Physical layer measurement report of user equipment (UE) in sleep mode in secondary cell group (SCG)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a user equipment (UE) to enter a dormant state relative to a secondary cell group (SCG) of a node network (SN) having a primary serving cell (PSCell), including a computer program encoded on a computer storage medium. In one aspect, when the UE is in a dormant state relative to the SCG, the UE may maintain a parameter set for at least the PSCell. For example, the UE may receive a parameter change message from the SN or the primary network (MN) and send a parameter change confirmation to the SN or the MN. The parameter change message may be sent as one or both of downlink control information (DCI) or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE). The UE may send physical layer measurements to the SN based on the parameter set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to user equipment (UE) measurement reporting in secondary cell group (SCG) sleep. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0003] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, and even global level. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continuous mobile broadband evolution released by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., together with the Internet of Things (IoT)), and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Some aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Summary of the invention

[0004] The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0005] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method of wireless communication at an apparatus of a user equipment (UE). The method may include: entering a sleep state relative to a secondary cell group (SCG) of a secondary node (SN) having a primary serving cell (PSCell). The method may include: maintaining a set of parameters for the PSCell when the UE is in a sleep state relative to the SCG. The method may include: sending physical layer measurements to the SN based on the set of parameters.

[0006] In some embodiments, sending physical layer measurements to the SN may include sending a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the PSCell. In some embodiments, the method may include sending a sounding reference signal (SRS) to the PSCell. The SRS may be multiplexed with the PUCCH.

[0007] In some embodiments, maintaining a set of parameters for a PSCell while the SCG is dormant for the UE includes: receiving a parameter change message from a master node (MN) including a master cell group (MCG); and sending a parameter change confirmation to the MN.

[0008] In some embodiments, while the SCG is dormant for the UE, maintaining a set of parameters for the PSCell includes: receiving a parameter change message from the PSCell of the SN during a monitoring window after sending physical layer measurements to the SN; and sending a parameter change confirmation to the SN.

[0009] In some embodiments, receiving a parameter change message from a PSCell includes: monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during a monitoring window; receiving downlink control information (DCI); and, based on the DCI, receiving a physical downlink shared channel including a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0010] In some implementations, receiving a parameter change message from the PSCell includes: monitoring the PDCCH during a monitoring window; and receiving a DCI indicating the parameter change.

[0011] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method of wireless communication at an apparatus of a PSCell associated with an SCG. The method may include determining that a UE has entered a dormant state relative to a SN, wherein the SN includes a PSCell and an SCG. The method may include maintaining a set of parameters for the UE for at least the PSCell when the UE is in a dormant state relative to the SCG. The method may include receiving physical layer measurements from the UE based on the set of parameters.

[0012] In some implementations, receiving physical layer measurements from the UE includes: receiving a PUCCH from the UE. The method may also include: receiving an SRS from the UE. The SRS may be multiplexed with the PUCCH.

[0013] In some embodiments, maintaining a set of parameters for a PSCell when the SCG is dormant for a UE includes: determining a parameter change based on one or more of physical layer measurements, PUCCH, or SRS; sending a parameter change message from the PSCell during a monitoring window after receiving the physical layer measurements; and receiving a parameter change confirmation from the UE.

[0014] In some embodiments, sending the parameter change message includes: sending DCI on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the monitoring window; and sending a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) including a MAC-CE based on the DCI.

[0015] In some implementations, sending the parameter change message includes: sending a DCI indicating the parameter change on a PDCCH during the monitoring window.

[0016] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative sizes of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0018] Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of the first frame.

[0019] Figure 2B is a diagram showing an example of DL channels within a subframe.

[0020] Figure 2C is a diagram showing an example of the second frame.

[0021] Figure 2D is a diagram showing an example of a subframe.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a base station (BS) and a user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0023] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating example communications for deactivation and activation of a secondary cell group (SCG).

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram showing example UE measurements for SCG.

[0025] Figure 6 is a diagram showing example parameter updates via a master node (MN) during SCG dormancy.

[0026] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating example parameter updates via a secondary node (SN) during SCG dormancy.

[0027] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating example parameter updates using hybrid communications during SCG dormancy.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing example parameter updates for beamforming during SCG dormancy.

[0029] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating example communications and components of a BS and a UE.

[0030] Fig.11 is a conceptual data flow diagram illustrating the data flow between different units / components in an example BS.

[0031] Fig.12 is a conceptual data flow diagram illustrating the data flow between different units / components in an example UE.

[0032] Fig.13 is a flow chart of an example method for monitoring cells of an SCG when a UE operates in an SCG dormant state.

[0033] Fig.14 is a flow chart of an example method for a base station to control a UE operating in an SCG sleep state.

[0034] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description is directed to certain embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some examples in the present disclosure are based on wireless and wired local area network (LAN) communications according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless standard, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, and the IEEE 1901 power line communication (PLC) standard. However, the described embodiments can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving RF signals or other known signals for communicating within a wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) network (e.g., a system utilizing 3G, 4G, or 5G or further embodiments or technologies thereof) according to any of the following wireless communication standards, including the IEEE 802.11 standard, Any of Standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS.

[0036] Multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) may allow a user equipment (UE) to communicate with two radio access networks (RANs), for example, using two frequency bands. One radio network may be provided by a master node (MN) and the other network may be provided by a secondary node (SN). The UE may communicate with a set of cells in each network. For example, the MN may include a master cell group (MCG) and the SN may include a secondary cell group (SCG). In some scenarios, the SCG for the UE may be dormant. For example, when the data rate for the UE is low enough, the SCG for the UE may be put into a dormant state. The dormant state may have reduced power consumption. For example, in the dormant state, the UE may not monitor the control channel for the SCG.

[0037] However, during the dormant state, the UE may perform measurements of one or more cells of the SCG and report the measurements to the SN. In some aspects, SCG dormancy may be similar to secondary cell dormancy in carrier aggregation (CA). In CA, the connection from the UE to the primary cell (PCell) remains active, so the UE can provide measurement reports for the secondary cells to the PCell. In contrast, in SCG dormancy, the connection between the UE and the primary serving cell (PSCell) of the SCG is dormant.

