includes monitoring a first PDCCH request for a first PRACH transmission. The method also includes determining a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on an indicator received in the first PDCCH request or a retransmission index of the first PRACH transmission. The method further includes transmitting the first PRACH at the determined transmission power. The method also includes, after transmitting the first PRACH, monitoring for a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

[0024] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a UE. The apparatus generally includes means for monitoring for a first PDCCH request for a first PRACH transmission and means for determining a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on an indicator received on the first PDCCH request or a retransmission index of the first transmission. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 15 / 219 11 / 92 PRACH. The device also includes means for transmitting the first PRACH at the determined transmission power. The equipment further includes means for, after transmitting the first PRACH, monitoring for a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

[0025] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a UE. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to monitor for a first PDCCH request for a first PRACH transmission and to determine a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on an indicator received on the first PDCCH request or a retransmission index of the first PRACH transmission. The at least one processor is also configured to transmit the first PRACH at the determined transmission power. The at least one processor is further configured to, after transmitting the first PRACH, monitor for a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

[0026] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a computer-readable means having computer-executable code stored therein for wireless communication that can be executed, for example, by a UE. The computer-executable code generally includes code for monitoring a first PDCCH request for a first PRACH transmission, code for determining a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on an indicator received on Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 16 / 219 12 / 92 first PDCCH request or a PRACH transmission retransmission index, code for transmitting the first PRACH at the determined transmission power, and code for, after transmitting the first PRACH, monitoring for a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

[0027] Certain aspects of the present invention provide improved techniques for triggering SRS transmissions in tandem and effecting power control for the SRS transmissions. The BS can identify multiple CCs that are available to the UEs for use for SRS transmissions to the BS. The BS can configure a set of SRS trigger groups that each include one or more of the multiple CCs the UE is to use for SRS transmissions. The BS can signal an indication of the configuration to the UE. Thus, using the techniques described herein, a BS can trigger SRS transmissions from multiple UEs, triggering SRS transmissions from multiple CCs of the same UE simultaneously, and / or effecting power control separately for SRS transmissions from each CC configured for a UE.As such, these techniques can provide increased flexibility and reduced overhead for configuring SRS (with power control) transmissions for an EU, compared to traditional SRS firing mechanisms.

[0028] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a method for wireless communication that can be performed, for example, by a BS. The method generally includes identifying a plurality of CCs available to at least one UE for use by Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 17 / 219 13 / 92 SRS transmissions to BS. The method also includes determining a configuration by specifying one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs, at least one UE is to be used for SRS transmissions. The method further includes signaling an indication of the configuration for at least one UE.

[0029] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a BS. The apparatus generally includes means for identifying a plurality of CCs available to at least one UE for use in SRS transmissions to the apparatus. The apparatus also includes means for determining a configuration by specifying one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs, at least one UE is to be used for SRS transmissions. The apparatus also includes means for signaling an indication of the configuration to the at least one UE.

[0030] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a BS. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to identify a plurality of CCs available to at least one UE for use for SRS transmissions to the apparatus. The at least one processor is also configured to determine a configuration specifying one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs, at least one UE, to be used for SRS transmissions. The at least one processor is further configured to signal an indication of the configuration to at least one UE.

[0031] Certain aspects of the present invention Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 18 / 219 14 / 92 provides a computer-readable medium having executable computer code stored on it for wireless communication that can be executed, for example, by a BS. The executable computer code typically includes code for identifying a plurality of CCs available to at least one UE for use for SRS transmissions to the BS, code for determining a configuration specifying one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs at least one UE is to be used for SRS transmissions, and code for signaling an indication of the configuration to at least one UE.

[0032] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a method for wireless communication that can be performed, for example, by an UE. The method generally includes receiving a trigger to transmit an SRS on each CC of a group of one or more CCs to one or more corresponding BSs. The method also includes transmitting SRSs to BSs in response to the trigger.

[0033] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as an UE. The apparatus generally includes means for receiving a trigger to transmit an SRS on each CC of a group of one or more CCs to one or more corresponding BSs. The apparatus also includes means for transmitting SRSs to the BSs in response to the trigger.

[0034] Certain aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for wireless communication, such as a UE. The apparatus generally includes at least one processor and memory coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 19 / 219 15 / 92 receive a trigger to transmit an SRS on each CC of a group of one or more CCs to one or more corresponding BSs. At least one processor is also configured to transmit SRSs to the BSs in response to the trigger.

[0035] Certain aspects of the present invention provide a computer-readable means having computer-executable code stored therein for wireless communication which can be executed, for example, by a UE. The computer-executable code generally includes code to receive a trigger to transmit an SRS on each CC of a group of one or more CCs to one or more corresponding BSs, and code for transmitting SRSs to the BSs in response to the trigger.

[0036] The accomplishment of the preceding and related purposes, one or more aspects comprise the features described hereinafter fully and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings present in detail certain illustrative aspects of one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of only some of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order that the aforementioned features of the present invention may be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be made. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 20 / 219 16 / 92 refers to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the attached drawings. It should be noted, however, that the attached drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and should not, therefore, be considered as limiting its scope, as the description may admit other equally effective aspects.

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates an illustrative telecommunications system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates an exemplary downlink frame structure in a telecommunications system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary uplink frame structure in a telecommunications system, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates a design of an exemplary Node B and user equipment (UE), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary radio protocol architecture for user and control planes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates an example of subframe feature element mapping, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates an architecture Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 21 / 219 17 / 92 exemplary logic of a distributed radio access network (RAN), according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary physical architecture of a distributed RAN, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a central downlink (DL) subframe, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a central uplink subframe (UL), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a continuous type of carrier aggregation, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 12 illustrates an example of a non-continuous carrier aggregation type, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating example uplink and downlink subframes for two-component carriers (CCs), in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary transmission on a first DC interrupted by signal probe reference (SRS) transmission on a second DC, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating example operations for wireless communications by a UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 16 is a flowchart that illustrates Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 22 / 219 18 / 92 example operations for wireless communications by a BS, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations for wireless communications by a UE, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating example operations for wireless communications by a BS, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating example operations for wireless communications by a UE, according to certain aspects of the present invention.

[0057] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is considered that the elements described in one aspect can be used beneficially in other aspects without a specific recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Aspects of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for increasing PRACH transmissions for SRS switching situations.

[0059] Typically, in cases where the UE is configured with one or more downlink CCs, etc., the UE can perform SRS switching to and between downlink CCs in order to transmit SRS (e.g., inactive UL subframes) on the downlink CCs. SRS transmissions can allow the BS to exploit channel reciprocity between the uplink and downlink when estimating downlink channel quality based on SRS. In many cases, however, the UE may have a limited number of transmission chains. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 23 / 219 19 / 92 (e.g., UE may have a single transmission chain and therefore SRS switching may involve switching UE between transmissions on one (e.g., first) CC to SRS transmission on a different CC (e.g., downlink), and then back to the first CC. This switching may impact (e.g., interrupt) communications on the first CC.

[0060] Additionally, before the UE attempts to transmit SRS on a given CC, the UE may need a valid timing advance (TA) for that CC. However, in cases where the downlink-only CC does not belong to the same timing advance group (TAG) as another CC configured for uplink, the UE may not have an initial TA for the downlink CC. In such cases, the UE may attempt to perform a random access procedure in order to obtain the UE TA for the downlink-only CC for use with SRS transmissions on the downlink CC. However, if the UE has a limited number of transmission chains, the UE may also have to interrupt communication on one (e.g., first) CC to transmit PRACH on the downlink-only CC (e.g., similarly to SRS switching). Such an interruption to the (e.g., first) CC due to PRACH transmission can have a significant impact on transmission capacity, communications, etc., on the first CC. For example, the interruption due to PRACH transmission may create additional interruption(s) in the preceding and / or subsequent subframes on the first CC.

[0061] In addition, in some cases, the initiation of a random access procedure in the CC Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 24 / 219 20 / 92 downlink-only based on a legacy (or conventional) random access procedure can be inefficient and cause numerous interruptions on the first CC. For example, an UE using a legacy random access procedure might attempt to repeat PRACH transmissions (e.g., if the UE determines that a previous PRACH was unsuccessful). However, as the UE may have to switch to a second CC in order to transmit each PRACH, these repeated PRACH transmissions can cause significant interruptions and disruptions to communications on the first CC, reducing the transmission capacity on the first CC.

[0062] Consequently, there is a need for further improvements to the random access procedure that can be performed for SRS switching situations.

[0063] Aspects presented here may allow the UE to use the start (e.g., first symbols) of UpPTS from a special subframe to transmit PRACH for SRS switching situations. For example, the UE may determine, based on one or more conditions, whether to use the start of one or more UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission. One or more conditions may include at least one of a configuration for using the initial UpPTS symbols, an indication to use the initial UpPTS symbols, or an ability of the UE to use the initial UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission. After interrupting communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC to a second CC, the UE may transmit PRACH on the second CC based on the Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 25 / 219 21 / 92 determination. The second CC can be a CC configured for downlink transmission (for example, a CC that is not configured for at least one PUSCH / PUCCH transmission). In this way, the UE can reduce the amount of time that communication is interrupted by LT on the first CC due to PRACH transmission on the second CC.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the aspects presented here provide a modified random access procedure that the UE can use for CCs and Ts that are configured for downlink transmission in order to reduce the impact of switching / interruptions to the first CC. In certain aspects, after the UE transmits a PRACH (e.g., based on an initial PDCCH request), the UE can monitor another PDCCH request before transmitting another PRACH (e.g., repeating the PRACH transmission) on a second CC. The second CC, for example, could be a CC configured for downlink transmission. In this way, the UE can avoid causing numerous interruptions to a first CC due to LT from repeated PRACH transmissions on the second CC (typically associated with legacy random access procedures).

[0065] Aspects of the present invention also provide one or more improvements for triggering and managing SRS transmissions. Conventional mechanisms for triggering SRS transmissions are generally unable to simultaneously trigger SRS transmissions AND provide power control for the SRS transmissions. The techniques presented here provide flexible and efficient mechanisms that allow a BS (e.g., through downlink control information) to... Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 26 / 219 22 / 92 group (DO)) to jointly trigger SRS transmissions from one or more UEs, triggering SRS transmissions from multiple CCs from the same UE, and / or performing separate power control for each CC, etc. Several other aspects are provided.

[0066] Several aspects of the description are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this description is complete and thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the description to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the invention is intended to cover any aspect of the description presented herein, whether implemented independently or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein.Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such apparatus or method that is practiced using another structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to the various aspects of the disclosure presented herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure presented herein may be incorporated by one or more elements of a claim.

[0067] The word “exemplar” is used here to mean “serving as an example, case or illustration.” Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 27 / 219 23 / 92 Any aspect described here as exemplary should not necessarily be considered preferable or advantageous in relation to other aspects.

