Method and user equipment for wireless communication

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods for wireless communications. A UE can receive, from a base station, a SRS configuration. The UE can have N antenna groups, N can be an integer greater than 2. The SRS configuration can indicate N SRS resources for the N antenna groups, respectively. Each of the N SRS resources can be associated with a SRI. SRSs can be transmitted from the N antenna groups using the N SRS resources, respectively. A DCI can be received from the base station. The DCI can indicate two SRIs associated with two resources of the N SRS resources. The DCI can further indicate two TPMIs. A PUSCH can be transmitted using two antenna groups of the N antenna groups, which can correspond to the two SRIs indicated in the DCI, and two precoders, which can correspond to the two TPMIs indicated in the DCI. By utilizing the present disclosure, wireless communications can be better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to multi-antenna transmission operations of networks and mobile devices in wireless communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Numerous maneuverable antenna elements can be used for transmission and reception on the network or device side. In high-frequency bands, a large number of antenna elements can be used for beamforming to extend coverage. In low-frequency bands, a large number of antenna elements can be used to spatially separate users to increase spectrum transmission capacity. Channel state information (CSI) used for massive MIMO (Multi-Telephone Scheme) operation can be obtained through CSI report feedback based on reference signals transmitted in the downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) between the network and mobile devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method for wireless communication includes: a user equipment receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a base station, the user equipment having N antenna groups, where N is an integer greater than 2, the probe reference signal configuration indicating N probe reference signal resources for the N antenna groups, each of the N probe reference signal resources being associated with a probe reference signal resource indicator; transmitting probe reference signals from the N antenna groups using the N probe reference signal resources respectively; receiving downlink control information from the base station, the downlink control information corresponding to a physical uplink shared channel, the downlink control information indicating two probe reference signal resource indicators associated with two resources of the N probe reference signal resources, the downlink control information indicating two transmission precoder matrix indicators; and transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using two antenna groups of the N antenna groups corresponding to the two probe reference signal resource indicators indicated in the downlink control information and two precoders corresponding to the two transmission precoder matrix indicators indicated in the downlink control information.

[0004] A method for wireless communication includes: a user equipment receiving a probe reference signal configuration from a base station, the user equipment having N antenna groups, where N is an integer greater than 2, the probe reference signal configuration indicating N probe reference signal resources for the N antenna groups, each of the N probe reference signal resources being associated with a probe reference signal resource indicator; transmitting probe reference signals from the N antenna groups using the N probe reference signal resources respectively; and receiving first downlink control information from the base station, the first downlink control information scheduling a physical uplink shared channel, the first downlink control information indicating the probe reference signal resources for the N antenna groups respectively. The N corresponding transmission precoder matrix indicators; selecting two antenna groups from the N antenna groups for transmission of the physical uplink shared channel; selecting two transmission precoder matrix indicators from the N transmission precoder matrix indicators, the two selected transmission precoder matrix indicators corresponding to the two selected antenna groups; and using the two precoders corresponding to the two transmission precoder matrix indicators, transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using the two selected antenna groups, wherein the two transmission precoder matrix indicators are selected from the N transmission precoder matrix indicators indicated in the first downlink control information.

[0005] A method for wireless communication includes: a user equipment receiving a sounding reference signal configuration from a base station, the user equipment having three antenna groups, the sounding reference signal configuration indicating three sets of sounding reference signal resources for the three antenna groups, wherein each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources is associated with a sounding reference signal resource indicator; transmitting sounding reference signals from the three antenna groups using the three sets of sounding reference signal resources, each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources corresponding to a transmit beam; receiving downlink control information indicating at least two sounding reference signal resource indicators among the sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources, the downlink control information scheduling a physical uplink shared channel, the at least two sounding reference signal resource indicators corresponding to at least two antenna groups; and transmitting the physical uplink shared channel from two antenna groups of the at least two antenna groups corresponding to the at least two sounding reference signal resource indicators using transmit beams, the transmit beams corresponding to two of the at least two sounding reference signal resource indicators.

[0006] By utilizing this invention, wireless communication can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar numbers may refer to similar elements.

[0008] Figure 1-3 Examples of mapping CSI-RS ports or SRS ports to physical antennas can be shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A linear multi-antenna transmission scheme in a transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention can be exemplified.

[0010] Figure 5 An example of analog multi-antenna processing can be shown.

[0011] Figure 6 Examples of hybrid multi-antenna processing according to some embodiments of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0012] Figure 7 Examples of available precoder matrices (two codebooks) for a two-antenna-port case can be illustrated according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 8 Two examples (upper and lower) of transmission based on the uplink codebook according to embodiments of the present invention can be illustrated.

[0014] Figure 9 Examples of uplink non-codebook-based transmissions according to some embodiments of the present invention may be illustrated.

[0015] Figure 10 An example of performing UE antenna panel selection in wireless communication system 1000 can be illustrated.

[0016] Figure 11 Examples of codebook design and first methods for transmitting signals based on codebooks for multi-panel uplink transmission can be provided.

[0017] Figure 12 Examples of UE co-phasing operation according to embodiments of the present invention may be provided.

[0018] Figure 13 Examples of codebook design and second methods for transmitting signals based on codebooks for multi-panel uplink transmission can be provided.

[0019] Figure 14A This can be used to illustrate the stages selected in the UE panel.

[0020] Figure 14B Examples of the stages of CSI acquisition can be provided.

[0021] Figure 15AThis can be used as an example of the UE panel selection stage.

[0022] Figure 15B An example of SRS resource configuration during the CSI acquisition phase can be provided.

[0023] Figure 15C Options for the DCI indication scheme in the DCI indication phase can be exemplified.

[0024] Figure 16A An example of the CSI acquisition phase can be provided.

[0025] Figure 16B An example of SRS resource configuration during the CSI acquisition phase can be provided.

[0026] Figure 16C Options for the DCI indication scheme in the DCI indication phase can be exemplified.

[0027] Figure 17 The following can be exemplified by the codebook-based multi-panel uplink transmission processing 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 18 Another process 1800 based on a codebook for multi-panel uplink transmission can be exemplified according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 19 Processing 1900 for multi-panel uplink transmission not based on a codebook, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be exemplified.

[0030] Figure 20 An exemplary device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be exemplified. Detailed Implementation

[0031] I. Multi-antenna operation

[0032] 1. Reference signal and CSI

[0033] In some embodiments, knowledge of the radio link can be obtained by measuring reference signals transmitted over the radio link during channel sounding processing. The downlink reference signal may be called the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). The uplink reference signal may be called the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0034] CSI-RS can be configured on a per-device basis. A configured CSI-RS can correspond to one or more different antenna ports (which can be referred to as CSI-RS ports). Each CSI-RS port can correspond to a channel to be probed. For example, a multi-port CSI-RS can include 32 per-antenna-port CSI-RS transmitted orthogonally on 32 CSI-RS ports. Each per-antenna-port CSI-RS can correspond to one CSI-RS port.

[0035] CSI-RS can be configured for a specific bandwidth (e.g., a bandwidth part). Within the configured bandwidth, one CSI-RS can be configured for every N resource blocks. N can be 1, 2, 3, etc. Within a resource block, a CSI-RS can occupy one or more sets of resource elements in a time slot. For multi-port CSI-RS, this set of resource elements can be shared by multiple single-antenna-port CSI-RS, for example, based on a combination of code domain sharing (Code Division Multiplexing, CDM), frequency domain sharing (Frequency Division Multiplexing, FDM), or time domain sharing (Time Division Multiplexing, TDM).

[0036] The device can be configured with one or more CSI-RS resource sets. Each resource set may include one or more configured CSI-RS. Each resource set may also include a pointer to a set of New Radio (NR) Synchronization Signal (SS) Blocks (SSBs). CSI-RS resource sets can be configured for periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic transmissions. For example, semi-persistent CSI-RS transmissions can be activated or deactivated based on a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE). Aperiodic CSI-RS transmissions can be triggered by Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0037] Similarly, an SRS can support one or more antenna ports (referred to as SRS ports). Different SRS ports can share the same resource element set and the same basic SRS sequence. Different rotations can be applied to separate different SRS ports. Applying phase rotation (or phase shift) in the frequency domain is equivalent to applying cyclic shift in the time domain. Similar to CSI-RS, a device can be configured with one or more SRS resource sets. Each resource set can include one or more configured SRSs. SRS resource sets can be configured for periodic transmission, semi-persistent transmission (controlled by MAC CE), or aperiodic transmission (triggered by DCI).

[0038] Figure 1-3 Examples of mapping CSI-RS ports or SRS ports to physical antennas can be shown. Figure 1 In the example, M-port CSI-RS or SRS (CSI-RS / SRS) can correspond to M antenna ports (CSI-RS ports or SRS ports). These M antenna ports can be connected to N physical antennas via a spatial filter (labeled F). The M-port CSI-RS / SRS can be processed by the spatial filter before being mapped to the N physical antennas. Due to spatial filtering, one or more transmit beams can be formed for the transmission of the M-port CSI-RS / SRS. Typically, N can be greater than M.

[0039] exist Figure 2 In the example, two CSI-RS / SRS#1 and #2 can be applied to two separate spatial filters F1 and F2, but transmit through the same set of physical antennas at the same time or at different times. Due to spatial filtering, the two CSI-RS / SRS#1 and #2 can form beams in different directions.

[0040] exist Figure 3 In the example, multiple antenna panels can be used for transmission. The two CSI-RS / SRS#1 and #2 can be processed using two separate spatial filters F1 and F2, and transmitted simultaneously or at different times through two antenna panels P1 and P2 respectively. Due to spatial filtering and the corresponding antenna panels, the two CSI-RS / SRS#1 and #2 can form beams in different directions.

[0041] like Figure 1-3 As shown in the example, the channel detected based on CSI-RS / SRS is not a physical radio channel, but rather a channel corresponding to a CSI-RS port or an SRS port.

[0042] In some embodiments, the network (e.g., a base station) can configure a report configuration to the device. The device can perform channel measurements according to the report configuration and report the measurement results to the network. For example, the report configuration can define a set of parameters to be reported. These parameters may include a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), a Rank Indicator (RI), and a Precoder Matrix Indicator (PMI), collectively referred to as CSI. These parameters may also include Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), which reflects the received signal strength.

[0043] The reporting configuration can also define downlink resources, on which measurements can be performed to derive defined parameters. For example, the reporting configuration can describe one or more CSI-RS resource sets, each of which can include one or more CSI-RS. For instance, a single multiport CSI-RS can be configured to report a combination of CQI, RI, and PMI for link tuning and multi-antenna precoding. Multiple CSI-RS can be configured for beamforming, with each CSI-RS capable of beamforming and transmitting in different directions. In some scenarios, the device can perform measurements based on the configured resources without reporting. For example, the device can perform measurements for receiver beamforming and multi-antenna precoding without reporting.

