Panel selection for user equipment having multiple panels

Abstract

The present disclosure provides signaling for a user equipment (UE) panel identification. The UE may have at least a first panel and a second panel. The UE may receive at least one downlink reference signal from a base station. The UE may determine a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers. The UE may receive a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource. Based on the configuration, the UE may transmit an uplink reference signal using a selected panel, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier. The UE may transmit a report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal. The UE may receive an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with the selected panel identifier. The UE may transmit an uplink data channel using the selected panel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 849,788, filed on May 17, 2019, entitled “ENHANCED PANEL ID REPORT,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 874,228, filed on May 14, 2020, entitled “PANEL SELECTION FOR USER EQUIPMENT WITH MULTIPLE PANELS,” which are assigned to the assignee of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] background Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to panel selection for a user equipment (UE) having multiple panels.

[0005] introduction

[0006] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcast. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include 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 time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0007] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide common protocols that enable different wireless devices to communicate at city, country, region, and even global levels. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is a part of the continuous mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT)) and other requirements. 5GNR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. There is a need for further improvements to 5G NR technology. These improvements may also be applicable to other multiple access technologies and telecommunication standards that employ these technologies.

[0008] Overview

[0009] A brief summary of one or more aspects is given below to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all conceived aspects, and is neither intended to identify the key or critical elements of all aspects nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a first method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the first method, and an apparatus (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) configured to perform the first method are provided. The first method may be performed by a UE having at least a first panel and a second panel. The first method may include receiving at least one downlink reference signal from a base station. The first method may include determining a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers. The first method may include receiving a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource. The first method may include: in response to the configuration, transmitting an uplink reference signal using a selected panel of a first panel or a second panel, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier. The first method may include transmitting a report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal. The first method may include receiving an uplink grant indicating the selected panel associated with the selected panel identifier. The first method may include transmitting an uplink data channel using the selected panel. The UE may include: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels including at least a first panel and a second panel; a transceiver coupled to the plurality of panels; a memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to perform the first method. Additionally, an apparatus may include means for performing a first method.

[0011] In another aspect, a second method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the second method, and an apparatus (e.g., a base station) configured to perform the second method are provided. The second method may be performed by a base station. The second method may include transmitting at least one downlink reference signal. The second method may include: receiving a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel IDs from a UE having at least a first panel and a second panel. The second method may include transmitting a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource. The second method may include receiving an uplink reference signal in response to the configuration from the UE. The second method may include: receiving a report from the UE including a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and an uplink reference signal. The second method may include transmitting an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier. The second method may include receiving an uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel. The apparatus may include a transceiver, a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to perform the second method. In addition, a device may include an apparatus for performing the second method.

[0012] To achieve the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. However, these features are merely indicative of several of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to cover all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0015] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a first 5G / NR frame.

[0016] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G / NR subframe.

[0017] Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a second 5G / NR frame.

[0018] Figure 2D is a diagram illustrating an example of a 5G / NR subframe.

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0020] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of a first example multi-panel UE.

[0021] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a second example multi-panel UE.

[0022] Figure 6 is a message diagram illustrating example messages for configuring panel identifiers for a multi-panel UE.

[0023] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example method for configuring panel identifiers for a multi-panel UE.

[0024] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example method for configuring panel identifiers for a base station in communication with a multi-panel UE.

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of example components of a UE.

[0026] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of example components of a base station.

[0027] Detailed Description

[0028] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid diluting such concepts.

[0029] A multi-panel UE (MPUE) may be a UE that includes multiple antenna groups configured as panels. The terms MPUE and UE may be used interchangeably. An example of an MPUE may include a folding device that includes physical panels that are folded relative to each other. However, from a wireless communication perspective, the concept of an MPUE may be broader and may include any device having multiple antenna groups configured as panels. That is, an MPUE may not be limited to a specific form factor.

[0030] The MPUE can provide flexibility in selecting antennas for wireless communications. Specifically, the concept of panels can be used to activate or deactivate certain antennas to improve performance and / or save battery power. In general, multiple panels can be activated simultaneously, but the UE does not need to activate multiple panels. In one aspect, although multiple panels can be active, one panel can be selected for uplink transmission using a single beam. In other aspects, multiple beams can be transmitted from multiple panels, or multiple beams can be transmitted from one panel.

[0031] In one aspect, communication between an MPUE and a base station may identify a panel for communication. For example, an uplink grant may indicate a panel for the MPUE to use for transmission. A panel identifier (panel ID) may be based on a reference signal transmitted or received using a panel. For example, one or more panels of an MPUE may receive one or more downlink reference signals, measure the received signals, and transmit a mapping of the downlink reference signals to the panel identifier. The mapping may also include the signal quality (e.g., SINR or RSRP) of the received signal. Accordingly, the base station may select a panel based on the mapping.

[0032] However, in one aspect, the MPUE may transmit an uplink reference signal. The uplink reference signal may not be associated with the downlink reference signal. Therefore, the mapping of the uplink reference signal to the panel ID may be ambiguous. In addition, when the MPUE transmits the panel mapping, the panel mapping may not be immediately available for use (e.g., to allow the MPUE or base station to reconfigure).

[0033] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a panel ID report that may include at least a second panel mapping transmitted by the MPUE, the second panel mapping including a mapping of at least one uplink reference signal to a panel identifier. The base station may transmit an uplink grant indicating the panel mapped to the uplink reference signal.

[0034] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an action time when the mapping of panel ID to reference signal becomes ready for use. For example, the action time can be based on a configurable time after receiving a reference signal or mapping report. In another aspect, the mapping report can indicate the action time.

[0035] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0036] As an example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented as a "processing system" including one or more processors. Examples of processors include: microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as meaning instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether it is described in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other terms.

