Method and apparatus for fast beam management
By introducing the TCI status update mechanism in wireless communication systems and optimizing the beam selection process, the problem of insufficient channel quality reporting for large two-dimensional array antennas is solved, achieving more efficient beam management and lower-latency communication.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202080077034.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-10-21
- Filing Date
- 2020-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-10-30
AI Technical Summary
When existing wireless communication systems use large two-dimensional array antennas, the channel quality reporting process cannot fully adapt to channel state information, resulting in inefficient beam selection.
By introducing a transmission configuration indicator state (TCI state) update mechanism in the wireless communication system, the processor is used to receive and send configuration information to achieve fast beam selection and update, and the beam management process is optimized by combining the information transmission on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).
The efficiency and flexibility of beam selection are improved, signaling delay is reduced, and the performance of wireless communication systems is improved.
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Figure CN114631386B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to beam selection for multi-beam systems. Background Art
[0002] Wireless communications have been one of the most successful innovations in modern history. Demand for wireless data services is rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity of smartphones and other mobile data devices (such as tablets, notepad computers, netbooks, e-book readers, and machine-type devices) among consumers and businesses. Improving radio interface efficiency and coverage is crucial to meeting this rapid growth in mobile data services and supporting new applications and deployments.
[0003] In order to meet the increased demand for wireless data services since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems. Therefore, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as "super 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems." 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands (such as the 60GHz band) to achieve higher data rates. In order to reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional multiple-input multiple-output (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technology are discussed in 5G communication systems. In addition, in 5G communication systems, research and development of system network improvements based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RANs), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, collaborative communications, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), receiving-end interference cancellation, etc. are being developed. In 5G systems, hybrid FSK and QAM modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as advanced coded modulation (ACM) and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies have been developed.
[0004] The Internet, a human-centric network of connected devices where humans generate and consume information, is now evolving into the Internet of Things (IoT), in which distributed entities (such as things) exchange and process information without human intervention. The Internet of Everything (IoE), a combination of IoT technology and big data processing technologies connected to cloud servers, has emerged. IoT implementation requires technical elements such as sensing technology, wired / wireless communications and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology. Recently, research has focused on sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and machine-type communications (MTC). Such an IoT environment can provide intelligent internet technology services that create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated between connected things. By integrating and combining existing information technology (IT) with various industrial applications, IoT has applications in a variety of fields, including smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars (or connected vehicles), smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.
[0005] In line with this, various attempts have been made to apply 5G communication systems to IoT networks. For example, technologies such as sensor networks, machine-type communications (MTC), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications can be implemented using beamforming, MIMO, and array antennas. The application of cloud radio access networks (RAN), which are the aforementioned big data processing technologies, can also be considered an example of the convergence between 5G and IoT technologies.
[0006] Mobile devices, or user equipment, measure the quality of the downlink channel and report that quality to the base station, which can then determine whether various parameters should be adjusted during communications with the mobile device. Existing channel quality reporting procedures in wireless communication systems are not adequately adapted for reporting channel state information associated with large two-dimensional arrays of transmit antennas, or antenna array geometries that typically accommodate a large number of antenna elements. Summary of the Invention
[0007] Technical issues
[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for low-latency beam selection.
[0009] Technical Solution
[0010] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The UE includes a transceiver and a processor, the processor being configured to receive configuration information about a set of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states via the transceiver and receive TCI state updates on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Each of the TCI states refers to at least one source reference signal (RS) having a corresponding quasi-co-location (QCL) and is associated with at least one of downlink (DL) data and UE-specific DL control information (DCI). The processor is further configured to receive information about the TCI state update on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) via the transceiver and receive DL data via the transceiver based on the information about the TCI state update.
[0011] In another embodiment, a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The BS includes a transceiver and a processor configured to generate configuration information regarding a set of TCI states. Each of the TCI states refers to at least one source RS with a corresponding QCL and is associated with at least one of downlink data and UE-specific DCI. The processor is further configured to transmit the configuration information via the transceiver and transmit information regarding a TCI state update on a physical PDCCH via the transceiver. The TCI state update is associated with the transmission of at least one of downlink data and a corresponding UE-specific downlink allocation.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, a method for a UE in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving configuration information regarding a set of TCI states. Each of the TCI states refers to at least one source RS having a corresponding QCL and is associated with at least one of downlink data and UE-specific DCI. The method also includes receiving information regarding a TCI state update on a PDCCH and receiving downlink data based on the information regarding the TCI state update.
[0013] In another embodiment, a method for a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes generating configuration information regarding a set of TCI states. Each of the TCI states refers to at least one source RS with a corresponding QCL and is associated with at least one of downlink data and UE-specific DCI. The method also includes transmitting the configuration information and information regarding a TCI state update on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), wherein the TCI state update is associated with transmission of downlink data and a corresponding UE-specific downlink allocation.
[0014] Other technical features will be clear to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description and claims.
[0015] Before proceeding with the following detailed description, it may be helpful to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this disclosure. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms "send," "receive," and "communicate," and their derivatives, include both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include," "comprise," and their derivatives, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with" and its derivatives mean to include, be contained within, be interconnected, contain, be contained within, be connected to or connected with, be coupled to or coupled with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, be parallel, be close to, be bound to or bound with, have, have the property of, have a relationship with, or have a relationship with, etc. The term "controller" refers to any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented using hardware or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether local or remote. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one of the items in the list is required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C.
[0016] In addition, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed of a computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or parts thereof that are suitable for implementation with a suitable computer-readable program. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transient" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transient computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and rewrite it later, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices.
[0017] Definitions for other specific words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most, instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an example wireless network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 2A and 2B illustrates example wireless transmit and receive paths according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 3A illustrates an example UE according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 3B illustrates an example BS according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 4 Illustrated is an example beamforming architecture for a transmitter in which one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) port is mapped to a large number of analog-controlled antenna elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 5A illustrates a flow chart of an example uplink (UL) beam management with aperiodic (AP) CSI-RS triggering and beam reporting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 5B illustrates a flow chart of an example UL beam management with AP sounding reference signal (SRS) triggering according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of an example DL beam management with aperiodic (AP) CSI-RS triggering and beam reporting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 7 illustrates an example QCL configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a QCL configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 9 illustrates an example timing diagram for joint TCI update of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and a PDCCH according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 10illustrates an example timing diagram for joint TCI update for PDSCH and PDCCH according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein a UE receives configuration information regarding a set of TCI states; and
[0032] Figure 12 A flow chart illustrating an example method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, in which a BS generates configuration information regarding a set of TCI states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following discussion in this disclosure Figures 1 to 12 The various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are for illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged wireless communication system.
[0034] The following documents and standard descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein: 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 36.211 Version 12.4.0, “E-UTRA, Physical Channels and Modulation” (“REF 1”); 3GPP TS 36.212 Version 12.3.0, “E-UTRA, Multiplexing and Channel Coding” (“REF 2”); 3GPP TS 36.213 Version 12.4.0, “E-UTRA, Physical Layer Procedures” (“REF 3”); 3GPP TS 36.321 Version 12.4.0, “E-UTRA, Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Specification” (“REF 4”); 3GPP TS 3GPP TS 38.212 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Multiplexing and Channel Coding” (“REF 7”); 3GPP TS 38.213 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Physical Layer Procedures for Control” (“REF 8”); 3GPP TS 38.214 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Physical Layer Procedures for Data” (“REF 9”); 3GPP TS 38.321 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Specification” (“REF 10”); 3GPP TS 3GPP TS 38.331 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification” (“REF 11”); and 3GPP TS 38.215 Version 15.0.0, “NR, Physical Layer Measurements” (“REF 12”)”.
[0035] To meet the increased demand for wireless data services since the deployment of 4G communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved 5G or pre-5G communication systems. Therefore, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are also referred to as "beyond 4G networks" or "post-LTE systems."
[0036] 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands (such as 28 GHz or 60 GHz bands or generally above 6 GHz) to achieve higher data rates, or in lower frequency bands (such as below 6 GHz) to achieve robust coverage and mobility support. In order to reduce radio wave propagation losses and increase transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies are discussed in 5G communication systems.
[0037] In addition, in 5G communication systems, system network improvements based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communications, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communications, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), and receiving-end interference cancellation are being developed.
[0038] The discussion of the 5G system and the frequency bands associated therewith is for reference only, as certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the 5G system. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the 5G system or the frequency bands associated therewith, and embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with any frequency band.