[0038] One option for reporting measurements during SCG dormancy is for the UE to send measurement reports for the SCG via the MN and MCG. However, because the MN and SN may be separate access networks, additional latency may be involved in the measurement reporting. In particular, latency for physical layer measurements may reduce the usefulness of the measurements. Furthermore, physical layer measurements may not be useful when the MN and SN are not synchronized.

[0039] Another option for reporting measurements during SCG dormancy is for the UE to send measurement reports for the SCG to the PSCell of the SCG. Although the UE may not monitor the control channels of the SCG, the SCG may remain active and receive a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) from the UE. However, such uplink transmissions may utilize a parameter set for the PSCell. In particular, the parameter set may include uplink transmission parameters such as cell timing, transmission control indicator (TCI) status, uplink transmit power, and spatial relationship.

[0040] The present disclosure provides a method for maintaining a parameter set for a PSCell when the UE and the PSCell are in a dormant state relative to the SCG. The UE and the PSCell may use the parameter set for measurement reporting. For example, the UE may enter a dormant state relative to the SCG of the SN having the PSCell. The PSCell may update the parameter set based on one or more received physical layer measurements. When the UE is in a dormant state relative to the SCG, the UE may maintain at least a parameter set for the PSCell based on a parameter change message from the SN. For example, the UE may receive a parameter change message from the SN or the MN and send a parameter change confirmation to the SN or the MN. The UE may send physical layer measurements to the SN based on the parameter set.

[0041] Specific embodiments of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. The UE may achieve power savings by entering a dormant state relative to the SCG. By maintaining a set of parameters at least for the PSCell, the delay in returning to an active state relative to the SCG may be reduced. For example, the UE may use the maintained set of parameters to resume communication with the PSCell upon activation without additional signaling, such as by tracking parameters or reinitializing the loop. In some embodiments, where the UE maintains a set of parameters for the SCell of the SCG, communication with the SCell may also be resumed upon activation. In addition, maintaining the set of parameters may ensure that the SCG link is not lost during the dormant state. The additional cost of maintaining a set of parameters for the PSCell may be mitigated by using a monitoring window that limits the time that the UE monitors the SCG.

[0042] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various devices and methods. These devices and methods will be described in the detailed description below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0043] For example, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of multiple elements can be implemented as a "processing system" including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, systems on chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout the present disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names, software should be broadly interpreted as meaning instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, processes, functions, etc.

[0044] Accordingly, in one or more example embodiments, the described functions may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or encoded on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media include computer storage media, which may be referred to as non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media may exclude temporary signals. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of computer-readable media of the above types, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code that can be accessed by a computer in the form of instructions or data structures.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) includes a base station 102, a UE 104, an evolved packet core (EPC) 160, and another core network 190 (e.g., a 5G core (5GC)). The base station 102 may include a macro cell (a high-power cellular base station) or a small cell (a low-power cellular base station). A macro cell includes a base station. A small cell includes a femto cell, a pico cell, and a micro cell.

[0046] In some embodiments, one or more of the UEs 104 may include a sleep component 140 that reports measurements when the UE 104 is in the SCG sleep state. For example, when a scenario such as low traffic on the network occurs, the UE 104 may enter the SGC sleep state. The sleep component 140 may include: a state component 142, which is configured to cause the UE 104 to enter the sleep state relative to the SCG of the SN having the PSCell; an SCG tracker 144, which is configured to maintain a parameter set for the PSCell when the UE 104 is in the sleep state relative to the SCG; and a measurement component 146, which is configured to perform physical layer measurements based on the parameter set and send the physical layer measurements to the SN.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more of the base stations 102 may include a sleep control component 120 that receives physical layer measurements from a UE 104 in an SCG sleep state. The sleep control component 120 may include: a UE state component 122 that is configured to determine that the UE 104 has entered a sleep state relative to a SN that includes a PSCell and an SCG; a parameter set component 124 that is configured to maintain a parameter set for the UE 104 at least for the PSCell when the UE 104 is in a sleep state relative to the SCG; and a report receiving component 126 that is configured to receive physical layer measurements from the UE based on the parameter set.

[0048] The base station 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can interface with the EPC 160 through a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., an S1 interface) that can be wired or wireless. The base station 102 configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can interface with the core network 190 through a second backhaul link 184 that can be wired or wireless. Among other functions, the base station 102 can also perform one or more of the following functions: transmission of user data, wireless channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), user and device tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (eg, through the EPC 160 or the core network 190) over a third backhaul link 134 (eg, an X2 interface). The third backhaul link 134 may be wired or wireless.

[0049] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each base station 102 in base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. There can be overlapping geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell 102' can have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network including both small cells and macro cells can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network can also include a home evolved Node B (eNB) (HeNB), which can provide services to a restricted group called a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication link 112 between base station 102 and UE 104 can include an uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 or a downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 112 can use multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna technology, which includes spatial multiplexing, beamforming or transmit diversity. The communication link can be through one or more carriers. Base station 102 / UE 104 may use spectrum with up to Y MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc. MHz) bandwidth per carrier allocated in carrier aggregation for a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction. The carriers may be adjacent to each other or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL ​​compared to UL). The component carrier may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0050] Certain UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). The D2D communication may be through a variety of wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on IEEE 802.11 standards, LTE, or NR.

[0051] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150 that communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum via a communication link 154. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0052] The small cell 102' may operate in a licensed or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed spectrum, the small cell 102' may employ NR and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by the Wi-Fi AP 150. The small cell 102' employing NR in the unlicensed spectrum may improve coverage or increase capacity of the access network.

[0053] Base station 102 (whether a small cell 102' or a large cell (e.g., a macro base station)) may include an eNB, a gNodeB (gNB), or other types of base stations. Some base stations (such as gNB 180) may operate in one or more frequency bands within the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0054] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified with the frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz-7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are typically referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as the “Sub-6 GHz” band in various literature and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise with respect to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as the “millimeter wave” (mmW) band in literature and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz–300 GHz) identified as the “millimeter wave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0055] In view of the above aspects, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the term "sub-6GHz" and the like (if used herein) can broadly represent frequencies that can be less than 6GHz, can be located within FR1, or can include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the term "millimeter wave" and the like (if used herein) can broadly represent frequencies that can include mid-band frequencies, can be located within FR2, or can be located within the EHF band. Communications using mmW radio bands have extremely high path loss and short distances. The mmW base station 180 can utilize beamforming 182 with the UE 104 to compensate for the path loss and short distance.

