Spatial Relationship and Path Loss Reference Signals for Multi-TRP Operation

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) in a multi-transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration, the UE having simultaneous connections with a first next-generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB over the same carrier. The UE divides uplink (UL) resources into multiple groups; determines a spatial relation and a path loss reference signal (RS) for each of the multiple groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi-co-location (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel; and transmits UL data on the UL resources corresponding to each of the multiple groups to a respective one of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) functionality in 5G New Radio (NR) involves a UE maintaining multiple links with multiple TRPs (e.g., multiple gNBs) simultaneously on the same carrier. In the development of 5G NR, various cases are defined where the spatial relationship and path loss reference signals are not configured and default parameters are used based on the transmission configuration indication (TCI) included in the downlink (DL) transmission. However, the default parameters may be specific to a particular TRP. Therefore, for these cases, multiple TRPs may not be supported. Summary of the invention

[0002] In some exemplary embodiments, a method is performed by a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration, the UE having a simultaneous connection with a first next generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB through the same carrier. The method includes dividing uplink (UL) resources into a plurality of groups; determining a spatial relationship and a path loss RS for each of the plurality of groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi co-sited (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel; and transmitting UL data on the UL resources corresponding to each of the plurality of groups to a corresponding one of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB.

[0003] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment (UE) having a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to simultaneously connect to a first next-generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB through the same carrier in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration. The processor is configured to divide uplink (UL) resources into multiple groups and determine a spatial relationship and a path loss RS for each of the multiple groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi-co-sited (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel. The transceiver is also configured to transmit UL data on the UL resource corresponding to each of the multiple groups to a corresponding one of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB.

[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration, the UE having a simultaneous connection with a first next generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB over the same carrier. The method includes determining a spatial relationship and a path loss for an uplink (UL) resource based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi co-sited (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel and a time domain behavior of the UL resource, and transmitting UL data on the UL resource to each of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB.

[0005] Additional exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment (UE) having a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to simultaneously connect to a first next generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB over the same carrier in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration. The processor is configured to determine a spatial relationship and path loss RS for an uplink (UL) resource based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi co-sited (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel and a time domain behavior of the UL resource. The transceiver is also configured to transmit UL data on the UL resource to each of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Network arrangements according to various exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0007] Figure 2 An exemplary UE according to various exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A network arrangement with a UE in multi-TRP operation is shown.

[0009] Figure 4a-4b A scheduling diagram for multi-TRP UL resource configuration according to various exemplary embodiments described herein is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A method for determining a default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) configuration for uplink (UL) transmissions divided into multiple groups at a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) operation according to various exemplary embodiments described herein is shown.

[0011] Figure 6A method for determining a default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) configuration for uplink (UL) transmission based on the time domain behavior of UL resources at a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) operation according to various exemplary embodiments described herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and associated drawings, wherein similar elements have the same reference numerals. An exemplary embodiment is described for a default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) configuration for a UE in multi-TRP operation.

[0013] The multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) functionality involves the UE maintaining multiple links with multiple TRPs (e.g., multiple gNBs) simultaneously on the same carrier. However, in the 3GPP Rel-16 standard, multiple TRPs are not supported for certain scenarios where the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signals are not configured for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or the sounding reference signal (SRS). In Rel-16, in some scenarios described in detail below, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signals may be applied by the UE only to a single beam targeting a single TRP. The exemplary embodiment describes the default spatial relationship and path loss RS configuration for multiple beams targeting multiple TRPs.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary network arrangement 100 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. The exemplary network arrangement 100 includes a user equipment (UE) 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the UE may be any type of electronic component configured to communicate via a network, such as a component of a connected car, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a phablet, an embedded device, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc. It should also be appreciated that a practical network arrangement may include any number of UEs used by any number of users. Therefore, for purposes of illustration, only an example with a single UE 110 is provided.