[0039] Figure 1 An example wireless network 100 is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown in FIGURE 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0040] Wireless network 100 includes BS 101, BS 102, and BS 103. BS 101 communicates with BS 102 and BS 103. BS 101 also communicates with at least one Internet Protocol (IP) network 130 (such as the Internet, a private IP network, or other data network). Instead of "BS," alternative terms such as "eNB" (enhanced Node B) or "gNB" (generic Node B) may also be used. Depending on the type of network, other well-known terms such as "base station" or "access point" may be used instead of "gNB" or "BS." For convenience, the terms "gNB" and "BS" are used in this disclosure to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "user equipment" or "UE," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "wireless terminal," or "user device." For convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" used in this disclosure refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses a gNB, regardless of whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or is generally considered a stationary device (such as a desktop computer or vending machine).
[0041] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a first plurality of UEs within gNB 102's coverage area 120. The first plurality of UEs includes: UE 111, which may be located in a small enterprise; UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise (E); UE 113, which may be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS); UE 114, which may be located in a first residence (R); UE 115, which may be located in a second residence (R); and UE 116, which may be a mobile device (M) such as a cellular phone, wireless laptop, or wireless PDA. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within gNB 103's coverage area 125. The second plurality of UEs includes UE 115 and UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more UEs gNB 101-103 may communicate with each other and with UEs 111-116 using 5G, LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, or other advanced wireless communication technologies.
[0042] Dashed lines illustrate the approximate extents of coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as generally circular for purposes of illustration and explanation only. For example, coverage areas associated with a gNB, such as coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the configuration of the gNB and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.
[0043] As described in more detail below, one or more of gNB 101, gNB 102, and gNB 103 transmit beam reporting information to UEs 111-116 and configure UEs 111-116 for beam reporting as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, one or more of UEs 111-116 receive beam reporting information as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0044] although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 is illustrated, but may be Figure 1Various changes may be made. For example, wireless network 100 may include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. gNB 101 may communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide these UEs with wireless broadband access to network 130. In addition, gNB 101 may be implemented to include at least one of an IAB (Integrated Access Backhaul)-donor and an IAB node, and the IAB donor may communicate with any number of UEs using a wired or wireless backhaul via one or more IAB nodes. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 may communicate directly with network 130 and provide UEs with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. In addition, gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 may provide access to other or additional external networks, such as an external telephone network or other type of data network.
[0045] Figure 2A and 2B Example wireless transmit and receive paths according to the present disclosure are illustrated. In the following description, transmit path 200 may be described as being implemented in a gNB (such as gNB 102), while receive path 250 may be described as being implemented in a UE (such as UE 116). However, it should be understood that receive path 250 may be implemented in a gNB and transmit path 200 may be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, receive path 250 is configured to receive beam report information as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0046] The transmit path 200 includes a channel coding and modulation block 205, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 210, a size-N inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) block 215, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 220, an "add cyclic prefix" block 225, and an upconverter (UC) 230. The receive path 250 includes a downconverter (DC) 255, a "remove cyclic prefix" block 260, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 265, a size-N fast Fourier transform (FFT) block 270, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 275, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 280.
[0047] In the transmit path 200, channel coding and modulation block 205 receives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as convolutional, turbo, or low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as using quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency-domain modulation symbols. Serial-to-parallel block 210 converts (such as demultiplexes) the serial modulation symbols into parallel data to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is the IFFT / FFT size used in gNB 102 and UE 116. Size-N IFFT block 215 performs an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate a time-domain output signal. Parallel-to-serial block 220 converts (such as multiplexes) the parallel time-domain output symbols from Size-N IFFT block 215 to generate a serial time-domain signal. Add cyclic prefix block 225 inserts a cyclic prefix into the time-domain signal. UC 230 modulates (such as up-converts) the output of "Add Cyclic Prefix" block 225 to RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signal may also be filtered at baseband before conversion to RF frequency.
[0048] The transmitted RF signal from gNB 102 arrives at UE 116 after passing through the wireless channel. UE 116 performs operations that are the inverse of those performed at gNB 102. DC 255 downconverts the received signal to baseband frequency, and "Remove Cyclic Prefix" block 260 removes the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time-domain baseband signal. Serial-to-Parallel block 265 converts the time-domain baseband signal into parallel time-domain signals. Size-N FFT block 270 performs an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency-domain signals. Parallel-to-Serial block 275 converts the parallel frequency-domain signals into a sequence of modulated data symbols. Channel decoding and demodulation block 280 demodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.
[0049] As described in more detail below, transmit path 200 or receive path 250 may perform signaling for beam reporting. Each of gNBs 101-103 may implement transmit path 200 similar to that for transmitting in the downlink to UEs 111-116 and may implement receive path 250 similar to that for receiving in the uplink from UEs 111-116. Similarly, each of UEs 111-116 may implement transmit path 200 for transmitting in the uplink to gNBs 101-103 and may implement receive path 250 for receiving in the downlink from gNBs 101-103.
[0050] Figure 2A and 2B Each component in may be implemented using hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a specific example, Figure 2A and 2BAt least some components in the algorithm may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented in configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. For example, the size-N FFT block 270 and the size-N IFFT block 215 may be implemented as configurable software algorithms, where the value of size N may be modified according to the embodiment.
[0051] Furthermore, although FFT and IFFT are described as being used, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of transforms may be used, such as discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) functions. It will be appreciated that for DFT and IDFT functions, the value of the variable N may be any integer (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), while for FFT and IFFT functions, the value of the variable N may be any integer that satisfies the following condition: the integer is a power of 2 (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.).
[0052] Although Figure 2A and 2B The diagram shows an example of a wireless transmit and receive path, but the Figure 2A and 2B Make various changes. For example, Figure 2A and 2B The various components in may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to specific needs. Figure 2A and 2B The present invention is intended to illustrate examples of the types of transmit and receive paths that can be used in a wireless network. Other suitable architectures can be used to support wireless communications in a wireless network. In one embodiment, the UE and the BS can be implemented to include a transceiver and a processor, respectively, and the processor of the UE or BS can be configured to perform the operations according to the following various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0053] Figure 3A An example UE 116 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3A The embodiment of UE 116 shown in FIGURE 1 is for illustration only. Figure 1 UEs 111-115 may have the same or similar configurations. However, UEs may have various configurations, and Figure 3A The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of a UE.
[0054] The UE 116 includes at least one antenna 305, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 310, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 315, a microphone 320, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 325. The UE 116 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, an input / output (I / O) interface 345, an input 350, a display 355, and a memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) program 361 and one or more applications 362.
[0055] The RF transceiver 310 receives signals from at least one antenna 305. Figure 1 RF transceiver 310 downconverts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is sent to RX processing circuitry 325, which filters, decodes, and / or digitizes the baseband or IF signal to generate a processed baseband signal. RX processing circuitry 325 sends the processed baseband signal to speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or to processor 340 for further processing (such as for web browsing data).
[0056] The TX processing circuit 315 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 320 or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340. The TX processing circuit 315 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 310 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuit 315 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via the antenna 305.
[0057] The processor 340 may include one or more processors or other processing devices and executes an OS program 361 stored in the memory 360 to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 340 may control the forward channel signal reception and reverse channel signal transmission of the RF transceiver 310, the RX processing circuit 325, and the TX processing circuit 315 according to well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.
[0058] Processor 340 can execute other processes and programs residing in memory 360, such as operations for fast beam management of the system described in embodiments of the present disclosure, as described in the present disclosure. As part of executing a process, processor 340 can move data into or out of memory 360. In some embodiments, processor 340 is configured to execute application 362 based on OS program 361 or in response to signals received from a gNB or operator. Processor 340 is also coupled to I / O interface 345, which provides UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptops and handheld computers. I / O interface 345 provides a communication path between these accessories and processor 340.
[0059] Processor 340 is also coupled to input 350 (e.g., a keypad, touch screen, buttons, etc.) and display 355. An operator of UE 116 may enter data into UE 116 using input 350. Display 355 may be a liquid crystal display or other display capable of presenting text and / or at least limited graphics, such as from a website.
[0060] The memory 360 is coupled to the processor 340. The memory 360 may include at least one of a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, or other read-only memory (ROM).