[0056] The EPC 160 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172. The MME 162 may communicate with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. Generally speaking, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through the serving gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides IP address allocation and other functions to the UE. The PDN gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to IP services 176. The IP services 176 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), a PS streaming service, or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 may provide functionality for MBMS user service setup and delivery. The BM-SC 170 may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 may be used to distribute MBMS services to base stations 102 belonging to a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a particular service, and may be responsible for session management (start / stop) and for collecting eMBMS-related charging information.

[0057] The core network 190 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, a session management function (SMF) 194, and a user plane function (UPF) 195. The AMF 192 may communicate with a unified data management unit (UDM) 196. The AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the core network 190. Typically, the AMF 192 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through the UPF 195. The UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The UPF 195 is connected to an IP service 197. The IP service 197 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), a PS streaming service, or other IP services.

[0058] A base station may include or be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, an access point, a base transceiver, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a transmit receive point (TRP), or some other appropriate term. The base station 102 provides an access point to the EPC 160 or the core network 190 for the UE 104. Examples of UE 104 include a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio unit, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet computer, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor / actuator, a display, or any other similarly functional device. Some of the UEs 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., a parking meter, a gas pump, an oven, a vehicle, a heart monitor, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a user station, a mobile unit, a user unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile user station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handheld device, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology.

[0059] Although the following description may focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein may be applicable to other similar areas such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, and other wireless technologies including future 6G technologies.

[0060] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram 200 showing an example of a first frame. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram 230 showing an example of DL channels within a subframe. Figure 2C is a schematic diagram 250 showing an example of a second frame. Figure 2D 280 is a diagram showing an example of a subframe. The 5G / NR frame structure can be FDD (wherein, for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within a subcarrier set are dedicated to DL or UL), or can be TDD (wherein, for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within a subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL). Figure 2A , 2CIn the example provided, the 5G / NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (most of which are DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and X is flexible between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 34 (most of which are UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 34 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are full DL and full UL, respectively. Other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with a slot format (dynamically configured by DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured by radio resource control (RRC) signaling) through the received slot format indicator (SFI). Note that the following description also applies to the 5G / NR frame structure as TDD.

[0061] Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures or different channels. A frame (10 milliseconds (ms)) may be divided into 10 subframes (1ms) of equal size. Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include a mini-time slot, which may include 7, 4 or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot configuration. For time slot configuration 0, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for time slot configuration 1, each time slot may include 7 symbols. The symbol on DL may be a cyclic prefix (CP) OFDM (CP-OFDM) symbol. The symbol on UL may be a CP-OFDM symbol (for high throughput scenarios) or a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol (also referred to as a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbol) (for power-limited scenarios; limited to single stream transmission). The number of time slots in a subframe may be based on the time slot configuration and numerology. For slot configuration 0, different digital schemes μ0 to 5 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different digital schemes 0 to 2 allow 2, 4 and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Accordingly, for slot configuration 0 and digital scheme μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2 μ time slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are functions of the digital scheme. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15kHz, where is digital scheme 0 to 5. Therefore, digital scheme μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, and digital scheme μ=5 has a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. The symbol length / duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing. Figure 2A-2DAn example is provided for slot configuration 0 (with 14 symbols per slot) and digital scheme μ=2 (with 4 slots per subframe). The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 microseconds (μs).

[0062] The resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also called a physical RB (PRB)), which includes 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0063] As in Figure 2A As shown in , some of the REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. The RS may include a demodulation RS (DM-RS) for channel estimation at the UE (indicated as R for a specific configuration). x , where 100x is the port number, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). RS may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0064] Figure 2B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are shown. The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more control channel elements (CCEs), each CCE including nine RE groups (REGs), each REG including four consecutive REs in one OFDM symbol. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a particular subframe of a frame. The PSS is used by UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a particular subframe of a frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identification group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identification and the physical layer cell identification group number, the UE may determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE may determine the location of the above-mentioned DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) may be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the number of RBs in the system bandwidth and the system frame number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (eg, System Information Block (SIB)) not transmitted through the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0065] As in Figure 2CAs shown in , some of the REs carry DM-RS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible). The UE may send DM-RS for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and DM-RS for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be sent in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DM-RS may be sent in different configurations depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is sent and depending on the specific PUCCH format used. The UE may send a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be sent in the last symbol of the subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may send the SRS on one of the combs. The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0066] Figure 2D An example of various UL channels within one subframe of a frame is shown. The PUCCH may be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), or UCI.

[0067] Figure 33 is a diagram of an example of a base station 310 and a UE 350 in an access network. In the DL, IP packets from the EPC 160 may be provided to the controller / processor 375. The controller / processor 375 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functions. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides: RRC layer functions associated with: broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with: header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and switching support functions; RLC layer functions associated with: transmission of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with: mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0068] The transmit (TX) processor 316 and the receive (RX) processor 370 implement layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1 including the physical (PHY) layer may include error detection of the transmission channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transmission channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 316 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-order quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The coded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time domain or frequency domain, and then combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a time domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 374 may be used to determine coding and modulation schemes, and for spatial processing. The channel estimate may be derived based on a reference signal or channel condition feedback sent by the UE 350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318TX. Each transmitter 318TX may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0069] At the UE 350, each receiver 354RX receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 352. Each receiver 354RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and the RX processor 356 implement layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial stream destined for the UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 350, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then uses a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier and the reference signal are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point sent by the base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on the channel estimate calculated by the channel estimator 358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally sent on the physical channel by base station 310. The data and control signals are then provided to controller / processor 359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functions.

[0070] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program codes and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between transport channels and logical channels to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using an ACK or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

[0071] Similar to the functions described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by the base station 310, the controller / processor 359 provides: RRC layer functions associated with: system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with: header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with: transmission of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with: mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0072] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator 358 based on a reference signal or feedback sent by the base station 310 may be used by the TX processor 368 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 368 may be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354TX. Each transmitter 354TX may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0073] UL transmissions are processed at the base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver functionality at the UE 350. Each receiver 318RX receives a signal through its respective antenna 320. Each receiver 318RX recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to a RX processor 370.