[0037] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored or encoded on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, a combination of computer-readable media of the above types, or any other medium that may be used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes a base station 102, a UE 104, an evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and a 5G core (5GC) 190. The base station 102 may include a macro cell (a high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (a low-power cellular base station). A macro cell includes a base station. A small cell includes a femto cell, a pico cell, and a micro cell.

[0039] One or more UEs 104 may be MPUEs including at least a first panel and a second panel and a panel control component 140. The panel control component 140 may control activation and deactivation of the panel and perform signaling about the configuration and status of the panel. For example, the panel control component 140 may include one or more of the following: a reference signal (RS) receiver 141, a configuration component 142, a downlink (DL) mapping component 144, an RS transmitter 145, an uplink (UL) mapping component 146, a grant component 147, and a transmission component 148. The reference signal (RS) receiver 141 may receive a downlink reference signal. The configuration component 142 may receive a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource. The downlink mapping component 144 may map a downlink reference signal to a panel identifier and transmit a first report including a first mapping of a downlink reference signal to a panel identifier. The RS transmitter 145 may use a panel in the first panel or the second panel to transmit an uplink reference signal. The panel may be associated with a panel identifier. UL mapping component 146 can map an uplink reference signal to a panel identifier and transmit a second report including a second mapping between the panel identifier and the uplink reference signal. Grant component 147 can receive an uplink grant indicating a selected panel for transmission using the panel identifier. Transmission component 148 can transmit an uplink data channel using the selected panel.

[0040] The base station 102 in communication with the UE 104 may include a multi-panel component 198 that communicates with the panel control component 140 for activating and deactivating panels and performing signaling regarding the configuration and status of the panels. Fig.10 , the multi-panel component 198 may include one or more of: an RS transmitter 1041, a configuration component 1042, a DL mapping component 1044, an RS receiver 1045, an UL mapping component 1046, a scheduler 1047, and a receiving component 1048. The multi-panel component 198 may optionally include an action component 1049. The RS transmitter 1041 may transmit a downlink reference signal from a base station. The configuration component 1042 may transmit a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource to a UE. The DL mapping component 1044 may receive a first report from a UE having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report including a first mapping of a downlink reference signal to a panel identifier. The RS receiver 1045 may receive an uplink reference signal from the UE. The UL mapping component 1046 may receive a second report from the UE including a second mapping between a panel identifier and an uplink reference signal. The scheduler 1047 may transmit an uplink grant indicating a panel using a panel identifier. A receiving component 1048 can receive an uplink data channel transmitted from a UE using the panel. An optional action component 1049 can determine an action time when a second panel mapping is applicable. Further details of the multi-panel component 198 are described below.

[0041] The base station 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can interface with the EPC 160 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., an S1 interface). The base station 102 configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can interface with the 5GC 190 via a backhaul link 184, which can be wired or wireless. In addition to other functions, the base station 102 can also perform one or more of the following functions: delivery of user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of alert messages. Base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through EPC 160 or 5GC 190) over a backhaul link 134 (e.g., an X2 interface). Backhaul link 134 may be wired or wireless.

[0042] Base stations 102 may communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each base station 102 may provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. There may be overlapping geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network including both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved B node (eNB) (HeNB), which may provide services to a restricted group referred to as a closed subscriber group (CSG). A communication link 120 between a base station 102 and a UE 104 may include an uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmission from the UE 104 to the base station 102 and / or a downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmission from the base station 102 to the UE 104. The communication link 120 may use multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming and / or transmit diversity. These communication links may be through one or more carriers. The base station 102 / UE 104 may use spectrum of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.) bandwidth for each carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation for a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL compared to UL). The component carrier may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0043] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). The D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0044] The wireless communication system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 communicating with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum via a communication link 154. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0045] The small cell 102' may operate in a licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed spectrum, the small cell 102' may employ NR and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by the Wi-Fi AP 150. The small cell 102' employing NR in the unlicensed spectrum may boost the coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network.

[0046] Whether a small cell 102' or a large cell (e.g., a macro base station), the base station 102 may include an eNB, a gB node (gNB), or another type of base station. Some base stations (such as gNB 180) may operate in traditional sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies, and / or near mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates in mmW or near mmW frequencies, gNB 180 may be referred to as a mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 mm and 10 mm. The radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near mmW can be extended down to 3 GHz frequencies with a wavelength of 100 mm. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, which is also referred to as centimeter waves. Communications using mmW / near mmW radio frequency bands (e.g., 3 GHz–300 GHz) have extremely high path loss and short range. The mmW base station 180 may utilize beamforming 182 with the UE 104 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range.

[0047] Base station 180 may transmit beamformed signals to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182'. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from base station 180 in one or more receive directions 182". UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to base station 180 in one or more transmit directions. Base station 180 may receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions. Base station 180 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the best receive direction and transmit direction for each of base station 180 / UE 104. The transmit direction and receive direction of base station 180 may be the same or may be different. The transmit direction and receive direction of UE 104 may be the same or may be different.

[0048] The EPC 160 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172. The MME 162 may be in communication with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. In general, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through the serving gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to IP services 176. The IP services 176 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), a PS streaming service, and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 may provide functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 may be used to distribute MBMS traffic to base stations 102 belonging to a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) area that broadcasts a specific service, and may be responsible for session management (start / stop) and for collecting eMBMS-related charging information.

[0049] 5GC 190 may include access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMF 193, session management function (SMF) 194, and user plane function (UPF) 195. AMF 192 may be in communication with unified data management (UDM) 196. AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and 5GC 190. In general, AMF 192 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through UPF 195. UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. UPF 195 is connected to IP service 197. IP service 197 may include the Internet, intranet, IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), PS streaming service, and / or other IP services.