[0068] Although specific aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the invention. While some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives. Rather, the aspects of the description are intended to be broadly applicable to different wireless technologies, system configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and description of the preferred aspects that follow. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the description rather than limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0069] The techniques described here can be used for various wireless communication networks such as LTE, CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and other networks. The terms network and system are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. cdma2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An OFDMA network may implement a radio technology such as NR (by Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 28 / 219 24 / 92 example, 5G), Evolved UTRA (e-UTRA), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, etc. UTRA and e-UTRA are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). NR is an emerging wireless communications technology under development in conjunction with the 5G Technology Forum (5GTF). Long-Term Evolution 3GPP (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) are versions of UMTS that utilize e-UTRA. UTRA, e-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP). Cdma2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2). The techniques described here can be used for the wireless networks and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies.For clarity, although aspects may be described here using terminology commonly associated with 3G and / or 4G wireless technologies, aspects of the present invention may be applied to other generation-based communication systems, such as 5G and subsequently, including NR technologies. EXEMPLARY WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

[0070] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless network 100 in which aspects of the present disclosure can be realized. For example, the wireless network could be a novel radio or 5G network. Base Station (BS) 110 could comprise an eNB, gNB, a transmit-receive point (TRP), Node B (NB), 5G NB, access point (AP), novel radio (NR) BS, etc.).

[0071] In some respects, in opposition to transmission Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 29 / 219 25 / 92 of PRACH on a downlink control center according to a legacy random access procedure, UE 120 can use a modified random access procedure that reduces the impact of interruptions to a control center due to PRACH transmissions on another control center for SRS. The modified random access procedure may involve waiting for confirmation from the support center before transmitting successive PRACHs. For example, a UE 120 might monitor for a PDCCH request from support center 110 for a PRACH transmission. The UE 120 might transmit a PRACH for BS 110 based on information (e.g., resource allocation information, number of PRACH transmission attempts, transmission power, etc.) in the PDCCH request.

[0072] To transmit the PRACH, UE 120 can interrupt communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC to a second CC, and transmit the PRACH on the second CC. The second CC can be a CC configured for downlink transmission (e.g., not configured for at least PUC / PUCCH transmissions). After transmitting the PRACH, UE 120 can monitor a Random Access Response (RAR) from BS 110. If the RAR is not detected, UE 120 can monitor for another PDCCH Request from BS 110 before re-transmitting the PRACH. In this way, UE 120 can reduce the impact (e.g., interruptions) on the first CC that would otherwise be caused by automatic repeated PRACH attempts performed based on a legacy random access procedure.

[0073] Additionally, or alternatively, aspects may reduce the impact on a first CC due to Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 30 / 219 26 / 92 switching to a second DC for PRACH transmissions allows the UE 120 to use the UpPTS initial symbols for PRACH transmission on the second DC. For example, the UE 120 can determine whether to use the UpPTS initial symbols for PRACH transmission on the second DC. The determination can be based on at least one of a setting to use the UpPTS initial symbols, an indication to use the UpPTS initial symbols, or a UE capability to use the UpPTS initial symbols for PRACH transmission. After switching to the second DC from the first DC, the UE 120 can transmit a PRACH on the second DC based on the determination. In this way, the UE 120 can reduce the amount of time that communication is interrupted on the first DC due to PRACH transmission on the second DC.

[0074] Additionally, or alternatively, the aspects presented here allow a BS 110 to jointly trigger (e.g., via the DCI group) the SRS transmissions of one or more UEs 120, trigger the SRS transmissions of multiple CCs from the same UE 120, and / or perform power control separately for each CC, etc. jointly triggering the SRS transmissions and / or performing power control can increase flexibility and / or reduce overhead associated with configuring SRS transmissions for UEs (compared to conventional SRS triggering mechanisms).

[0075] As illustrated in Figure 1, the 100 wireless network may include a number of BSs 110 and other network entities. A BS may be a station that communicates with UEs. Each BS 110 may provide coverage of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 31 / 219 27 / 92 communication for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of ​​a Node B and / or a Node B subsystem that serves this coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used. In NR systems, the terms “cell” and eNB, gNB, Node B, 5G, AP, NR BS, or TRP may be interchangeable. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​the cell may move according to the location of a mobile base station. In some examples, base stations may be interconnected to each other by MT and / or to one or more other base stations or network nodes (not shown) in the 100 wireless network through various types of return transport channel interfaces, such as a direct physical connection, virtual network, or similar, using any suitable transport network.

[0076] In general, any number of wireless networks can be implemented in a given geographic area. Each wireless network can support a specific radio access technology (RAT) and can operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT can also be referred to as a radio technology, an air interface, etc. A frequency can also be referred to as a vehicle, a frequency channel, etc. Each frequency can support a single RAT in a given geographic area in order to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be developed.

[0077] A BS can provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 32 / 219 28 / 92 femto cell, and / or other cell types. A macro cell can cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and can allow unrestricted access by subscription-based UEs. A pico cell can cover a relatively small geographic area and can allow unrestricted access by subscription-based UEs. A femto cell can cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a house) and can allow restricted access by UEs having association with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG), UEs for users in the house, etc.). A BS for a macro cell can be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a pico cell can be referred to as a Pico BS. A BS for a femto cell can be referred to as a femto BS or a household BS. In the example shown in Figure 1, BSs 110a, 110b, and 110c can be macro BSs for macro cells 102a, 102b, and 102c, respectively.A BS 110x can be a pico BS for a pico 102x cell. The BSs 110y and 110z can be femto BSs for the femto 102y and 102z cells, respectively. A BS can support one or multiple (e.g., three) cells.

[0078] A wireless network 100 may also include relay stations. A relay station is a station that receives a data transmission and / or other information from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or a UE) and sends a transmission of the data and / or other information to a downstream station (e.g., a UE or a BS). A relay station may also be a UE that transfers transmissions to other UEs. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a relay station of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 33 / 219 29 / 92 relay 11 Or it can communicate with the BS 110a and the UE 120r in order to facilitate communication between the BS 110a and the UE 120r. A relay station may also be referred to as a relay BS, a repeater, etc.

[0079] A 100 wireless network can be a heterogeneous network that includes BSs of different types, for example, macro BS, pico BS, femto BS, repeaters, etc. These different types of BSs can have different transmission power levels, different coverage areas, and different impacts on interference in the 100 wireless network. For example, a macro BS might have a high transmission power level (e.g., 20 Watts) while pico BS, femto BS, and repeaters might have a lower transmission power level (e.g., 1 Watt).

[0080] Wireless network 100 can support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the BSs can have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs can be approximately time-aligned. For asynchronous operation, the BSs can have different frame timings, and transmissions from different BSs cannot be time-aligned. The techniques described here can be used for both synchronous and asynchronous operation.

[0081] A network controller 130 can couple to a set of BSs and provide coordination and control for those BSs. The network controller 130 can communicate with the BSs 110 through a return transport channel. BSs 110 can also communicate with each other, by Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 34 / 219 30 / 92 example, directly or indirectly through a wireless or wired transport channel.

[0082] UEs 120 (e.g., 120x, 120y, etc.) can be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. A UE can also be referred to as a mobile station, a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a station, a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a portable device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop station (WLL), a tablet, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smart book, an ultrabook, a medical device or medical equipment, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart bracelet, a smart jewel (e.g., a smart ring, a smart bracelet, etc.).An entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, a satellite radio, etc.), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium. Some UEs may be considered machine-type communication (MTC) devices or evolved MTC (eMTC) devices. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, etc. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 35 / 219 31 / 92 monitors, location tags, etc., that can communicate with a BS, another device (e.g., remote device), or some other entity. A wireless node can provide, for example, connectivity to or from a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via a wired or wireless communication link. Some UEs can be considered Internet identification (IoT) devices.

[0083] In Figure 1, a solid line with double arrows indicates desired transmissions between a UE and a serving BS, which is a BS designated to serve the UE on the downlink and / or uplink. A dashed line with double arrows indicates interference transmissions between a UE and a BS.

[0084] Certain wireless networks (e.g., LTE) use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as tones, binaries, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. In general, modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain with OFDM and in the time domain with SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz and the minimum resource allocation (called a 'resource block') can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Consequently, the nominal FFT size can be equal to Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 36 / 219 32 / 92 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048 for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz), respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into sub-bands. For example, a sub-band might cover 1.08 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and there could be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 sub-bands for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, respectively.

[0085] Although aspects of the examples described herein may be associated with LTE technologies, aspects of the present invention may be applicable to other wireless communication systems, such as NR. NR may utilize OFDM with CP in the uplink and downlink and include support for semi-duplex operation using TDD. A single-component carrier bandwidth of 100 MHz may be supported. NR resource blocks may encompass 12 subcarriers with a subcarrier bandwidth of 75 kHz over a duration of 0.1 ms. Each radio frame may consist of 50 subframes with a length of 10 ms. Consequently, each subframe may have a length of 0.2 ms. Each subframe can indicate a link direction (i.e., DL or UL) for data transmission, and the link direction for each subframe can be dynamically switched. Each subframe can include DL / UL data as well as DL / UL control data. Beamforming can be supported, and the beam direction can be dynamically configured. MIMO transmissions with pre-coding can also be supported. MIMO configurations in DL can support up to 8 transmit antennas with multi-layer DL transmissions up to 8 streams and up to 2 streams per UE. Multi-layer transmissions with up to 2 streams per UE. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 37 / 219 33 / 92 can be supported. Multi-cell aggregation can be supported with up to 8 service cells. Alternatively, NR can support a different air interface, other than an OFDM interface. NR networks can include entities such as central units or distributed units.

[0086] In some examples, air interface access can be scheduled, where a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station) allocates resources for communication between some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. Within the present description, as discussed further below, the scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources to one or more subordinate entities. That is, for scheduled communication, the subordinate entities utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity.

[0087] Base stations are not the only entities that can function as a programming entity. That is, in some examples, a UE can function as a programming entity, programming resources for one or more subordinate entities (e.g., one or more other UEs). In this example, the UE is functioning as a programming entity, and other UEs utilize resources programmed by the UE for wireless communication. A UE can function as a programming entity in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network and / or mesh network. In a mesh network example, UEs can optionally communicate directly with each other in addition to communicating with the programming entity. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 38 / 219 34 / 92

[0088] Thus, in a wireless communication network with programmed access to time-frequency resources and having a cellular configuration, a P2P configuration and a mesh configuration, a programming entity and one or more subordinate entities can communicate using the programmed resources.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a downlink (DL) frame structure used in telecommunications systems (e.g., LTE). The transmission timeline for the downlink can be divided into radio frame units. Each radio frame can have a predetermined duration (e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms)) and can be divided into 10 subframes with indices from 0 to 9. Each subframe can include two partitions. Each radio frame can thus include 20 partitions with indices from 0 to 194. Each partition can include L symbol periods, e.g., 7 symbol periods for a normal cyclic prefix (as shown in the Figure) or 14 symbol periods for an extended cyclic prefix. The 2L symbol periods in each subframe can be assigned indices from 0 to 2L-1. The available time frequency resources can be divided into resource blocks. Each resource block can cover N subcarriers (for example, 12 subcarriers) in a partition.

[0090] In certain systems (e.g., LTE), a BS can send a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) to each cell in the BS. The primary and secondary synchronization signals can be sent in symbol periods 6 and 5, respectively, in each of subframes 0 and 5 of each Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 39 / 219 35 / 92 radio frame with the normal cyclic prefix, as shown in Figure 2, the synchronization signals can be used by the UEs for cell detection and acquisition. The BS can send a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) in symbol periods 0 to 3 in partition 1 of subframe 0. The PBCH can carry certain system information.