[0074] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program codes and data. The memory 376 may be referred to as a computer readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 350. The IP packets from the controller / processor 375 may be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using an ACK or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

[0075] At least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 may be configured to perform operations related to Figure 1 Aspects related to the dormant component 140.

[0076] At least one of the TX processor 316, the RX processor 370, and the controller / processor 375 may be configured to perform operations related to Figure 1 Aspects related to the sleep control component 120.

[0077] Figure 4 4 is a diagram illustrating example communications for suspension and activation of an SCG. The SCG may be associated with an SN 420. The UE 104 may initially be in dual connectivity with the MN 410 and the SN 420. The MN 410 may send an SCG suspension request 430 to the SN 420. The SCG suspension request 430 may request the SN 420 to stop scheduling the UE 104 on the SCG. The SN 420 may send an SCG suspension complete message 432 indicating that the SCG scheduling for the UE 104 is suspended. The MN 410 may send an indication 434 to the UE 104 to suspend the SCG. For example, the indication 434 may be an RRC message or a MAC-CE.

[0078] At block 440, the UE 104 may enter a sleep state relative to the SCG. For example, the UE 104 may stop monitoring one or more control channels for the SCG. The UE 104 may power down one or more receive chain components to reduce power consumption in the sleep state. During the PSCell and SCell sleep period 442, the UE 104 may perform measurements on the PSCell and SCell, but may not generally be scheduled to transmit or receive on the PSCell and SCell. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may send measurements to the PSCell or receive parameter updates from the PSCell.

[0079] UE 104 may send an SCG activation request 450. For example, UE 104 may determine to request SCG activation based on channel conditions or a requested data rate. MN 410 may determine whether to activate the SCG at block 452. MN 410 may determine whether to activate the SCG in response to SCG activation request 450 or based on network considerations. For example, MN 410 may activate the SCG to transfer downlink traffic load to SN 420. MN 410 may send an SCG activation request 454 to SN 420. SN 420 may respond with an SCG activation complete message 456. MN 410 may send an indication 458 to UE 104 for activating the SCG. For example, indication 458 may be an RRC message or a MAC-CE.

[0080] At block 460, UE 104 may enter an activated state with respect to the SCG. UE 104 and SN 420 may perform a RACH procedure 462 to establish a connection for the PSCell and the SCell. UE 104 may then be in dual connectivity with MN 410 and SN 420, such that data may be sent between MN 410 and UE 104 on connection 464 or between SN 420 and UE 104 on connection 466. MN 410 and SN 420 may communicate via backhaul 468.

[0081] Figure 5 5 is a schematic diagram 500 showing example UE measurements for an SCG 510. The SCG 510 may include a PSCell 520 and an optional secondary cell 530. The UE 104 may be in a dormant state for the SCG 510. Thus, the UE 104 may perform measurements during a periodic measurement window to generate a periodic measurement report. The PSCell 520 may receive a downlink reference signal 522 (such as a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)) and perform a channel state information (CSI) measurement. Similarly, the SCell 530 may receive a corresponding downlink reference signal 532 and perform a CSI measurement. In order to reduce signaling from the UE during the SCG dormant state, the UE 104 may provide a CSI measurement report for the SCell 530 via the PSCell 520. For example, the UE 104 may send a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) including a CSI report for the PSCell 520 and each SCell 530 to the PSCell 520.

[0082] Figure 66 is a diagram 600 showing an example parameter update via MN 610 during SCG dormancy. UE 104 and SN 620 may maintain a parameter set for UE 104 to send PUCCH 524 to PSCell 520. For example, at block 630, UE 104 may enter an SCG dormancy state relative to the SCG. UE 104 may send a first PUCCH 524 to PSCell 520, for example, based on the parameters before entering the SCG dormancy state. In block 650, based on the physical layer measurements sent on PUCCH 524, SN 620 may determine one or more parameter adjustments to the parameter set. For example, SN 620 may change one or more uplink transmission parameters, such as cell timing, TCI state, or uplink transmit power. For parameter updates via MN 610, SN 620 may send a parameter change message 660 to MN 610 via the backhaul, and MN 610 may send a parameter change message 662 to UE 104. UE 104 may acknowledge parameter change message 660 or 662 by sending a parameter change acknowledgement (ACK) 670 to MN 610, which may then send parameter change ACK 672 to SN 620 via the backhaul.

[0083] At box 680, the UE 104 may apply one or more parameter changes. In some embodiments, box 680 may occur before sending the parameter change ACK 670. After box 680, the UE 104 may use the updated parameter set to send a subsequent PUCCH 524. Therefore, the UE 104 and the SN 620 can maintain the uplink transmission parameters. In addition, when the UE 104 exits the SCG sleep state, the uplink transmission parameters can be utilized. For example, after receiving a command (e.g., indication 458) to exit the SCG sleep state from the MN 610, the UE 104 may use the uplink parameters to send a scheduling request. Because the uplink transmission parameters are maintained, the communication delay after exiting the SCG sleep state can be reduced.

[0084] Figure 7 7 is a diagram 700 showing example parameter updates via SN 620 during SCG dormancy. Figure 6 Compared to the process of direct communication between SN 620 and UE 104, the latency can be reduced, but the power consumption of UE 104 is increased. However, the increase in power consumption can be mitigated or reduced. Figure 6, the UE 104 and the SN 620 may maintain a parameter set for the UE to send a PUCCH 524 to the PSCell 520. For example, at block 630, the UE 104 may enter an SCG dormant state. The UE 104 may send a first PUCCH 524 to the SN 620 and the PSCell 520, and in block 650, based on physical layer measurements, the SN 620 may determine parameter adjustments to the parameter set. For direct SN communication, the SN 620 may send a parameter change message 760 directly to the UE 104. Because the UE 104 is in SCG dormancy, the UE 104 may not typically monitor messages from the SN 620. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may be configured with a monitoring window 762 for the PSCell. The monitoring window 762 may be based on the PUCCH 524, or may be configured for periodic monitoring. For example, the monitoring window 762 may start after the round trip time after the PUCCH 524 is sent and extend a relatively short period (e.g., 2-4 ms) to allow flexibility in PSCell scheduling. The monitoring window 762 may be relatively short compared to the measurement reporting period 764 (which may be, for example, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, or longer). Therefore, the portion of time that the UE 104 monitors the PSCell and consumes power may be relatively small compared to the measurement reporting period 764. The UE 104 may send a parameter change ACK 770 in response to receiving the parameter change message 760. At block 680, the UE 104 may apply one or more parameter changes. After block 680, the UE 104 may send the PUCCH 524 using the new parameters. In some embodiments, the parameter change ACK 770 may be sent using the new parameters after block 680. For example, the parameter change ACK 770 may be included with the PUCCH 524 using the new parameters.