[0015] UE 110 can communicate directly with one or more networks. In the example of network arrangement 100, the networks with which UE 110 can wirelessly communicate are 5G NR radio access network (5G NR-RAN) 120, LTE radio access network (LTE-RAN) 122, and wireless local area network (WLAN) 124. Therefore, UE 110 may include a 5G NR chipset that communicates with 5G NR-RAN 120, an LTE chipset that communicates with LTE-RAN122, and an ISM chipset that communicates with WLAN 124. However, UE 110 may also communicate with other types of networks (e.g., legacy cellular networks), and UE 110 may also communicate with the network via a wired connection. With respect to an exemplary embodiment, UE 110 may establish a connection with 5G NR RAN 122.

[0016] 5G NR-RAN 120 and LTE-RAN 122 may be part of cellular networks that may be deployed by cellular providers (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.). These networks 120, 122 may include, for example, cells or base stations (NodeB, eNodeB, HeNB, eNBS, gNB, gNodeB, macrocell base stations, microcell base stations, small cell base stations, femtocell base stations, etc.) configured to send and receive traffic from UEs equipped with appropriate cellular chipsets. WLAN 124 may include any type of wireless local area network (WiFi, hotspot, IEEE 802.11x network, etc.).

[0017] UE 110 may be connected to 5G NR-RAN via at least one of next generation nodeB (gNB) 120A and / or gNB 120B. gNB 120A, 120B may be configured with necessary hardware (e.g., antenna array), software and / or firmware to perform massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) functionality. Massive MIMO may refer to a base station configured to generate multiple beams for multiple UEs. Reference to two gNBs 120A, 120B is for illustrative purposes only. The exemplary embodiments may be applied to any appropriate number of gNBs. Specifically, UE 110 may be connected to and exchange data with multiple gNBs 120A, gNB 120B simultaneously in a multi-cell CA configuration or a multi-TRP configuration. UE 110 may also be connected to LTE-RAN 122 via either or both of eNBs 122A, 122B, or to any other type of RAN, as described above. UE 110 is shown to be simultaneously connected to gNB 120A and gNB 120B in network arrangement 100. The connection with gNB 120A, gNB 120B can be, for example, a multi-TRP connection, where gNB 120A, gNB 120B both provide service to UE 110 on the same channel.

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

[0019] Figure 2 An exemplary UE 110 is shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Figure 1100 is used to describe the UE 110. The UE 110 may represent any electronic device and may include a processor 205, a memory arrangement 210, a display device 215, an input / output (I / O) device 220, a transceiver 225, and other components 230. The other components 230 may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery providing a limited power source, a data acquisition device, a port for electrically connecting the UE 110 to other electronic devices, a sensor for detecting the status of the UE 110, and the like.

[0020] Processor 205 may be configured to execute multiple engines of UE 110. For example, the engines may include a default spatial relation and path loss RS engine 235. Default spatial relation and path loss RS engine 235 may perform operations including determining spatial relation and path loss reference signals for PUCCH resources when UE 110 is in a multi-TRP configuration with multiple gNBs, and using the same resources for two connections. Specific determinations for various scenarios are described in further detail below.

[0021] The above-described engine as an application (e.g., program) executed by the processor 205 is merely exemplary. The functions associated with the engine may also be represented as an independently integrated component of the UE 110, or may be a modular component coupled to the UE 110, such as an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, an integrated circuit may include an input circuit for receiving a signal and a processing circuit for processing the signal and other information. The engine may also be embodied as an application or multiple separate applications. In addition, in some UEs, the functionality described for the processor 205 is shared between two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an application processor. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of the UE.

[0022] The memory 210 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE 110. The display device 215 may be a hardware component configured to display data to a user, and the I / O device 220 may be a hardware component that enables a user to perform input. The display device 215 and the I / O device 220 may be separate components or may be integrated together (such as a touch screen). The transceiver 225 may be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the 5G-NR RAN 120, the LTE RAN 122, etc. Therefore, the transceiver 225 may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g., a continuous frequency group).

[0023] In Rel-15, downlink beam indication is based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) that indicates quasi co-located (QCL) source reference signals for downlink channels (PDSCH, PDCCH). Two antenna ports are considered quasi co-located if the characteristics of the channel over which symbols on one antenna port are transmitted can be inferred from the channel over which symbols on another antenna port are transmitted. Thus, the QCL concept helps the UE in calculations, including channel estimation, by avoiding separate calculations for the two antenna ports. The gNB can indicate the antenna port used by a specific CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) and the antenna port QCL used for, for example, PDSCH or PDCCH transmissions.