[0044] The reporting configuration can also describe when and how reporting (or reporting) is performed. For example, reporting can be periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic. Reporting can be activated (deactivated) based on MAC CE, or it can be triggered via DCI. Measurement results for periodic and semi-persistent reporting can be carried in the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). Measurement results for aperiodic reporting can be carried in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0045] 2. Multi-antenna transmission

[0046] A. Digital and Analog Multi-Antenna Processing

[0047] Figure 4 A linear multi-antenna transmission scheme in a transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention can be illustrated. As shown in the figure, it can be achieved by using a transmitter with a size of N. T XN LMultiply by the transmission matrix W to obtain N L Layer data (e.g., modulation symbols) is mapped to N T One transmission antenna. Vector X represents N. L The data for the layer. Vector Y represents the data corresponding to N. T N antennas T One signal.

[0048] In various examples, the multi-antenna processing represented by matrix W can be applied to either the analog or digital portion of the transmitter chain. Alternatively, a hybrid approach can be used, where multi-antenna processing can be applied to both the analog and digital portions of the transmitter chain. Accordingly, in various embodiments, multi-antenna processing can be analog multi-antenna processing, digital multi-antenna processing, or hybrid multi-antenna processing.

[0049] In the case of analog processing, a spatial filter F can be applied to provide a phase shift for each antenna to form a transmission beam. Figure 5 Examples of simulated multi-antenna processing can be illustrated. In some examples, simulation processing can be performed on a per-carrier basis for downlink transmission. Therefore, frequency-reused beamforming transmissions can be avoided for devices located in different directions relative to the base station. To cover different devices located in different directions, beam scanning can be performed using simulation processing.

[0050] In digital processing, each element of the transmission matrix W can include a phase shift and a scale factor, providing greater flexibility in controlling the direction of beamforming. For example, multiple beamforming can be achieved simultaneously to cover multiple devices located in different directions relative to the base station. The transmission matrix W used in digital multi-antenna processing can be called a precoding matrix. The corresponding multi-antenna processing can be called multi-antenna precoding.

[0051] Precoders and spatial filters can be sequentially connected in hybrid multi-antenna processing to form a directional transmission beam. Figure 6 Examples of hybrid multi-antenna processing according to some embodiments of the present invention can be illustrated. As shown, multilayer modulation symbols 601 can be mapped to CSI-RS antenna ports 603 via precoder 602. The output of precoder 602 can be mapped to physical antenna 605 via spatial filter (F) 604. In some examples, spatial filter 604 can be used to form a wider beam, while precoder 602 can be used to form one or more narrower beams along the direction of the wider beam. By selecting specific precoder 602 and spatial filter 604, the transmitter can determine one or more beams to cover one or more receivers distributed in different locations.

[0052] Similar to the processing on the transmitter side, the receiver can apply analog, digital, or hybrid multi-antenna processing to beamform the reception of signals arriving from different directions.

[0053] B. Downlink Multi-Antenna Precoding

[0054] In some embodiments, to support the network in selecting a precoder for downlink transmission (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) transmission), the device can perform measurements based on CSI-RS and report the measurement results (e.g., CSI reports) to the network based on configuration received from the network (e.g., CSI report configuration). The network can then determine the precoder based on the measurement results.

[0055] In some examples, CSI reports may include RI, PMI, CQI, etc. RI can indicate the appropriate transport rank (number of transport layers N) for downlink transmission. L The PMI can indicate the appropriate precoder matrix M corresponding to the selected rank. Taking into account the selected precoder matrix, the CQI can indicate the appropriate channel coding rate and modulation scheme.

[0056] In some embodiments, the value of PMI can correspond to a specific precoder matrix selected from the precoder codebook. The precoder codebook can provide a set of candidate precoder matrices. Besides the number of transport layers N... L In addition, the device can also base its configuration on a specific number (N) of antenna ports of the configured CSI-RS associated with the CSI reporting configuration. RS Use N to select the PMI. In one example, it can be N. T and N L Each valid combination provides at least one codebook.

[0057] In some embodiments, two types of CSI can be defined corresponding to different scenarios: Type I CSI and Type II CSI. Different types of CSI can be associated with different precoder codebook sets, which may have different structures and sizes.

[0058] The codebook for Type I CSI can be relatively simple and is designed to concentrate transmitted power at the target receiver. Type I CSI can include two subtypes: Type I single-panel CSI and Type II multi-panel CSI. These two subtypes can correspond to different antenna configurations on the network or transmitter side. The codebook for Type II CSI can provide channel information with higher spatial granularity than Type I CSI. Type II CSI is suitable for multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scenarios.

[0059] C. Uplink Multi-Antenna Processing

[0060] In some embodiments, the device can be configured with two different modes for uplink (PUSCH) multi-antenna precoding: codebook-based transmission and non-codebook-based transmission. The choice between the two modes may depend in part on whether uplink / downlink channel reciprocity can be assumed.

[0061] Typically, codebook-based precoding can be used when uplink / downlink reciprocity is not met. For example, a device configured for codebook-based PUSCH can typically be configured to transmit one or more multiport SRSs. The network can measure the uplink channel based on the configured SRS and determine the appropriate uplink precoding. The network can determine the uplink transmission rank (the number of layers to be transmitted) and the corresponding precoder matrix for transmission. For example, the network can determine the precoding based on the given number of antenna ports N. RS The combination of the SRS port of the configured SRS and the transmission rank selects the precoder matrix from a set of available precoders (uplink codebooks).

[0062] The network can notify the device of the selected rank and precoder matrix during uplink scheduling authorization. The device can then apply the precoder matrix accordingly to the scheduled PUSCH transmissions, mapping the indicated layer number to the corresponding SRS antenna port.

[0063] Figure 7 Examples of available precoder matrices (two codebooks) for a two-antenna-port case according to embodiments of the present invention can be illustrated. The first codebook (the codebook on the left) may correspond to single-rank transmission, while the second codebook (the codebook on the right) may correspond to rank-2 transmission. Different candidate precoder matrices may be used depending on the antenna port coherence characteristics of the two antenna ports.

[0064] In some examples, the device can be configured with multiple antenna panels, which can be oriented in different directions relative to the device. Each antenna panel can include an array of cross-polarized antenna elements. For each antenna panel, different transmit beams can be formed by applying different spatial filters F between a set of SRS antenna ports and the array of cross-polarized antenna elements. During uplink channel sensing, multiple multiport SRSs can be transmitted from the device. Each of the multiple multiport SRSs can correspond to a beam (which can correspond to a corresponding spatial filter and a corresponding antenna panel).

[0065] After performing measurements based on the transmitted SRS, the network can feed back the SRS Resource Indicator (SRI) along with the RI and TPMI to the device, for example, as part of the DCI. (The PMI used for the uplink precoder can be called the Transmission PMI (TPMI).) The device can then perform PUSCH transmissions using the precoder and antenna panel indicated by the TPMI, along with the spatial filter corresponding to the indicated SRI.

[0066] Figure 8 Two examples (upper and lower) of transmission based on the uplink codebook according to embodiments of the present invention can be illustrated. Both examples may include three steps labeled 1, 2, and 3. In both examples, the mobile device may transmit two SRSs, such as SRS1 and SRS2, to the base station along two beam directions. For example, the two beam directions may correspond to two antenna panels.

[0067] In the upper example, the base station can feed back SRI=2, rank=4, and precoder 1. Accordingly, the mobile device can perform rank 4 transmission using precoder 1 on the beam corresponding to SRS2 indicated by SRI=2. In the lower example, the base station can feed back SRI=2, rank=1, and precoder 2. Accordingly, the mobile device can perform single-rank transmission using precoder 2 on the beam corresponding to SRS2 indicated by SRI=2. As shown, the SRI received from the network determines the beam / panel used for transmission, while the precoder information (layer number and precoder) determines how to perform transmission within the selected beam.

[0068] When the channel reciprocity assumption holds, non-codebook-based precoding can be used. Mobile devices can gain detailed information about the uplink channel based on downlink measurements and select uplink multilayer precoders. Figure 9Examples of uplink transmission not based on codebooks according to some embodiments of the present invention may be illustrated. This example shows four steps, labeled 1 to 4, performed by the device and the base station.

[0069] In the first step, the device can measure the configured CSI-RS transmitted from the network (base station). The device can then determine the precoder based on the measurement results. For example, the precoder can be a precoder matrix W = [w1, w2, w3, w4], where w1, w2, w3, and w4 can represent four column vectors corresponding to four layers (rank-4 transmission). Each column of the precoder matrix W can be viewed as defining a digital beam for transmission of the corresponding layer.

[0070] In the second step, the device can apply a selected precoder to a configured set of four SRSs, where each SRS is transmitted along each layer (or beam) defined by the precoder. The network can then perform measurements based on this set of SRSs. As shown in the figure, the four SRSs, {SRS0, SRS1, SRS2, SRS3}, can be transmitted along four beams corresponding to w1, w2, w3, and w4.

[0071] In the third step, based on measurements of the received SRS, the network can determine to modify the precoder selected by the device for a specific scheduled PUSCH transmission. For example, the network can select a subset of the precoder beams from the set of four beams. The network can then indicate beam selection by specifying a subset of the preconfigured SRS in the SRI contained in the scheduling authorization associated with the PUSCH. As shown, SRI = {SRS1, SRS3} can be transmitted from the network to the device.

[0072] In the final step, the device can perform the scheduled PUSCH transmission (rank 3 transmission) using a reduced precoder W = [w1, w3]. As shown in the figure, the PUSCH can be transmitted along the two beams corresponding to w1 and w3.

[0073] In the above process, the uplink precoder initially determined by the device can be optimized by the network based on network measurements. The first step of the CSI-RS transmission for downlink channel probing and the second step of the SRS transmission for indicating the selected uplink precoder can be performed periodically. The final two steps of SRI indication and PUSCH transmission can be performed for each scheduled PUSCH transmission.

[0074] II. Uplink transmission from multiple UE antenna panels to one or more TRPs simultaneously

[0075] Please note that in this invention, the selection of a certain number (e.g., two) of panels from a certain number (e.g., three) of candidate panels by the UE or mobile device is used as an example to explain the relevant techniques, processes, or embodiments. However, this invention does not limit the specific number of antenna panels configured at the UE or the specific number of antenna panels selected from the configured UE antenna panels. For example, the number of corresponding SRS resources or resource groups configured may differ when other numbers of UE panels are used or other numbers of panels are selected in various applications; the corresponding number of Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states or SRIs may also differ. Typically, the number of any parameters corresponding to the two selected UE panels can be adjusted to correspond to other selected numbers of UE panels, such as three, four, or more active UE panels.