[0085] Figure 8 8 is a diagram 800 showing an example parameter update using hybrid communication during SCG dormancy. Figure 6, the UE 104 and the SN 620 may maintain a parameter set for the UE to send a PUCCH 524 to the PSCell 520. For example, at block 630, the UE 104 may enter an SCG dormant state. The UE 104 may send a first PUCCH 524 to the PSCell 520, and in block 650, based on the CSI measurement report, the SN 620 may determine one or more parameter adjustments to the parameter set. For hybrid communications, the SN 620 may send a parameter change message 660 via the MN 610, but receive a parameter change ACK 770 directly from the UE 104. Specifically, the SN 620 may send a parameter change message 660 to the MN 610, and the MN 610 may send a parameter change message 662 to the UE 104. Because the UE receives the parameter change message 662 from the MN 610 that is not dormant, a monitoring window 762 for the PSCell is not required. However, UE 104 may send parameter change ACK 770 to SN 620. Parameter change ACK 770 to SN 620 may use approximately the same power as parameter change ACK 670 to MN 610, so there is no significant additional power consumption, but Figure 6 There is some reduction in latency. In block 680, the UE 104 may apply the parameter change. Again, the UE 104 may send a PUCCH 524 using the updated parameters after block 680. In some implementations, a parameter change ACK 770 may be sent using the PUCCH 524 after block 680.

[0086] In some embodiments, the parameter set may include one or more of the following: timing advance, PUCCH power, SRS power, downlink TCI state, and PUCCH spatial relationship. UE 104 and PSCell may maintain at least a parameter set for the PSCell so that the PSCell can receive PUCCH and provide parameter updates. The UE and PSCell may also maintain a parameter set for one or more SCells. When returning from SCG sleep, the parameter set for the SCell may allow for reduced latency. The following table shows which parameters may be updated during SCG sleep.

[0087] Table 1

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] As shown in Table 1, a set of parameters for a PSCell may be maintained based on PUCCH, SRS, and L1 measurement reports. For a SCell, the UE 104 may not send PUCCH or SRS, so only L1 measurement reports may be available, as described in relation to Figure 5 Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the DL TCI state can be maintained, the PUCCH spatial relationship can be maintained with beam correspondence, and the timing can be maintained if the SCell is located in the same TAG as the PSCell.

[0091] Several measures may provide power savings for maintaining parameter sets during SCG dormancy. Figure 7 As shown, the monitoring window 762 may be used to receive the PDCCH from the PSCell. In the case where the MAC-CE is used for parameter update, the PDSCH may also be sent within the monitoring window 762 to reduce the DL monitoring power.

[0092] A sleep special bandwidth part (BWP) may be used by the PSCell for UEs in SCG sleep. The sleep special BWP may be used for both DL and UL and may be different from the BWP used by the SCell. For example, the sleep special BWP part may have a smaller bandwidth (e.g., fewer resource blocks (RBs) or subcarriers) than the active BWP. The sleep special BWP may have a larger bandwidth than the sleep BWP of the SCell.

[0093] As shown in Table 1, SRS can be used to determine the timing and PUCCH spatial relationship of the PSCell. In some embodiments, SRS can be multiplexed with PUCCH transmission. For example, SRS can be interleaved with PUCCH in the frequency domain to reduce active transmission time. Frequency division, time division, code division, and space division multiplexing schemes can be used. Other parameters can be based on L1 measurements and PUCCH. In some embodiments, non-periodic L1 measurements can be configured, and periodic L1 measurements can be suspended, or the measurement reporting period 764 can be increased. Non-periodic measurements of PSCell or SCell can be triggered by PSCell.

[0094] For UEs in SCG sleep, the PSCell may operate with reduced functionality. For example, the PSCell may provide or schedule fewer channels than for connected mode UEs. As described above, in order to maintain parameter sets, the UE may send PUCCH and SRS. In some embodiments, the UE may not send uplink data channels such as PUSCH or associated uplink MAC-CE signaling. Table 2 shows various modes in which the PSCell may operate based on downlink parameter update signaling.

[0095] Table 2

[0096]

[0097] PSCell mode 1 can be used for Figure 6 Parameter update via MN as shown, or for Figure 8 Hybrid parameter update shown. Because parameter updates are signaled via the MN and associated channels, the PSCell may not need to send any UE-specific downlink channels. Instead, MAC-CE and DCI-based signals for updating parameter sets can be sent via the MN. For signaling via the SN, PSCell mode 2 or PSCell mode 3 can be used. In PSCell mode 2, the PSCell can send both PDCCH and PDSCH. Therefore, MAC-CE and DCI-based signaling from the PSCell can be used for parameter change message 760. In PSCell mode 3, the PSCell can only send PDCCH. PSCell mode 3 can reduce monitoring of UE 104. DCI-based signaling can be modified to include parameter changes for connected mode operation that are typically sent on MAC-CE. For example, a new DCI format or a new radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) can be used for SCG dormancy. Table 3 shows an example parameter change message.

[0098] Table 3

[0099]

[0100] The PSCell can estimate the timing by receiving PUCCH or SRS. The PSCell can update the timing due to the expiration of the TA timer, event-driven TA when the error exceeds the timing threshold, or periodic TA commands. For PSCell mode 1 and mode 2, the timing advance can be signaled via the timing advance MAC-CE. The timing advance MAC-CE may include a timing advance group (TAG) ID and a timing advance command. The SCG may have up to 4 TAG IDs. For SCells that share the same TAG ID as the PSCell, the timing of the SCell can be maintained based on the TA of the PSCell. During SCG dormancy, the TA of the SCell that does not share the TAG ID with the PSCell may not be maintained. For PSCell mode 1, the TA MAC-CE may be sent via the MN. For PSCell mode 1, the TA MAC-CE may be sent by the PSCell during the monitoring window 762. For PSCell mode 3, the modified DCI may include a TAG ID and a timing advance command.