[0061] As described in more detail below, UE 116 may perform signaling and computations for low-latency beam selection. Figure 3A An example of a UE 116 is shown, but the Figure 3A Make various changes. For example, Figure 3A The various components in the can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed. As a specific example, processor 340 can be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Although Figure 3A The UE 116 is illustrated as a mobile phone or smartphone, but the UE may be configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.
[0062] Figure 3B An example gNB 102 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3B The embodiment of gNB 102 shown in FIGURE 1 is for illustration only. Figure 1 Other gNBs may have the same or similar configurations. However, gNBs have multiple configurations, and Figure 3B The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of a gNB. gNB 101 and gNB 103 may include the same or similar structure as gNB 102.
[0063] like Figure 3B As shown in FIG, gNB 102 includes multiple antennas 370a-370n, multiple RF transceivers 372a-372n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 374, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 376. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple antennas 370a-370n comprises a 2D antenna array. gNB 102 also includes a controller / processor 378, memory 380, and a backhaul or network interface 382.
[0064] RF transceivers 372a-372n receive incoming RF signals from antennas 370a-370n, such as signals transmitted by a UE or other gNB. RF transceivers 372a-372n downconvert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 376, which filters, decodes, and / or digitizes the baseband or IF signals to generate processed baseband signals. RX processing circuitry 376 transmits the processed baseband signals to controller / processor 378 for further processing.
[0065] The TX processing circuitry 374 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 378. The TX processing circuitry 374 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the output baseband data to generate processed baseband or intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The RF transceivers 372a-372n receive the output processed baseband or IF signals from the TX processing circuitry 374 and up-convert the baseband or IF signals into RF signals that are transmitted via the antennas 370a-370n.
[0066] The controller / processor 378 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 378 may control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceivers 372a-372n, the RX processing circuitry 376, and the TX processing circuitry 374 in accordance with well-known principles. The controller / processor 378 may also support additional functionality, such as more advanced wireless communication functionality. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 378 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.
[0067] The controller / processor 378 can execute programs and other processes residing in the memory 380, such as the operating system. The controller / processor 378 can support channel quality measurement and reporting for a system with a 2D antenna array as described in embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 378 supports communication between entities such as web RTC. As part of the execution process, the controller / processor 378 can move data into or out of the memory 380.
[0068] The controller / processor 378 is also coupled to a backhaul or network interface 382. The backhaul or network interface 382 allows the gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or over a network. The backhaul or network interface 382 can support communication over any suitable wired or wireless connection. For example, when the gNB 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as a system supporting 5G or new radio access technology or NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the backhaul or network interface 382 can allow the gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs over a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the backhaul or network interface 382 can allow the gNB 102 to communicate over a wired or wireless local area network or over a wired or wireless connection to a larger network (such as the Internet). The backhaul or network interface 382 includes any suitable structure that supports communication over a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or RF transceiver.
[0069] Memory 380 is coupled to controller / processor 378. Memory 380 may include at least one of RAM, flash memory, or other ROM. In some embodiments, a plurality of instructions, such as a BIS algorithm, are stored in the memory. When executed, the plurality of instructions may cause controller / processor 378 to perform a BIS process and decode a received signal after subtracting at least one interfering signal determined by the BIS algorithm.
[0070] As described in more detail below, the transmit and receive paths of gNB 102 (implemented using RF transceivers 372a-372n, TX processing circuitry 374, and / or RX processing circuitry 376) send configuration information for low-latency beam selection to the UE.
[0071] although Figure 3B An example of a gNB 102 is illustrated, but the Figure 3B For example, gNB 102 may include Figure 3A As a specific example, an access point may include multiple backhaul or network interfaces 382, and the controller / processor 378 may support routing functionality to route data between different network addresses. As another example, while shown as including a single instance of TX processing circuitry 374 and a single instance of RX processing circuitry 376, the gNB 102 may include multiple instances of each (such as one per RF transceiver).
[0072] Rel.13 LTE supports up to 16 CSI-RS antenna ports, which enable gNBs to be equipped with a large number of antenna elements (such as 64 or 128). In this case, multiple antenna elements are mapped to one CSI-RS port. Furthermore, up to 32 CSI-RS ports will be supported in Rel.14 LTE and Rel.15 NR. For next-generation cellular systems such as 5G, the maximum number of CSI-RS ports is expected to remain more or less the same.
[0073] For mmWave bands, although the number of antenna elements can be larger for a given form factor, the number of CSI-RS ports—which may correspond to the number of digital precoding ports—is often limited due to hardware limitations (such as the feasibility of installing a large number of ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) / DACs (digital-to-analog converters) at mmWave frequencies). Figure 4 For example, the transmitter 400 may be present in Figure 1 in the gNB 102 or UE 116. Figure 4 The embodiment of transmitter 400 shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only, and other transmitters may have the same or similar configuration.
[0074] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, one CSI-RS port can be mapped to a large number of antenna elements, which can be controlled by a set of analog phase shifters 401. One CSI-RS port can then correspond to a subarray that generates a narrow analog beam through analog BF (beamforming) 405. The analog beam can be configured to sweep across a wider range of angles 420 by varying the phase shifter set across symbols or subframes or time slots (where a subframe or time slot includes a set of symbols and / or may include a transmission time interval). The number of subarrays (equal to the number of RF chains) is proportional to the number of CSI-RS ports N. CSI-PORT The digital beamforming unit 410 may include a digital precoder, an IFFT block, and a P / S block, and spans N CSI-PORT The analog beams are linearly combined to further increase the precoding gain. While the analog beams are broadband (and therefore not frequency selective), the digital precoding can vary across frequency subbands or resource blocks. Receiver operation can be similarly envisioned.
[0075] Because the above-described system utilizes multiple simulated beams for transmission and reception (where one or a smaller number of simulated beams is selected from a larger number, e.g., occasionally after a training period), the term "multi-beam operation" is used to refer to the entire system aspect. For the purposes of this description, this includes indicating an assigned DL or UL transmit (TX) beam (also referred to as "beam indication"), measuring at least one reference signal for calculating and performing beam reporting (also referred to as "beam measurement" and "beam reporting," respectively), and receiving DL or UL transmissions via selection of a corresponding receive (RX) beam.
[0076] The above system is also applicable to higher frequency bands, such as >52.6 GHz (also known as FR4). In this case, the system can only use analog beams. Due to the O2 absorption loss near the 60 GHz frequency (approximately 10 dB additional loss @ 100 m distance), a larger number and sharper analog beams (and therefore a larger number of radiators in the array) will be required to compensate for the additional path loss.
[0077] In Rel.15 NR, multi-beam operation is primarily designed for a single transmit-receive point (TRP) and a single antenna panel. Therefore, the specification supports beam indication of one TX beam, where the TX beam is associated with a reference RS. For DL beam indication and measurement, the reference RS can be a non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS and / or an SSB (synchronization signal block, including a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and a PBCH). Here, DL beam indication is accomplished via the TCI field in the DL-related downlink control information (DCI) that includes an index to one (e.g., only one) allocated reference RS. For UL beam indication and measurement, the reference RS can be an NZP CSI-RS, an SSB, and / or an SRS. Here, UL beam indication is accomplished via the SRS Resource Indicator (SRI) field in the UL-related DCI that is linked to one (e.g., only one) reference RS. The linking is configured via higher layer signaling using the SpatialRelationInfo (spatial relationship information) RRC parameter. Essentially, only one TX beam can be indicated to the UE. The SpatialRelationInfo RRC parameter may include configuration information about the spatial relationship between the reference RS and the target SRS. The reference RS may be SSB / CSI-RS / SRS.
[0078] In Rel.15 / 16 NR, beam management was designed to share the same framework as CSI acquisition. However, this compromises beam management performance, especially for FR2. This is because beam management primarily operates using analog beams (a characteristic of FR2), which is paradigm-shifting from CSI acquisition (designed with FR1 in mind). Consequently, Rel.15 / 16 beam management becomes cumbersome and unlikely to keep pace with more aggressive scenarios (such as higher frequency bands, high mobility, and / or more narrow analog beams) that require a large number of beams and rapid beam switching. Furthermore, Rel.15 / 16 is designed to accommodate multiple unknown or basic functions (e.g., UEs that cannot perform beam mapping). To achieve flexibility, multiple options are created. This becomes cumbersome for L1 control signaling, resulting in multiple reconfigurations performed via RRC signaling (higher-layer configuration). While this avoids L1 control overhead, it either results in high latency (if reconfigurations are performed infrequently) or high PDSCH utilization (because RRC signaling consumes PDSCH resources).