[0076] Furthermore, an antenna panel is used as an example in this invention. However, the invention is not limited to an antenna panel. An antenna group can be used instead of an antenna panel. An antenna group may include one or more antenna panels. The antenna ports of an antenna group can be operated together in a manner similar to that used for the antenna panels described in this invention. Therefore, the techniques, processes, or embodiments applied to antenna panels as described in this invention can be applied to antenna groups.

[0077] Furthermore, while some examples described in this invention may refer to a specific number of antenna ports on an antenna panel or antenna array, these techniques, processes, or embodiments can be applied to antenna panels having any number of antenna ports.

[0078] 1. UE Antenna Panel Selection

[0079] In some embodiments, the mobile device (also referred to as the UE in this invention) may be equipped with multiple antenna panels (e.g., more than two). The network and the UE may cooperate to determine which antenna panels(s) among the multiple antenna panels(s) will be used for uplink transmission. The network may instruct the UE(s) to select the panels(s) for uplink transmission of the scheduled PUSCH based on Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration, MACCE commands, and / or DCI indications. Figure 10 An example of performing UE antenna panel selection in a wireless communication system 1000 can be illustrated.

[0080] System 1000 may include UE 1004 and network 1003. UE 1004 is configured with three antenna panels 1031-1033. Each antenna panel 1031-1033 may have a cross-polarized antenna element array. UE 1004 may be a mobile phone, computer, communication terminal installed in a vehicle, etc. Network 1003 may include one or more Transmission / Reception Points (TRPs). Each TRP may have one or more antenna panels. UE 1004 can communicate with the TRPs, for example, based on communication standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or other communication protocols. Figure 10 In the example, UE 1004 is shown operating with two TRPs 1001-1002. In some examples, TRPs 1001-1002 may be controlled by the same base station (e.g., gNB) and thus can operate collaboratively. In some examples, TRPs 1001-1002 may be controlled by two separate base stations (e.g., two gNBs). The two base stations can operate interoperably. Therefore, the two TRPs can operate in a coordinated manner.

[0081] System 1000 can be a beamforming system. UE 1004 and TRPs 1001-1002 can communicate based on transmit (Tx) or receive (Rx) beams. For example, TRP 1001 can form Tx (or Rx) beams 1011-1013, while TRP 1002 can form Tx (or Rx) beams 1014-1016. UE 1004 can form Rx (or Tx) beams 1021-1023, where each beam can correspond to one of panels 1031-1033.

[0082] In the initial phase (initial connection establishment phase), network 1003 and UE 1004 can interact with each other to establish an initial connection using beam pairs, such as beam pairs 1013 and 1021 (assuming reciprocity). In one example, network 1003 can perform one or more rounds of beam scanning via Tx beams 1011-1016, where each Tx beam can be applied to an SSB. UE 1004 can perform one or more rounds of beam scanning via Rx beams 1021-1023. Based on UE 1004's measurement of the SSB signal strength, UE 1004 can determine a subset of the beam pairs and report it to network 1003. In some examples, each Tx beam 1011-1016 can be associated with a specific reference signal (e.g., an SSB or CSI-RS). Therefore, UE 1004 can use the index of the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS to indicate the beam with the best quality (highest strength). UE 1004 may or may not indicate the corresponding Rx beam.

[0083] For downlink transmission of PDSCH, network 1003 can select one of the reported beams and notify UE 1004 of this selection. This selection can be based on a TCI scheme. For example, a set of TCI states can be configured for UE 1004. Each TCI state can indicate one of the reference signals (CSI-RS or SSB) and other information. The TCI state can be indicated in the DCI that schedules the PDSCH to indicate the corresponding reference signal. On the UE side, UE 1004 can learn the corresponding reference signal (the equivalent of the Tx beam of network 1003). Accordingly, UE 1004 can determine the Rx beam associated with the Tx beam for PDSCH reception. It can be seen that the TCI scheme can be used to indicate the Rx beam at UE 1004 for downlink transmission.

[0084] When downlink / uplink reciprocity is established, the TCI state indicating the downlink reference signal can be used in a similar manner to indicate the Tx beam at UE 1004 for PUSCH or SRS transmission.

[0085] Using the initial connection, UE 1004 can report uplink capabilities (and other capabilities) to network 1003 (e.g., gNB). In one example, UE uplink capabilities may include the total number of panels, the number of simultaneously active panels (and / or combinations of panels), the number of ports per panel, full-power / non-full-power capabilities, and / or coherent / incoherent transmission capabilities. In one example, UE 1004 may report uplink capabilities as three panels 1031-1033, each with two antenna ports and two simultaneously active UL panels (four ports capable of simultaneous transmission).

[0086] For example, the initial connection described above can be based on a single panel 1031 forming beam 1021. For instance, at some stage, UE 1004 might wish to use two panels simultaneously for uplink transmission to achieve a higher data rate. Furthermore, for example, due to random rotation of UE 1004 or signal obstruction from nearby objects, UE 1004 might want to switch the two active panels to another set of panels. According to the invention, in these scenarios, network 1003 and UE 1004 can cooperate to determine which two panels to select from three candidate panels.

[0087] In the first method, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can use downlink TCI to indicate uplink spatial filtering / spatial relation information (SRI), and enable the UE to select the UL transmission panel corresponding to the TCI for SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH transmission. One DL TCI (or TCI state) can be used in a single TRP case, and at least two DL TCIs (TCI states) can be used in a multi-TRP case.

[0088] exist Figure 10 In the example, network 1003 can periodically or semi-continuously perform beam scanning using beams 1011-1016 to transmit SSB or CSI-RS. UE 1004 can periodically measure and report measurement results. For example, the measurement results can indicate a list of Tx beams with the highest quality (signal strength) that network 1003 possesses.

[0089] For uplink transmissions of SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH, in response to a request from UE 1004 to use two panels, network 1003 can send two TCI states to indicate two Tx beams among the reported Tx beams. The two indicated Tx beams may correspond to two TRPs 1001-1002 respectively. For example, the two TCI states can be sent via MAC CE or DCI. For example, each TCI state may indicate the index of an SSB or CSI-RS previously sent from TRP 1001 or TRP 1002. UE 1004 can select two panels corresponding to the two Tx beams respectively for uplink transmission based on previous measurement results (beampuppet quality).

[0090] In some examples, when using one TRP (not two), network 1003 can send a TCI state. UE 1004 can then select two panels based on this TCI state. For instance, when paired with the Tx beams indicated by this TCI state, the Rx beams of the two panels selected by UE 1004 can have the highest beampup quality among all Rx beams.

[0091] In the first method, network 1003 may not know the correspondence between the network Tx beam reported by the UE and the UE panel. Therefore, when providing TCI status to UE 1004, the TCI status may correspond to the same UE panel.

[0092] In the second method, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can be configured to report beam measurements based on groups to UE 1004. Therefore, UE 1004 can feed back the reports along with panel or antenna port information. For example, three beam reporting groups can be configured for each panel. During reporting, one or more TRP beams corresponding to each antenna panel can be reported. Accordingly, three groups of TRP beams can be reported for the three panels 1031-1033. The network can use the two optimal TRP beams from the two reported beam groups to configure TCI for uplink spatial filtering / spatial relationship information for SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions.

[0093] Network 1003 can periodically or semi-continuously perform beam scanning using beams 1011-1016 to transmit SSB or CSI-RS. UE 1004 can periodically measure and report measurement results. The measurement results can indicate the Tx beam of Network 1003 corresponding to each panel 1031-1033, and the RSRP associated with each reported beam. In this way, panel information can be transmitted to Network 1003. Based on this report, Network 1003 can select two TRP Tx beams (equivalent to selecting two UE panels) for SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH transmission. Similarly, TCI status can be sent to UE 1004 via DCI or MAC CE.

[0094] In one example, a group-based beam measurement reporting configuration can indicate three beam groups. Each group can include beam pairs between each Tx beam 1011-1016 and one of the Rx beams 1021-1023. Therefore, each group of six beam pairs can be associated with a UE Rx beam, which may correspond to a panel of UE 1004. When reporting, for each beam group, the highest beam pair RSRP in each beam group can be reported. Various beam grouping methods can be used to implement the above-described embodiment indicating UE 1004 panel information.

[0095] Both methods described above can be based on the assumption that uplink and downlink reciprocity holds. Accordingly, after determining the UE Rx beam based on the received TCI state, the same spatial filter corresponding to the determined UE Rx beam can be used for the UE Tx beam for SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH transmission.

[0096] In the third method, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can configure at least three SRS resources for panel selection and beam measurement. For example, SRS resource configuration can be sent via RRC signaling. For instance, an RRC message indicating "usage = M-panel selection" can be sent to indicate that the configured SRS resources are available for M-panel selection. Network 1003 can trigger UE 1004 (e.g., via MAC CE or DCI) to use the configured SRS resources for SRS transmission. For beam panel selection and beam measurement, in some examples, the configured SRS resources can be used to repeatedly transmit SRS for gNB beam training (or beam scanning).

[0097] For example, the configured SRS resources can correspond to three panels 1031-1033 respectively. UE 1004 can use the configured SRS resources to transmit SRS from the corresponding panels 1031-1033. Different panels can perform transmissions simultaneously (if UE capabilities permit) or at different times. Network 1003 can perform Rx beam scanning to measure the strength or quality of the SRS received on each Rx beam of TRP 1001-1002. For example, RSRP or the Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) metric can be used for measurement.

[0098] Corresponding to each of the three SRS resources (or each UE panel 1031-1033), the measurement results can include the quality of each Rx beam at network 1003. Based on the measurement results, network 1003 can select two UE panels for uplink transmission. Network 1003 can then send TCI status for uplink spatial filtering / spatial relationship information for SRS / PUSCH / PUCCH transmission. For example, the TCI status can indicate two indices of the two SRS resources corresponding to the two selected panels.

[0099] 2. SRS process for uplink transmission based on codebook

[0100] In some embodiments, system 1000 can be configured to perform codebook-based uplink transmission. Codebook-based uplink transmission can include two phases. In the first phase, uplink channel sounding (SRS) processing can be performed. For example, network 1003 can configure SRS resources (corresponding to a certain number of antenna ports and a certain number of antenna panels) for UE 1004 based on UE 1004's capabilities and needs. Accordingly, UE 1004 can use the configured SRS resources and corresponding antenna panels to transmit SRS. Network 1003 can measure the channel based on SRS and determine the transmission rank and precoder (e.g., one or more precoder matrices). In the second phase, network 1003 can send the transmission rank and precoder to UE 1004, for example, in a DCI that schedules PUSCH. Network 1003 can also instruct the corresponding antenna panels for uplink transmission.