[0101] The PSCell can determine the power control of PUCCH and SRS based on the corresponding received signal. Power control commands for PUCCH and SRS can be sent using DCI-based signaling. Specifically, the TPC PUCCH RNTI can be used to carry the power control command for PUCCH on DCI format 1_0, 1_1 or DCI format 2_2. For PSCell modes 1 and 2, the PUCCH power control parameter set can be sent to the UE via the PUCCH spatial relationship activation / deactivation MAC-CE PUCCH resource ID. For PSCell mode 3, the modified DCI may include a PUCCH power control parameter set. For SRS power control, the TPC SRS RNTI can be used to carry the power control command on DCI format 1_0, 1_1, 2_2 or 2_3. The SRS power control parameter set can be sent to the UE via the spatial relationship indicator (SRI) field of DCI format 0_1.

[0102] For DL ​​beamforming, the PSCell can determine the DL TCI state based on the L1 measurement report. For PSCell modes 1 and 2, a combination of MAC-CE and DCI signaling can be used to indicate the DL TCI state. The TCI state indication MAC-CE can activate a TCI state for the PDCCH. The TCI state activation / deactivation MAC-CE can activate one or more TCI states for the PDSCH. The TCI state can be identified by a TCI state ID. Typically, a TCI state indication MAC-CE is sent for a single cell. The TCI state indication MAC-CE can be extended to apply to multiple cells. For example, a TCI state change can be applicable to multiple SCells of an SCG. Therefore, the extended MAC CE can include an additional service cell ID. For PDSCH, DCI format 1_1 can indicate a specific activated TCI state. For PSCell mode 3, the modified DCI may include a TCI state ID field for the PDCCH.

[0103] For UL beamforming, the PSCell may determine the PUCCH spatial relationship based on L1 measurements for the case with beam correspondence, or derive the PUCCH spatial relationship from the SRS received from the UE. For PSCell modes 1 and 2, the PSCell may send a PUCCH spatial relationship activation / deactivation MAC-CE indicating the spatial relationship in the PUCCH resource ID field. For PSCell mode 3, the modified DCI may include a PUCCH resource ID field indicating the spatial relationship.

[0104] Fig. 9900 is a diagram illustrating an example parameter update for beamforming during SCG dormancy. At block 630, the UE 104 may enter the SCG dormancy state. The UE 104 may send a first PUCCH 524 to the PSCell 520, and in block 950, based on the L1 measurement, the SN 620 may select a beam for DL ​​beamforming, UL beamforming, or both. The SN 620 may send a parameter change message 960 directly to the UE 104 during a monitoring window 762. In some embodiments, the monitoring window 762 may be defined by a duration 962. The monitoring window 762 may repeat after a monitoring window period 964. In some embodiments, the monitoring window period 964 may be the same as the measurement reporting period 764. In some embodiments, the monitoring window 762 may start after a monitoring window offset 966 from the transmission of the PUCCH 524. In some embodiments, the monitoring window 762 may be configured to reduce power consumption. For example, the monitoring window 762 may include a PDCCH monitoring duration during which the UE 104 will monitor the PDCCH 524. The PDCCH monitoring duration may be periodic within the monitoring window 762. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may receive a message indicating one or more PDCCH candidates not to be monitored within the monitoring window 762 within the monitoring window 762. In some embodiments, the monitoring window 762 includes a discontinuous reception (DRX) on period and a DRX off period. The DRX on period and the DRX off period may be shorter than the duration 962, so that the monitoring window 762 may turn on and off one or more receive chain components during the monitoring window 762. The UE 104 may monitor downlink channels such as PDCCH and PDSCH only in the DRX on period. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may monitor the PDCCH during the wake-up signal monitoring window to obtain a wake-up signal. The UE 104 may enter a DRX on state in response to receiving a wake-up signal, or remain in a DRX off state if a wake-up signal is not received. The UE may enter the DRX off period after receiving the DCI without waiting for the deactivation timer.

[0105] As discussed, the parameter change message 960 may be a MAC-CE or a DCI. For DL ​​beamforming, the parameter change message 960 may include a TCI state ID. For UL beamforming, the parameter change message 960 may include an SRI. The UE 104 may monitor the PDCCH during the monitoring window 762 to obtain the parameter change message 960. At block 980, the UE 104 may apply the parameter change message 960 to update the TCI state or spatial relationship. For UL beamforming, the spatial relationship may affect the transmission of the parameter change ACK 962. In some embodiments, the UE 104 may send a parameter change ACK 962 using the new spatial relationship indicated by the parameter change message 960 after block 980. The UE 104 may also send a PUCCH 524 using the new spatial relationship.

[0106] Fig.10 1 is a diagram 1000 illustrating example communications and components of a base station 102 and a UE 104. The UE 104 can include a dormancy component 140. The base station 102 can include a dormancy control component 120.

[0107] As about Figure 1 As discussed, the dormant component 140 may include a state component 142, an SCG tracker 144, and a measurement component 146. The dormant component 140 may also include a receiver component 1070 and a transmitter component 1072. The receiver component 1070 may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving the signals described herein. The transmitter component 1072 may include, for example, an RF transmitter for transmitting the signals described herein. In some embodiments, the receiver component 1070 and the transmitter component 1072 may be co-located in a transceiver.

[0108] The sleep control component 120 may include a UE state component 122, a parameter set component 124, and a report receiving component 126. The sleep control component 120 may also include a receiver component 1050 and a transmitter component 1052. The receiver component 1050 may include, for example, an RF receiver for receiving the signals described herein. The transmitter component 1052 may include, for example, an RF transmitter for transmitting the signals described herein. In some embodiments, the receiver component 1050 and the transmitter component 1052 may be co-located in a transceiver.