[0079] Therefore, efficient design of components for beam management is required. Here, efficiency includes lower overhead (especially related to configuration, reconfiguration and control signaling) and lower latency (faster updates).
[0080] In the following, for simplicity, both FDD and TDD may be considered as duplexing methods for both DL signaling and UL signaling.
[0081] Although the example description and subsequent embodiments assume orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), embodiments of the present disclosure may be extended to other OFDM-based transmission waveforms or multiple access schemes, such as filtered OFDM (F-OFDM).
[0082] The present disclosure encompasses several components that can be used in conjunction or combination with each other or that can operate as independent solutions.
[0083] In this disclosure, the term "activation" describes an operation in which a UE receives and decodes a signal from the network (or gNB) indicating a start time. This start time can be the current or future time slot / subframe or symbol—the exact location implicitly or explicitly indicated, or otherwise fixed or configured by higher layers. After successfully decoding this signal, the UE responds accordingly. The term "deactivation" describes an operation in which a UE receives and decodes a signal from the network (or gNB) indicating a stop time. This stop time can be the current or future time slot / subframe or symbol—the exact location implicitly or explicitly indicated, or otherwise fixed or configured by higher layers. After successfully decoding this signal, the UE responds accordingly.
[0084] Terms such as TCI, TCI status, SpatialRelationInfo, target RS, reference RS and other terms are used for illustrative purposes and are therefore not normative. Other terms referring to the same functionality may also be used.
[0085] Terms such as UL TX beam are used for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not normative. Other terms such as UL transmit spatial filter, which refer to the spatial filtering operation applied by the UE to the transmitted UL signal, may also be used to denote the same functionality.
[0086] A "reference RS" corresponds to a set of characteristics of a UL TX beam (or UL transmit spatial filter), such as direction, precoding / beamforming, number of ports, and so on. For example, when a UE receives a reference RS index / ID in an UL grant, the UE applies the known characteristics of the reference RS to the granted UL transmission. The UE can receive and measure the reference RS (in this case, a downlink signal such as NZP CSI-RS and / or SSB), where the measurement results are used to calculate a beam report. When the network (NW) / gNB receives the beam report, the NW can be better equipped with information to assign a specific UL TX beam to the UE. Alternatively, the reference RS can be transmitted by the UE (in this case, a downlink signal such as SRS or Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS)). When the NW / gNB receives the reference RS, the NW / gNB can measure and calculate information to assign a specific UL TX beam to the UE. This option is applicable when a DL-UL beam pair correspondence is maintained or adopted.
[0087] The reference RS may be dynamically triggered by the NW / gNB (e.g., via DCI in the case of aperiodic RS (AP RS)), pre-configured with a specific time-domain behavior (such as period and offset in the case of periodic RS), or a combination of such pre-configuration and activation / deactivation (in the case of semi-persistent or SP RS).
[0088] The following embodiments are examples of DL multi-beam operation using DL beam indication after the network (NW) receives some transmissions from the UE. In the first example embodiment, the AP CSI-RS is transmitted by the NW and measured by the UE. Although AP RS is used in these two examples, periodic or SP RS can also be used.
[0089] For mmWave (or Frequency Range 2 (FR2)) or higher frequency bands (such as >52.6 GHz or FR4), where multi-beam operation is particularly relevant, the transmit-receive process involves the receiver selecting a receive (RX) beam for a given TX beam. For UL multi-beam operation, the gNB selects a UL RX beam for each UL TX beam (which corresponds to a reference RS). Therefore, when a UL RS (such as an SRS and / or DMRS) is used as a reference RS, the NW / gNB triggers or configures the UE to transmit the UL RS (which is associated with the selection of the UL TX beam). Once the gNB receives and measures the UL RS, it selects the UL RX beam. As a result, a TX-RX beam pair is derived. The NW / gNB can perform this operation for all configured reference RSs (per reference RS or "beam sweep") and determine all TX-RX beam pairs associated with all reference RSs configured for the UE. On the other hand, when a DL RS (such as CSI-RS and / or SSB) is used as a reference RS (relevant when DL-UL beams correspond or reciprocity holds), the NW / gNB sends the RS to the UE (for the UL and by reciprocity, this corresponds to the UL RX beam). In response, the UE measures the reference RS (and in the process selects a UL TX beam) and reports a beam metric associated with the quality of the reference RS. In this case, the UE determines a TX-RX beam pair for each configured (DL) reference RS. Therefore, although the NW / gNB does not have access to this knowledge, the UE can select a UL TX beam pair from the knowledge of all TX-RX beams once it receives an indication of the reference RS (and therefore the UL RX beam) from the NW / gNB.
[0090] In this disclosure, the term "resource indicator," also abbreviated as REI, is used to refer to an indicator of RS resources used for signal / channel and / or interference measurement. This term is used for illustrative purposes and can be replaced by any other term referring to the same function. Examples of REI include the aforementioned CSI-RS Resource Indicator (CRI) and SSB Resource Indicator (SSB-RI). Any other RS, such as DMRS, can also be used for signal / channel and / or interference measurement.
[0091] Figure 5A and 5B Flowcharts illustrating example uplink (UL) beam management with AP CSI-RS triggering, beam reporting, and example UL beam management with AP SRS triggering, respectively, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5A and 5B The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0092] exist Figure 5AIn one example illustrated in FIG, UL multi-beam operation 500 begins with a gNB / NW (e.g., gNB 102) signaling an AP CSI-RS trigger or indication to a UE (e.g., UE 116) (step 501). This trigger or indication can be included in a DCI (UL-related or DL-related, signaled alone or jointly with an AP CSI request / trigger) and indicates that the AP-CSI-RS is to be transmitted in the same (zero time offset) or later time slots / subframes (>0 time offset). Upon receiving the AP-CSI-RS transmitted by the gNB / NW (step 502), the UE measures the AP-CSI-RS and then calculates and reports a "beam metric" (indicating the quality of a particular TX beam hypothesis) (step 503). Examples of such beam reports are the CSI-RS Resource Indicator (CRI) or SSB Resource Indicator (SSB-RI) coupled with its associated L1-RSRP / L1-RSRQ / L1-SINR / CQI. Once the NW receives the beam report from the UE, it uses the beam report to select a UL TX beam for the UE and indicates the UL TX beam selection using the SRI field in the UL-related DCI (carrying an UL grant, such as DCI format 0_1 in NR) (step 504). The SRI corresponds to the "target" SRS resource linked to the reference RS (in this case, the AP-CSI-RS) via the SpatialRelationInfo configuration. Once the UE successfully decodes the UL-related DCI using the SRI, it performs UL transmission (such as data transmission on the PUSCH) using the UL TX beam associated with the SRI (step 505).
[0093] exist Figure 5B In another illustrated example, UL multi-beam operation 550 begins with the gNB / NW (e.g., gNB 102) signaling an AP-SRS trigger or request to a UE (e.g., UE 116) (step 551). This trigger can be contained in a DCI (either UL-related or DL-related). Upon receiving and decoding the AP-SRS trigger (step 552), the UE sends the AP-SRS to the gNB / NW (step 553) so that the NW (or gNB) can measure the UL propagation channel and select the UL TX beam for the UE. The gNB / NW can then use the SRI field in the UL-related DCI (which carries the UL grant, such as DCI format 0_1 in NR) to indicate the UL TX beam selection (step 554). The SRI corresponds to the "target" SRS resource linked to the reference RS (in this case, the AP-SRS) via the SpatialRelationInfo configuration. Upon successfully decoding the UL-related DCI using the SRI, the UE performs UL transmission (such as data transmission on the PUSCH) using the UL TX beam associated with the SRI (step 555).
[0094] In the above two exemplary embodiments, only one UL TX beam is indicated to the UE. Those skilled in the art can infer the extension to multi-plane UEs.