[0101] In beam measurement processing for selecting the UE antenna panel and uplink and downlink beams, a single-port SRS can be transmitted from the UE panel using one (or more) antenna ports. In uplink channel sounding processing, the SRS can be a multi-port SRS, which can be transmitted through multiple SRS ports on the UE panel. In this way, multi-antenna CSI can be obtained for selecting the uplink precoder.

[0102] This invention can provide two methods for uplink transmission based on codebooks.

[0103] In the first method, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can configure three SRS resources (or resource groups) for the three panels 1031-1033 in the SRS resource set (e.g., purpose = codebook / multi-panel codebook) and trigger SRS transmission. Network 1003 can obtain uplink CSI information for the three panels 1031-1033 based on the SRS measurement results.

[0104] For example, UE 1004 might rotate randomly. Some of the panels 1031-1033 might be blocked by the user's fingers. Or, one of the panels 1031-1033 might be close to the user's body, so it's desirable to disable transmission from that panel. Considering the above scenarios, UE 1004 can be configured to send SRS from each of the three panels 1031-1033, allowing network 1003 to determine the current state of the channel or panels 1031-1033.

[0105] For example, a resource set can be sent to UE 1004 using RRC signaling. Each of the three SRS resources mentioned above can be a multi-port SRS. SRS transmissions can be one-time transmissions based on resource sets or multiple (periodic) transmissions, for example, triggered by DCI or MAC CE. In some examples, two Rx beams at two TRPs 1001-1002 (e.g., determined based on beam measurement processing) can be used to measure SRS. In some examples, the operation of obtaining uplink CSI information for three panels can be performed periodically.

[0106] After obtaining the CSI information corresponding to the three panels 1031-1033, two methods can be used to select or indicate the precoder and panels: gNB active or UE active.

[0107] In the gNB-initiated approach, network 1003 can determine the precoder and panel used at UE 1004. For example, network 1003 can indicate the selected panel corresponding to the two TPMIs and two SRIs using a DCI grant with two TPMIs and two SRIs / TCIs ​​via RRC / MAC CE code points. UE 1004 can then follow the DCI grant to send PUSCH.

[0108] For example, DCI authorization can indicate two TPMIs, where the two TPMIs can indicate two uplink precoder matrices selected from one or more codebooks. Each of the two precoder matrices can correspond to one of the two selected panels. For SRI indication, in one example, TCI states can be used. For example, an RRC message can be used to configure a set of TCI states (e.g., 32 TCI states) to UE 1004. MAC CE can be used to activate a subset of TCI states (e.g., 8 TCI states). DCI can include two code point values ​​corresponding to two TCI states in the subset of TCI states to indicate the target TCI. The two target TCIs can be associated with two of the three multiport SRSs. Accordingly, corresponding to the two multiport SRSs, UE 1004 can determine two panels for uplink transmission of PUSCH.

[0109] In the UE-proactive approach, UE 1004 can determine the precoder and panel used by UE 1004. Since UE 1004 can know which panels are blocked or not permitted earlier than network 1003, the UE-proactive approach can be more advantageous than the gNB-proactive approach. For example, network 1003 can use a DCI grant with three TPMIs, and the UE can then follow the DCI grant to send PUSCH and PUCCH, which include information about the selected panel or TPMI. This approach is more suitable than the gNB-proactive approach when the UE panel information is implicit.

[0110] For example, DCI authorization can provide three TPMIs to indicate three precoders corresponding to three panels 1031-1033. DCI authorization may not provide an indication of which panels(s) to select. UE 1004 can select two panels from panels 1031-1033 for PUSCH transmission. In PUCCH, UE 1004 can indicate the two selected panels by indicating the corresponding two TPMIs or the two previously transmitted multiport SRSs. In one example, the PUCCH can be transmitted using a beam pair determined in the initial phase or subsequent beam measurement processing.

[0111] The second method for codebook-based transmission may correspond to a scenario where network 1003 selects multiple TCIs to indicate the selection of multiple UE panels. As described in Section II.1, UE Antenna Panels and Panel Selection Instructions, network 1003 may select TCIs (corresponding to the selected panels) for uplink spatial filtering / spatial relationship information for SRS / PUCCH / PUSCH. For example, the selected panels may correspond to the beam pairs with optimal DL RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR during beam measurement processing.

[0112] For example, given the selected UE panels, network 1003 can configure two SRS resources / resource groups (e.g., purpose = codebook / multi-panel codebook) in the SRS resource set for the two selected panels. The two selected panels can be chosen by either UE 1004 or network 1003. Each beam pair of the two panels can have optimal DL RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR. Accordingly, network 1003 can trigger UE 1004 to transmit SRS in the first phase. Based on the SRS measurement results, network 1003 can obtain uplink CSI information corresponding to the two selected panels.

[0113] In the next phase, a gNB-initiated approach can be used for precoder selection and indication for PUSCH scheduling and transmission. For example, network 1003 can determine two precoders or TPMIs. Network 1003 can indicate the selected panel using a DCI grant (via RRC / MAC CE code points) with two TPMIs and two SRI / TCIs. The two selected panels can correspond to the two TPMIs and two SRIs mentioned above. UE 1004 can then follow the DCI grant to transmit the PUSCH.

[0114] 3. SRS process for uplink transmission not based on codebook

[0115] In some embodiments, UE 1004 can be configured to perform non-codebook-based uplink transmissions. For example, UE 1004 can perform channel measurements based on reference signals (SSB or CSI-RS) transmitted from the network (1003). Based on the measurement results, UE 1004 can determine the transmission rank and precoder of the UE panel used for uplink transmission. When the precoder is applied for transmission through the corresponding antenna panel, multiple uplink transmission beams can be formed from the corresponding panel. The next step may be to optimize each precoder. As a result of the optimization, the number of beams for each precoder can be reduced.

[0116] In the aforementioned non-codebook-based uplink transmissions, SRS resource groups can be introduced. SRS resource groups can be added to SRS resource sets. Each SRS resource group can include one or more SRS resources and can correspond to a panel at the UE. Each panel can use the SRS resources of the corresponding SRS resource group to perform non-codebook-based SRS transmissions (using a precoder selected by the UE). By applying the precoder to the UE panel, SRS using SRS resources can be transmitted in different beam directions. An alternative to SRS resource groups is to use three SRS resource sets corresponding to the three panels 1031-1033. For example, new linking methods can be added to link SRIs to SRS resource sets. For example, a mechanism based on RRC / MAC CE code points can be used to indicate SRIs.

[0117] The following describes two methods for non-codebook-based uplink transmission.

[0118] In the first method of non-codebook-based uplink transmission, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can configure three SRS resource groups (purpose = non-codebook) from the SRS resource set to panels 1031-1033. Network 1003 can trigger UE 1004 to transmit SRS. Network 1003 can measure the transmitted SRS. In one example, network 1003 can obtain uplink CSI information for the three panels 1031-1033 based on the SRS measurement results.

[0119] For example, each SRS resource group may correspond to one of the panels 1031-1033. Each SRS resource group may contain multiple SRS resources (single-port or multi-port). Each of the multiple SRS resources may correspond to a beam formed by a corresponding precoder of the corresponding panel. During SRS transmission, the precoder of each panel 1031-1033 may be applied to the corresponding multiple SRS resources (or the corresponding SRS). Therefore, each SRS may be transmitted along one of the multiple beams formed by the corresponding precoder of the corresponding panel. For example, the precoder matrix may include multiple columns, where each column may correspond to a beam.

[0120] In other examples, multiple precoders can be used instead of a single precoder matrix for precoding processing. Each of the multiple precoders can correspond to a column in a single precoder matrix. In this scenario, each beam can correspond to a precoder on the UE panel for non-codebook-based uplink transmission.

[0121] In the next stage of the first method of non-codebook-based uplink transmission, two different methods can be used: gNB-initiated and UE-initiated.

[0122] In the gNB-initiated approach, network 1003 can select a panel and its corresponding transmit beam (or precoder). For example, the network or gNB can indicate the selected panel using a DCI grant (via RRC / MACCE code points) with two or more SRIs or SRI combinations. The selected panel may correspond to an SRI or SRI combination. UE 1004 can then follow the DCI grant to transmit PUSCH.

[0123] For example, UE 1004 can determine the two panels to be selected based on the SRI or SRI combination indicated by the DCI. In some examples, based on the SRI or SRI combination indicated by the DCI, UE 1004 can also determine which column of the precoder matrix of the selected panel to use (or not use), which is equivalent to identifying the corresponding transmit beam for uplink transmission.

[0124] In the UE-initiated approach, UE 1004 can determine the panel and the corresponding transmit beam (or precoder). The network or gNB can use a DCI grant with three or more SRIs, where the three or more SRIs correspond to three panels. UE 1004 can follow the DCI grant to transmit PUSCH and PUCCH. PUCCH can be used to provide information about the selected panel. PUCCH can also be used to provide SRI information corresponding to the selected panel. If the UE panel information is implicit, the UE-initiated approach is more suitable than the gNB-initiated approach.

[0125] A second method for non-codebook-based uplink transmission corresponds to a scenario where network 1003 selects multiple TCIs for multiple UE panels. As described in Section II.1, UE Antenna Panels and Panel Selection Instructions, network 1003 can select a TCI (corresponding to the selected panel) for uplink spatial filtering / spatial relationship information for SRS / PUCCH / PUSCH. For example, the selected panel may correspond to the beam pair with optimal DL RSRP, RSRQ, or SINR during beam measurement processing.

[0126] For example, in the second method, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can configure two SRS resource groups (purpose = non-codebook) from the SRS resource set to two selected panels of UE 1004. The two selected panels can be pre-determined and have optimal RSRP / RSRQ / SINR. Network 1003 can trigger UE 1004 to transmit SRS from the two panels using the two SRS resource groups. Network 1003 or gNB can derive the uplink CSI information of the two panels based on the measurement results of the SRS transmission.

[0127] In the next phase, Network 1003 or gNB can use a DCI grant (via RRC / MAC CE code point) with two or more SRIs or SRI combinations to indicate the selected panel. The selected panel can correspond to two or more SRIs or SRI combinations. The UE can follow the DCI grant to send PUSCH.