[0109] The parameter set component 124 at the base station 102 and the SCG tracker 144 at the UE 104 can both maintain a parameter set for at least the PSCell. The parameter set can include one or more of the following: TCI state 1060, PUCCH TX power 1062, timing 1064, spatial relationship 1066, or SRS TX power 1068. The sleep control component 120 can determine whether any parameters in the parameter set should be updated. The sleep control component 120 can send a parameter change message 760 to update one or more parameters in the parameter set.

[0110] The sleep control component 120 may send a parameter change message 760 at the MAC layer or the PHY layer. For example, at the MAC layer, the sleep control component 120 may send a MAC control element (MAC-CE) 1010. The MAC-CE may be carried on a PDSCH resource. Thus, the parameter change message 760 may be a MAC-CE for PSCell mode 2, where the PSCell sends a PDSCH. The MAC-CE 1010 may include a timing advance MAC-CE 1012, a TCI state indication MAC-CE 1014, a TCI state activation MAC-CE 1016, or a spatial relationship activation MAC-CE 1018. The timing advance MAC-CE 1012 may include a TAG ID and a timing advance command. The timing advance MAC-CE 1012 may be extended to include multiple TAG IDs and corresponding timing advance commands. The TCI state indication MAC-CE 1014 or TCI state activation MAC-CE 1016 may be extended to indicate the TCI state of multiple serving cells, such as the PSCell 520 and one or more SCells 530. The spatial relation activation MAC-CE 1018 may include a PUCCH resource ID indicating the spatial relation of the PUCCH.

[0111] For PSCell mode 3, where the PSCell only sends PDCCH, the sleep control component 120 can send DCI 1020. DCI 1020 may include one or more of a TA command 1021, a TP set 1022, an SRS resource set 1023, a TCI state 1024, a spatial relationship 1025, or a TPC command 1026. Conventional DCI (such as DCI format 1_1) may specify a single cell ID. DCI 1020 may be extended to include parameters for one or more SCells. For example, DCI 1020 may include an additional field indicating whether TCI state 1024 or TPC command 1026 is applicable to other cells in the SCG. On the other hand, a new DCI format may be configured for a UE operating in an SCG sleep state, or different interpretations of the DCI format may be applied when the UE operates in an SCG sleep state. For example, DCI 1020 may be scrambled with a sleep RNTI, and when scrambled with a sleep RNTI, the fields of DCI 1020 may be parsed differently. In some implementations, DCI 1020 may be a two-stage DCI including a first stage indicating resources for a second stage including one or more parameters.

[0112] The dormant component 140 may send physical layer measurements 1030 at the PHY layer. The physical layer measurements 1030 may also be referred to as L1 measurements. The physical layer measurements 1030 may be carried on the PUCCH 524. The PUCCH 524 may carry uplink control information (UCI) including ACK / NACK, scheduling request (SR), or CSI 1032. The CSI 1032 may include periodic measurements of the SCG. The physical layer measurements 1030 may include reference signal received power (RSRP) 1034.

[0113] Fig.11 is a conceptual data flow diagram 1100 illustrating the data flow between different modules / components in an example base station 1102 , which can be an example of a base station 102 that includes a sleep control component 120 .

[0114] Receiver component 1050 can receive uplink signals from UE 104 including physical layer measurements 1030 and parameter change ACK 770. Receiver component 1050 can provide physical layer measurements 1030 to report receiving component 126. Receiver component 1050 can provide parameter change ACK 770 to parameter setting component 124.

[0115] Report receiving component 126 can receive physical layer measurements 1030 from receiver component 1050. Report receiving component 126 can extract measurements from physical layer measurements 1030. For example, report receiving component 126 can determine CSI 1032 based on UCI carried on PUCCH 524. Report receiving component 126 can determine RSRP 1034. Report receiving component 126 can provide UE measurements to parameter setting component 124.

[0116] Parameter set component 124 can receive UE measurements from report receiving component 126 and parameter change ACK 770 from receiver component 1050. Parameter set component 124 can determine whether to adjust uplink transmission parameters. For example, parameter set component 124 can determine whether to change TCI state or spatial relationship based on UE measurements. Parameter set component 124 can determine whether to adjust timing 1064 based on CSI 1032. Parameter set component 124 can determine whether to change TCI state 1060 based on CSI 1032 or SRS 1036. If parameter set component 124 changes any uplink parameters, parameter set component 124 can provide an uplink parameter set to UE state component 122.

[0117] The UE state component 122 can receive an uplink parameter set from the parameter set component 124. The UE state component 122 can receive a state change indication, such as indication 434 or indication 458, from the MN 410 via the backhaul. For example, the MN 410 can send an RRC message to the UE indicating that the UE should enter the SCG dormant state and send the state change indication to the PSCell. The UE state component 122 can determine that the UE 104 has entered the dormant state relative to the SCG based on the state change indication. The UE state component 122 can determine how to send the parameter change message 660, 760, or 960 based on the state of the UE. For example, when the UE 104 is in the SCG dormant state, the UE state component 120 can send the parameter change message 760 to the UE 104 via the transmitter component 1052 during the monitoring window 762. Alternatively, if UE 104 is configured with communication via MN 610 or hybrid communication, UE state component 122 can send parameter change message 660 to MN 610 via transmitter component 1052 when UE 104 is in SCG dormant state.

[0118] Fig.12 12 is a conceptual data flow diagram 1200 illustrating the data flow between different modules / components in an example UE 104 , which may be an example of UE 104 and includes a dormant component 140 .

[0119] Receiver component 1070 can receive parameter change message 660, 760, or 960 and CSI-RS from one or more base stations. Receiver component 1070 can provide parameter change message 660, 760, or 960 to SCG tracker 144. Receiver component 1070 can provide CSI-RS to measurement component 146.

[0120] State component 142 can cause UE 104 to enter an SCG dormant state with respect to the SCG. For example, state component 142 can receive an RRC command (e.g., indication 434) to enter the SCG dormant state from MN 610. State component 142 can provide an indication of the SCG dormant state to measurement component 146. For example, state component 142 can indicate a measurement reporting period 764 to be used during the SCG dormant state.