[0091] The BS can send a Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH) in only a portion of the first symbol period of each subframe, although described in the entire first symbol period in Figure 2. The PCFICH can carry the number of symbol periods (M) used for control channels, where M can be equal to 1, 2, or 3 and can change from subframe to subframe. M can also be equal to 4 for a small system bandwidth, for example, with fewer than 10 resource blocks. In the example shown in Figure 2, M = 3. The BS can send a Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) and a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in the first M symbol periods of each subframe (M = 3 in the Figure). The PHICH can carry information to support Hybrid Automatic Retransmission (HARQ). The PDCCH can carry information about uplink and downlink resource allocation for UEs and power control information for uplink channels.Although not shown in the first symbol period in Figure 2, it is understood that PDCCH and PHICH are also included in the first symbol period. Similarly, PHICH and PDCCH are also both in the second and third symbol periods, although not shown in Figure 2. BS can send a Downlink Shared Physical Channel (PDSCH) in the symbol periods. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 40 / 219 36 / 92 remaining from each subframe. The PDSCH can carry data to the UEs programmed for data transmission on the downlink. The various signals and channels in LTE are described in 3 GPP TS 36 211, entitled “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Physical Channels and Modulation”, which is publicly available.

[0092] BS can send PSS, SSS, and PBCH. In the center of the 1.08 MHz system bandwidth used by node B, BS can send PCFICH and PPICH across the entire system bandwidth during each symbol period in which these channels are sent. BS can send PDCCH to groups of UEs in certain parts of the system bandwidth. BS can send PDSCH to specific UEs in specific parts of the system bandwidth. BS can send PSS, SSS, PBCH, PCFICH, and PHICH in a broadcast manner to all UEs, can send PDCCH in a unicast manner to specific UEs, and can also send PDSCH in a unicast manner to specific UEs.

[0093] A number of resource elements may be available in each symbol period. Each resource element may cover a subcarrier in a symbol period and may be used to send a modulation symbol, which may be a real or complex value. Resource elements not used for a reference signal in each symbol period may be arranged into resource element groups (REGs). Each REG may include four resource elements in a symbol period. PCFICH may occupy four REGs, which may be spaced approximately equally across the frequency. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 41 / 219 37 / 92 in symbol period 01. PHICH can occupy three REGs, which can be spread across the frequency, in one or more configurable symbol periods. For example, the three REGs for PHICH can all belong in symbol period 0 or can be spread across symbol periods 0, 1, and 2. PDCCH can occupy 9, 18, 36, or 72 REGs, for example, which can be selected from the available REGs, in the first M symbol periods. Only certain combinations of REGs can be allowed for PDCCH.

[0094] An UE may know the specific REGs used for PHICH and PCFICH. The UE may search different combinations of REGs for PDCCH. The number of combinations to search is typically less than the number of combinations allowed for PDCCH. A BS may send PDCCH to the UE in any of the combinations that the UE will search for.

[0095] An UE may be within the coverage of multiple BSs. One of these BSs may be selected to serve the UE. The serving BS may be selected based on several criteria, such as received power, path loss, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc.

[0096] In certain systems (for example, such as NR or 5G systems), a BS may transmit these or other signals at these locations or at locations other than the subframe.

[0097] Figure 3 is a diagram 300 illustrating an example of an uplink (UL) frame structure in a wireless telecommunications system (e.g., LTE). The resource blocks available to the UL can be Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 42 / 219 38 / 92 divided into a data section and a control section. The control section can be formed on both edges of the system bandwidth and can have a configurable size. Resource blocks in the control section can be assigned to UEs for the transmission of control information. The data section can include all resource blocks not included in the control section. The UL frame structure results in the data section including contiguous subcarriers, which can allow a single UE to be assigned to all contiguous subcarriers in the data section.

[0098] A UE can receive resource blocks designated 310a, 310b in the control section to transmit control information to a BS. The UE can also receive resource blocks 320a, 320b in the data section to transmit data to the BS. The UE can transmit control information on a physical control channel (PUCCH) in the resource blocks assigned in the control section. The UE can transmit only data or both data and control information on a shared physical control channel (PUC) in the resource blocks assigned in the data section. A UL transmission can span both partitions of a subframe and can hop across frequency.

[0099] A set of resource blocks can be used to perform initial system access and obtain UL synchronization on a 3306 physical random access channel (PRACH). The PRACH 330 carries a random sequence and cannot carry any UL data / signaling. Each random access preamble Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 43 / 219 39 / 92 can occupy a bandwidth corresponding to six consecutive resource blocks. The starting frequency is specified by the network. That is, the transmission of the random access preamble can be restricted to certain time and frequency resources. There can be no frequency hopping for PRACH. The PRACH attempt can be made in a single subframe (1 ms) or in a sequence of a few contiguous subframes, and a UE can make a single PRACH attempt per frame (10 ms). In aspects described here, PRACH and / or SRS can be located in additional and / or different time and / or frequency resources.

[0100] In certain systems (for example, such as NR or 5G systems), a BS may transmit these or other signals at these locations or at locations other than the subframe.

[0101] Figure 4 illustrates the illustrative components of the BS 110 and UE 120 of the wireless network 100 illustrated in Figure 1, which can be used to implement aspects of the present invention. One or more components of the BS 110 and UE 120 can be used to practice aspects of the present description. For example, antennas 452, Tx / Rx 222, processors 466, 458, 464, and / or controller / processor 480 of UE 120 can be used to perform the operations described herein and illustrated with reference to Figures 15, 17 and 19 and / or antennas 434, processors 440, 420, 438, and / or controller / processor 440 of BS 110 can be used to perform the operations described herein and illustrated with reference to Figures 16 and 18.

[0102] Figure 4 shows a block diagram. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 44 / 219 40 / 92 of a BS 110 project and a UE 120, which can be one of the BSs and one of the UEs. In Figure 1, for a restricted association scenario, the BS 110 can be the macro BS 110c in Figure 1, and the UE 120 can be the UE 120y. The BS 110 can also be a base station of some other type. The BS 110 can be equipped with antennas 434a to 434t, and the UE 120 can be equipped with antennas 452a to 452r.

[0103] In BS 110, a transmission processor 420 can receive data from a data source 412 and control information from a BS controller / processor 440. The control information can be for PBCH, PCFICH, PHICH, PDCCH, etc. The data can be for PDSCH, etc. The processor 420 can process (e.g., encode and map into symbols) the data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The processor 420 can also generate reference symbols, e.g., for PSS, SSS, and cell-specific reference signal. A transmission (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 430 can perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols, if applicable, and can provide output symbol streams to modulators (MODs) 432a to 432t.Each 432 modulator can process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each 432 modulator can additionally process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain... Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 45 / 219 41 / 92 a downlink signal. The downlink signals from modulators 432a to 432t can be transmitted via antennas 434a to 434t, respectively.

[0104] In UE 120, antennas 452a to 452r can receive downlink signals from BS 110 and can provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 454a to 454r, respectively. Each 454 demodulator can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each 454 demodulator can further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A 456 MIMO detector can obtain received symbols from all 454a to 454r demodulators, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receiving processor 458 can process (e.g., demodulate, reverse interleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data to the UE 120, then to a data store 460, and provide decoded control information to a controller / processor 480.

[0105] In the uplink, on UE 120, a 464 transmission processor can receive and process data (e.g., for the PUC) from a 462 data source and control information (e.g., for the PUCCH) from the 4802 controller / processor. The 464 transmission processor can also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. The symbols of the 464 transmission processor can be pre-coded by a 466 TX MIMO processor, if applicable, and further processed by Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 46 / 219 42 / 92 demodulators 454a to 454r (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.), and transmitted to BS 110. On BS 110, the uplink signals from UE 120 can be received by antennas 434, processed by modulators 432, detected by a MIMO detector 436, if applicable, and further processed by a receiving processor 438 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by UE 120. The receiving processor 438 can provide the decoded data to a data store 439 and the decoded control information to the controller / processor 440.

[0106] Controllers / processors 440 and 480 can direct operation on BS 110 and UE 120, respectively. Processor 440 and / or other processors and modules on BS 110 can execute or direct, for example, the execution of the functional blocks illustrated in Figures 16, 18 and / or other processes for the techniques described herein. Processor 480 and / or other processors and modules on UE 120 can execute or direct, for example, the execution of the functional blocks illustrated in Figures 15, 17, 19 and / or other processes for the techniques described herein. Memories 442 and 482 can store data and program codes for BS 110 and UE 120, respectively. Programmer 444 can program one or more UEs for data and / or control transmissions on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0107] Figure 5 is a 500 diagram illustrating an example of a 20T radio protocol architecture for the user and control planes in certain systems (e.g., LTE). The radio protocol architecture for UE and BS is shown with three layers: layer Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 47 / 219 43 / 92 Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3. Layer 1 (layer LI) is the lowest layer and implements various physical layer signal processing functions. Layer LI will be referred to here as physical layer 506. Layer 2 (layer L2) 508 is above physical layer 506 and is responsible for the link between the UE and the BS over physical layer 506.

[0108] At the user level, the L2 508 layer includes, for example, a medium access control (MAC) sublayer 510, a radio link control (RLC) sublayer 512, and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) sublayer 514, which is terminated at the BS on the network side. Although not shown, the UE may have several upper layers above the L2 508 layer including a network layer (e.g., IP Layer) that is terminated at PDN port 118 on the network side, and an application layer that is terminated at the other end of the connection (e.g., far-end UE, server, etc.).

[0109] The PDCP 514 sublayer provides multiplexing between radio carriers and different logical channels. The PDCP 514 sublayer also provides header compression for upper-layer data packets to reduce radio transmission overhead, security through data packet encoding, and transfer support for UEs between BSs. The RLC 512 sublayer provides segmentation and reassembly of upper-layer data packets, retransmission of lost data packets, and reordering of data packets to compensate for out-of-order reception due to hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ). The MAC 510 sublayer provides multiplexing between logical and transport channels. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 48 / 219 The 44 / 92 MAC 510 sublayer is also responsible for allocating various radio resources (e.g., resource blocks) within a cell between UEs. The MAC 510 sublayer is also responsible for HARQ operations.

[0110] In the control plane, the radio protocol architecture for the UE and BS is substantially the same for physical layer 506 and BS for layer L2 508 with the exception that there is no header compression function for the control plane. The control plane also includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) sublayer 516 in Layer 3 (layer L3). The RRC 516 sublayer is responsible for obtaining radio resources (i.e., radio carriers) and for configuring the lower layers using RRC signaling between Node B and UE.

[0111] Figure 6 shows two exemplary 610 and 620 subframe formats for downlink with the normal cyclic prefix. The time frequency resources available for downlink can be divided into resource blocks. Each resource block can cover 12 subcarriers in a partition and can include a number of resource elements. Each resource element can cover one subcarrier in a symbol period and can be used to send a modulation symbol, which can be a real or complex value.