[0128] 4. Characteristics related to multi-panel uplink transmission

[0129] In some embodiments, the transmission of a channel or signal may be dropped for various reasons, so drop rules can be implemented in UE1004. For example, the reasons mentioned above may include depletion of power margin, power saving, overheating, etc. For example, channels and signals to be transmitted may be dropped in the following order: data channels, reference signals (SRS), and control channels. According to the above order, data channels are the first type of element to be dropped.

[0130] When UE 1004 uses multiple uplink panels simultaneously for uplink transmission, UE 1004 can reduce uplink SRS power or not transmit one or more uplink SRS from all UE panels to reduce transmission power. In one example, when UE 1004 needs to transmit PUCCH and at least two SRS (SRS resources) from two panels, the UE can first abandon the SRS (SRS resources) of the panel with lower beampair link quality, lower receive power (e.g., DL RSRP), or higher path loss. Parameters of beampair link quality, receive power, or path loss associated with the UE panel can be obtained in the most recent beam measurement process, where the quality or signal strength of the beampair can be measured.

[0131] For example, the two panels mentioned above can be selected based on beam measurement processing as described in Section II.1, UE Antenna Panels and Panel Selection Indication. In beam measurement processing, the beam pair link quality between the TRP Tx beam and the UE panel Rx beam can be measured. Based on the two TCI states indicated by network 1003, UE 1004 can identify the corresponding beam pairs and individual measurement results for the two panels selected by UE 1004. The measurement results used to indicate the beam pair link quality can be based on various metrics, such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, for the operation of multiple active UE antenna panels, the DCI used to schedule uplink transmissions (e.g., PUSCH or PUCCH) may include at least two Transmit Power Control (TPC) commands and / or Timing Advance (TA) commands, SRI, TPMI, or TCI for at least two antenna groups (or panels). The number of TPC commands or TA commands may be the same as the number of active antenna groups (or panels) at UE 1004. For example, the UE may be configured with four antenna panels and be able to transmit from three antenna panels simultaneously. For instance, to save power, the UE may want to activate two antenna panels. Corresponding to the two active antenna panels, a DCI may include two TPC commands and two TA commands. By adjusting the transmission power and TA, the two active antenna panels may operate in a coordinated or coherent manner. Therefore, the intended signals from the two panels toward the target direction may constructively interfere with each other, while the unwanted signals may cancel each other out to reduce interference.

[0133] In some embodiments, UE panel information can be explicit or implicit. For explicit UE panel information, the UE can use a fixed index to indicate the index of the UE panel and which panel is used for the corresponding beam. For example, in... Figure 10 In this configuration, network 1003 can configure UE 1004 to report the RSRP of multiple TRP beams of TRP 1001 and the corresponding UE panels. The UE can use 0 for panel 1031, 1 for panel 1032, and 2 for panel 1033. The RSRP report can include at least one set of [TRP beam index, corresponding UE panel panel index, corresponding RSRP value] for TRP 1001. Network 1003 can also configure the UE to do the same for TRP 1002. Network 1003 can use the above information to identify two panels suitable for simultaneous UL transmission to both TRP 1001 and TRP 1002, and configure simultaneous UL transmission using panel indices 0, 1, and 2. For implicit UE panel information, the UE can indicate which TRP beams are available for one panel and which TRP beams are available for another panel. For example, in... Figure 10 In this configuration, network 1003 can configure UE 1004 to report the RSRPs of multiple TRP beams of TRP 1001 and TRP 1002 for simultaneous UL transmission. The RSRP report may include at least one set of [first TRP beam index of TRP 1001, corresponding RSRP value; second TRP beam index of TRP 1002, corresponding RSRP value] for simultaneous UL transmission to both TRP 1001 and TRP 1002. Network 1003 can use the first TRP beam index of TRP 1001 and the second TRP beam index of TRP 1002 to configure simultaneous UL transmission.

[0134] III. Codebook for multi-panel uplink transmission

[0135] exist Figure 10 In the example, two UE panels can be selected from three candidate panels for codebook-based uplink transmission (e.g., PUSCH or PUCCH). In various embodiments, there are two approaches to codebook design and transmission for codebook-based multi-panel transmission: (1) using an existing precoder with additional co-phasing and amplitude compensation; (2) a new codebook design that takes into account co-phasing and amplitude compensation.

[0136] 1. In-phase and amplitude compensation between existing pre-encoders

[0137] Figure 11 An example can be given of a first method for codebook design and transmission in multi-panel uplink transmission based on a codebook. Figure 11In the example, PUSCH can be transmitted using two selected panels (panel 0 and panel 1) via Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM). Each panel can include two antenna ports that are cross-polarized. The modulation symbols of the PUSCH can be mapped to two layers: layer 0 and layer 1. Layer 0 can be passed to precoder 1101 corresponding to the first TPMI (TPMI 0 (2x1 matrix)). The output of precoder 1101 can be coupled to panel 0. Similarly, layer 1 can be passed to precoder 1102 corresponding to the second TPMI (TPMI 1 (2x1 matrix)). The output of precoder 1102 can be coupled to panel 1.

[0138] Precoder 1101 or 1102 can be selected from existing codebooks previously designed for single-panel or multi-panel uplink transmission scenarios. To achieve coherent multi-panel transmission, in-phase and / or amplitude-dependent processing can be added to process the signals output from precoder 1101 and / or 1102. For example, a phase difference (in-phase) can be introduced between the signal outputs of the two precoders. Additionally, and optionally, the amplitudes of the signals output from the two precoders can be adjusted (amplitude adjustment).

[0139] Figure 12 An example of in-phase operation at a UE according to an embodiment of the present invention can be illustrated. The UE may be configured with three dual-port antenna panels, such as panel 1, panel 2, and panel 3. A first phase difference may be applied to panel 2 relative to panel 1. A second phase difference may be applied to panel 3 relative to panel 1.

[0140] The following can be based on Figure 10 The following example illustrates an exemplary process for determining and transmitting in-phase and amplitude information. This process may include two stages.

[0141] In the first phase, network 1003 (e.g., gNB) can configure SRS resources for UE 1004 and trigger SRS transmissions to determine in-phase and amplitude information. For example, the network can configure three SRS resources for UE 1004, each corresponding to one of the three panels 1031-1033. In one example, these three SRS resources can be Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM). Each SRS resource can correspond to a two-port SRS. Alternatively, network 1003 can configure a six-port SRS resource in the SRS resource set for the three panels 1031-1033. For example, network 1003 can use three Code Division Multiplex (CDM) groups to map the ports to the panels. For example, each CDM group can include SRS resources corresponding to two antenna ports of each panel.

[0142] In some examples, two antenna panels have been selected from the three panels 1031-1033 for multi-panel transmission. In this scenario, the three SRS resources mentioned above can be reduced to two SRS resources, and the six-port SRS resources can be reduced to four-port SRS resources.

[0143] Then, network 1003 can trigger UE 1004 to perform SRS transmission based on the configured SRS resources. SRS can be transmitted simultaneously from three panels or two selected panels. Alternatively, SRS can be transmitted on a panel-pair basis. Each panel pair of the three panels can be transmitted simultaneously. Accordingly, the network can determine the in-phase and amplitude information between the selected three or two panels. In some examples, the amplitude information can be in the form of transmission power information or TPC information.

[0144] In the next stage, in-phase and amplitude information can be transmitted, and an antenna panel can be selected (if not already selected). Network 1003 can use the DCI to indicate (1) the selected panel (if selected by the network); and (2) in-phase and / or amplitude (power) information. For example, panel information or in-phase and / or amplitude (power) information can be indicated based on RRC / MAC CE code points or based on normalized values ​​defined in the communication standard specification. In one example, two DCI fields can be used: one to indicate the selected panel and the other for in-phase and / or amplitude (power) information.

[0145] In the first active method of the gNB, network 1003 can select two antenna panels from three candidate panels. The DCI with a DCI field can indicate the selected panels based on SRI or TCI. The DCI with one or two additional DCI fields can indicate in-phase and / or amplitude (power) information associated with the two selected panels.

[0146] In the second UE-initiated method, UE 1004 can select two antenna panels (or antenna groups) from three candidate panels (antenna groups). In one example, the DCI can indicate the three candidate panels 1031-1033 and the in-phase and / or amplitude information associated with the three candidate panels. In another example, the DCI can indicate three in-phase and / or amplitude information corresponding to each panel pair in the three panels 1031-1033. UE 1004 can follow the DCI authorization to use the above information to transmit PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0147] For example, UE 1004 can select two panels from three panels 1031-1033, for instance, based on local knowledge of the antenna panel status (e.g., which antenna is blocked or not allowed to be used). UE 1004 can derive the uplink transmission timing (e.g., cyclic delay diversity) of the two selected panels based on the received in-phase information (phase difference between the selected panels). Alternatively, UE 1004 can derive the frequency domain phase compensation of the two selected panels based on the received in-phase information. In some examples, the DCI may have at least two TPC command fields to indicate amplitude information: one for selecting the first antenna panel (antenna group) and another for selecting the second antenna panel (antenna group).

[0148] 2. Design of a new codebook considering in-phase and amplitude compensation

[0149] Figure 13 An example can be given of a second method for codebook design and transmission in multi-panel uplink transmission based on the codebook. Figure 11 Similar examples exist, in Figure 13 In this configuration, multi-beam SDM can be used to transmit PUSCH. Both layers of the PUSCH (Layer 0 and Layer 1) can be transmitted using two selected panels (Panel 0 and Panel 1). The two selected panels can have [specific features / features]. Figure 11 The panel configuration is similar to that in the previous example. However, a single precoder 1301 is used instead of precoders 1101-1102. Precoder 1301 may correspond to TPMI (e.g., TPMI 0). Precoder 1301 can be selected from a codebook that was designed with the application in mind. Figure 11The example describes the in-phase and amplitude adjustment of the two transmission panels. Therefore, when the pre-encoder 1301 is applied to the input signals of layer 0 and layer 1, the phase and amplitude of the output signal of the pre-encoder 1301 can be adjusted so that the two partial signals from panel 0 and panel 1 can be transmitted coherently.

[0150] and Figure 11 Compared to the previous example, in the codebook-based exemplary processing that takes into account in-phase and amplitude adjustments, SRS resources can be configured to UE 1004 in a similar manner. Based on SRS measurements, network 1003 can determine a precoder for each pair of panels in the three panels 1031-1033. Depending on whether two panels have been selected prior to SRS transmission and which of the two methods (gNB-active or UE-active) is used, network 1003 can send one or three TPMIs to UE 1004. For example, if two panels have been selected previously in beam measurement processing, or if the gNB-active method is used, one TPMI signal can be sent for the two selected panels. Otherwise, for the UE-active method, three TPMIs corresponding to each of the three pairs of UE panels can be sent. UE 1004 can then apply the sent precoders to uplink transmissions of PUSCH or PUCCH using the two selected panels accordingly.