[0050] A base station may also be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmission reception point (TRP), or some other suitable term. The base station 102 provides an access point to the EPC 160 or the 5GC 190 for the UE 104. Examples of UE 104 include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet device, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a health care device, an implant, a sensor / actuator, a display, or any other similar functional device. Some UEs 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., parking meters, gas pumps, ovens, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0051] Figure 2A 200 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G / NR frame structure. Figure 2B FIG230 is a diagram illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G / NR subframe. Figure 2C 250 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G / NR frame structure. Figure 2D 280 is a diagram illustrating an example of an UL channel within a 5G / NR subframe. The 5G / NR frame structure may be FDD, where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to either DL or UL, or TDD, where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A , 2CIn the example provided, the 5G / NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (mostly DL) and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (mostly UL), where D is DL, U is UL, and X is for flexible use between DL / UL. Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 34 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe may be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full DL and full UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mixture of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with a slot format (dynamically configured by DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured by radio resource control (RRC) signaling) through the received slot format indicator (SFI). Note that the following description also applies to the 5G / NR frame structure for TDD.

[0052] Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10ms) may be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include mini-slots, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for time slot configuration 1, each time slot may include 7 symbols. The symbols on the DL may be cyclic prefix (CP) OFDM (CP-OFDM) symbols. The symbols on the UL may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (also known as single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbols) (for power-limited scenarios; limited to single stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the time slot configuration and parameter design. For slot configuration 0, different parameter designs μ0 to 5 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter designs 0 to 2 allow 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Accordingly, for slot configuration 0 and parameter design μ, there are 14 symbols per slot and 2 per subframe. μ time slots. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration vary depending on parameter design. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15kHz, where μ is parameter design 0 to 5. Thus, parameter design μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, while parameter design μ=5 has a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. The symbol length / duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing. Figure 2A-2D An example of slot configuration 0 with 14 symbols per slot and parameter design μ=0 is provided, with 1 slot per subframe. The subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz and the symbol duration is about 66.7 μs.

[0053] A resource grid may be used to represent the frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also called a physical RB (PRB)) extending over 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into a number of resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0054] like Figure 2A As explained in the illustration, some REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for UEs. RSs may include demodulation RSs (DM-RSs) for channel estimation at the UE (indicated as R for a particular configuration). x , where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). RS may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0055] Figure 2B An example of various DL channels within a subframe of an explanation frame. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs), each CCE includes 9 RE groups (REGs), and each REG includes 4 consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a particular subframe of a frame. The PSS is used by the UE 104 to determine the subframe / symbol timing and the physical layer identity. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a particular subframe of a frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and the radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE may determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE may determine the location of the aforementioned DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the number of RBs in the system bandwidth, as well as the system frame number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted through the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0056] As in Figure 2CAs illustrated in FIG, some REs carry DM-RSs for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for one particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible). The UE may transmit DM-RSs for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and DM-RSs for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be transmitted in the first or first two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS may be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is transmitted and on the specific PUCCH format used. Although not shown, the UE may transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0057] Figure 2D An example of various UL channels within a subframe of an illustration frame. The PUCCH may be located at a position as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0058] Figure 33 is a block diagram of a base station 310 in communication with a UE 350 in an access network. In the DL, IP packets from the EPC 160 may be provided to a controller / processor 375. The controller / processor 375 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a media access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration of UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, cipher decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0059] The transmit (TX) processor 316 and the receive (RX) processor 370 implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 316 handles the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 374 may be used to determine coding and modulation schemes and for spatial processing. The channel estimates may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by the UE 350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0060] At the UE 350, each receiver 354RX receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and the RX processor 356 implement layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for the UE 350. If there are multiple spatial streams destined for the UE 350, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then transforms the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, as well as the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation point most likely transmitted by the base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on the channel estimates calculated by the channel estimator 358. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted on the physical channel by the base station 310. These data and control signals are then provided to the controller / processor 359 which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0061] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program codes and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher interpretation, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0062] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by the base station 310, the controller / processor 359 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0063] Channel estimates derived by a channel estimator 358 from a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 310 may be used by a TX processor 368 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 368 may be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0064] UL transmissions are processed at the base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver functionality at the UE 350. Each receiver 318RX receives a signal through its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to a RX processor 370.

[0065] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program codes and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 350. The IP packets from the controller / processor 375 may be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0066] At least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 may be configured to perform operations related to Figure 1 The panel control assembly 140 combines various aspects.

[0067] At least one of the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and the controller / processor 375 may be configured to perform operations related to Figure 1 The multi-panel assembly 198 combines various aspects.

[0068] Go to Figure 4 , conceptual diagram 400 includes an example multi-panel UE (MPUE) 404. MPUE 404 may include multiple panels, such as a first panel 410, a second panel 412, and an optional third panel 414. MPUE 404 may include additional optional panels (not shown). Generally, a panel may be a UE component including an antenna group, which includes one or more antennas and is associated with a panel ID. The antenna may include one or more antennas, antenna elements, and / or antenna arrays. Each panel may operate independently to a certain extent. For example, each panel may be individually activated or deactivated. An activated panel may be used for transmission and / or reception. A deactivated panel may not be used for transmission and / or reception. For example, a deactivated panel may be in a power-saving sleep mode. In one aspect, a deactivated panel may be in a light sleep mode or a deep sleep mode. Each panel may be configured with a different panel identifier (panel ID). In one aspect, a panel may be associated with an antenna group. For example, panel 410 may be associated with antenna group 430, panel 412 may be associated with antenna group 432, and panel 414 may be associated with antenna group 434.

[0069] In one aspect, the panel may be an antenna group unit that independently controls beams. For example, within a panel, a beam may be selected and used for UL transmission. For example, one of beams 440a, 440b may be selected for panel 410. In one aspect, a UE may be limited to a single panel for UL transmission. In another aspect, multiple panels may be used for UL transmission, and across different panels, multiple beams (each beam selected by panel) may be used for UL transmission. For example, one of beams 442a, 442b may be selected for panel 412, and one of beams 444a, 444b may be selected for panel 414. In another aspect, multiple beams may be transmitted from the same panel. For example, panel 410 may transmit both beams 440a and beam 440b. A limited number of beams are explained for simplicity, but it should be understood that a panel may, for example, select from a larger number of beams depending on the frequency range of the transmission.