[0112] The 610 subframe format can be used for a BS equipped with two antennas. A CRS can be transmitted from antennas 0 and 1 in symbol periods 0, 4, 7, and 11. A reference signal is a signal that is known a priori by a transmitter and a receiver and can also be referred to as a pilot. A CRS is a signal Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 49 / 219 45 / 92 is a specific reference for a cell, for example, generated based on cell identity (ID). In Figure 6, for a given feature element labeled Ra, a modulation symbol can be transmitted on that feature element from antenna a, and no modulation symbol can be transmitted on that feature element from other antennas. The 620 subframe format can be used for a BS equipped with four antennas. A CRS can be transmitted from antennas 0 and 1 in symbol periods 0, 4, 7, and 11, and from antennas 2 and 3 in symbol periods 1 and 8. For both 610 and 620 subframe formats, a CRS can be transmitted on evenly spaced subcarriers, which can be determined based on cell IDs. Different BSs can transmit their CRSs on the same or different subcarriers, depending on their cell IDs.For both 610 and 620 subframe formats, unused CRS resource elements can be used to transmit data (e.g., traffic data, control data, and / or other data).

[0113] PSS, SSS, CRS and PBCH in LTE are described in 3 GPP TS 36.211, entitled “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Physical Channels and Modulation”, which is publicly available.

[0114] An interleaving structure can be used for each of the downlink and uplink for FDD (e.g., in LTE). For example, q interleave structures can be defined with indices from 0 to ql, where q can be equal to 4, 6, 8, 10, or some other value. Each interleave structure can include subframes separated by q frames. In Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 50 / 219 46 / 92 in particular, the entanglement q may include subframes q, q + q, q + 2Q, etc., where qe {0, q-1}.

[0115] The wireless network can support hybrid automatic retransmission (HARQ) for data transmission in the downlink and uplink. For HARQ, a transmitter (e.g., a BS) can send one or more transmissions of a packet until the packet is correctly decoded by a receiver (e.g., a UE) or some other termination condition is met. For synchronous HARQ, for example, all transmissions of the packet can be sent in subframes of a single interleaving. For asynchronous HARQ, for example, each transmission of the packet can be sent in any subframe.

[0116] Although aspects of the examples described herein may be associated with LTE technologies, aspects of the present invention may be applicable to other wireless communication systems, such as NR or 5G technologies.

[0117] New radio (NR) may refer to radios configured to operate under a new air interface (e.g., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) air-based interfaces) or fixed transport layer (e.g., other than Internet Protocol (IP)). NR may use OFDM with CP on the uplink and downlink and includes support for semi-duplex operation using TDD. NR may include an Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) service for broadband targeting (e.g., 80 MHz beyond), millimeter wave (mmW) targeting high carrier frequency (e.g., 60 GHz), massive MTC (mMTC) use of techniques Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 51 / 219 47 / 92 compatible MTC non-backwards, and / or ultra-reliable low-latency communications service targeted for mission-critical purposes (URLLC).

[0118] A single-component carrier bandwidth of 100 MHz can be supported. NR resource blocks can span 12 subcarriers with a subcarrier bandwidth of 75 kHz for a duration of 0.1 ms. Each radio frame can consist of 50 subframes with a length of 10 ms. Consequently, each subframe can have a length of 0.2 ms. Each subframe can indicate a link direction (i.e., DL or UL) for data transmission, and the link direction for each subframe can be dynamically switched. Each subframe can include DL / UL data as well as DL / UL control data. UL and DL subframes for NR can be as described in greater detail below with respect to Figures 9 and 10.

[0119] Beamforming can be supported and beam direction can be dynamically configured. MIMO transmissions with pre-coding can also be supported. MIMO configurations in DL can support up to 8 transmit antennas with multi-layer DL transmissions up to 8 streams and up to 2 streams per UE. Multi-layer transmissions with up to 2 streams per UE can be supported. Multi-cell aggregation can be supported with up to 8 service cells. Alternatively, NR can support a different air interface, different from an OFDM-based interface. NR networks can include entities such as central units or distributed units.

[0120] A RAN may include a central unit Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 52 / 219 48 / 92 (CU) and distributed units (Uds). The NR BS (e.g., gNB, node B, Node B, transmit-receive point (TRP), access point (AP)) can correspond to one or multiple BSs. NR cells can be configured as access cells (Acells) or data-only cells (DCells). For example, the RAN (e.g., a central unit or distributed unit) can configure the cells. DCells can be cells used for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity, but not used for initial access, cell selection / re-selection, or handover. In some cases, cells may not transmit synchronization signals. In some cases, DCells may transmit SS. NR BSs can transmit downlink signals to UEs indicating the cell type. Based on the cell type indication, the UE can communicate with the NR BS.For example, the EU may determine NR BSs to consider the selection of cells, access, delivery, and / or measurement based on the type of cell indicated.

[0121] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary logical architecture of a distributed RAN 700, according to aspects of the present invention. The 5G access node 706 may include an access node controller (ANC) 702. The ANC may be a central unit (CU) of the distributed RAN 700. The return transport channel interface for the next generation core network (NG-CN) 704 may terminate at the ANC. The return transport channel interface for neighboring next generation access nodes (NG-ANs) may terminate at the ANC. The ANC may include one or more TRPs 708 (which may also be referred to as BSs, NR BSs, node Bs, 5G NBs, APs, or some other term). As described Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 53 / 219 49 / 92 above, the TRP can be used interchangeably with the cell.

[0122] TRPs 708 can be a distributed unit (DU). TRPs can be connected to one ANC (ANC702) or more than one ANC (not shown). For example, for RAN sharing, Radio as a Service (RaaS), and specific service AND jobs, the TRP can be connected to more than one ANC. The TRP can include one or more antenna ports. TRPs can be configured individually (e.g., dynamic selection) or jointly (e.g., joint transmission) for traffic to a UE.

[0123] The local 700 architecture can be used to illustrate the definition of an advanced transport channel. The architecture can be defined to support access solutions across different deployment types. For example, the architecture can be based on transmission network capabilities (e.g., bandwidth, latency, and / or jitter).

[0124] The architecture can share resources and / or components with LTE. Depending on the aspect ratio, the next-generation AN (NG-AN) 710 can support dual connectivity with NR; the NG-AN can share a common terminal for LTE and NR.

[0125] The architecture may allow cooperation between TRPs 708. For example, cooperation may be pre-established within a TRP and / or across TRPs via ANC 702. Depending on the aspect ratio, no inter-TRP interface may be required / present.

[0126] According to aspects, a Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 54 / 219 A 50 / 92 dynamic split logic function configuration may be present in the 700 architecture. PDCP, RLC, and MAC protocols can be adaptively placed in the ANC or TRP.

[0127] Depending on certain aspects, a BS may include a central unit (CU) (e.g., ANC702) and / or one or more distributed units (e.g., one or more TRPs 708).

[0128] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary physical architecture of a distributed RAN 800, according to aspects of the present invention. A centralized core network unit (C-CU) 802 can host core network functions. The C-CU can be installed centrally. The C-CU functionality can be offloaded (e.g., to Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)) in an effort to handle peak capacity.

[0129] A centralized RAN unit (C-RU) 804 can host one or more ANC functions. Optionally, the C-RU can host core network functions locally. C-RU can have distributed development. The C-RU can be located closer to the network edge.

[0130] An 806 distributed unit (DU) can host one or more TRPs. The DU can be located at network edges with radio frequency (RF) functionality.

[0131] Figure 9 is a 900 diagram showing an example of a DL-centered subframe. The DL-centered subframe may include a 902 control portion. The 902 control portion may exist in the initial or initial portion of the DL-centered subframe. The 902 control portion may include various programming and / or information. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 55 / 219 51 / 92 control information corresponding to various parts of the central DL subframe. In some configurations, the control portion 902 may be a physical DL control channel (PDCCH), as shown in Figure 9. The central DL subframe may also include a DL data portion 904. The DL data portion 904 may sometimes be referred to as the payload of the central DL subframe. The DL data portion 904 may include the communication resources used to communicate DL data from the scheduling entity (e.g., UE or BS) to the subordinate entity (e.g., UE). In some configurations, the DL data portion 904 may be a PDSCH.

[0132] The central DL subframe may also include a common UL 906 part. The common UL 906 part may sometimes be referred to as a UL burst, common UL burst, and / or various other suitable terms. The common UL 906 part may include feedback information corresponding to various other parts of the central DL subframe. For example, the common UL 906 part may include feedback information corresponding to the control part 902. Non-limiting examples of feedback information may include an ACK signal, a NACK signal, a HARQ indicator, and / or various other suitable types of information. The common UL 906 part may include additional or alternative information, such as information relating to random access channel (RACH) procedures, programming requests (SRs), and various other suitable types of information. As illustrated in Figure 1.9, The end of the DL 904 data portion can be separated in time from the beginning of the common UL portion. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 56 / 219 52 / 92 906. This time separation may sometimes be referred to as a gap, a protection period, a guard interval, and / or various other suitable terms. This separation provides time for the switching of DL communication (e.g., the receiving operation by the subordinate entity (e.g., UE)) to UL communication (e.g., transmission by the subordinate entity (e.g., UE)). One skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing is merely an example of a central DL subframe and alternative structures having similar characteristics may exist without necessarily deviating from the aspects described herein.

[0133] Figure 10 is a diagram 1000 showing an example of a UL-centered subframe. The UL-centered subframe may include a control portion 1002. The control portion 1002 may exist in the initial or initial part of the UL-centered subframe. The control portion 1002 in Figure 10 may be similar to the control portion 902 described above with reference to Figure 9. The UL-centered subframe may also include a UL data portion 1004. The UL data portion 1004 may sometimes be referred to as the payload of the UL-centered subframe. The UL portion may refer to the communication resources used to communicate UL data from the subordinate entity (e.g., UE) to the scheduling entity (e.g., UE or BS). In some configurations, the control portion 1002 may be a physical DL control channel (PDCCH).

[0134] As illustrated in Figure 10, the end of the control part 1002 can be separated into Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 57 / 219 53 / 92 time from the start of the UL 1004 data portion. This time separation may sometimes be referred to as a gap, protection period, protection interval, and / or various other suitable terms. This separation provides time for switching between DL communication (e.g., reception operation by the programming entity) and UL communication (e.g., transmission by the programming entity). The central UL subframe may also include a common UL 1006 portion. The common UL portion 1006 in Figure 10 may be similar to the UL port part of common UL 906 described above with reference to Figure 9. The common UL part 1006 may additionally or alternatively include information pertaining to the channel quality indicator (CQI), sounding reference signals (SRSs), and various other suitable types of information. One skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing is merely an example of a central UL subframe and alternative structures having similar characteristics may exist without necessarily deviating from the aspects described herein.

[0135] In some circumstances, two or more subordinate entities (e.g., UEs) may communicate with each other using side-link signals. Real-world applications of such side-link communications may include public safety, proximity services, UE-to-network communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, Internet of Everything (IoE) communications, IoT communications, mission-critical mesh, and / or various other suitable applications. Generally, a side-link signal may refer to a signal communicated from a subordinate entity (by Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 58 / 219 54 / 92 example, UE1) to another subordinate entity (e.g., UE2) without retransmitting this communication through the programming entity (e.g., UE or BS), even if the programming entity may be used for programming and / or control purposes. In some examples, side link signals may be communicated using licensed spectrum (unlike wireless local area networks, which typically use unlicensed spectrum).