[0095] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating example DL beam management with AP CSI-RS triggering and beam reporting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 6 The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0096] exist Figure 6 In another example, where a UE is configured to measure / receive aperiodic CSI-RS (AP-CSI-RS) and report aperiodic CSI (AP CSI), DL multi-beam operation 600 begins with the gNB / NW signaling an aperiodic CSI-RS (AP-CSI-RS) trigger or indication to the UE (step 601). This trigger or indication can be included in DCI (UL-related or DL-related, signaled separately or in conjunction with an aperiodic CSI request / trigger) and indicates that the AP-CSI-RS be transmitted in the same (zero time offset) or later time slots / subframes (>0 time offset). Upon receiving the AP-CSI-RS sent by the gNB / NW (step 602), the UE measures the AP-CSI-RS and then calculates and reports a "beam metric" (included in the CSI, indicating the quality of a particular TX beam hypothesis) (step 603). An example of such a beam report (supported in Rel. 15 / 16 NR) is a CSI-RS Resource Indicator (CRI) or SSB Resource Indicator (SSB-RI) coupled with its associated L1-RSRP and / or L1-SINR. Upon receiving the beam report from the UE, the NW / gNB uses the beam report to select a DL TX beam for the UE and indicates the DL TX beam selection using the TCI field in the DL-related DCI (which carries the DL assignment, such as DCI format 1_1 in NR) (step 604). The TCI state corresponds to the reference RS (in this case, AP-CSI-RS) defined / configured via the TCI state definition (configured by higher layers / RRC, from which a subset is activated for DCI-based selection via a MAC CE). Upon successfully decoding the DL-related DCI with the TCI field, the UE performs DL reception (such as data transmission on the PDSCH) using the DL TX beam associated with the TCI field (step 605). In this example embodiment, only one DL TX beam is indicated to the UE.
[0097] To facilitate fast beam management, one goal is to streamline the basic components (building blocks) of beam management. One function of beam management is beam selection, which includes functions such as beam measurement (including training), reporting (for DL beam management, reporting via UL control channels), and indication (for DL and UL beam management, indication via DL control channels). Once the building blocks are streamlined [step 1], other advanced functions can be added to facilitate faster beam management [step 2].
[0098] In this disclosure, the term "slim mode" is used for illustrative purposes to refer to the simplified design of such basic components [Step 1]. Due to its compact nature, the slim mode design can facilitate faster updates / reconfigurations via low-layer control signaling. In other words, L1 control signaling will be the primary signaling mechanism, with higher-layer signaling (such as MAC CE or RRC) used only when necessary. Here, L1 control signaling includes the use of UE-group DCI as well as dedicated (UE-specific) DCI.
[0099] The above-mentioned additional advanced features may include the extension of beam management (multi-beam operation) from intra-cell to inter-cell mobility. Using this mechanism, seamless access / mobility of RRC_CONNECTED UEs can be achieved - as if no cell boundaries are observed unless the UE is in initial access or initial access-like conditions. Another advanced function includes mechanisms to minimize beam failure (BF) or radio link failure (RLF), such as low overhead, faster beam switching / selection and UE-initiated / event-triggered beam management. With such prevention mechanisms, beam failure recovery (BFR) is less likely to be used.
[0100] The present disclosure includes the following components. The first component includes an example embodiment for TCI status updates, including so-called QCL links. The second component includes an example embodiment for beam measurement and reporting. The third component includes an example embodiment for DL beam indication. The fourth component includes an example embodiment for UL beam indication. Each of these components is intended to facilitate fast beam management and can be used independently or in conjunction with at least one other component.
[0101] For the first component (i.e. UE procedure for TCI status update), in Rel.15 / 16 NR, DL spatial relations (e.g., this means that two TX beams are associated with the same RX beam) are configured based on TCI state definitions, while UL spatial relations can be configured via SpatialRelationInfo. These two configurations share neither the same framework nor the same signaling mechanism. For DL, the UE is indicated to the DL TX beam via the TCI field in the corresponding DL-related DCI (which is a reference to the TX spatial filter / beam used for the associated SSB / CSI-RS resource). For UL, the UE is indicated to the UL TX beam via the SRI field in each UL-related DCI (because the UL beam indication is bundled with the UL transmission). This setup is not only inefficient but also creates unnecessary complexity when DL RS is used for UL beam indication and vice versa. In particular, the link between the source (reference) RS and the target SRS is unnecessary for UL beam indication. TCI state definitions can be configured via higher layer (RRC) signaling. Optionally, TCI state definitions can be configured via MAC CE. Optionally, a subset of TCI states can be activated or selected via MAC CE or L1 control signaling (via UE-group DCI or UE-specific / particular DCI in which a group of UEs share the same subset of TCI states). This subset constitutes the TCI state indicated by the code point of the TCI field in the corresponding DCI. This update / activation can be performed once or incrementally. The TCI state indicated by the code point of the TCI field is a reference to the TX beam or TX spatial filter associated with the reference RS. For DL, given such a reference, the UE can further derive the RX beam or RX spatial filter. The DCI containing the TCI field (which can be DL-related DCI or UL-related DCI) performs the so-called "beam indication" function.
[0102] Figure 7 Illustrated are example QCL configurations according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0103] In the following embodiments, the same TCI-based mechanism is used for DL and UL beam indication. Figure 7700, where N DL RSs (701) and M UL RSs (702) can be used as source (reference) RSs. Examples of DL RSs include NZP CSI-RS, SSB, and DL DMRS. Examples of UL RSs include SRS and UL DMRS. RSs in 701 and 702 can be used for the purpose of reference RSs for DL and UL beam indication. Here, a TCI-based mechanism links / associates at least one of the RSs from 701 and / or 702 to a specific TCI state of a channel (e.g., TCI PDSCH 703 and TCI PUSCH / PRACH 704, respectively). For example, DL RS 0 can be associated with a first TCI state of a PDSCH, while UL RS 0 can be associated with a second TCI state of a PDSCH (where at least two TCI states are configured for a PDSCH). Similarly, DL RS 1 can be associated with a first TCI state of a PUSCH, while UL RS 1 can be associated with a second TCI state of a PUSCH (where at least two TCI states are configured for a PUSCH). This association (705) may take the form of QCL Type D. For DL, the two relevant channels include PDSCH and PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), while for UL, the three relevant channels include PUSCH, PUCCH, and PRACH. Other components of this TCI-based mechanism, such as the target RS, may or may not be required.
[0104] Several embodiments related to the above-mentioned TCI-based mechanism are described below.
[0105] In one embodiment (I.1.1), the TCI status definition for each channel can be configured separately from other channels. An example of this embodiment can be found in Figure 7 700 is shown in FIG.
[0106] Figure 8 Illustrate examples of QCL configurations according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0107] In another embodiment (I.1.2), the TCI state definitions of at least two channels are configured jointly. An example of this embodiment may be found in Figure 8800 , where a TCI state definition is used jointly for PDSCH and PDCCH 803 (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes) and another TCI state definition is used jointly for PUSCH and PUCCH 804. Here, the TCI-based mechanism links / associates at least one of the RSs from 801 and / or 802 to a specific TCI state of the channel. This association (805) can take the form of QCL type D. This is relevant when a common TX beam (or TX-RX beam pair) is used for PDSCH and PDCCH and a common TX beam (or TX-RX beam pair) for PUSCH and PUCCH. In another example that differs from FIG800 , one TCI state definition is used jointly for PDSCH and PUSCH and another TCI state definition is used jointly for PDCCH and PUCCH. This is relevant when the UE is capable of beam correspondence in which a common DL and UL beam pair is used (TX and RX beams are reciprocal). But data and control (at least UE-dedicated or UE-specific control such as associated with DL allocations or UL grants) beams may be independently selected by the NW.
[0108] In another embodiment (I.1.3), the TCI state definitions for all DL channels are jointly configured, and the TCI state definitions for all UL channels are jointly configured. The TCI state definitions for DL channels 813 and UL channels 814 are configured separately. An example of this embodiment can be found in Figure 8 Here, the TCI-based mechanism links / associates at least one of the RSs from 811 and / or 812 to a specific TCI state of the channel. This association (815) can take the form of QCL type D.
[0109] In another embodiment (I.1.4), the TCI state definitions for all DL channels and all UL channels 823 are configured jointly. An example of this embodiment may be found in Figure 8 820. Here, the TCI-based mechanism links / associates at least one of the RSs from 821 and / or 822 to a specific TCI state of the channel. This association (825) may take the form of QCL Type D. This is relevant when the UE is capable of beam mapping in which a common DL and UL beam pair is used (TX and RX beams are reciprocal).
[0110] For the second component (i.e., UE procedures for beam measurement and reporting), Rel.15 / 16 NR supports too many options, primarily due to the shared framework with CSI acquisition and the need to accommodate multiple (potentially unknown) scenarios. This results in heavy RRC configuration and heavy requirements for L1 control signaling. The only way to avoid large overhead is to increase latency, and vice versa. As a result, Rel.15 / 16 NR does not provide beam management that is fast enough for scenarios with high mobility and / or a large number of beams.