[0151] IV. Exemplary processing of multi-panel uplink transmission

[0152] Example 1: SRS process based on codebook transmission

[0153] Example 1 relates to an SRS process that uses codebook-based transmission, and refers to... Figure 14A and Figure 14B The SRS process in Example 1 can be described in detail. Figure 14A This can be used as an example of the UE panel selection stage. Figure 14B An example of the CSI acquisition phase can be provided. For instance... Figures 14A-14B As shown, the gNB can have two TRPs, such as “TRP1” and “TRP2”, and can have six Tx beams. The UE 1401 can have three panels.

[0154] Phase 1: UE Panel Selection

[0155] like Figure 14AAs shown, the gNB can be configured with two resource sets, #0 and #1, associated with two TRPs respectively for beam measurement. Each resource set can contain three DL RS resources associated with three Tx beams. DL RS resources can be CSI-RS or SSB resources. By using group-based beam reporting, the UE 1401 can report the RS index of the DL RS resource with the highest RSRP or SINR, such as RS#2 and RS#3. The two panels of the UE 1401 can simultaneously and individually receive DL transmissions from the beams corresponding to RS#2 and RS#3.

[0156] Phase 2: CSI Acquisition

[0157] like Figure 14B As shown, the gNB can configure two SRS resources, SRS#0 and SRS#1, in the SRS resource set for CSI acquisition (purpose = codebook or multi-panel codebook). The two SRS resources each have spatial relationship information or UL TCI associated with RS#2 and RS#3, respectively. Through the spatial relationship information or UL TCI, the UE 1401 can determine which panel / beam is more suitable for transmitting which SRS resource, and the gNB can determine the corresponding receive beam settings.

[0158] UE 1401 can use panel 1 to transmit SRS#0 and panel 2 to transmit SRS#1. Based on beam mapping, TRP1 can use the beam associated with RS#2 to receive SRS#0, and TRP2 can use the beam associated with RS#3 to receive SRS#1. The gNB can measure SRS#0 and SRS#1 separately to derive TPMI1 and TPMI2 for panel 1 and panel 2, respectively.

[0159] Phase 3: DCI Indication

[0160] The gNB can use a DCI grant with two SRIs = {0,1} (SRS indices: SRS#0 and SRS#1) or one SRI code point = {2} to indicate to UE 1401 that panels #1 and #2 are selected for UL transmission. Additionally, the gNB can use a DCI grant with two TPMIs (TPMI1 and TPMI2) to indicate the precoder used for PUSCH transmission. In one example, the relationship between the SRI code point and at least one selected UE panel or TRP can be signaled by a UE-specific RRC or MAC CE. In another example, the relationship between the SRI code point and at least one selected UE panel or TRP is not signaled.

[0161] Phase 4: Uplink Transmission

[0162] UE 1401 may follow DCI authorization to use the indicated panel and precoder to send PUSCH and / or PUCCH.

[0163] Example 2: SRS process based on codebook transmission

[0164] Example 2 relates to another SRS process that uses codebook-based transmission, and refers to... Figures 15A-15C The SRS process in Example 2 can be described in detail. Figure 15A This can be used as an example of the UE panel selection stage. Figure 15B An example of SRS resource configuration during the CSI acquisition phase can be provided. Figure 15C This can be used to illustrate the options for the DCI indication scheme during the DCI indication phase. For example... Figure 15A As shown, the gNB can have two TRPs, such as “TRP1” and “TRP2”, with six Tx beams, and the UE 1501 can have three panels.

[0165] Phase 1: UE Panel Selection

[0166] like Figure 15A As shown, the gNB can be configured with three SRS resource sets for UE 1501 to perform UL panel selection or beam measurement. These three resource sets are implicitly associated with three UE panels. If the gNB does not have Rx beam information, it can configure repeated SRS resources with a repetition factor for beam training (e.g., using beam scanning for beam training). UE 1501 can use panel 1, panel 2, and panel 3 respectively to transmit SRS resources #0, #1, and #2.

[0167] The gNB can select the two best panels with the best RSRP or SINR for PUSCH transmission based on the measurement results of three SRS resources.

[0168] Phase 2: CSI Acquisition

[0169] for Figure 15B For CSI acquisition as shown, there are two options. In the first option (Option 1), the gNB can select two optimal panels and configure two SRS resources corresponding to the selected panels for CSI acquisition (purpose = codebook or multi-panel codebook). UE 1501 can use panel 1 to send SRS#3 and panel 2 to send SRS#4. The gNB can measure SRS#3 and SRS#4 separately to derive TPMI1 and TPMI2 for panel 1 and panel 2, respectively.

[0170] In the second option (Option 2), the gNB can configure three SRS resources for CSI acquisition (purpose = codebook or multi-panel codebook). UE 1501 can use panel 1, panel 2, and panel 3 respectively to transmit SRS#3, SRS#4, and SRS#5. The gNB can measure SRS#3, SRS#4, and SRS#5 respectively to derive TPMI1, TPMI2, and TPMI3 for panel 1, panel 2, and panel 3.

[0171] Phase 3: DCI Indication

[0172] In the first method initiated by the gNB, the gNB can use a DCI grant with two SRIs = {0,1} or one SRI code point = {2} to indicate to UE 1501 that panels #1 and #2 are selected for UL transmission. Furthermore, the gNB can use a DCI grant with two TPMIs to indicate the precoder used for PUSCH transmission.

[0173] In the UE-initiated second method, the gNB can use DCI authorization with three TPMIs corresponding to the three UE panels. The UE can select two optimal panels and follow the corresponding TPMIs to send PUSCH and PUCCH information, as well as information about the selected panels and / or TPMIs.

[0174] The relationship between the SRI code point and the selected UE panel or TRP can be communicated by the UE-specific RRC or MAC CE, and multiple options are available. Figure 15C Three options can be shown: Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3. The gNB can use DCI code points to dynamically indicate PUSCH transmission utilizing a single TRP (s-TRP) or multiple TRP (m-TRP) transmission. For example, code point = {2} in Options 2 and 3 can indicate that two TRPs and two UE panels are selected for transmission. Code point = {1} in Options 2 and 3 can indicate... Figure 15A TRP2 and UE panel 1 were selected for transmission. Figure 15C In Chinese, "CB" can represent "codebook-based transmission", while "NCB" can represent "non-codebook-based transmission".

[0175] Phase 4: Uplink Transmission

[0176] UE 1501 may follow DCI authorization to use the indicated panel and precoder to send PUSCH and / or PUCCH.

[0177] Example 3: SRS process that does not transmit based on codebook

[0178] Example 3 relates to SRS processes that are not based on codebooks for transmission, and refers to... Figures 16A-16CThe SRS process in Example 3 can be described in detail. Figure 16A An example of the CSI acquisition phase can be provided. Figure 16B An example of SRS resource configuration during the CSI acquisition phase can be provided. Figure 16C This can be used to illustrate the options for the DCI indication scheme during the DCI indication phase. For example... Figure 16A As shown, the gNB can have two TRPs, such as “TRP1” and “TRP2”, with six Tx beams, and the UE 1601 can have three panels.

[0179] Phase 1: UE Panel Selection

[0180] Panel selection can be determined by UE 1601 using the panel selection method in Example 1, or by gNB using the panel selection method in Example 2.

[0181] Phase 2: CSI Acquisition

[0182] In the first option (Option 1), gNB can select the two best panels with the highest RSRP or SINR in Phase 1. For example... Figure 16B As shown in Option 1, the gNB can be configured with two SRS resource sets corresponding to the selected panel for CSI acquisition (purpose = non-codebook). For each resource set, three SRS resources can be configured for UL SRS beam scanning. Figure 16A As shown, UE 1601 can use panel 1 to transmit SRS#0-2 and panel 2 to transmit SRS#3-5. For example, each SRS resource can be transmitted in different directions for beam scanning, or they can be transmitted simultaneously. The gNB can measure SRS#0-5 to select two SRIs for UL transmission by maximizing capacity metric or SRS-RSRP.

[0183] In the second option, such as Figure 16B As shown in Option 2, the gNB can configure three SRS resource sets corresponding to three UE panels for CSI acquisition (purpose = non-codebook). For each resource set, three SRS resources can be configured for UL SRS beam scanning or to cover multiple directions without beam scanning. For example... Figure 16A As shown, UE 1601 can use panel 1 to transmit SRS#0-2, panel 2 to transmit SRS#3-5, and panel 3 to transmit SRS#6-8. For example, each SRS resource can be transmitted in different directions for beam scanning, or it can be transmitted simultaneously. The gNB can measure SRS#0-8 to select two SRIs for UL transmission by maximizing capacity metric or SRS-RSRP.

[0184] Phase 3: DCI Indication

[0185] In the first method initiated by the gNB, the gNB may indicate to the UE 1601, with a DCI grant having two SRIs = {2,3} or one SRI code point = {3}, that panel #1 and panel #2 are selectable and that PUSCH transmission may be performed using a non-codebook-based precoder (or a column of precoders) associated with SRIs #3 and SRIs #4.

[0186] In the UE-initiated second method, the gNB can use a DCI license with three SRIs ({2, 3, 8}) corresponding to three UE panels. The UE can choose two optimal panels and can use a non-codebook-based precoder to transmit PUSCH and PUCCH following the SRIs.

[0187] The relationship between the SRI code point and the selected UE panel or TRP can be communicated by the UE-specific RRC or MAC CE, and multiple options are available. Figure 16C Three options can be exemplified: Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3. The gNB can use DCI code points to dynamically indicate PUSCH transmission utilizing a single TRP (s-TRP) or multiple TRPs (m-TRP). For example, code point = {2} in Options 2 and 3 can indicate that two TRPs and two UE panels are selected for transmission.

[0188] Phase 4: Uplink Transmission

[0189] UE 1501 may follow DCI authorization to use the indicated panel and precoder to send PUSCH and / or PUCCH.

[0190] Example 4: Uplink transmission processing using an improved UL codebook

[0191] Example 4 can be based on Figure 11 and Figure 13 The improved UL codebook scheme described in the example pertains to uplink transmission processing. In Example 4, this processing may include multiple stages. In Example 4, the UE may have three panels. Each panel may include two antenna ports. The UE may be served by a gNB.

[0192] Phase 1: UE Panel Selection

[0193] Panel selection can be determined by the UE using the panel selection method described in Example 1.