[0070] In one aspect, the panel can be an antenna group unit that controls the transmit power of the antenna group. For example, all antennas or antenna elements within the antenna group can use the same transmit power.

[0071] In one aspect, the panel may be an antenna group unit with common UL timing. For example, all antennas or antenna elements within an antenna group may be configured to have the same timing advance.

[0072] In one aspect, the panels of MPUE 404 can be based on the hardware structure of MPUE 404. For example, MPUE 404 can include hinge 420 between panel 410 and panel 412 so that panel 410 and panel 412 can be oriented at an angle to each other. Similarly, hinge 422 can be located between panel 412 and panel 414. In one aspect, panels 410, 412, 414 can be physically reconfigured (e.g., by folding MPUE 404 at hinges 420, 422) to change the orientation of each panel. When panels 410, 412, 414 are physically reconfigured, the direction of the beam associated with each panel can also change.

[0073] In another aspect, the panels of the MPUE 404 may be dynamically defined, for example by selecting a subset of the total antenna or antenna elements as a panel. Figure 5An example MPUE 504 that does not necessarily include a hinge is illustrated. The MPUE 504 may include multiple antenna groups 520, 522, 524, 526. The MPUE 504 may configure the antenna groups 520, 522, 524, 526 into multiple panels. For example, the first panel 510 may include antenna groups 520 and 522, while the second panel 512 may include antenna groups 524 and 526. When the first panel 510 is active, one of the beams 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d may be selected for uplink transmission. When the second panel 512 is active, one of the beams 542a, 542b, 542c, or 542d may be selected for uplink transmission. In one aspect, the MPUE 504 may dynamically configure panels including different combinations of antenna groups 520, 522, 524, 526.

[0074] Go to Figure 6 , the example message diagram 600 includes signaling messages that may be used to identify one or more panels of the example MPUE 404 for transmission.

[0075] The MPUE 404 may transmit UE capabilities 605, which may indicate that the MPUE 404 includes multiple panels. The UE capabilities 605 may indicate the total number of panels and / or the maximum number of active panels of the MPUE 404. The UE capabilities 605 may be carried, for example, in an RRC configuration message.

[0076] The base station 102 may transmit one or more downlink reference signals 610. The downlink reference signal 610 may use multiple DL beams. For example, the downlink reference signal 610 may include a synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or a CSI-RS. The same reference signal may be transmitted on different beams and on different resources to allow the MPUE 404 to determine the relative strength of different beam and panel combinations.

[0077] At 615, the MPUE 404 may measure multiple beams of the downlink reference signal 610. The MPUE 404 may determine the number of strongest DL RSs (e.g., N). For example, the MPUE 404 may compare the signal strength of each received DL RS corresponding to different beams, such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received power (RSRP), or a signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) to determine the number of strongest DL RSs. The MPUE 404 may rank the DL RSs to determine the top N strongest DL RSs. In one aspect, N may have a value between 1 and 8. In one aspect, the downlink beam may correspond to the uplink beam by channel correspondence.

[0078] The MPUE 404 may transmit a first panel mapping report 620 including one or more mappings between DL RS, signal strength, and panel identifiers. For example, the mapping report may include one or more mapping sets of DL RS IDs, corresponding RSRP / SINRs, and corresponding UE Rx / Tx panel IDs. For example, the MPUE 404 may transmit a mapping set for each of the top N strongest DL-RSs. Both the MPUE 404 and the base station 102 may store a mapping between each reported DL RS ID and the corresponding UE Rx / Tx panel ID.

[0079] The base station 102 may transmit an uplink reference signal resource configuration 625. For example, the uplink reference signal resource configuration 625 may be an RRC message, a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC-CE), or downlink control information (DCI). The MPUE 404 may use the configured resources to transmit a UL reference signal 630. For example, the uplink reference signal may include a sounding reference signal (SRS) for beam management, antenna switching, or codebook or non-codebook transmission. In one aspect, the UL reference signal 630 may not correspond to one of the DL reference signals. For example, the UL reference signal 630 may use a different beam than the downlink reference signal, or may use a different panel than the downlink reference signal. For example, the MPUE 404 may select a selected panel for the UL reference signal (e.g., a newly activated panel or a panel selected based on the signal strength of the corresponding downlink reference signal). At 635, the base station 102 may perform reference signal measurements on the uplink reference signal 630. Similar to the measurements performed by MPUE 404, the reference signal measurements may include at least one of RSSI, RSRP, or SINR.

[0080] The base station 102 may optionally transmit a mapping request 640. For example, the mapping request 640 may be transmitted based on the UL RS resource configuration 625 or the RS measurement 635. For example, if the UL RS resource configuration 625 or the RS measurement 635 includes a reference signal for which no panel ID is stored (e.g., when there is no beam correspondence between UL and DL), the base station 102 may transmit the mapping request 640. Therefore, when the base station does not store a panel identifier corresponding to the selected panel, the base station 102 may transmit the mapping request 640.

[0081] The MPUE 404 may transmit a second panel mapping report 645 including a mapping of the UL reference signal 630 to a panel ID of a panel used to transmit the UL reference signal 630. For example, the second panel mapping report 645 may be based on the mapping request 640, or may be initiated by the MPUE 404, for example in response to using a new panel to transmit the UL reference signal 630. The second panel mapping report 645 may be transmitted, for example, as a MAC-CE. The panel ID in the second panel mapping report 645 may be referred to as a selected panel identifier and may be consistent with the panel ID transmitted in the first panel mapping report 620. For example, if the panel ID included in the first mapping is the same as the selected panel ID included in the second mapping, the panel ID refers to the same physical panel or the same set of antennas. Accordingly, the first mapping and the second mapping may use the same panel identifier of the selected panel.