[0136] LTE-Advanced UEs can utilize spectrum bandwidths up to 20 MHz allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to a total of 100 MHz (5 component carriers (CCs)) used for transmission in each direction. For LTE-Advanced mobile systems, two types of carrier aggregation (CA) methods have been proposed, continuous CA and non-continuous CA, illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, respectively. Continuous CA occurs when multiple available component carriers are adjacent to each other (Figure). On the other hand, non-continuous CA occurs when multiple available component carriers are separated along the frequency band (Figure). A non-continuous and continuous CA aggregate of LTE / component carriers to serve a single LTE Advanced UE unit.According to various embodiments, the UE operating in a multi-carrier system (also referred to as carrier aggregation) is configured to aggregate certain multi-carrier functions, such as control and feedback functions, onto the same carrier, which may be referred to as a "primary carrier". The remaining carriers that depend on the primary carrier for support are referred to as secondary carriers. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 59 / 219 55 / 92 associated. For example, the UE can aggregate control functions such as those provided by the optional dedicated channel (DCH), unscheduled leases, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and / or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0137] In certain systems (e.g., LTE systems operating in accordance with Wireless Standards Release 13 and higher), a UE can be configured with up to 32 CCs for CA, for example. Each CC can be up to 20 MHz in size (e.g., and can be backward compatible). Therefore, up to 640 MHz of bandwidth can be configured for a UE (e.g., 32 CC x 20 MHz per CC).

[0138] The CCs in CA can all be configured as frequency division duplex (FDD) CCs, as time division duplex (TDD) CCs, or configured as a mixture of FDD and TDD CCs. Different TDD CCs can have equal or different uplink / downlink (DL / UL) configurations. Special subframes can also be configured differently for different TDD CCs.

[0139] In an exemplary CA configuration, one CC can be configured as the primary CC (e.g., referred to as the PCell or PCC) for the UE, and at most one other CC can be configured as the secondary primary CC (e.g., referred to as the pSCell). Only the PCell and pSCell can carry the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The UE can monitor the common seek space only on the Pcell. All other CCs can be referred to as secondary CCs (SCCs). CCs can be configured for uplink Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 60 / 219 56 / 92 only, downlink only, or both uplink and downlink.

[0140] SRS is a reference signal transmitted by the UE in the uplink direction. SRS can be used in the BS to estimate uplink channel quality over a wider bandwidth. In the case of TDD, SRS can also be used by the BS to estimate the downlink channel (e.g., due to channel reciprocity). The BS can use this information for selective uplink frequency scheduling for both downlink and uplink. However, in cases where the UE is configured with one or more aggregated CCs that are configured for downlink (e.g., not configured for at least PUSCH / PUCCH transmission), it may not be possible to exploit channel reciprocity if the UE cannot transmit SRS on downlink-only carriers.

[0141] Certain systems (e.g., LTE Liberation Systems 14 or higher) may therefore support SRS switching to and between CCs. SRS switching may be supported where the UE has fewer CCs available for PUSCH carrier aggregation (e.g., compared to the number of CCs available for PDSCH carrier aggregation). In such cases, the CCs available for SRS transmission may correspond to the CCs available for PDSCH carrier aggregation (e.g., downlink aggregated CCs only). For example, suppose a UE is configured with five aggregated CCs (CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4, and CC5), where CC1 is the PCC and is configured for downlink / uplink transmissions, and CC2-CC5 are SCCs and configured for downlink transmissions. In this example, Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 61 / 219 57 / 92 the available CCs for SRS transmission (in SRS Switching) are SCCs CC2-CC5.

[0142] SRS switching can involve the UE (e.g., a UE possessing a single transmission chain) switching between transmissions on one (e.g., first) CC to transmit SRS on a different CC (e.g., downlink), and then back to the first CC. Continuing with the example above, the UE can perform SRS switching to one or more of the UE's SCCs CC2-CC5 from PCC CC1 or another of the SCCs CC2-CC5. SRS switching may involve a switching time to switch between transmitting on the first CC to transmitting SRS on the other CC, and switching back to the first CC. The switching may be between different TDD CCs, different FDD CCs, TDD and FDD CCs, etc. The particular CCs that the UE switches between, as well as the UE's capabilities, can affect the switching time involved in SRS switching.

[0143] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating the example uplink and downlink subframes for two CCs, according to certain aspects of the present invention. As shown in Figure 13, the UE can be configured with at least TDD CC1 (e.g., PCC) and TDD CC2. CC2 can be a TDD carrier configured only for DL. That is, in one example, CC2 may not be configured for PUC / PUCCH transmissions. For example, as shown in Figure 13, for TDD CC2, subframes 0, 4, 5, 9 are configured as downlink subframes; subframes 1 and 6 are configured as special subframes; and subframes 2, 3, 7, 8 are inactive uplink subframes (e.g., while for CC1, Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 62 / 219 58 / 92 subframes 2, 3, 7, 8 are active uplink subframes). However, as described above, one or more of the resources described above may be allocated and / or employed in a different way. For example, in aspects, SRS for CC2 may be transmitted in inactive uplink subframes (e.g., to exploit channel reciprocity) in CC2 (e.g., in subframe 7 in the example shown in Figure 13).

[0144] In some cases, SRS transmissions in CC2 may coincide with other transmissions, such as PUC or PUCCH in CC1. In such cases, the SRS transmission in CC2 may interrupt the transmission in CC1. Alternatively or additionally, the SRS transmission in CC2 may be abandoned. Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary SRS switching with interference, according to certain aspects of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the SRS transmission in CC2 may cause the UE 120 to disregard, delete, punch, ignore and / or not process one or more PUC or PUCCH symbols in CC1. For example, as shown in Figure 14, if UE 120 has a switching time (e.g., including retiming time) of 2 symbols, a total of 5 symbols may be disregarded, erased, punched, dropped, and / or unprocessed in CC1 because of the UE communication interruption in CC1 to switch between CC1 and CC2 to transmit SRS in CC2. EXEMPLARY IMPROVEMENT OF PRACH AND / OR SRS SWITCHING

[0145] In general, SRS transmissions from UEs in the network should be orthogonal to SRS transmissions from Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 63 / 219 59 / 92 other UEs in the network. To maintain orthogonality in the network, SRS transmissions from UEs to a particular BS in the network must reach the BS at the same time (or within a CP length). The UE, therefore, may attempt to transmit a PRACH in order to obtain an initial timing advance (TA) estimate for the SRS transmission.

[0146] However, when the UE is configured to perform SRS switching in CA mode with a PCC and one or more downlink SCCs, the UE may have to transmit PRACH on the downlink SCC (e.g., in a similar manner to transmitting SRS on the downlink SCC). The UE may do this, for example, in cases where the PCC for pCell and SCC for sCell belong to different timing advance groups (Labels) and therefore different TA values ​​(e.g., due to the pCell associated with the PCC not being paired with the sCell associated with the SCC). In such cases, the BS (e.g., in order to establish a TA for sCell) may trigger the UE to transmit a PRACH on the sCell by transmitting a PDCCH request (e.g., on the pCell) to the UE.

[0147] However, in cases where the UE has a limited number of transmission chains (for example, the UE may have one transmission chain), the transmission of PRACH in the sCell may interrupt communication in the pCell (for example, in a similar way to how SRS transmissions interrupt communication in the sCell in the pCell as shown in Figure 14). Depending on the configuration and position (for example, symbol location within a subframe) of PRACH, this interruption may have a significant impact. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 64 / 219 60 / 92 in transmission capacity in pCell. For example, an interrupt due to PRACH transmission may create an additional interrupt(s) in the preceding and / or subsequent subframes in pCell.

[0148] Aspects presented here, for example, provide techniques to reduce the impact of switching due to RACH and / or SRS transmission.

[0149] In one aspect, the techniques presented here can be used to improve PRACH transmission in the uplink pilot time interval (UpPTS).

[0150] In certain systems, for example, such as LTE, a subframe format may include UpPTS. Using a 10 ms radio frame as a reference example, the 10 ms radio frame may include two half-frames of equal length (e.g., 5 ms), with each half-frame consisting of 10 partitions or 8 partitions plus three special fields: DwPTS (downlink pilot time partition), GP (protection period), and UpPTS in a special subframe. In this example, each partition may be 0.5 ms long, and two consecutive partitions may form a subframe. The special subframe (including UpPTS) may be used for switching between uplink and downlink subframes, for example, in TDD operation.

[0151] In LTE Version 13, UpPTS can be used for up to six symbols (e.g., SC-FDMA symbols). In some cases, a UE can use UpPTS to transmit PRACH, SRS, and / or PUC, etc. In some cases, a PRACH of two to four may be sufficient to allow the BS to determine the TA Estimate. Consequently, the Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 65 / 219 61 / 92 aspects presented here may allow the transmission of PRACH in the first symbols of UpPTS (for example, excluding one or more of the last symbols of UpPTS) to reduce the impact on a CC (for example, PCC or SCC) due to switching to another CC when transmitting PRACH.

[0152] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating example operations 1500 for wireless communications, according to certain aspects of the present invention. Operations 1500 can be performed, for example, by a UE (e.g., UE 120). Note, the steps described in the dashed boxes (e.g., in 1504, 1506, 1508, 1510 and 1516) correspond to optional steps that can be performed as part of operations 1500.

[0153] Operations 1500 can begin at 1502 where the UE determines, based on one or more conditions, whether to use one or more UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission to a BS (e.g., BS 110). For example, the UE can use up to six UpPTS symbols for a PRACH transmission. Furthermore, a two- to four-symbol PRACH may be sufficient to allow the BS to determine the TA uplink to the SCC. In some respects, the UE can determine whether to use the first (beginning) UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission to the SCC (e.g., as opposed to the last UpPTS symbols). For example, assuming two symbols for PRACH, the UE can determine whether to use the first two UpPTS symbols or any two-symbol T-approach UpPTS symbols (excluding the last one or two UpPTS symbols). Note that while a two-symbol PRACH is used here as a reference example, the techniques presented here can also be applied. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 66 / 219 62 / 92 apply to a PRACH of three or four symbols.

[0154] In 1504, the UE may signal an indication of an ability to use one or more symbols of an UpPTS for PRACH transmission to the BS. For example, the UE may determine that it has an ability (e.g., the UE may support Version 14 or later) to transmit PRACH on the first (e.g., at least two) symbols or symbols excluding one or more of the last (e.g., last two) symbols of UpPTS. The UE may inform the BS (e.g., signal an indication) of its ability to transmit PRACH on one or more symbols (e.g., first symbols) of UpPTS. In one aspect, one or more conditions (e.g., in 1502) may be based in part on the fact that the UE has the ability to use one or more UpPTS symbols for a PRACH transmission.

[0155] In 1506, the UE may receive from the BS an indication or configuration to transmit the PRACH in one or more (e.g., first) UpPTS symbols. The UE, for example, may receive the indication or configuration in response to signaling (e.g., in 1504) that has the capability to use the first UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission. In one aspect, one or more conditions (e.g., in 1502) may be based in part on the fact that the UE receives an indication or configuration from the BS to use one or more UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission. In one aspect, the UE may receive the indication or configuration via RRC signaling. The indication or configuration may be sent in a unicast manner as opposed to a broadcast manner.