[0194] Phase 2: CSI Acquisition

[0195] The gNB can be configured with two dual-port SRS resources, each containing two spatial relation information or UL TCI, for CSI acquisition (purpose = codebook or multi-panel codebook). The two dual-port SRS resources can be frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) to avoid cross-slot non-coherence. Two options are available for determining the precoder for uplink transmission. These two options can be configured separately with... Figure 11 and Figure 13 The two improved UL codebook schemes described in the example correspond to each other.

[0196] exist Figure 11 In the first option of the multi-TPMI scheme, the gNB can estimate the UL channel based on SRS measurements to determine the two dual-port TPMIs corresponding to the two panels, and derive the in-phase and / or amplitude information between the two panels.

[0197] In the second option of the single TPMI option, the gNB can estimate the UL channel based on SRS measurements to determine a four-port TPMI for transmission from both panels.

[0198] Phase 3: DCI Indication

[0199] The gNB can use a DCI grant with two SRIs = {0, 1} or one SRI code point = {2} to indicate to the UE that panels #1 and #2 (for example) are selected for UL transmission. In the multi-TPMI option, the gNB can use a DCI grant with two TPMIs and cross-panel phase and / or amplitude information to indicate the precoder for PUSCH transmission. In the single-TPMI option, the gNB can use a DCI grant with a single TPMI to indicate the precoder for PUSCH transmission. A precoder corresponding to a single TPMI can be designed taking cross-panel phase and / or amplitude information into account. The relationship between SRI code points and SRS resources can be communicated via UE-specific RRC or MAC-CE.

[0200] Phase 4: Uplink Transmission

[0201] UEs may follow DCI authorization to transmit PUSCH and / or PUCCH.

[0202] For a multi-TPMI codebook scheme, cross-panel phase information can be the relative phase (in-phase or phase difference) between panels. Amplitude (common amplitude or phase difference) information can be the relative amplitude or TPC command between panels. The UE can apply the selected TPMI, relative phase, and relative amplitude or TPC command to UL transmission. In one example, DCI authorization may include at least two TPC command fields, at least two phase fields, or at least two amplitude fields. In some examples, DCI authorization may include one TPC command field, one phase field, or one amplitude field. Each of the command field, phase field, or amplitude field can indicate the difference in parameter values ​​between the two selected panels.

[0203] In one example, the UE can apply the selected TPMI, relative phase and relative amplitude, or TPC command to the UL transmission based on the following formula, for example:

[0204] or

[0205]

[0206] Where a1 is the relative amplitude of UE panel 0,

[0207] p1 represents the relative phase of UE panel 0.

[0208] a2 represents the relative amplitude of UE panel 1.

[0209] p2 represents the relative phase of UE panel 1.

[0210] WTPMI1 is the precoder matrix from TPMI0.

[0211] WTPMI2 is the precoder matrix from TPMI1.

[0212] For example, the relative phase and relative amplitude fields can be selected from a number of candidate values ​​configured in the RRC or MAC CE signaling, or from a number of candidate values ​​predefined in the NR or LTE standard specifications. For cross-polarized antennas, the relative phase and relative amplitude can have different values ​​for different polarizations.

[0213] V. Demonstration equipment for multi-panel uplink transmission

[0214] The following describes two exemplary devices, such as Device A and Device B.

[0215] Equipment A

[0216] User terminal A may include a controller (which may include at least one control unit), at least one channel estimator, at least two antenna groups (or panels) (each antenna group may include at least one antenna), at least one receiver, and at least one transmitter. The terminal may be configured to perform UL transmissions to cells or nodes of a cellular network. The controller may be configured to perform the following operations:

[0217] - Receive a DCI with at least two fields to indicate at least two TPC commands, or a DCI with at least one field to indicate at least one in-phase information between at least two antenna groups; and

[0218] - Follow DCI to transmit UL data or control signals.

[0219] In the example of user terminal A above, at least two fields used to indicate at least two TPC commands can be used to control the UL power of at least two antenna groups, and the value of the TPC command can be one of the following: -4dB, -1dB, 0dB, 1dB, 4dB, etc., used to control the cumulative power or absolute power.

[0220] In another example of the user terminal A mentioned above, the user terminal can derive the UL transmission timing or frequency domain phase compensation of at least two antenna groups based on at least one in-phase information.

[0221] In another example of user terminal A described above, the DCI may also include at least two TPMIs or SRIs, and at least two fields used to indicate at least two TPC commands can be used to control the UL power of at least two TPMIs or SRIs. The value of the TPC command may be one of -4dB, -1dB, 0dB, 1dB, 4dB, etc., used to control cumulative power or absolute power.

[0222] Equipment B

[0223] User terminal B may include a controller (which may include at least one control unit), at least one channel estimator, at least two antenna groups (or panels) (each antenna group may include at least one antenna), at least one receiver, and at least one transmitter. The terminal may be configured to perform UL transmissions. The controller may be configured to perform the following operations:

[0224] - Receive DCI with at least two fields to indicate at least two TPMIs or SRIs;

[0225] - Select at least one TPMI or SRI from at least two TPMIs or SRIs; and

[0226] - Follow DCI and select at least one TPMI or SRI to transmit UL data or control signals.

[0227] The user terminal can transmit UL data or control signals in accordance with the DCI and at least one selected TPMI or SRI. The control signals can indicate information from at least one selected TPMI or SRI.

[0228] VI. Further exemplary processing for multi-panel uplink transmission

[0229] Figure 17 A process 1700 for multi-panel uplink transmission based on a codebook, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be exemplified. This process can be based on a gNB-initiated method. Process 1700 can begin at S1701 and proceed to S1710.

[0230] In S1710, the UE can receive SRS configuration from a base station (e.g., gNB). The UE can have N antenna groups (or N antenna panels). N can be an integer greater than 2, such as 3, 4, or 5. The SRS configuration can indicate N SRS resources for the N antenna groups respectively. Each of the N SRS resources can be associated with an SRS Resource Indicator (SRI) (or SRS Resource Index).

[0231] In S1720, the UE can perform SRS transmissions. For example, N SRSs can be transmitted from N antenna groups using N SRS resources respectively.

[0232] In S1730, DCI can be received from the base station. DCI can schedule PUSCH. DCI can indicate two SRIs associated with two resources out of N SRS resources. DCI can also indicate two TPMIs.

[0233] In S1740, two antenna groups from the N antenna groups can be used to transmit PUSCH. These two antenna groups correspond to the two SRIs indicated in the DCI. Furthermore, two precoders corresponding to the two TPMIs indicated in the DCI can be selected from the codebook for PUSCH transmission. These two precoders can be applied to the PUSCH layer. The outputs of the two precoders can be input to the corresponding two antenna groups. Processing from S1700 to S1799 and ending at S1799.

[0234] Figure 18 Another example of a codebook-based multi-panel uplink transmission process 1800 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be illustrated. Process 1800 can be based on a UE-initiated method. Process 1800 can start from S1801 and proceed to S1810.

[0235] In S1810, the UE can receive SRS configuration from the base station. The UE can have N antenna groups (or N antenna panels). N can be an integer greater than 2, such as 3, 4, or 5. The SRS configuration can indicate N SRS resources for the N antenna groups respectively. Each of the N SRS resources can be associated with an SRS Resource Indicator (SRI) (or SRS Resource Index).

[0236] In S1820, the UE can perform SRS transmissions. For example, N SRS resources can be used to transmit N SRSs from N antenna groups.

[0237] In S1830, DCI can be received from the base station. DCI can schedule PUSCH. DCI can indicate N TPMIs corresponding to N antenna groups respectively.

[0238] In S1840, the UE can select two antenna groups from N antenna groups for PUSCH transmission.

[0239] In S1850, two TPMIs can be selected from N TPMIs. The two selected TPMIs correspond to two selected antenna groups.

[0240] In S1860, PUSCH can be transmitted using two precoders corresponding to two TPMIs selected from N TPMIs, utilizing the two selected antenna groups. Processing can proceed from S1800 to S1899 and end in S1899.

[0241] Figure 19 A non-codebook-based multi-panel uplink transmission process 1900 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be illustrated. Process 1900 can be based on a UE-initiated method. Process 1900 can start from S1901 and proceed to S1910.

[0242] In S1910, the UE can receive SRS configuration from the base station. The UE can have three antenna groups. The SRS configuration can specify three sets of SRS resources for the three antenna groups respectively. Each of the three sets of SRS resources can be associated with an SRI.

[0243] In S1920, SRS transmission can be performed from three antenna groups using three sets of SRS resources respectively. Each of the three sets of SRS resources can correspond to a transmission beam from the corresponding antenna group.

[0244] In S1930, the UE can receive a DCI. The DCI can indicate at least two SRIs associated with each of the three SRS resource groups. The DCI can schedule PUSCH. The at least two SRIs can each correspond to at least two antenna groups.

[0245] In S1940, a transmit beam can be used to transmit PUSCH from two of the at least two antenna groups corresponding to at least two SRIs. The transmit beam can correspond to two of the at least two SRIs. Processing can proceed from S1900 to S1999 and end in S1999.

[0246] VII. Demonstration Device

[0247] Figure 20 An exemplary apparatus 2000 may be exemplified according to embodiments of the present invention. Apparatus 2000 may be configured to perform various functions described in one or more embodiments or examples of the present invention. Therefore, apparatus 2000 can provide means for implementing the mechanisms, techniques, processes, functions, components, and systems described in the present invention. For example, apparatus 2000 may be used to implement the functions of a UE or BS in various embodiments and examples described in the present invention. In some embodiments, apparatus 2000 may include a general-purpose processor, while in other embodiments, apparatus 2000 may be a device containing specially designed circuitry for implementing the various functions, components, or processes described in the present invention. Apparatus 2000 may include processing circuitry 2010, storage medium 2020, and radio frequency (RF) module 2030.

[0248] In various examples, the processing circuitry 2010 may include circuitry configured to perform the functions and processes described in this invention, which may be implemented in conjunction with or without software. In various examples, the processing circuitry may be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital enhancement circuitry, or equivalent devices or combinations thereof.

[0249] In some other examples, the processing circuitry 2010 may be a central processing unit (CPU) for executing program instructions to perform the various functions and processes described in this invention. Accordingly, the storage medium 2020 may be used to store the program instructions. When the program instructions are executed, the processing circuitry 2010 can perform the aforementioned functions and processes. The storage medium 2020 may also store other programs or data, such as operating systems (OS) and application programs. The storage medium 2020 may include non-temporary storage media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, solid-state memory, hard disk drives, and optical disk drives.