[0111] To facilitate fast beam management, a so-called "slim mode" can be designed, where a simplified combination of a small number of basic features (building blocks) is used to facilitate beam management with low overhead and low latency.
[0112] Hereinafter, three categories of embodiments will be used for illustrative purposes: beam measurement, beam reporting, and beam management framework. Any combination of at least two of the following embodiments is included in the present disclosure.
[0113] Several embodiments of simplified beam measurement (including RS for beam measurement) and beam reporting for "slim mode" are described below.
[0114] In one embodiment (II.1.1), a CSI-RS configured for beam management (e.g., with or without repetition on) includes a frequency density of 3 resource elements / resource blocks (RE / RB) (greater precision density) and one port. Optionally, a CSI-RS configured for beam management (e.g., with or without repetition on) includes a frequency density of 3 RE / RB (greater precision density) and two ports (e.g., for dual-polarization arrays). A CSI-RS configured for beam management (e.g., with or without repetition on) includes a frequency density of 1 RE / RB (less precision density) and one port. A CSI-RS configured for beam management (e.g., with or without repetition on) includes a frequency density of 1 RE / RB (less precision density) and two ports (e.g., for dual-polarization arrays).
[0115] Optionally, the CSI-RS characteristics may depend on whether the CSI-RS is configured for channel measurement or for interference measurement. For example, an NZP CSI-RS configured for channel measurement includes a frequency density of 3 RE / RBs (greater precision density) and one port, while an NZP CSI-RS configured for interference measurement includes a frequency density of 3 RE / RBs (greater precision density) and one port, and a ZP CSI-RS configured for interference measurement includes a frequency density of 1 RE / RB (greater precision density) and one port.
[0116] In another embodiment (II.1.2), three different time-domain behaviors of measurement RSs configured for beam management can be supported: periodic (P), semi-persistent (SP), and aperiodic (AP). Only SSBs can be used for periodic measurement RSs, and only CSI-RSs (used for channel measurement or interference measurement) can be used for SP and AP. That is, periodic measurement RSs can only be SSBs, semi-persistent measurement RSs can only be SP-CSI-RSs, and aperiodic measurement RSs can only be AP-CSI-RSs.
[0117] Optionally, SP-CSI-RS and AP-CSI-RS can be combined into an "aperiodic" operation mode. In one example, aperiodic triggering and semi-persistent activation / deactivation can be performed using the same DCI field (in UL-related DCI or in DL-related DCI). Here, the DCI field for CSI-RS triggering includes at least 3 code points for the following 3 assumptions: "one CS-RS transmission", "activation", "deactivation". In another example, the DCI field for CSI-RS triggering includes the number of CSI-RS bursts / transmissions used for CSI-RS transmission (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8).
[0118] Several embodiments related to simplified beam reporting in "slim mode" are described below.
[0119] Note that beam reporting can also be considered as a special case of CSI reporting.
[0120] Optionally, SP and AP beam reporting can be combined into an "aperiodic" mode of operation. In one example, aperiodic triggering and semi-persistent activation / deactivation can be performed using the same DCI field (either in UL-related DCI or in DL-related DCI). Here, the DCI field for CSI request can include at least three code points for the following three assumptions: "one CSI request", "activation", and "deactivation". In another example, the DCI field for CSI request includes the number of beam report bursts / transmissions (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8).
[0121] With respect to embodiments II.1.2 and II.1.3, if the DCI field is used to select a pre-configured triggering state (as in Rel. 15 / 16), a single DCI field can be used to perform both CSI-RS triggering and CSI request. Alternatively, two separate DCI fields can be used to accomplish both functions.
[0122] Also with respect to embodiments II.1.2 and II.1.3, beam measurement / reporting modes can be defined based on the combination of measurement RS and beam reporting. In this case, there are five modes: SP beam reporting with SSB, SP beam reporting with SP-CSI-RS, AP beam reporting with SSB, AP beam reporting with SP-CSI-RS, and AP beam reporting RS with AP-CSI-RS.
[0123] Optionally, to reduce the number of options, if at least one RS is configured for interference measurement, the time domain behavior of such RS may be configured to match the time domain behavior of the RS configured for channel measurement.
[0124] Several embodiments related to a simplified beam management framework of "slim mode" are described below.
[0125] In one embodiment (II.2.1), the measurement RSs configured for beam management can be listed based on ports. In terms of use cases, one TX beam (DL and / or UL) is associated with one port (or either one or both ports). Note that in Rel.15 / 16 NR, one beam is associated with a CSI-RS resource consisting of one or two ports. For beam management, this abstraction is unnecessary and can be removed. In addition, when at least two TX beams are configured to be associated with the same RX beam (hence QCL type D), these N beams (corresponding to N ports, or up to 2N ports) can be grouped into a "port group" or "port set". This replaces the so-called CSI-RS resource set in Rel.15 / 16 NR. In other words, the three-level hierarchy of measurement RSs in Rel.15 / 16 NR (port → CSI-RS resource → CSI-RS resource set) is replaced by the following two-level hierarchy: port → port group / set. Alternatively, a suitable QCL configuration linking at least two ports having QCL type D may be used, thereby eliminating the need for a "port group" or "port set".
[0126] Alternatively, a two-level hierarchy can be used: port → CSI-RS resource. In this case, a CSI-RS resource can include one, two, or just one port. An appropriate QCL configuration can be used to link at least two CSI-RS resources with QCL type D, eliminating the need for CSI-RS resource sets.
[0127] For the third component (ie, UE procedures for DL beam indication), several embodiments related to DL TX beam indication via the DL TCI field in DCI for "slim mode" are described below.
[0128] In any of the following embodiments, the DCI field "DL TCI" may be included in a DL-related DCI, a UL-related DCI, or a non-grant / assignment carrying DCI. Furthermore, for a given DL timeslot / subframe / time unit, the UE adopts the TCI state (which corresponds to the DL TX beam) corresponding to the latest (most recently) applicable TCI state indicated in the Most Recently Applicable TCI field. Furthermore, DL TX beam selection for PDSCH and PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes) may be signaled via L1 DL control signaling (unlike Rel. 15 / 16, where DL TX beam selection for PDCCH may be signaled via MAC CE).
[0129] Figure 9 An example timing diagram for joint TCI update of PDSCH and PDCCH according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 9 The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0130] In one embodiment (III.1.1), the TCI state indicated in the TCI field (which can be represented by a TCI state ID) applies to both the PDSCH and the PDCCH (at least for the PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), and the TCI state indicates the DL TX beam (corresponding to the source / reference RS) used for both the PDSCH and the PDCCH. In other words, the same TX beam can be shared by the PDSCH and the PDCCH. In terms of timing relationships, there are several options here.
[0131] In the first option, the latest applicable TCI state of the PDSCH includes the state that may be signaled in the same DL slot / subframe / time unit as the one with the corresponding DL allocation (carried via the PDCCH), while the latest applicable TCI state of the PDCCH (at least for the PDCCH used for UE specific control reception purposes) does not include the state that may be signaled in the same DL slot / subframe / time unit as the one with the corresponding DL allocation (carried via the PDCCH). This is because the UE is able to receive the PDCCH in the current DL slot / subframe / time unit, and the UE needs to know the DL TX beam before decoding the DCI that may carry the TCI field. This can be done in Figure 9, where the DL TCI field (in the DL DCI) signaled in slot n(1) indicates the DL TX beam used for PDSCH transmission in slot n(1) and the 3 consecutive slots thereafter (excluding slot n(2)). It also indicates the DL TX beam used for PDCCH in the 4 consecutive slots after n(1) (including slot n(2)). Similarly, the TCI field signaled in slot n(2) indicates the DL TX beam used for PDSCH transmission in slot n(2) and the 11 consecutive slots thereafter (excluding slot n(3)). It also indicates the DL TX beam used for PDCCH in the 11 consecutive slots after n(2) (including slot n(3)). This first option is particularly relevant when the DCI field "DL TCI" may be included in a DL-related DCI (associated with a DL allocation) or a UL-related DCI (associated with a UL grant) (see embodiment III.2.1).