[0024] The QCL source RS can be a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a CSI-RS. In Rel-15, the uplink (UL) beam indication is based on spatial relationship information, where the source reference signal can be based on SSB, CSI-RS or sounding reference signal (SRS). When SSB, CSI-RS or SRS is indicated, the UE can use the same beam used to receive SSB / CSI-RS / SRS to transmit the UL signal.

[0025] As defined in NR, a control resource set (CORESET) is a set of resource element groups (REGs) within which the UE attempts to blindly decode downlink control information. In other words, a CORESET is a set of physical resources (e.g., a specific area on the NR downlink resource grid) and a set of parameters for carrying PDCCH / DCI. When configured, a CORESET can be used to derive spatial relationship and path loss information.

[0026] In Rel-16, default QCL / spatial relationships are defined for various situations. However, these default QCL / spatial relationships are not applicable to the multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) functionality. In Rel-16, the multi-TRP functionality is supported with a basic beam management framework. The beam management framework includes the ability of the UE to receive downlink signals from multiple gNBs deployed with ideal backhaul or non-ideal backhaul. The UE may be indicated with two downlink TCI states for the PDSCH. PDCCHs from different TRPs may be carried by a CORESET with different values ​​of CORESET-poolIndex. In contrast, in Rel-17, beam management enhancements for multi-TRP operation will be supported so that the UE can receive downlink signals from multiple gNBs on multiple panels / beams and report or transmit UL signals to the gNB based on panel selection for any TRP in the TRP.

[0027] For the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal case discussed in Rel.16, multi-TRP operation is not supported because the CORESET or active TCI state with the lowest ID will always be from a specific TRP. Therefore, the UE will only apply to a single beam targeting a single TRP. Figure 3 A network arrangement 300 is shown with UEs in multi-TRP operation, where the default spatial relationship and path loss RS are based on the RS in TCI 1 from CORESET 1 sent from the first TRP (TRP 1). Therefore, in this arrangement, the second TRP (TRP 2) cannot receive UL signals with the default spatial relationship and path loss RS.

[0028] The exemplary embodiment defines a default spatial relationship and path loss RS configuration for each of the scenarios described in Rel. 16 to support multi-TRP operation. The exemplary embodiment is applicable to the multi-TRP case when different values ​​of CORESET-poolIndex are configured in the CORESET in the CC. The scenarios and exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0029] In the first scenario, no spatial relation and path loss reference signals for PUCCH are configured. In Rel.16, when CORESET is configured, PUCCH spatial relation and path loss are derived based on the reference signal indicated in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC). However, as mentioned above, this solution is not applicable to multi-TRP operation.

[0030] According to the first exemplary embodiment, when the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH are not configured, the PUCCH resources may be divided into N groups, for example, N = 2. The PUCCH resources within a specific group are configured to transmit data to the corresponding gNB.

[0031] In one embodiment, the partition group may be configured by higher layer signaling from the network, such as RRC signaling or MAC control element (CE). In another embodiment, the partition group may be predefined. For example, when N=2, the first half of the PUCCH resources may belong to the first group, and the second half may belong to the second group.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, if the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources within a group (e.g., group x) are not configured (e.g., signaled or preconfigured), the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources may be based on the reference signal in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID having CORESET-PoolIndex set to y. The mapping between x and y may be configured by higher layer signaling, such as RRC signaling or MAC control element (CE), or may alternatively be predefined, such as x=y.

[0033] In the above network arrangement 300, when implementing the above first exemplary embodiment, TCI 1 may be used to determine the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in group 1. Meanwhile, TCI 2 may be used to determine the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in group 2. As described above, this example assumes that TCI 1 for group 1 and TCI 2 for group 2 are signaled to the UE using higher layer signaling or that these default values ​​are predefined for the UE.

[0034] According to a second exemplary embodiment, in the above-mentioned first scenario, various mechanisms for determining a default spatial relationship and a path loss reference signal may be defined according to the PUCCH resource configuration.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, for non-periodic PUCCH resources, when the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal are not configured, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for the PUCCH resources can be based on the reference signal in the TCI state of the PDCCH used for scheduling.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment (for aperiodic PUCCH), the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources can be based on the reference signal in the TCI state in the CORESET with the lowest ID having the same CORESET-poolIndex value as the PDCCH carrying the scheduling.