[0250] In one embodiment, RF module 2030 can receive processed data signals from processing circuitry 2010, convert the data signals into beamforming wireless signals, and transmit the wireless signals via antenna array 2040; and vice versa. In some examples, RF module 2030 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a frequency up-converter, a frequency down-converter, filters, and amplifiers for receiving and transmitting operations. In some examples, RF module 2030 may include multi-antenna circuitry for beamforming operations. For example, multi-antenna circuitry may include uplink and downlink spatial filter circuitry for shifting the phase of analog signals or scaling the amplitude of analog signals. Antenna array 2040 may include one or more antenna arrays organized into multiple antenna panels or antenna groups.

[0251] The device 2000 may optionally include other components, such as input and output devices and additional signal processing circuitry. Accordingly, the device 2000 may be capable of performing other additional functions, such as executing application programs and handling additional communication protocols.

[0252] The processes and functions described in this invention can be implemented as a computer program, wherein when executed by one or more processors, the computer program causes one or more processors to perform the aforementioned processes and functions. The computer program can be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware. The computer program can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. For example, the computer program can be obtained and loaded into a device via a physical medium or a distributed system (e.g., a server connected to the Internet).

[0253] The computer program described above can be accessed from a computer-readable medium, which provides program instructions for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. The computer-readable medium may include any means of storing, communicating, propagating, or transmitting a computer program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-readable medium may be a magnetic, optical, electronic, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. The computer-readable medium may include computer-readable non-provisioning storage media, such as semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer disks, RAM, ROM, magnetic disks, and optical disks. The computer-readable non-provisioning storage media may include all types of computer-readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, flash memory media, and solid-state storage media.

[0254] While aspects of the invention have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, these embodiments are presented as examples and can be substituted, modified, and adjusted. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth in this invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Changes may be made without departing from the scope set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment from a base station, a sounding reference signal configuration, the user equipment having N antenna groups, N being an integer greater than 2, the sounding reference signal configuration indicating N sounding reference signal resources for the N antenna groups respectively, each of the N sounding reference signal resources being associated with a sounding reference signal resource indicator; transmitting, from the N antenna groups respectively, sounding reference signals using the N sounding reference signal resources respectively; receiving, from the base station, a downlink control information, the downlink control information corresponding to a physical uplink shared channel, the downlink control information indicating two sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with two resources of the N sounding reference signal resources, the downlink control information indicating two transmission precoder matrix indicators; and transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using two antenna groups of the N antenna groups corresponding to the two sounding reference signal indicators indicated in the downlink control information and two precoders corresponding to the two transmission precoder matrix indicators indicated in the downlink control information.

2. The method for wireless communication of claim 1, wherein, the downlink control information indicating more than two sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with more than two resources of the N sounding reference signal resources, and the transmitting comprising: transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using more than two antenna groups of the N antenna groups corresponding to the more than two sounding reference signal indicators indicated in the downlink control information.

3. The method for wireless communication of claim 1, wherein, the downlink control information further indicating one of: in-phase information of the two antenna groups; and amplitude information of the two antenna groups.

4. The method for wireless communication of claim 3, wherein, the transmitting the physical uplink shared channel comprising: transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using the two antenna groups based on uplink transmission timing of the two antenna groups derived from the in-phase information of the two antenna groups.

5. The method for wireless communication of claim 3, wherein, the transmitting the physical uplink shared channel comprising: transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using the two antenna groups based on frequency domain phase compensation of the two antenna groups derived from the in-phase information of the two antenna groups.

6. The method for wireless communication of claim 3, wherein, the amplitude information of the two antenna groups being indicated by two transmission power control commands indicated in the downlink control information, the two transmission power control commands corresponding to the two antenna groups respectively.

7. The method for wireless communication of claim 1, wherein, further comprising: receiving a group-based beam measurement report configuration; transmitting a group-based beam measurement report according to the group-based beam measurement report configuration, the group-based beam measurement report being obtained based on measurements on channel state information reference signals or synchronization signal blocks transmitted from the base station, at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station; and ​ receiving two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmission of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channels, or physical uplink control channels, the two transmission configuration indicator states indicating two of the three sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with the three sounding reference signal resources.

8. The method for wireless communication of claim 7, wherein, The group-based beam measurement report includes: information of a downlink beam corresponding to the channel state information reference signal or the synchronization signal block transmitted from the base station, the at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or the at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station; or information of an antenna group corresponding to a downlink beam.

9. The method for wireless communication of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: receiving a configuration of three sounding reference signal resources for user equipment antenna panel selection and beam measurement, the three sounding reference signal resources corresponding to three of the N antenna groups, the three sounding reference signal resources being associated with three sounding reference signal resource indicators; transmitting sounding reference signals from the three antenna groups using the three sounding reference signal resources, respectively; receiving two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmission of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channels, or physical uplink control channels, the two transmission configuration indicator states indicating two of the three sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with the three sounding reference signal resources.

10. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment from a base station, a sounding reference signal configuration, the user equipment having N antenna groups, N being an integer greater than 2, the sounding reference signal configuration indicating N sounding reference signal resources for the N antenna groups, respectively, each of the N sounding reference signal resources being associated with a sounding reference signal resource indicator; transmitting sounding reference signals from the N antenna groups using the N sounding reference signal resources, respectively; receiving, from the base station, a first downlink control information, the first downlink control information scheduling a physical uplink shared channel, the first downlink control information indicating N transmission precoder matrix indicators corresponding to the N antenna groups, respectively; selecting two antenna groups from the N antenna groups for transmission of the physical uplink shared channel; selecting two transmission precoder matrix indicators from the N transmission precoder matrix indicators, the selected two transmission precoder matrix indicators corresponding to the selected two antenna groups; and transmitting the physical uplink shared channel with the selected two antenna groups using two precoders corresponding to the two transmission precoder matrix indicators, the two transmission precoder matrix indicators being selected from the N transmission precoder matrix indicators indicated in the first downlink control information. Further comprising:

11. The method for wireless communication of claim 10, wherein, ​ transmitting a physical uplink control channel to indicate the selected two antenna groups by indicating two sounding reference signal resource indicators corresponding to the selected two antenna groups or two selected transmission precoder matrix indicators corresponding to the selected two antenna groups.

12. The method for wireless communication of claim 10, wherein, the N antenna groups include three antenna groups, the method further comprising: receiving at least one downlink control information field indicating: two candidate antenna groups of the three antenna groups; and / or in-phase information and / or amplitude information of the two candidate antenna groups.

13. The method for wireless communication of claim 12, wherein, the transmitting comprises: transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using the selected two antenna groups based on uplink transmission timing or frequency domain phase compensation of the two selected antenna groups derived from the in-phase information indicated from the at least one downlink control information field.

14. The method for wireless communication of claim 12, wherein, the amplitude information of the two candidate antenna groups is indicated by two transmission power control commands indicated in respective downlink control information, wherein the two transmission power control commands correspond to the two candidate antenna groups respectively.

15. The method for wireless communication of claim 10, wherein, further comprising: receiving a group-based beam measurement report configuration; transmitting a group-based beam measurement report based on the group-based beam measurement report configuration, the group-based beam measurement report being obtained based on measurements on channel state information reference signals or synchronization signal blocks transmitted from the base station, at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or the at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station; and receiving two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmission of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channels, or physical uplink control channels, the two transmission configuration indicator states being for indicating two of the channel state information reference signals or two of the synchronization signal blocks transmitted from the base station, the at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or the at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station.

16. The method for wireless communication of claim 10, wherein, further comprising: receiving a configuration of three sounding reference signal resources for user equipment antenna panel selection and beam measurement, the three sounding reference signal resources corresponding to three antenna groups of the N antenna groups, the three sounding reference signal resources being associated with three sounding reference signal resource indicators; transmitting sounding reference signals from the three antenna groups using the three sounding reference signal resources respectively; receiving two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmission of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channels, or physical uplink control channels, the two transmission configuration indicator states indicating two of the three sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with the three sounding reference signal resources.

17. A method for wireless communication, comprising: A user equipment receives a sounding reference signal configuration from a base station, the user equipment having three antenna groups, the sounding reference signal configuration indicating three sets of sounding reference signal resources for the three antenna groups respectively, wherein each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources is associated with a sounding reference signal resource indicator; sounding reference signal transmissions from the three antenna groups using the three sets of sounding reference signal resources respectively, each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources corresponding to one transmission beam; and receiving a downlink control information indicating at least two of the sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with each of the three sets of sounding reference signal resources, the downlink control information scheduling a physical uplink shared channel, the at least two sounding reference signal resource indicators corresponding to at least two antenna groups respectively; and transmitting the physical uplink shared channel using transmission beams from two of the at least two antenna groups corresponding to the at least two sounding reference signal indicators, the transmission beams corresponding to two of the at least two sounding reference signal indicators.

18. The method for wireless communication of claim 17, wherein, the at least two sounding reference signal indicators include three sounding reference signal indicators corresponding to the three antenna groups respectively, and the method further comprises: selecting two of the three antenna groups from the three antenna groups, the selected two antenna groups corresponding to two of the at least two antenna groups corresponding to the at least two sounding reference signal indicators; and transmitting a physical uplink control channel indicating the selected two antenna groups by indicating two sounding reference signal indicators corresponding to the selected two antenna groups.

19. The method for wireless communication of claim 17, wherein, Further comprising: receiving a group-based beam measurement report configuration; transmitting a group-based beam measurement report according to the group-based beam measurement report configuration, the group-based beam measurement report being obtained based on measurements on channel state information reference signals or synchronization signal blocks transmitted from the base station, at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or the at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station; and receiving two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmissions of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channels, or physical uplink control channels, the two transmission configuration indicator states being for indicating two of the channel state information reference signals or two of the synchronization signal blocks transmitted from the base station, the at least two transmission reception points of the base station, or the at least two transmission reception points of the base station and another base station.

20. The method for wireless communication of claim 17, wherein, Further comprising: receiving a configuration of three sounding reference signal resources for user equipment antenna panel selection and beam measurement, the three sounding reference signal resources corresponding to the three antenna groups, the three sounding reference signal resources being associated with three sounding reference signal resource indicators; transmit a sounding reference signal using the three sounding reference signal resources, respectively; receive two transmission configuration indicator states for uplink transmission of sounding reference signals, physical uplink shared channel, or physical uplink control channel, the two transmission configuration indicator states indicating two of the three sounding reference signal resource indicators associated with the three sounding reference signal resources.

21. A user equipment for wireless communication, comprising: processing circuitry that, when executing program instructions stored in a storage medium, performs the steps of the method for wireless communication of any of claims 1-20.

22. A storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the steps of the method for wireless communication of any of claims 1-20.

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