[0156] In 1508, the EU can monitor an application Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 67 / 219 63 / 92 of PDCCH (e.g., from BS) for PRACH transmission. The PDCCH order can trigger the UE to initiate a random access procedure with the BS when transmitting a PRACH. The PDCCH order can be transmitted, for example, in situations where the UE is out of sync with the BS, the UE needs an initial (or updated) TA for use in uplink transmissions to the BS, etc. The PDCCH request can be sent using one or more predetermined DCI formats. The UE, in turn, can monitor one or more DCI formats for the PDCCH order before transmitting the PRACH to the BS.

[0157] In 1510, the UE can determine the resource allocation information for transmitting the PRACH based on the PDCCH request. For example, the PDCCH order may include at least part of the resource allocation for the PRACH. The resource allocation information may indicate at least one of a time position for the PRACH transmission (e.g., first two symbols, the two middle two symbols, the last two UpPTS symbols, assuming a two-symbol PRACH), the frequency position (e.g., the set of 6 physical resource blocks within the system bandwidth) for the PRACH transmission, and / or power control information for the PRACH transmission. In one aspect, the power control information may indicate at least one of a number of attempts for PRACH transmission or an amount of transmission power to be used for each of the number of attempts.

[0158] In 1512, the UE interrupts communication on a first CC to switch from the first CC Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 68 / 219 64 / 92 for a second CC. For example, the UE may have a limited number of transmission chains (e.g., a single transmission chain). In such cases, the UE may have to interrupt communication on the first CC to re-tun the T signal to its T value on the transmission chain for the second CC in order to transmit PRACH on the second CC. The UE may transmit a PRACH on the second CC in cases where the second CC is a downlink SCC that does not have an established uplink TA (e.g., for the UE to use for a subsequent SRS transmission on the SCC).

[0159] In 1514, after switching to the second CC, the UE transmits the PRACH on the UpPTS based on the determination. For example, if the UE receives a configuration or indication to use the first UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission, the UE may transmit the PRACH on the indicated first UpPTS symbols. The UE may also transmit the PRACH according to resource allocation information received through a PDCCH request (e.g., in 1510). Transmitting PRACH on the first UpPTS symbols in the second CC may reduce the amount of interruption to the first CC.

[0160] In 1516, after transmitting the PRACH, the UE can monitor another PDCCH request (from the BS) before retransmitting the PRACH. For example, after transmitting the PRACH on the second CC, the UE can tune back to the first CC (e.g., PCC) or another SCC to monitor a RAR from the BS. If the RAR is not detected, the UE can remain on the first CC to monitor another PDCCH request, as opposed to switching back to the second CC to automatically retransmit. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 69 / 219 65 / 92 a PRACH (according to a number of permitted PRACH attempts determined from the initial PDCCH request). In this way, the UE can further reduce the amount of interruption for the first CC that may be associated with repeated switching to the second CC for multiple PRACH attempts.

[0161] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating example 1600 operations for wireless communications, according to certain aspects of the present invention. The 1600 operations can be performed, for example, by a BS (e.g., BS 110). Note, the steps described in the dashed boxes (e.g., in 1604 and 1608) correspond to optional steps that can be performed as part of the 1600 operations.

[0162] Operations 1600 may begin in 1602 where the BS determines, based on one or more conditions, whether to configure a UE to use one or more UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission to the BS. For example, in some cases, a PRACH of two to four may be sufficient to allow the BS to determine the TA uplink to the SCC. The BS may determine whether to configure the UE to use the first (start) six-symbol UpPTS symbols for PRACH transmission to the SCC (e.g., as opposed to one or more of the last UpPTS symbols).

[0163] In 1604, the BS may receive an indication of a capability from the UE using one or more (e.g., first symbols) of UpPTS for PRACH transmission. The UE may inform the BS (e.g., signal an indication) of its capability to transmit PRACH on one or more symbols (e.g., first symbols) of the UpPTS. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 70 / 219 66 / 92 In one aspect, one or more conditions (e.g., in 1602) may be based in part on whether the BS receives the UE capability indication. In another aspect, one or more conditions (e.g., in 1602) may be based in part on whether the UE has the capability to use one or more UpPTS symbols for a PRACH transmission.

[0164] In 1606, the BS transmits an indication of the determination to the UE. In one aspect, the BS may transmit an indication or configure the UE to transmit PRACH-T on the first UpPTS symbols after receiving an indication (e.g., in 1604) that the UE has the capability to use one or more UpPTS symbols for a PRACH transmission. However, in some aspects, even if the BS does not receive an indication of the UE's capability, the BS may configure the UE to transmit PRACH on one or more symbols (e.g., the first symbols) of UpPTS. The BS may configure the UE to transmit PRACH on the first UpPTS symbols via RRC Signaling. The BS may configure the UE in a unicast manner (e.g., as opposed to a broadcast mode) to transmit PRACH.

[0165] In 1608, the BS can transmit a PDCCH request for PRACH transmission to the UE. The PDCCH request can trigger the UE to initiate a random access procedure with the BS when transmitting a PRACH. The BS can transmit the PDCCH request in situations where the BS determines that the UE is out of sync, the UE needs an initial (or updated) TA for the SCC, etc. The PDCCH request can be sent using one or more predetermined DCI formats. In some respects, the PDCCH request may include at least part Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 71 / 219 67 / 92 of resource allocation for PRACH. For example, resource allocation may indicate at least one of a time position for PRACH transmission, a frequency position for PRACH transmission, or power control information for PRACH transmission. Power control information may indicate the number of PRACH attempts allowed and / or an amount of transmission power to be used for each PRACH attempt.

[0166] In 1610, the BS receives the PRACH transmitted on the UpPTS from the UE. In one aspect, the BS can receive the PRACH on the UpPTS through the UT, an SCC associated with the UE that is configured for downlink transmission only. The PRACH can be transmitted according to the resource allocation information from the PDCCH request transmitted to the UE (e.g., in 1608). The PRACH can allow the BS to determine a TA for the UE to use for subsequent SRS transmissions on the downlink SCC.

[0167] Aspects presented here also provide techniques for improving the random access (RA) procedure, for example, for SRS switching.

[0168] For example, the conventional random access procedure (e.g., for contention-free PDCCH request) generally involves the following steps: (1) the UE monitors for the PDCCH request from a BS; (2) if a PDCCH request is detected, the UE transmits PRACH to the BS; (3) the UE monitors for a random access response (RAR) from the BS; (4) If a RAR is detected (e.g., with a corresponding random access preamble identifier (RAPID) field for the Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 72 / 219 68 / 92 (UE), the RA procedure is completed; (5) otherwise, If a RAR is not detected, the UE performs power raising (e.g., increases the PRACH transmission power level and repeats the PRACH transmission according to the standard T number of PRACH attempts allowed from the PDCCH order (e.g., step 2).

[0169] In some cases, however, the UE cannot detect a RAR from the BS after the PRACH transmission. For example, if the UE and the BS are out of sync, a RAR may have been transmitted, but the UE may not be able to decode the RAR. In another example, the BS may not detect the PRACH and therefore cannot transmit a RAR to the UE. However, with the above procedure, if the UE does not detect a RAR from the BS, the UE can autonomously decide to transmit another PRACH to the BS. Each time the UE decides to transmit a PRACH, the UE may have to interrupt the PCC to switch to an SCC to transmit the PRACH. As a result, the use of the above procedure can be highly inefficient in the context of SRS switching since repeated PRACH transmissions can be the cause of significant interruptions in the PCC or the source carrier in general. Consequently, it may be desirable to improve the random access procedure, for example, for SRS switching.

[0170] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating example 1700 operations for wireless communications, according to certain aspects of the present invention. The 1700 operations can be performed, for example, by a UE (e.g., UE 120). Note the steps described in the boxes. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 73 / 219 69 / 92 dashed lines (e.g., in 1708) correspond to optional steps that can be performed as part of operations 1700.

[0171] Operations 1700 can start in 1702 where the UE monitors a first PDCCH request for a first PRACH transmission. The first PDCCH can trigger the UE to transmit the first PRACH. The UE can monitor one or more Predetermined DCI formats for the first PDCCH request. The PDCCH order can include at least resource allocation information for the PRACH transmission.

[0172] In 1704, the UE can determine a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission. In one aspect, the UE can determine the transmission power based on an indicator received in the first PDCCH request. For example, the resource allocation information (from the first PDCCH request) may include at least power control information for the PRACH transmission. The power control information may indicate at least one of a number of allowed attempts (e.g., preambleTransMax) for PRACH transmission / repetition or an amount of transmission power to be used for each PRACH attempt. The power control indicator (in the first PDCCH request) may indicate an absolute power control value or a power control value relative to one or more power control values ​​for one or more previous PRACH transmissions.In one aspect, the UE can determine the transmission power based on a retransmission index of the first transmission of PRACH. By. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 74 / 219 70 / 92 for example, the EU can increase the transmission power for each PRACH attempt according to the power ramp which is based in part on the PRACH retransmission index.

[0173] In 1706, the EU transmits the first PRACH at the determined transmission power. For example, to transmit the PRACH, the UE can interrupt communication on a first CC (e.g., PCC or SCC) to switch from the first CC to a second CC. After switching to the second CC, the UE can transmit the PRACH on the second CC. The second CC can be a CC configured for downlink transmission (e.g., the CC is not configured for at least PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions).

[0174] In 1708, the UE can monitor a RAR after transmitting the first PRACH. For example, in some respects, the UE can switch back to the first CC or another SCC to monitor the BS RAR. If a RAR is detected, the random access procedure can be completed. For example, the RAR may include a TA value for the UE to use to adjust its uplink timing T value for uplink transmissions (e.g., such as SRS). If a RAR is not detected, the UE can increase the transmission power and attempt another PRACH transmission (e.g., assuming the UE is below the maximum number of retransmission attempts allowed).

[0175] In 1710, after transmitting the first PRACH, the UE monitors a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH. For example, in some aspects, the UE may use the random access procedure. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 75 / 219 71 / 92 legacy described above, but instead of automatically transmitting the next PRACH (e.g., in response to not detecting a RAR), the UE can monitor for another PDCCH request from the BS before transmitting the next PRACH. That is, the UE can monitor a RAR after transmitting the first PRACH and, if the RAR is not detected, monitor for another (e.g., second) PDCCH request instead of automatically retransmitting the PRACH according to the number of attempts in the first PDCCH request. Once the second PDCCH request is received, the UE can transmit a second PRACH (e.g., associated with the second PDCCH request) with increased power (determined from the second PDCCH request). In some cases, the UE can transmit the second PRACH with increased power determined according to a power ramp step (e.g., increased power relative to the first previous PRACH transmission). Put differently, using the legacy procedure above as a reference example, the UE can perform step 1 after step 5, instead of step 2 after step 5.

[0176] In certain respects, the UE (e.g., in 1706) can be configured to send a single PRACH transmission without increasing power. For example, the UE (e.g., in 1702) can be configured (via the First PDCCH request) with a parameter associated with a preamble transmission limit, such as preambleTransMax set to 1.