[0037] Figure 4a-4b The scheduling diagram of the above embodiment is shown. Figure 4a-4b In the example of , it can be considered that there are three (3) configured CORESETs as follows: CORESET 1 with TCI=1 and CORESET-poolIndex=0; CORESET 2 with TCI=2 and CORESET-poolIndex=1; and CORESET 3 with TCI=3 and CORESET-poolIndex=1.

[0038] exist Figure 4a In the first scheduling diagram shown in FIG, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources are based on the reference signal in the TCI state of the PDCCH used for scheduling. PDCCH (N) is shown in CORESET 1. Therefore, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in aperiodic PUCCH (N+k0) are based on TCI 1. Similarly, PDCCH (M) is shown in CORESET 3. Therefore, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in aperiodic PUCCH (M+k1) are based on TCI 3.

[0039] exist Figure 4b In the second scheduling diagram shown in , the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources are based on the reference signal in the TCI state in the CORESET with the lowest ID having the same CORESET-poolIndex value as the PDCCH carrying the scheduling. PDCCH (N) is shown in CORESET 1. In the example, CORESET 1 is the only CORESET with CORESET-poolIndex=0. Therefore, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in the aperiodic PUCCH (N+k0) are based on TCI 1 corresponding to CORESET 1. PDCCH (M) is shown in CORESET 3. Since CORESET 3 and CORESET 2 have the same CORESET-poolIndex=1, and CORESET 2 has a lower ID, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in the aperiodic PUCCH (M+k1) are based on TCI 2.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment related to semi-persistent PUCCH resources, when the spatial relationship and path loss reference signals are not configured, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signals for the PUCCH resources can be based on the reference signals in the TCI state in the CORESET with the lowest ID having the same CORESET-poolIndex value as the scheduled PDCCH carrying the activation MAC CE.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment related to periodic PUCCH resources, if the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal are not configured, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for the PUCCH resources can be based on the reference signal in the TCI state in the CORESET with the lowest ID in the most recent time slot.

[0042] Therefore, the above exemplary embodiments provide multiple ways to determine the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for PUCCH resources in a first scenario when the UE is in a multi-TRP state.

[0043] In the second scenario, no spatial relationship and path loss reference signals are configured for SRS. In Rel.16, similar to the first scenario above for PUCCH, when CORESET is configured, the SRS spatial relationship and path loss are derived based on the reference signal indicated in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC). When CORESET is not configured, the active TCI state with the lowest ID can be used to derive the default spatial relationship information. When the associated CSI-RS is not configured, the second scenario is applicable to codebook or antenna switching or non-codebook SRS. However, again, these default values ​​for Rel.16 are not applicable to UEs in multiple TRP states for the reasons described above.

[0044] Similar to the first exemplary embodiment discussed above, the third exemplary embodiment may be applied to the second scenario, where the spatial relationship and path loss reference signals for SRS are not configured for the UE in the multi-TRP state. In this example, the SRS resources or resource sets may be divided into N groups. If the spatial relationship and path loss reference signals for the SRS resources or resource sets within group x are not configured, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signals for the SRS resources may be based on the reference signals in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC) with CORESET-PoolIndex set to y.

[0045] If no CORESET is configured, the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for SRS resources can be based on the reference signal in the activated TCI state with the lowest ID in TCI state group y. The mapping between x and y can be configured by higher layer signaling, such as RRC signaling or MAC control element (CE). Alternatively, the mapping between x and y can be predefined, such as x=y.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment applicable to the second scenario, various mechanisms for determining the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signals may be defined according to the SRS resource configuration. For example, the default spatial relationship and path loss RS may be determined by the CORESET TCI state with CORESET-poolIndex y or the TCI state with the lowest ID from the TCI state group y. For aperiodic SRS, y may be determined by the CORESET of the PDCCH that is scheduled. For semi-persistent SRS, y may be determined by the CORESET of the PDCCH that is scheduled by the activated MAC CE. For periodic SRS, y may be predefined or configured by higher layer signaling for periodic SRS.