[0132] In the second option, the latest applicable TCI state of the PDSCH is the same as that of the PDCCH (at least for the PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), and does not include a TCI state that may be signaled in the same DL timeslot / subframe / time unit as the corresponding DL allocation (carried via the PDCCH). This first option is particularly relevant when the DCI field "DL TCI" can be included in DCI without any DL allocation (see embodiment III.2.2). In one example, NR's DCI format 1_0 can be used to carry the associated DL allocation, and the TCI state applicable to the DL allocation is received in one of the previous and most recent timeslots / subframes / time units and signaled via DCI without any DL allocation or UL grant. This can be a DCI format dedicated to TCI signaling. In another example, NR's DCI format 1_0 can be used to carry the associated DL allocation, and the TCI state applicable to the DL allocation is received in one of the previous and most recent timeslots / subframes / time units and signaled via UL-related DCI (including or not including UL grant).
[0133] In another embodiment (III.1.2), the TCI state indicated in the TCI field (which can be represented by a TCI state ID) applies to both PDSCH and PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), but the DL TX beam used for PDSCH may be different from that of PDCCH. Here, the DL TX beams of PDSCH and PDCCH are tightly QCLed, that is, QCL (e.g., type D, spatial linking) links the source / reference RS of PDSCH to the source / reference RS of PDCCH. This QCL linking can be performed via RRC, MAC CE, or L1 DL control signaling (via UE-group DCI or UE-specific DCI). In one example, the CSI-RS "port" for PDCCH is linked to the CSI-RS "port" for PDSCH in a one-to-many (e.g., 1 to M) mapping. That is, PDCCH uses a coarse TX beam, while PDSCH uses a finer beam, but the two TX beams are linked. In this case, the TCI field directly indicates the finer (PDSCH) TX beam (associated with the source / reference RS), while the TX beam for the PDCCH is indicated by an association, where M PDSCH beams correspond to 1 PDCCH beam, for example, the associated PDCCH beam pattern can be a combination of M narrower PDSCH beams. This association between PDCCH and PDSCH beams can be fixed, predetermined by a set of rules, or configured via higher layer signaling (RRC and / or MAC CE).
[0134] Similarly, there are some options in terms of time relations. In the first option, the latest applicable TCI state of the PDSCH includes the TCI state that may be signaled in the same DL time slot / subframe / time unit as the corresponding DL allocation (carried via the PDCCH), while the latest applicable TCI state of the PDCCH does not include the TCI state that may be signaled in the same DL time slot / subframe / time unit as the corresponding DL allocation (carried via the PDCCH). This is because the UE can receive the PDCCH in the current DL time slot / subframe / time unit, and the UE needs to know the DL TX beam before decoding the DCI that may carry the TCI field.
[0135] Several embodiments related to the transmission of DL TX beam indications for "slim mode" are described below.
[0136] In one embodiment (III.2.1), the DL TX beam indication (carried by the DL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) is sent in the DCI accompanying the DL assignment or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant).
[0137] Figure 10 Illustrated is an example timing diagram 100 for joint TCI update of PDSCH and PDCCH according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The embodiments shown in FIG are for illustration only. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0138] In another embodiment (III.2.2), the DL TX beam indication (carried by the DL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) can be sent in the DCI without any DL allocation or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant and DCI format 1_0). In one example, the DCI used for this purpose can be a specially designed UE-specific DCI or an existing small format in Rel.15 / 16 (such as the small format used for power control). In another example, UE-group DCI can be used to group TCI signaling from a group of UEs without any DL allocation or UL grant.
[0139] This can be Figure 10 This is illustrated in timing diagram 1000 of FIGURE 1, where the DL TCI field (in the DL DCI) signaled in slot n(1) indicates the DL TX beam used for PDSCH transmission in slot n(1) up to, but not including, slot n(2). Therefore, the DL TX beam indicated in slot n(1) applies to both DL allocations in the 5th and subsequent 10th slots.
[0140] In another embodiment (III.2.3), the DL TX beam indication (carried by the DL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) can be sent in the DCI with and / or without any DL allocation or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant).
[0141] Respectively, any combination of at least one embodiment in category III.1 and at least one embodiment in category III.2 is included in the present disclosure. For example, if embodiment III.1.1 is used together with embodiment III.2.2, the DL TX beam used for PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes) is the same as that used for PDSCH. If embodiment III.1.1 is used together with embodiment III.2.1 when the DCI including the TCI field is DL-related DCI, the DL TX beam used for PDCCH is updated one later than the DL TX beam used for PDSCH. That is, the DL TX beam indicated in the time slot / subframe / time unit of the DCI is applied to the DL allocation (PDSCH) in the same time slot / subframe / time unit, but only to the next PDCCH reception.
[0142] The following are embodiments applicable to any of the above embodiments (in categories III.1 or III.2, or any combination thereof). For example, any of the following embodiments may be used regardless of whether the DL TX beam indication accompanies a DL allocation or an UL grant.
[0143] In one embodiment (III.3.1), the TCI field indicates the selected TCI state (which may be represented by a TCI state ID), where one TCI state is associated with a sequence of source / reference RS (port) indices, representing the sequence of DL TX beams employed by the UE over a period of time. Here, the source / reference RS (port) indices may be associated with slot / subframe / time unit numbers. In one example, the number of reference RS indices in the sequence and the length of the time period (possibly including a period and / or offset) may be configured via higher-layer signaling (RRC and / or MAC CE). This configuration may be separate or combined with the TCI state definition. When the UE receives this indication, it assumes that the DL TX beams are switched (or swept) over a period of time according to the configured sequence. This is intended to facilitate beam refinement and switching over longer periods of time using only one DL beam indication signaling, particularly when the UE is moving at a predictable speed and / or trajectory relative to the gNB or NW.
[0144] For the fourth component (ie, UE procedures for UL beam indication), several embodiments related to UL TX beam indication in “slim mode” are described below.
[0145] In one embodiment (IV.1.1), the UL TX beam indication is given by the latest (most recently) applicable TCI state indicated in the Latest (Most Recently) Applicable TCI field for DL TX Beam Indication. This scheme is particularly relevant when the UE is capable of (supports) beam mapping in which the UL TX beam corresponds to the DL RX beam, so the UE can infer this scheme from the DL TX once it has completed the DL beam training phase (by measuring the CSI-RS configured for beam management and repeatedly turning it on). In this case, UL beam indication and DL beam indication are performed jointly.
[0146] Similar to embodiment III.1.1 / 1.2, PUSCH and PUCCH can share the same UL TX beam or can be closely QCL (spatially linked). In this case, the TX beam for PDSCH, PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), PUSCH, PUCCH can be inferred from the latest (common) applicable TCI field.
[0147] In another embodiment (IV.1.2), a separate UL TCI field (from the DL TCI field) can be used. Here, separate or joint DL-UL TCI state configurations can be used, but separate TCI state subset selections are required for DL and UL TX beam indications. This solution is particularly relevant when the UE is unable to (does not support) beam mapping.
[0148] Similar to embodiment III.1.1 / 1.2, PUSCH and PUCCH can share the same UL TX beam, or can be closely QCLed (spatially linked). In this case, the TX beam for PDSCH, PDCCH (at least for PDCCH used for UE-specific control reception purposes), PUSCH, PUCCH can be inferred from the latest (common) applicable TCI field.
[0149] In another embodiment (IV.1.3), given the latest (most recent) applicable TCI state indicated in the Latest (Most Recent) Applicable TCI field for DL TX Beam Indication, a small subset of UL TCI state values is also indicated. This approach is particularly relevant when the UE is capable of (supports) partial beam correspondence. That is, a small subset of UL TCI states can be configured to be spatially correlated with the DL TCI states, thereby potentially reducing the UL TCI indication payload. Conversely, a small subset of DL TCI states can be configured to be spatially correlated with the UL TCI states, thereby potentially reducing the DL TCI indication payload. The partial correlation (spatial relationship) can be configured via higher layer signaling (via RRC or MAC CE) or L1 control signaling (via UE-Group DCI). Here, the UL TCI field can be used.
[0150] Several embodiments related to the transmission of the UL TX beam indication of embodiment IV.1.2 or embodiment IV.1.3 applicable to the “slim mode” are described below.
[0151] In one embodiment (IV.2.1), the UL TX beam indication (carried by the UL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) can be sent in the DCI accompanying the DL assignment or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant).
[0152] In another embodiment (IV.2.2), the UL TX beam indication (carried by the UL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) can be sent in DCI without any DL allocation or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant). In one example, the DCI used for this purpose can be a specially designed UE-specific DCI or an existing small format in Rel.15 / 16 (such as the small format used for power control). In another example, UE-group DCI can be used to group TCI signaling from a group of UEs without any DL allocation or UL grant.