[0082] In one aspect, the panel mapping may be available at an action time 654. For example, the MPUE 404 and / or the base station 102 may require time (e.g., 1-5 ms) to configure for transmission using the identified panel. The MPUE 404 and / or the base station 102 may perform activation 650. The MPUE 404 and / or the base station 102 may determine an action time 654 when the second panel mapping is available. In one aspect, the action time 654 may be based on a configured amount of time 652 after receiving a downlink reference signal 610, an uplink reference signal 630, a second panel mapping report 645, or another signal sent by the base station 102 in response to the second panel mapping report 645. In another aspect, the action time 654 may be signaled by the base station 102 or the MPUE 404. For example, the MPUE 404 may include the action time 654 in the second panel mapping report 645.

[0083] After the action time 654, the base station 102 may transmit an uplink grant 655 that uses the panel identifier to indicate the panel for transmission. For example, the uplink grant 655 may be a DCI. The uplink grant 655 may include a panel identifier, which may be a selected panel identifier in the case where the base station selects the same panel for transmitting an uplink reference signal. On the other hand, the uplink grant 655 may indicate a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with the selected panel identifier in the first panel mapping or the second panel mapping. The MPUE 404 may transmit an uplink transmission 660 (e.g., an uplink data channel) using the indicated panel based on the uplink grant 655.

[0084] Figure 7is a flow chart of an example wireless communication method 700. The method 700 may be performed by a UE (e.g., a UE 104 including a panel control component 140, or an MPUE 404, 504 that may also include a panel control component 140). The UE performing the method 700 may include at least a first panel (e.g., panel 410) and a second panel (e.g., panel 412).

[0085] At 710, method 700 may include receiving at least one downlink reference signal from a base station. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or RS receiver 141 to receive downlink reference signal 610 from base station 102 at MPUE 404 having at least first panel 410 and second panel 412. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or RS receiver 141 may provide means for receiving at least one downlink reference signal from a base station.

[0086] At 720, the method 700 may include transmitting a first report, the first report including a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers. In one aspect, for example, the UE 104, the TX processor 368, and / or the controller / processor 359 may execute the panel control component 140 and / or the DL mapping component 144 to transmit a first panel mapping report 620 including a first mapping to the base station 102. For example, the DL mapping component 144 may determine a first mapping of each downlink reference signal 610 to a corresponding panel identifier. For example, the first mapping may include a mapping set of a DLRSID, a corresponding RSRP / SINR, and a corresponding UE Rx / Tx panel ID for each downlink reference signal 610. In one implementation, the first report may be transmitted as a MAC-CE. Accordingly, the UE 104, the TX processor 368, and / or the controller / processor 359 executing the panel control component 140 and / or the DL mapping component 144 may provide a means for transmitting a first report, the first report including a first mapping of a downlink reference signal to a panel identifier.

[0087] At 730, method 700 may include receiving a configuration of uplink reference signal resources. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or configuration component 142 to receive UL RS resource configuration 625 of uplink reference signal resources. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or configuration component 142 may provide a means for receiving a configuration of uplink reference signal resources.

[0088] At 740, method 700 may include transmitting an uplink reference signal using a selected panel in the first panel or the second panel. The selected panel may be associated with a selected panel identifier. On the one hand, for example, UE 104, TX processor 368 and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or RS transmitter 145 to transmit an uplink reference signal 630 using a selected panel in the first panel 410 or the second panel 412, the selected panel being associated with the selected panel identifier. The uplink reference signal may be an SRS for beam management, antenna switching, or codebook or non-codebook transmission. Accordingly, UE 104, TX processor 368 and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or RS transmitter 145 may provide a device for transmitting an uplink reference signal using a selected panel in the first panel or the second panel.

[0089] At 750, method 700 may include transmitting a second report including a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and an uplink reference signal. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, TX processor 368, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or UL mapping component 146 to transmit a second panel mapping report 645 including a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and an uplink reference signal. In one aspect, the second report may be a MAC-CE. In one aspect, the panel ID included in the first mapping is the same as the panel ID included in the second mapping, and the panel ID refers to the same physical panel. Accordingly, UE 104, TX processor 368, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or UL mapping component 146 may provide a means for transmitting a second report including a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and an uplink reference signal.

[0090] At 760, method 700 may optionally include determining an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or action component 149 to determine an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable. In one implementation, the action time may be based on a configured amount of time (e.g., activation time 652) after: receiving a downlink reference signal 610; receiving an acknowledgment signaling sent by a base station in response to receiving a first report 620 or a second report 645; transmitting an uplink reference signal 630; transmitting a second report 645; or some combination thereof. In another implementation, the action time is identified by the base station. In yet another implementation, action component 149 may transmit the action time to base station 102. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or action component 149 may provide a means for determining an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable.

[0091] At 770, method 700 may include receiving an uplink grant indicating a panel using a panel identifier. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or grant component 147 to receive an uplink grant 655 indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier. In one implementation, the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in a first panel mapping or a second panel mapping. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or grant component 147 may provide a means for receiving an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier.

[0092] At 780, method 700 may include transmitting an uplink data channel using the selected panel. In one aspect, for example, UE 104, TX processor 368, and / or controller / processor 359 may execute panel control component 140 and / or transmission component 148 to transmit an uplink data channel (e.g., uplink transmission 660) using the selected panel. Accordingly, UE 104, TX processor 368, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or transmission component 148 may provide means for transmitting an uplink data channel using the selected panel.

[0093] Figure 88 is a flow diagram of an example wireless communication method 800. The method 800 may be performed by a base station (e.g., base station 102 including multi-panel assembly 198). The method 800 may be performed in communication with an MPUE 404 that includes multiple panels, such as at least a first panel (e.g., panel 410) and a second panel (e.g., panel 412). Dashed lines indicate optional blocks.