[0047] Therefore, the above exemplary embodiments provide multiple ways to determine the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for SRS resources in the second scenario when the UE is in a multi-TRP state.

[0048] In the third scenario, no PUCCH resources are configured in the bandwidth part (BWP). In Rel.16, if PUSCH is scheduled by PDCCH in DCI format 0_0, the PUCCH spatial relationship and path loss are derived based on the reference signal indicated in the TCI state of the control resource set (CORESET) with the lowest ID in the active BWP on the same component carrier (CC). When no CORESET is configured, the active TCI state with the lowest ID can be used to derive the default spatial relationship information. However, again, these default values ​​for Rel.16 are not applicable to UEs in multiple TRP states for the reasons described above.

[0049] The fifth exemplary embodiment relates to the third scenario, where no PUCCH resources are configured in the active BWP on the same CC, and the PUSCH is scheduled by the PDCCH in DCI format 0_0 for UEs in multiple TRP states. In this exemplary embodiment, the default spatial relationship and path loss RS for the PUSCH are determined based on the reference signal in the TCI state in the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC) with CORESET-poolIndex=y. In various embodiments, y may be configured by higher layer signaling, predefined, or determined by the CORESET-poolIndex of the CORESET of the PDCCH that is scheduling.

[0050] Therefore, the above exemplary embodiments provide multiple ways to determine the default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal for SRS resources in the second scenario when the UE is in a multi-TRP state.

[0051] Figure 5 A method 500 is shown for determining a default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) configuration for uplink (UL) transmissions divided into multiple groups at a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) operation in accordance with various exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0052] In 505, the UE divides the UL resources into a plurality of groups. As described above, the divided groups of UL resources (eg, PUCCH or SRS resources) may be configured by higher layer signaling or may be predefined.

[0053] In 510, the UE determines a spatial relationship and path loss RS for each of the multiple groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi co-site (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel. As described above, the QCL source RS can be a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) and includes an antenna port identifier (ID). The default spatial relationship and path loss RS can be based on a reference signal in a TCI state of a CORESET with a lowest ID having a control resource set (CORESET) pool index set to y, where the mapping between x and y is configured by higher layer signaling or is predefined.

[0054] In 515, the UE transmits UL data on the UL resources corresponding to each of the multiple groups to a corresponding one of the gNBs in the multi-TRP configuration.

[0055] Figure 6 A method 600 is shown for determining a default spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) configuration for uplink (UL) transmission based on time domain behavior of UL resources at a user equipment (UE) in a multiple transmission reception point (multi-TRP) operation in accordance with various exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0056] In 605, the UE determines the spatial relationship and path loss RS for the quasi co-site (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for the downlink channel based on the transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating the UL resource and the time domain behavior of the UL resource. For example, the time domain behavior can be aperiodic, semi-persistent or periodic. The default parameters may be different according to the time domain behavior, as discussed in detail above.

[0057] In 610, the UE transmits UL data on UL resources to each of the multiple gNBs in the multi-TRP configuration.

[0058] Although this patent application describes various combinations of various embodiments each having different features, those skilled in the art will understand that any feature of an embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments in any manner not publicly denied or with features that are not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation or function of the device of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention.

[0059] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described above may be implemented with any suitable software configuration or hardware configuration or combination thereof. Exemplary hardware platforms for implementing the exemplary embodiments may include, for example, Intel x86-based platforms with compatible operating systems, Windows OS, Mac platforms and MAC OS, mobile devices with operating systems such as iOS, Android, etc. In other examples, the exemplary embodiments of the above methods may be embodied as a program including lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, when compiled, may be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure, provided that these modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: at a user equipment (UE) in a multi-transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration having simultaneous connections to a first next-generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB via the same carrier: divide uplink (UL) resources into a plurality of groups; determine a spatial relation and a path loss reference signal (RS) for each of the plurality of groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi-co-location (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel, wherein when the spatial relation and the path loss RS for the UL resources are not configured for group x of the plurality of groups, the default spatial relation and the default path loss RS for the UL resources are based on the reference signal RS in the TCI state of the control resource set (CORESET) having the lowest ID in an active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC) with a CORESET pool index set to y, wherein the mapping between x and y is configured by higher layer signaling or is predefined; and transmit UL data to a corresponding one of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB on the UL resources corresponding to each of the plurality of groups.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the UL resources include any one of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource or a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the QCL source reference signal RS is one of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the QCL source reference signal RS includes an antenna port identifier (ID).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein dividing the UL resources into the plurality of groups is configured by higher layer signaling.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the higher layer signaling includes radio resource control (RRC) signaling or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein dividing the UL resources into the plurality of groups is predefined.

8. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver configured to simultaneously connect to a first next-generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB via the same carrier in a multi-transmission reception point (multi-TRP) configuration; and a processor configured to: divide uplink (UL) resources into a plurality of groups, and Determine the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) for each of the plurality of groups based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi - co - located (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel, wherein the processor is further configured to, when the spatial relationship and the path loss RS for the UL resource are not configured for group x of the plurality of groups, determine a default spatial relationship and a default path loss RS for the UL resource based at least on a reference signal in a TCI state of a control resource set (CORESET) having the lowest ID in an active bandwidth part (BWP) on the same component carrier (CC) with a control resource set (CORESET) pool index set to y, wherein the mapping between x and y is configured by higher - layer signaling or is predefined. Wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit UL data to a corresponding one of the first gNB or the at least one second gNB on the UL resource corresponding to each of the plurality of groups.

9. The UE according to claim 8, wherein the UL resource comprises either a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource or a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource.

10. The UE according to claim 8, wherein the QCL source reference signal (RS) is one of a synchronization signal block (SSB) or a channel state information reference signal (CSI - RS).

11. A method for wireless communication, comprising: At a user equipment (UE) in a multi - transmission reception point (multi - TRP) configuration having simultaneous connections to a first next - generation node B (gNB) and at least one second gNB via the same carrier: Determine the spatial relationship and path loss reference signal (RS) for the UL resource based on a transmission configuration indication (TCI) indicating a quasi - co - located (QCL) source reference signal (RS) for a downlink channel and the time - domain behavior of the UL resource, wherein when there is no physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource configured in an active bandwidth part (BWP) on a component carrier (CC) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled by a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in DCI format 0_0, the spatial relationship and the path loss RS for the PUSCH are based at least on a reference signal in a TCI state of a CORESET having the lowest ID in the BWP on the same component carrier (CC) with CORESET - poolIndex = y; and Transmit UL data to each of the first gNB and the at least one second gNB on the UL resource.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the time - domain behavior of the UL resource is aperiodic, and the default spatial relationship and default path loss RS for the UL resource are based on a reference signal in a TCI state of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) used for scheduling.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the time domain behavior of the UL resource is aperiodic, and the default spatial relation and default path loss RS for the UL resource are based on the reference signal in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part BWP on the same component carrier CC having the same CORESET - poolindex value as the component carrier carrying the scheduled physical downlink control channel PDCCH.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the time domain behavior of the UL resource is semi - persistent, and the default spatial relation and default path loss RS for the UL resource are based on the reference signal in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the active bandwidth part BWP on the same component carrier CC having the same CORESET - poolindex value as the component carrier carrying the scheduled PDCCH carrying the activation medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the time domain behavior of the UL resource is periodic.

16. A user equipment UE, comprising: a transceiver configured to be connected to a first next - generation node B gNB and at least one second gNB simultaneously via the same carrier in a multi - transmission reception point (multi - TRP) configuration; and a processor configured to determine the spatial relation and path loss RS for the UL resource based on a transmission configuration indication TCI indicating a quasi - co - located QCL source reference signal RS for a downlink channel and the time domain behavior of the UL resource, wherein the processor is further configured to, when there is no physical uplink control channel PUCCH resource configured in the active bandwidth part BWP on the component carrier CC and the physical uplink shared channel PUSCH is scheduled by the physical downlink control channel PDCCH in DCI format 0_0, determine the spatial relation and path loss RS for the PUSCH based at least on the reference signal RS in the TCI state of the CORESET with the lowest ID in the BWP on the same component carrier CC having CORESET - poolIndex = y; wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit UL data to each of the first gNB and the at least one second gNB on the UL resource.

17. The UE according to claim 16, wherein the UL resource includes any one of a physical uplink control channel PUCCH resource or a sounding reference signal SRS resource.

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