[0153] In another embodiment (IV.2.3), the UL TX beam indication (carried by the UL TCI field, indicating the TCI state associated with the selected source / reference RS) can be sent in the DCI with or without DL allocation or UL grant (note that Rel.15 / 16 NR does not support the TCI field in the UL grant).
[0154] The following are embodiments applicable to any of the above embodiments (category IV.1 or IV.2, or any combination thereof). For example, any of the following embodiments may be used regardless of whether the UL TX beam indication is accompanied by a DL assignment or a UL grant.
[0155] In one embodiment (IV.3.1), the TCI field indicates the selected TCI state, where one TCI state is associated with a sequence of source / reference RS (port) indices that represents the sequence of UL TX beams employed by the UE over a period of time. In one example, the number of reference RS indices in the sequence and the length of the time period (possibly including a period and / or offset) can be configured via higher layer signaling (RRC and / or MAC CE). This configuration can be separate or combined with the TCI state definition. Upon receiving this indication, the UE assumes that the UL TX beam switches (or sweeps) over a period of time according to the configured sequence. This is intended to facilitate beam refinement and switching over longer periods of time using only one UL beam indication signaling, particularly when the UE is moving at a predictable speed and / or trajectory relative to the gNB or NW.
[0156] Any of the above-described variant embodiments may be used independently or in combination with at least one other variant embodiment.
[0157] Figure 11 A flow chart illustrating an example method 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a UE receives configuration information regarding a set of TCI states. For example, the method 1100 may be performed by the UE 116. Figure 11 The embodiment of method 1100 shown in FIGURE 1 is for illustration only.
[0158] Method 1100 begins with a UE (referred to as UE-k) receiving configuration information from a base station regarding a set of TCI states (step 1101), where each TCI state refers to at least one source RS with a corresponding QCL and is associated with DL data and UE-specific DL control information. UE-k then receives a TCI state update on the PDCCH (step 1102) and decodes it (step 1103). The decoded TCI state update is then applied to the corresponding UE-specific DL allocation and reception of DL data (step 1104).
[0159] The TCI status update may be signaled via DL-related DCI including a previously received DL assignment. Alternatively, the TCI status update may be signaled via a specific purpose DCI for TCI status update.
[0160] The designated DCI can be UE-specific and can only be decoded by the designated UE. In this case, the TCI state update also applies to the transmission of PUCCH and UL data assigned to the designated UE. Alternatively, separate TCI states and TCI state updates are used for the transmission of PUCCH and UL data assigned to the UE. Optionally, the designated DCI is UE-group DCI and can be decoded by multiple UEs, one of which is the designated UE.
[0161] Figure 12 A flow chart of an example method 1200 is illustrated, wherein a BS generates / sends configuration information about a set of TCI states to a UE (labeled as UE-k) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the method 1200 may be performed by the BS 102. Figure 12 The embodiment of method 1200 shown in FIGURE 1 is for illustration only.
[0162] Method 1200 begins with the base station (BS) generating configuration information for a set of TCI states to UE-k (step 1201), where each TCI state refers to at least one source RS with a corresponding QCL and is associated with DL data and UE-specific DL control information. The BS then transmits the configuration information to UE-k (step 1202). The BS also transmits a TCI state update to UE-k on the PDCCH (step 1103), where the TCI state update is applied to the reception of DL data and the corresponding UE-specific DL allocation.
[0163] The TCI status update may be signaled via DL-related DCI including a previously received DL allocation. Alternatively, the TCI status update may be signaled via a specific purpose DCI for TCI status update.
[0164] The designated DCI can be UE-specific and can only be decoded by the designated UE. In this case, the TCI state update also applies to the transmission of PUCCH and UL data assigned to the designated UE. Alternatively, separate TCI states and TCI state updates are used for the transmission of PUCCH and UL data assigned to the UE. Optionally, the designated DCI is UE-group DCI and can be decoded by multiple UEs, one of which is the designated UE.
[0165] although Figure 11 and 12 The examples of the method for receiving / sending configuration information and configuring the UE are illustrated separately, but the examples of the method for receiving / sending configuration information and configuring the UE may be used for Figure 11 and 12 Various changes may be made. For example, although shown as a series of steps, in one or more embodiments, the steps in each figure may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, occur multiple times, or not be performed.
[0166] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may occur to one skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving, from a base station, configuration information including information about one or more transmission configuration information (TCI) states, each of the one or more TCI states providing at least one RS of a quasi-co-located QCL of a reference signal (RS) of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and an RS of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); receiving activation information about a subset of the one or more TCI states from a base station; receiving downlink DL-related downlink control information DCI from a base station, the downlink control information DCI including information indicating at least one TCI state in a subset of the one or more TCI states, the DL-related DCI having a DL allocation; transmitting data on an uplink (UL) channel to a base station based on the transmit TX spatial filter associated with the indicated at least one TCI state, and Data is received from the base station on a DL channel based on the indicated at least one TCI state.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for DL reception on PDSCH and PDCCH.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for UL transmission on a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH and a physical uplink control channel PUCCH.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The indicated at least one TCI state is a joint TCI state for data reception on a DL channel and data transmission on a UL channel.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The configuration information is received via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the activation information is received via Medium Access Control (MAC-CE) element.
6. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: transceiver; and The processor is configured to: receiving, via a transceiver, configuration information including information about one or more transmission configuration information (TCI) states from a base station, each of the one or more TCI states providing at least one RS of a quasi-co-located QCL of a reference signal (RS) of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and an RS of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), receiving, via a transceiver, activation information regarding a subset of the one or more TCI states from a base station, receiving, via a transceiver, downlink-related downlink control information (DCI) from a base station, the downlink-related DCI including information indicating at least one TCI state from a subset of the one or more TCI states, the DL-related DCI having a DL allocation, transmitting data on an uplink (UL) channel to a base station via a transceiver based on a transmit TX spatial filter associated with the indicated at least one TCI state, and Based on the indicated at least one TCI state, data is received from the base station on a DL channel via the transceiver.
7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for DL reception on PDSCH and PDCCH.
8. The UE according to claim 6, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for UL transmission on a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH and a physical uplink control channel PUCCH.
9. The UE according to claim 6, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is a joint TCI state for data reception on a DL channel and data transmission on a UL channel.
10. The UE according to claim 6, wherein: The configuration information is received via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the activation information is received via Medium Access Control (MAC-CE) element.
11. A method for a base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Sending configuration information including information about one or more transmission configuration information (TCI) states to a user equipment (UE), each of the one or more TCI states providing at least one RS of a quasi-co-located QCL of a reference signal (RS) of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and an RS of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); Sending activation information about the subset of the one or more TCI states to the UE; Sending downlink DL-related downlink control information DCI to the UE, which includes information indicating at least one TCI state in a subset of the one or more TCI states, wherein the DL-related DCI has a DL allocation; and receiving data from the UE on an uplink (UL) channel based on the transmit TX spatial filter associated with the indicated at least one TCI state, Data is sent to the UE on a DL channel based on the indicated at least one TCI state.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for DL transmission on PDSCH and PDCCH.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for UL reception on a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH and a physical uplink control channel PUCCH.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is a joint TCI state for data transmission on a DL channel and data reception on a UL channel.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein: The configuration information is sent through Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the activation information is sent through Medium Access Control (MAC-CE) signaling.
16. A base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: transceiver; and The processor is configured to: Sending, via a transceiver, configuration information including information about one or more transmission configuration information (TCI) states to a user equipment (UE), each of the one or more TCI states providing at least one RS of a quasi-co-located QCL of a reference signal (RS) of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and an RS of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); sending activation information about the subset of the one or more TCI states to the UE via the transceiver, transmitting, via a transceiver, downlink-related downlink control information (DCI) to a UE, the downlink-related DCI including information indicating at least one TCI state in a subset of the one or more TCI states, the DL-related DCI having a DL allocation, and receiving data from the UE on an uplink (UL) channel via a transceiver based on a transmit TX spatial filter associated with the indicated at least one TCI state, Based on the indicated at least one TCI state, data is sent to the UE on a DL channel via the transceiver.
17. The base station according to claim 16, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for DL transmission on PDSCH and PDCCH.
18. The base station according to claim 16, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is commonly used for UL reception on a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH and a physical uplink control channel PUCCH.
19. The base station according to claim 16, wherein: The indicated at least one TCI state is a joint TCI state for data transmission on a DL channel and data reception on a UL channel.
20. The base station according to claim 16, wherein The configuration information is sent through Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the activation information is sent through Medium Access Control (MAC-CE) signaling.
Citation Information
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