[0094] At 810, method 800 may include transmitting at least one downlink reference signal. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or TX processor 316 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or RS transmitter 1041 to transmit at least downlink reference signal 610. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or RS transmitter 1041 may provide means for transmitting at least one downlink reference signal.

[0095] At 820, method 800 may include receiving a first report from a UE having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report including a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or DL ​​mapping component 1044 to receive a first report 620 from UE 104 having at least first panel 410 and second panel 412, the first report 620 including a first mapping of at least downlink reference signal 610 to one or more panel identifiers. The first report may be received as a MAC-CE. Accordingly, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 executing multi-panel component 198 and / or DL ​​mapping component 1044 may provide a means for receiving a first report from a UE having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report including a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers.

[0096] At 830, method 800 may include transmitting a configuration of uplink reference signal resources. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or TX processor 316 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or configuration component 1042 to transmit a configuration of uplink reference signal resources 625. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or configuration component 1042 may provide a means for transmitting a configuration of uplink reference signal resources.

[0097] At 840, method 800 may include receiving an uplink reference signal responsive to the configuration from the UE. The panel may be associated with a panel identifier. In one aspect, for example, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, and / or the RX processor 370 may execute the multi-panel component 198 and / or the RS receiver 1045 to receive an uplink reference signal 630 responsive to the configuration 625 from the UE 104. The uplink reference signal may be a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof. Accordingly, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, and / or the RX processor 370 executing the multi-panel component 198 and / or the RS receiver 1045 may provide a means for receiving an uplink reference signal responsive to the configuration from the UE.

[0098] At 850, method 800 may include receiving a second report from the UE, the second report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal. In one aspect, for example, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, and / or the RX processor 370 may execute the multi-panel component 198 and / or the UL mapping component 1046 to receive a second report 645 from the UE 104, the second report 645 including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal 630. In one aspect, the second report 645 may be a MAC-CE. In one aspect, the panel ID included in the first mapping is the same as the panel ID included in the second mapping, and the panel ID refers to the same physical panel. Accordingly, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, and / or the RX processor 370 executing the multi-panel component 198 and / or the UL mapping component 1046 may provide a means for receiving a second report from the UE, the second report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal.

[0099] At 860, method 800 may optionally include determining an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or action component 1049 to determine an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable. In one implementation, the action time may be based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: transmitting a downlink reference signal 610; receiving an uplink reference signal 630; receiving a second report 645; transmission of an acknowledgment signaling sent by the base station in response to receiving the first report 620 or the second report 645; or some combination thereof. In another implementation, the action time is identified by the base station. In yet another implementation, action component 149 may receive the action time from UE 104. Accordingly, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 executing multi-panel component 198 and / or action component 1049 may provide a means for determining an action time when the second panel mapping is applicable.

[0100] At 870, method 800 may include transmitting an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or TX processor 316 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or scheduler 1047 to transmit an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier. In one implementation, the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in a first panel mapping or a second panel mapping. Accordingly, UE 104, RX processor 356, and / or controller / processor 359 executing panel control component 140 and / or scheduler 1047 may provide a means for transmitting an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier.

[0101] At 880, method 800 may include receiving an uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel. In one aspect, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 may execute multi-panel component 198 and / or receiving component 1048 to receive an uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel. Accordingly, base station 102, controller / processor 375, and / or RX processor 370 executing multi-panel component 198 and / or receiving component 1048 may provide a means for receiving an uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel.

[0102] Reference Fig. 9, an example of an implementation of the UE 104 may include a variety of components, some of which have been described above, but also include components such as one or more processors 912 and memory 916 in communication via one or more buses 944 and transceiver 902, which can operate in conjunction with the modem 914 and the panel control component 140 to implement one or more functions described herein related to signaling for panel activation. In addition, the one or more processors 912, modem 914, memory 916, transceiver 902, RF front end 988, and one or more antennas 965 can be configured to support voice and / or data calls (simultaneous or non-simultaneous) in one or more radio access technologies. Antenna 965 may include one or more antennas, antenna elements, and / or antenna arrays.

[0103] In one aspect, the one or more processors 912 may include a modem 914 using one or more modem processors. Various functions associated with the panel control assembly 140 may be included in the modem 914 and / or the processor 912, and may be performed by a single processor in one aspect, while in other aspects, different functions may be performed by a combination of two or more different processors. For example, in one aspect, the one or more processors 912 may include any one or any combination of the following: a modem processor, or a baseband processor, or a digital signal processor, or a transmit processor, or a receiver processor, or a transceiver processor associated with the transceiver 902. In other aspects, some of the features of the one or more processors 912 and / or the modem 914 associated with the panel control assembly 140 may be performed by the transceiver 902.

[0104] In addition, the memory 916 can be configured to store data used herein and / or applications 975 executed by at least one processor 912 or local versions of the panel control component 140 and / or one or more subcomponents thereof. The memory 916 may include any type of computer-readable medium usable by a computer or at least one processor 912, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. In one aspect, for example, when the UE 104 is operating at least one processor 912 to execute the panel control component 140 and / or one or more subcomponents thereof, the memory 916 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer executable codes defining the panel control component 140 and / or one or more subcomponents thereof and / or data associated therewith.

[0105] The transceiver 902 may include at least one receiver 906 and at least one transmitter 908. The receiver 906 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software code executable by a processor for receiving data, the code including instructions and stored in a memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). The receiver 906 may be, for example, a radio frequency (RF) receiver. In one aspect, the receiver 906 may receive signals transmitted by at least one base station 102. Additionally, the receiver 906 may process such received signals and may also obtain measurements of these signals, such as but not limited to Ec / Io, SNR, RSRP, RSSI, etc. The transmitter 908 may include hardware, firmware, and / or software code executable by a processor for transmitting data, the code including instructions and stored in a memory (e.g., a computer-readable medium). Suitable examples of the transmitter 908 may include, but are not limited to, an RF transmitter.