[0177] In certain respects, in addition to being configured to send a single PRACH transmission, the UE can determine (for example, on 17 04) a power of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 76 / 219 72 / 92 transmission for the single PRACH transmission. For example, in one case, the BS may reconfigure the UE with a new value for P_0 or a similar parameter associated with an initial transmission power for the single PRACH transmission. In one case, the BS may send a power control indicator to the UE (e.g., via the indicator received in the first PDCCH request) to indicate the transmission power value for the single PRACH transmission. The power control indicator may indicate an absolute power control value or a relative power control value (e.g., incremental).

[0178] In certain aspects, the UE may receive (e.g., in 1702) an explicit indication from the BS of the number of permissible PRACH attempts and / or the power control values ​​to be used for each PRACH attempt. The explicit indication, for example, may be received in cases where the UE is configured to transmit on a CC that is not configured for PUC / PUCCH transmissions. The UE may receive (in 1702) an order (e.g., PDCCH Order) or grant within a downlink control information (DCI) indicating the number of attempts. In some cases, the number of attempts may be fixed to 1. Additionally or alternatively, in one aspect, the order or grant within the DCI may include the power control value (e.g., amount of transmit power) to be used for each PRACH transmission. Such a power control value may be an absolute power control value (e.g., a power control value, Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 77 / 219 73 / 92 such as 10 dB, etc., relative to an open-loop power control value) or a relative power control value (e.g., a value relative to one or more power control values ​​for one or more previous PRACH transmissions) (e.g., cumulative across different triggers). In some cases, the power control indicator may have a sufficient number of bits (e.g., 3-4 bits) to allow for larger power control adjustments. DCI GROUP EXEMPLARY FOR SRS ACTIVATION

[0179] For certain networks (e.g., LTE), in some respects, a group of DCIs can jointly trigger SRS transmissions and / or perform power control of SRS transmissions.

[0180] In general, there may be a field in the DCI grant that indicates which CCs are fired for SRS transmissions. In one case, the UE may receive a bitmap (e.g., with one bit per CC) that indicates which CCs are fired. Assuming the UE is configured with four CCs and receives the bitmap “0101”, the UE can determine that CC2 and CC4 are fired for SRS transmissions. In one case, the UE may receive a trigger for one carrier at a time. Thus, assuming the UE is configured with eight CCs, the UE may receive a 3-bit field within the DCI grant that indicates which of the eight CCs are fired.

[0181] However, triggering SRS transmissions in this way can be inefficient. For example, in the case where a bitmap is used, for UEs configured with large numbers of CCs, the bitmap field of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 78 / 219 74 / 92 bits can have a large number of bits (for example, 32 bits for a UE configured with 32 CCs). On the other hand, triggering SRS transmissions from a single CC at a time may have reduced flexibility.

[0182] Consequently, it may be desirable to provide improved techniques for triggering SRS transmissions and / or performing power control for SRS transmissions. As described below, the techniques presented here allow a BS to trigger SRS transmissions from multiple UEs, triggering SRS transmissions from multiple CCs of the same UE simultaneously, and / or performing power control separately for each CC configured for a UE.

[0183] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating example 180° operations for wireless communications, according to certain aspects of the present invention. The 180° operations can be performed, for example, by a BS (e.g., BS 110). Note that the steps described in the dashed boxes (e.g., in 1806, 1810, 1812, 1814 and 1816) correspond to optional steps that can be performed as part of the 180° operations.

[0184] Operations 1800 can begin in 1802 where the BS identifies a plurality of CCs available to at least one UE for use for SRS transmissions to the BS. The UE, for example, can be configured with a plurality of aggregated CCs. Each of the CCs can be configured for downlink transmission only, uplink transmission only, or both downlink and uplink transmissions. The UE may be able to send SRS transmissions on the downlink CCs only, the uplink CCs only, or the uplink CCs only. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 79 / 219 75 / 92 only uplink, or CCs that support both downlink / uplink transmissions. The BS can identify from the configuration which of the CCs the UE is capable of sending SRS transmissions.

[0185] In 1804, the BS establishes a configuration specifying one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs that at least one UE must use for SRS transmissions. In one aspect, the configuration may specify one or more CCs for a single UE for use for SRS transmissions. In one aspect, the configuration may specify one or more CCs for multiple UEs for use for SRS transmissions. In one aspect, the configuration may specify one or more different CCs for respective different groups of UEs for use for SRS transmissions.

[0186] In 1806, the BS may determine one or more SRS trigger groups for the configuration. Each SRS group may include one or more CCs from the plurality of CCs identified by the BS (e.g., in 1802) that at least one UE is to use for SRS transmissions. In some cases, each SRS group may include one or more different CCs from the plurality of CCs. Each SRS group may have multiple SRS transmissions from the CCs in the group, and the order of the CCs may be indicated. One or more CCs in each SRS group may be CCs that are configured for downlink transmission only. In a reference example, the UE may be configured with an SRS group 1: {CC1, CC3, CC4}, an SRS group 2: {CC4, CC2}, an SRS group 3: {CC1}, and an SRS group 4: {CC4, CC5, CC6}. Note that the example of four SRS groups is provided as a reference example, and that an EU may Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 80 / 219 76 / 92 can be configured with any number of SRS groups.

[0187] In 1808, the BS can signal a configuration indication for at least one UE. In one aspect, the BS can configure the UE with the SRS firing group set (e.g., in 1806) via RRC signaling.

[0188] In 1810, the BS can trigger SRS transmissions from the UE through one or more CCs in one of the SRS groups. Continuing with the above example of four SRS trigger groups, the BS can use a 2-bit field in the DCI group to trigger SRS transmissions in one of the four SRS groups. Assuming the 2-bit field comprises “11”, the UE can be triggered to transmit SRS transmissions through CC4, CC5, and CC6 (e.g., in SRS Group 4). In general, however, the field size can be based on the number of SRS groups configured for the UE (e.g., through RRC signaling). For example, the field size (e.g., in bits) in the DCI group can be equal to ceil (log2(Ngroups)).

[0189] Additionally, in 1812, the BS can perform power control for one or more CCs in the triggered group for SRS transmissions (e.g., in 1810). For example, the BS can provide power commands for at least one of the CCs in the triggered group among the SRS groups via the DCI group, and the number of fields for the power control commands in the DCI group can be based in part on which of the SRS groups has a greater number of CCs. Continuing with the above example of four SRS trigger groups, since the maximum number of CCs among the four groups is three CCs, the BS can use Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 81 / 219 77 / 92 three fields within the DCI group to provide power control for DCs in the triggered group. In cases where the number of DCs in a triggered group is less than the number of fields in the DCI group (e.g., in the case where group 3 above is triggered), the BS may use a smaller number of the allocated fields to provide power control commands for the DCs in the triggered group (e.g., the BS may include a power control command in a single field (of the three fields in DCI) for DC1 in group 3). In some cases, the number of fields for power control commands may be equal to the number of DCs in the activated SRS group. In some cases, the number of fields for power control commands may be equal to the number of DCs in the activated SRS group that are configured only for downlink transmission.

[0190] In 1814, the BS can alternatively provide a single transmit power command to one of the CCs in the activated SRS group (e.g., in 1810). In one aspect, for example, the BS can indicate (e.g., via RRC signaling) which CC is affected by the transmit power command. In one aspect, the determination of which CC is affected can be implicit (e.g., according to a predefined rule or configuration). For example, the UE can implicitly determine the use of TPC for the first CC in the SRS group. In one aspect, the number of transmit power commands and the corresponding CCs to which they apply can be configured by RRC.

[0191] According to certain aspects, in 1816, the BS could simultaneously drive SRS transmissions to Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 82 / 219 78 / 92 from multiple CCs of the plurality of CCs configured for at least one UE. In one aspect, the configuration (e.g., in 1804) can indicate multiple CCs of the plurality of CCs for at least one UE, and the indication (e.g., in 1808) of the configuration can simultaneously trigger SRS transmissions from at least one UE from the multiple CCs. For example, the BS can trigger SRS transmissions from multiple CCs through one or more field groups in the DCI group. Assuming, for example, that the BS wishes to trigger 2 CCs at the same time, the BS can include two field groups in the DCI group, each group including a field to indicate which CC is triggered, and a field to indicate the TPC command for the triggered CC.For example, if an UE is configured with 8 CCs (CC1-CC8), the BS can trigger the UE to transmit SRS from CC4 through a first group, which includes a three-bit field to indicate CC4 and another field with one or more bits to indicate the TPC command for CC4, and will trigger the UE to transmit SRS from CC5 through a second group, which includes a three-bit field to indicate CC5 and another field with one or more bits to indicate the TPC command for. CC5. Note that the example of simultaneous transmissions of two CCs is provided as a reference example, and that a BS, using the techniques presented here, can trigger a UE to simultaneously transmit SRS from any number of CCs.

[0192] Depending on certain aspects, the configuration (e.g., in 1804) can be associated with one or more temporary group radio network identifiers (g-RNTIs) configured for at least one UE. By Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 83 / 219 79 / 92 example, the UE can be configured with or associated with more than one g-RNTI, so that different CCs and / or groups of CCs can be triggered in different g-RNTI DCIs. Thus, assuming the UE is configured with two g-RNTIs, the UE can monitor a first configuration (having a first set of SRS trigger groups) based on the DCI group associated with g-RNTI 1 and a second configuration (having a second set of SRS trigger groups) based on the DCI group associated with g-RNTI 2. In certain respects, the UE can monitor for a g-RNTI DCI that configures the UE with a set of SRS firing groups (e.g., as in 1806), and monitor for another g-RNTI DCI that simultaneously fires SRS transmissions from the UE through multiple CCs of the CC plurality (e.g., as in 1816).

[0193] In certain respects, the configuration (e.g., in 1804) and / or g-RNTI configuration may be associated with a subframe configuration for at least one UE. That is, when configuring the g-RNTI and / or the set of CCs, the configuration may be subframe-dependent or associated subframe-dependent. In a reference example, the BS may trigger a first set of CCs in a first subframe, and trigger a second set of CCs in a second subframe. In another example, the BS may provide a TPC command for CC1 in a first subframe, and provide a TPC command for CC2 in a second subframe. In some cases, the UE / CC position (e.g., UE / CC information) in the total number of bits may also be subframe-dependent or associated subframe-dependent. Additionally or alternatively, the set of CCs and UEs Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 84 / 219 80 / 92 present in the DCI group may be sub-dependent or associated sub-class.

[0194] In certain respects, the UE can monitor the new DCI group for SRS drives / TPC commands, in addition to the legacy DCI (e.g., DCI 3 / 3A format for TPC commands only). For example, the UE can receive RRC configuration signaling (e.g., via BS em1808) indicating whether the power control information for a given DC is in the new group DCI or in DCI 3 / 3A, or both. Additionally, the BS can include an additional 2-bit TPC command in the DL grant for SRS.

[0195] According to certain aspects, for the DCI group, different UEs can have different bit widths depending on their RRC configuration. For example, if UE 1 has 2 CCs and UE 2 has 4 CCs, then the bit width of UE 2 can be about twice the size of UE 1.