[0106] Also, in an aspect, the UE 104 may include an RF front end 988 that may operate in communication with one or more antennas 965 and the transceiver 902 for receiving and transmitting radio transmissions, such as wireless communications transmitted by at least one base station 102 or wireless transmissions transmitted by the UE 104. The RF front end 988 may be connected to the one or more antennas 965 and may include one or more low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 990, one or more switches 992, one or more power amplifiers (PAs) 998, and one or more filters 996 for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

[0107] In one aspect, the LNA 990 can amplify the received signal to a desired output level. In one aspect, each LNA 990 can have specified minimum and maximum gain values. In one aspect, the RF front end 988 can use one or more switches 992 to select a particular LNA 990 and a corresponding specified gain value based on the desired gain value for a particular application.

[0108] In addition, for example, one or more PAs 998 can be used by the RF front end 988 to amplify the signal to obtain an RF output at a desired output power level. In one aspect, each PA 998 can have a specified minimum and maximum gain value. In one aspect, the RF front end 988 can use one or more switches 992 to select a particular PA 998 and a corresponding specified gain value based on a desired gain value for a particular application.

[0109] In addition, for example, one or more filters 996 can be used by the RF front end 988 to filter the received signal to obtain an input RF signal. Similarly, in one aspect, for example, a corresponding filter 996 can be used to filter the output from the corresponding PA 998 to produce an output signal for transmission. In one aspect, each filter 996 can be connected to a specific LNA 990 and / or PA 998. In one aspect, the RF front end 988 can use one or more switches 992 to select a transmit or receive path using a specified filter 996, LNA 990, and / or PA 998 based on a configuration as specified by the transceiver 902 and / or the processor 912.

[0110] As such, the transceiver 902 may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals via the RF front end 988 through one or more antennas 965. In an aspect, the transceiver may be tuned to operate at a specified frequency so that the UE 104 may communicate, for example, with one or more base stations 102 or one or more cells associated with the one or more base stations 102. In an aspect, the modem 914 may configure the transceiver 902 to operate at a specified frequency and power level based on, for example, a UE configuration of the UE 104 and a communication protocol used by the modem 914.

[0111] In one aspect, modem 914 can be a multi-band-multi-mode modem that can process digital data and communicate with transceiver 902 so that digital data is sent and received using transceiver 902. In one aspect, modem 914 can be multi-band and configured to support multiple frequency bands for a specific communication protocol. In one aspect, modem 914 can be multi-mode and configured to support multiple operating networks and communication protocols. In one aspect, modem 914 can control one or more components (e.g., RF front end 988, transceiver 902) of UE 104 to realize transmission and / or reception of signals from the network based on a specified modem configuration. In one aspect, modem configuration can be based on the mode of the modem and the frequency band used. In another aspect, modem configuration can be based on UE configuration information associated with UE 104, such as provided by the network during cell selection and / or cell reselection.

[0112] Reference Fig.10 , an example implementation of the base station 102 may include a variety of components, some of which have been described above, but also include components such as one or more processors 1012 and memory 1016 in communication via one or more buses 1054 and a transceiver 1002, which can operate in conjunction with a modem 1014 and a multi-panel assembly 198 to implement one or more functions described herein related to signaling panel activation.

[0113] The transceiver 1002, receiver 1006, transmitter 1008, one or more processors 1012, memory 1016, application 1075, bus 1054, RF front end 1088, LNA 1090, switch 1092, filter 1096, PA 1098, and one or more antennas 1065 may be the same or similar to the corresponding components of the UE 104 as described above, but are configured or otherwise programmed for base station operation rather than UE operation.

[0114] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of each box in the disclosed process / flowchart is an illustration of an example approach. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of each box in these process / flowcharts can be rearranged based on design preferences. In addition, some boxes can be combined or omitted. The attached method claims present the elements of various boxes in an exemplary order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0115] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined in this article can be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown in this article, but should be granted the full scope consistent with the claims in language, wherein the singular reference of the elements is not intended to represent "there is and only one", but "one or more", unless otherwise stated. The wording "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or explanation". Any aspect described as "exemplary" herein does not have to be interpreted as being superior to or superior to other aspects. Unless otherwise stated, the term "some / certain" refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C", and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, wherein any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are currently or hereafter known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recorded in the claims. The terms "module," "mechanism," "element," "device," and the like may not be a substitute for the term "means." Thus, no claim element should be interpreted as a means-plus-function unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "means for..."

[0116] Some further example embodiments

[0117] A first example method of wireless communication includes, by a user equipment (UE) having at least a first panel and a second panel: receiving at least one downlink reference signal from a base station; transmitting a first report including a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; receiving a configuration of uplink reference signal resources; in response to the configuration, transmitting the uplink reference signal using a selected panel from the first panel or the second panel, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier; transmitting a second report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; receiving an uplink grant indicating the selected panel associated with the selected panel identifier; and transmitting an uplink data channel using the selected panel.

[0118] The above first exemplary method further includes: determining, by the UE, an action time when the second mapping is applicable.

[0119] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein the action time is based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: receiving a downlink reference signal; receiving confirmation signaling sent by a base station in response to receiving the first report or the second report; transmitting the uplink reference signal; transmitting the second report; or some combination thereof.

[0120] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein the action time is identified by the base station.

[0121] As any one of the first exemplary methods above, further comprising: transmitting the action time by the UE to the base station.

[0122] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

[0123] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein transmitting the second report including the second mapping comprises: transmitting a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0124] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein the panel identifier included in the first mapping is the same as the panel identifier included in the second mapping, and the panel identifiers are associated with the same physical panel.

[0125] As in any of the first example methods above, wherein the uplink reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, or codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof.

[0126] A UE comprises: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising at least a first panel and a second panel; a transceiver coupled to the plurality of panels; a memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to perform any one of the first example methods above.

[0127] An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for performing any one of the above first example methods.

[0128] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer executable code, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform any of the first example methods above.

[0129] A second example method of wireless communication includes, at a base station: transmitting at least one downlink reference signal; receiving a first report from a user equipment (UE) having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report including a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; transmitting a configuration of uplink reference signal resources; receiving an uplink reference signal from the UE in response to the configuration; receiving a second report from the UE including a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; transmitting an uplink grant indicating a selected panel associated with the selected panel identifier; and receiving an uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel.

[0130] The above second example method further comprises: determining, at the base station, an action time when the second mapping is applicable.

[0131] As in any of the second example methods above, wherein the action time is based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: transmitting a downlink reference signal; receiving the uplink reference signal; receiving the second report; transmitting a confirmation signal sent by the base station in response to receiving the first report or the second report; or some combination thereof.

[0132] As any of the above second example methods, further comprising: sending a signaling to the UE at the base station to notify the action time.

[0133] As any of the second example methods above, further comprising: receiving the action time from the UE at the base station.

[0134] As in any of the second example methods above, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

[0135] As any of the second example methods above, wherein receiving the second report including the second mapping from the UE comprises: receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0136] As in any of the second example methods above, wherein the panel identifier included in the first mapping is the same as the panel identifier included in the second mapping, and the panel identifiers refer to the same physical panel.

[0137] As in any of the second example methods above, wherein the uplink reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof.

[0138] An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to perform any one of the second example methods above.

[0139] An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for performing any one of the above second example methods.

[0140] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform any of the above second example methods.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: a user equipment UE having at least a first panel and a second panel: receiving at least one downlink reference signal from a base station; transmitting a first report comprising a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; receiving a configuration of an uplink reference signal resource; In response to the configuration, selecting a selected panel of the first panel or the second panel and transmitting an uplink reference signal using the selected panel, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier; transmitting a second report including a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; receiving an uplink grant indicative of a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier; as well as The selected panel is used to transmit the uplink data channel.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The UE determines an action time when the second mapping is applicable.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the action time is based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: receiving a downlink reference signal; receiving a confirmation signal sent by a base station in response to receiving the first report or the second report; transmitting the uplink reference signal; transmitting the second report; or some combination thereof. The method of claim 2 , wherein the action time is identified by the base station.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: The action time is transmitted by the UE to the base station.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein transmitting the second report including the second mapping comprises: Transmits the media access control MAC control element CE.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the panel identifier included in the first map is the same as the panel identifier included in the second map, and the panel identifiers are associated with the same physical panel.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, or codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof.

10. A wireless communication method, comprising: transmitting at least one downlink reference signal; receiving a first report from a user equipment UE having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report comprising a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; Transmitting configuration of uplink reference signal resources; receiving an uplink reference signal transmitted from the UE using a selected panel selected by the UE in response to the configuration, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier; receiving, from the UE, a second report comprising a second mapping between the selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; transmitting an uplink grant indicative of a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier; as well as An uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel is received.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: An action time is determined at the base station when the second mapping is applicable.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the action time is based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: transmitting a downlink reference signal; receiving the uplink reference signal; receiving the second report; transmitting a confirmation signal sent by the base station in response to receiving the first report or the second report; or some combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The base station sends a signal to the UE to notify the action time.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The action time is received at the base station from the UE.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the second report including the second mapping from the UE comprises: Receive a Medium Access Control MAC Control Element CE.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the panel identifier included in the first map is the same as the panel identifier included in the second map, and the panel identifiers are associated with the same physical panel.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the uplink reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof.

19. A user equipment UE, comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising at least a first panel and a second panel; a transceiver coupled to the plurality of panels; Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to: receiving, via the transceiver, at least one downlink reference signal from a base station; initiating transmission, via the transceiver, of a first report comprising a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; receiving, via the transceiver, a configuration of uplink reference signal resources; responsive to the configuration, selecting a selected panel of the first panel or the second panel and initiating transmission of an uplink reference signal via the transceiver using the selected panel, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier; initiating transmission, via the transceiver, of a second report comprising a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; receiving, via the transceiver, an uplink grant indicative of a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier; as well as Transmission of an uplink data channel using the selected panel via the transceiver is initiated.

20. The UE of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine an action time when the second mapping is applicable.

21. A UE as described in claim 20, wherein the action time is based at least in part on a configured amount of time after: receiving a downlink reference signal; receiving a confirmation signal sent by a base station in response to receiving the first report or the second report; transmitting the uplink reference signal; transmitting the second report; or some combination thereof.

22. The UE of claim 20, wherein the action time is identified by the base station.

23. The UE of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to transmit the action time to the base station.

24. The UE of claim 19, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

25. The UE of claim 19, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit the second report including the second mapping as a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

26. The UE of claim 19, wherein the panel identifier included in the first mapping is the same as the panel identifier included in the second mapping, and the panel identifiers are associated with the same physical panel.

27. The UE of claim 19, wherein the uplink reference signal comprises a sounding reference signal for beam management, antenna switching, or codebook or non-codebook transmission, or some combination thereof.

28. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: Transceiver; Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to: initiating transmission of at least one downlink reference signal via the transceiver; receiving, via the transceiver, a first report from a user equipment (UE) having at least a first panel and a second panel, the first report comprising a first mapping of the at least one downlink reference signal to one or more panel identifiers; Initiate transmission of configuration of uplink reference signal resources to the UE via the transceiver; receiving, via the transceiver, an uplink reference signal transmitted from the UE using a selected panel selected by the UE in response to the configuration, the selected panel being associated with a selected panel identifier; receiving, via the transceiver, from the UE a second report comprising a second mapping between a selected panel identifier and the uplink reference signal; initiating transmission via the transceiver of an uplink grant indicative of a selected panel associated with a selected panel identifier; as well as An uplink data channel transmitted from the UE using the selected panel is received via the transceiver.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine an action time when the second mapping is applicable.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the uplink grant indicates a downlink reference signal or an uplink reference signal associated with a selected panel identifier in the first mapping or the second mapping.

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