[0196] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating example 1900 operations for wireless communications, according to certain aspects of the present invention. The 1900 operations can be performed, for example, by a UE (e.g., UE 120). Note, the steps described in the dashed boxes (e.g., in 1904, 1906 and 1908) correspond to optional steps that can be performed as part of the 1900 operations.

[0197] Operations 1900 can begin in 1902 where the UE receives a trigger to transmit an SRS on each CC of a group of one or more CCs to one or more corresponding BSs (e.g., one or more BSs 110). In one aspect, the UE can receive the DCI group that triggers the UE. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 85 / 219 81 / 92 to transmit an SRS from one or more CCs in one of the multiple SRS groups configured for the UE. For example, the UE can receive a 2-bit field in the DCI group that triggers a particular group of one or more CCs. Each CC in the triggered group can be a CC configured for downlink-only transmission, uplink-only transmission, or both downlink and uplink transmissions.

[0198] In 1904, the UE can receive a configuration that indicates a plurality of groups of one or more CCs. For example, the UE can receive, via RRC signaling, a set of SRS trigger groups. Each SRS trigger group can include (e.g., different) one or more CCs from a plurality of CCs that are configured for SRS transmissions. In one aspect, the trigger (e.g., in 1902) can include an indication of the CC group (e.g., the SRS trigger group) from the plurality of groups. That is, the DCI group (e.g., in 1902) can trigger one of the SRS groups indicated in the received configuration.

[0199] In 1906, the UE can receive one or more power control commands for the UE at least one of the CCs in the group of one or more CCs. The UE can receive firing (e.g., in 1902) and power control commands through an order or grant in DCI (e.g., DCI group). For example, the UE can receive power commands for at least one of the CCs in the activated SRS group through the DCI group, and the number of fields for the power control commands in the DCI group can be based in part on which of the SRS groups configured for the UE has the largest number of CCs. In some respects, the Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 86 / 219 82 / 92 The number of fields for power control commands can be equal to the number of CCs in the activated SRS group. In some respects, the number of fields for power control commands can be equal to the number of CCs in the activated SRS group that are configured only for downlink transmission. In 1908, the UE can receive an indication that simultaneously triggers the transmission of an SRS from multiple CCs. In one respect, the UE can receive one or more groups of fields in the DCI group, where each group of fields corresponds to a particular CC triggered for SRS transmission. For example, each group in the DCI group may include a field to indicate which CC is triggered and a field to indicate the TPC command for the triggered CC.

[0201] In 1910, the UE transmits SRSs to the BSs in response to the trigger. To transmit each SRS, the UE can interrupt transmission on a first CC, switching to the triggered CC(s), and transmit the SRS on the triggered CC(s). The triggered CC(s) can be a CC configured only for downlink transmission. It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes presented is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged. In addition, some steps may be combined or omitted. The tracking method claims the elements of the various steps in a sample order, and is not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0203] As used here, a phrase refers to Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 87 / 219 83 / 92 “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single elements. For example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c). Furthermore, the term “or” is intended to mean “inclusive or” more properly than “exclusive or.” That is, unless otherwise specified, or evident from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following cases: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B.Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this patent application and in the appended claims should, in general, be interpreted to mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0204] The methods described herein comprise one or more steps or actions for obtaining the described method. The steps and / or actions of the method may be interchangeable with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0205] As used herein, the term “determination” encompasses a wide range of actions. For example, Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 88 / 219 84 / 92 determination can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search (e.g., querying a table, database, or other data structure), verification, and the like. Also, determining can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Furthermore, determining can include resolution, selection, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0206] The preceding description is provided to enable anyone skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles set forth herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically stated, but rather one or more. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term any refers to one or more.All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this description that are known or hereafter ought to be known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing presented here is intended to be disclosed to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, p. 89 / 219 85 / 92 recited in the claims. No element of a claim should be constructed under the provisions of 35 USC § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly cited using the phrase “means to” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is cited using the phrase “step to”.

[0207] The various method operations described above can be performed by any suitable means capable of executing the corresponding functions. The means may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules including, but not limited to, a circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a processor. Generally, where operations are illustrated in figures, these operations may have corresponding means-plus-function components with similar numbering.

[0208] For example, means for transmission, means for signaling, means for configuration, means for communication, means for execution, means for repetition, means for sending, means for augmentation and / or means for indicating may include transmission processor 420, MIMO TX processor 430 and / or antenna(s) 434 of base station 110 illustrated in Figure 4 and / or transmission processor 464, MIMO TX processor 466 and / or antenna(s) 452 of user equipment 120 illustrated in Figure 4. Means for monitoring, means for receiving, means for communicating, and / or means for detecting may include a reception processor 438 and / or antenna(s) 434 of base station 110 illustrated in Figure 4, and / or reception processor 458 and / or antenna(s) 452 of user equipment 120 illustrated. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, pp. 90 / 219 86 / 92 in Figure 4. Means for monitoring, means for determining, means for transmitting, means for detecting, means for absorbing, means for switching, means for receiving, means for signaling, means for repeating, means for identifying, means for triggering, means for indicating, means for configuring, means for sending, means for augmenting, and / or means for exchanging may include one or more processors or other elements, such as the controller / processor 480 of the user equipment 120 illustrated in Figure 4, and / or the controller / processor 440 of the base station 110 illustrated in Figure 4.

[0209] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this description may be implemented or implemented with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors together with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 91 / 219 87 / 92

[0210] If implemented in hardware, an exemplary hardware configuration might comprise a processing system on a wireless node. The processing system might be implemented with a bus architecture. The bus might include any number of interconnect buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system and the overall design constraints. The bus might be connected to various circuits, including a processor, a machine-readable medium, and a bus interface. The bus interface might be used to connect a network adapter, among other things, to the processing system via the bus. The network adapter might be used to implement the signal processing functions of the PHY layer. In the case of a user terminal 120 (see Figure 1), a user interface (e.g., keyboard, display, mouse, joystick, etc.) might also be connected to the bus.The bus can also connect various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, power management circuits, and the like, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. The processor can be implemented with one or more general-purpose and / or special-purpose processors. Examples include microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSP processors, and other circuits that can execute software. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to implement the described functionality for the processing system, depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 92 / 219 88 / 92

[0211] If implemented in software, functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, data, or any combination thereof, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, including any means that facilitate the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. The processor may be responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including the execution of software modules stored on the machine-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be coupled to a processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium.Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor. For example, machine-readable media may include a transmission line, a data-modulated carrier wave, and / or a computer-readable storage medium with instructions stored on it separate from the wireless node, all of which can be accessed by the processor through the bus interface. Alternatively or in addition, the machine-readable media, or any portion thereof, may be integrated into the processor, such as temporary storage and / or general-purpose register files. Examples of machine-readable storage media may include, for instance, RAM (remote memory). Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 93 / 219 89 / 92 Random Access), Flash Memory, ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) Electrically erasable media (machine-readable media), recorders, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, or any other suitable storage medium, or any combination thereof. Machine-readable media may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0212] A software module can comprise a single instruction, or many instructions, and can be distributed across several different code segments, between different programs, and across multiple storage media. Computer-readable media can comprise a number of software modules. Software modules include instructions that, when executed by a device such as a processor, cause the processing system to perform various functions. Software modules can include a transmit module and a receive module. Each software module can reside on a single storage device or be distributed across multiple storage devices. For example, a software module can be loaded into RAM from a hard drive when a trigger event occurs. During the execution of the software module, the processor can cache some of the instructions to increase access speed.One or more cache lines can then be loaded into a general-purpose log file for processing by the processor. When referring to the functionality of a... Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 94 / 219 90 / 92 software module below, it will be understood that such functionality is implemented by the processor when executing instructions from that software module.

[0213] Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared (IR), radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disc and disk, as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where discs usually reproduce data magnetically, while disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Thus, in some respects, computer-readable media may encompass non-transient computer-readable media (e.g., tangible media).Furthermore, for other aspects, computer-readable media may include transient computer-readable media (e.g., a sign). Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0214] Thus, certain aspects may comprise a computer program product for carrying out the operations presented here. For example, such a computer program product may comprise a computer-readable medium having instructions stored Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 95 / 219 91 / 92 (and / or encoded) therein, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. For example, instructions to determine a maximum available transmission power of the UE, instructions to partially statically configure a first guaranteed minimum power available for uplink transmission to a first base station and a second guaranteed minimum power available for uplink transmission to a second base station, and instructions to dynamically determine a first maximum available transmission power for uplink transmission to the first base station and a second maximum available transmission power for uplink transmission to the second base station based, at least in part, on the maximum available transmission power of the UE, the first guaranteed minimum power, and the second guaranteed minimum power.

[0215] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the modules and / or other means appropriate for carrying out the methods and techniques described herein may be downloaded and / or otherwise obtained by a user terminal and / or base station as applicable. For example, such a device may be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for carrying out the methods described herein. Alternatively, several methods described herein may be provided via storage media (e.g. RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a user terminal and / or base station may obtain the various methods by means of Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 96 / 219 92 / 92 coupling or supplying the storage medium to the device. In addition, any other suitable technique for supplying the methods and techniques described herein to a device may be used.

[0216] It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims. Petition 870240093866, dated 01 / 11 / 2024, page 97 / 219

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method (1700) for wireless communications by a user equipment, UE, characterized in that it comprises: monitoring (1702) a first downlink control physical channel request, PDCCH, for a first random access physical channel transmission, PRACH, wherein a PDCCH request includes resource allocation information for PRACH transmissions; determining (1704) a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on a retransmission index of the first PRACH transmission; transmitting (1706) the first PRACH at the determined transmission power; and after transmitting (1706) the first PRACH, monitoring (1710) a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: monitoring (1708) a random access response, RAR, after transmitting the first PRACH, wherein monitoring (1710) the second PDCCH request is in response to non-detection of the RAR.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that transmitting (1706) the first PRACH comprises: interrupting communication on a first component carrier, CC, to switch from the first CC to a second CC; and after switching to the second CC, transmitting the first PRACH on the second CC.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the second CC is a CC configured only for downlink transmission.

5. Wireless communication apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: means for monitoring a first downlink control physical channel request, PDCCH, for a first random access physical channel transmission, PRACH, wherein a PDCCH request includes resource allocation information for PRACH transmissions; means for determining a transmission power for the first PRACH transmission, based on a retransmission index of the first PRACH transmission; means for transmitting the first PRACH at the determined transmission power; and means for, after transmitting the first PRACH, monitoring a second PDCCH request before transmitting a second PRACH.

6. Apparatus, according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises: means for monitoring a random access response, RAR, after transmitting the first PRACH, wherein the monitoring means monitor the second PDCCH request in response to non-detection of the RAR.

7. Apparatus, according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for transmitting the first PRACH comprise: means for interrupting communication on a first component carrier, CC, to switch from the first CC to a second CC; and means for, after switching to the second CC, transmitting the first PRACH on the second CC.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second CC is a CC configured only for downlink transmission.

9. Computer-readable memory characterized in that it comprises instructions stored therein, the instructions being executable by a computer to perform the method steps as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4. Petition 870240093866, dated 11 / 01 / 2024, pp. 193 / 219

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