[0121] The SCG tracker 144 may receive the parameter change message 660, 760, or 960 from the receiver component 1070. The SCG tracker 144 may extract the uplink transmission parameter from the parameter change message 660, 760, or 960. For example, the SCG tracker 144 may determine the TCI state 1060 based on the TCI state indication MAC-CE 1014, the TCI state activation MAC-CE 1016, or the TCI state 1024. The SCG tracker 144 may determine the TX power PUCCH Tx power 1062 based on the TPC command 1026. The SCG tracker 144 may determine the timing 1064 based on the timing advance MAC-CE 1012 or the TA command 1021. The SCG tracker 144 may determine the spatial relationship 1066 based on the spatial relationship activation MAC-CE 1018 or the spatial relationship 1025. The SCG tracker 144 may determine the SRS Tx power 1068 based on the SRS resource set 1023. The SCG tracker 144 can provide the uplink parameters to the measurement component 146. The SCG tracker 144 can generate a parameter change ACK 670, 770, or 970 in response to the parameter change message 660, 760, or 960. In some implementations, the SCG tracker 144 can include the parameter change ACK 670, 770, or 970 in the physical layer measurement 1030 or the PUCCH 524.

[0122] Measurement component 146 can receive the CSI-RS from receiver component 1070 and can receive uplink parameters from SCG tracker 144. Measurement component 146 can measure the CSI-RS to determine physical layer measurements 1030, such as CSI 1032 and RSRP 1034. Measurement component 146 can determine to send physical layer measurements 1030 using the uplink parameters.

[0123] Fig.131 is a flow chart of an example method 1300 for monitoring cells of an SCG when a UE is operating in an SCG sleep state. The method 1300 may be performed by a UE (such as UE 104, which may include memory 360 and may be the entire UE 104 or a component of UE 104, such as sleep component 140, TX processor 368, RX processor 356, or controller / processor 359). The method 1300 may be performed by the sleep component 140 in communication with the sleep control component 120 of the base station 102.

[0124] At block 1310, the method 1300 may include entering a dormant state relative to an SCG having an SN of a primary serving cell (PSCell). In some embodiments, for example, the UE 104, the RX processor 356, or the controller / processor 359 may execute the dormant component 140 or the state component 142 to cause the UE 104 to enter a dormant state relative to the SCG 510 having the SN 620 of the PSCell 520. Thus, the UE 104, the RX processor 356, or the controller / processor 359 executing the dormant component 140 or the state component 142 may provide a means for entering a dormant state relative to the SCG having the SN of the PSCell.

[0125] At block 1320, method 1300 may include maintaining a set of parameters for the PSCell when the UE is in a dormant state relative to the SCG. In some embodiments, for example, the UE 104, the RX processor 356, or the controller / processor 359 may execute the dormant component 140 or the SCG tracker 144 to maintain a set of parameters for the PSCell 520 when the UE 104 is in a dormant state relative to the SCG 510.

[0126] In some implementations, at subblock 1330, block 1320 may include receiving a parameter change message. For example, the SCG tracker 144 may receive a parameter change message 662 from the MN 610 or a parameter change message 760 from the SN 620. For example, in subblock 1332, the SCG tracker 144 may receive a parameter change message 662 from the MN 610 including the MCG. As another example, in subblock 1334, the SCG tracker 144 may receive a parameter change message 760 or 960 from the PSCell 520 of the SN 620 during a monitoring window 762 after sending the physical layer measurements 1030 to the SN 620.

[0127] In some embodiments, at sub-box 1335, the SCG tracker 144 may monitor the PDCCH during the monitoring window 762. In some embodiments, the monitoring window 762 is configured with a period and a duration. The monitoring window may start after an offset from the transmission of the physical layer measurement report. In some embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the monitoring window includes: receiving a message indicating one or more PDCCH candidates not to be monitored within the monitoring window within the monitoring window. The monitoring window may include a PDCCH monitoring duration during which the UE will monitor the PDCCH. The PDCCH monitoring duration may have a period. In some embodiments, in the case where the monitoring window includes a DRX on period and a DRX off period, monitoring the PDCCH may include monitoring the PDCCH only in the DRX on period. In some embodiments, when a wake-up signal is received during the wake-up signal monitoring window, the UE 104 monitors the PDCCH, otherwise, the UE 104 remains in the DRX off state. In some embodiments, monitoring the PDCCH during the monitoring window includes entering the DRX off period after receiving the DCI without waiting for the deactivation timer. At sub-block 1336 , the SCG tracker 144 receives the DCI 1020 .

[0128] In some embodiments, at subblock 1337, the SCG tracker 144 may receive a PDSCH including a MAC-CE 1010 based on the DCI 1020. In some embodiments, the MAC-CE 1010 may indicate a parameter change. The MAC-CE may be one of the following: a timing advance MAC-CE 1012, a transmit power parameter set MAC-CE, a TCI state indication MAC-CE 1014, a TCI state activation / deactivation MAC-CE 1016, or a spatial relation activation / deactivation MAC-CE 1018. When the MAC-CE is a TCI state activation / deactivation MAC-CE 1016, the MAC-CE 1016 may indicate a TCI state for a plurality of cells of the SCG. The SCG tracker may receive a DCI 1020 indicating a selected TCI state for one or more of the plurality of cells of the SCG.

[0129] In some embodiments, the DCI 1020 may indicate a parameter change. The DCI 1020 may include one or more of the following: a timing advance command 1021, a TPC command 1026, a transmit power parameter set 1022, an SRS resource set 1023, a PDCCH TCI state 1024, a PDSCH TCI state, or a PUCCH spatial relationship 1025. In some embodiments, the DCI 1020 indicating a parameter change may be scrambled with an RNTI for SCG dormancy. In some embodiments, the DCI indicating a parameter change is a two-stage DCI including a first stage, the first stage indicating resources for a second stage including one or more parameters.

[0130] In some implementations, at sub-block 1340, block 1320 may include sending a parameter change confirmation. For example, at sub-block 1342, SCG tracker 144 may send a confirmation of DCI 1020 indicating a parameter change with subsequent physical layer measurements 1030.

[0131] Thus, in view of the foregoing, the UE 104, RX processor 356, or controller / processor 359 executing the dormant component 140 or SCG tracker 144 may provide means for maintaining a set of parameters for a PSCell while the UE is dormant with respect to the SCG.

[0132] At block 1350, the method 1300 may include sending physical layer measurements to the SN based on the parameter set. In some implementations, for example, the UE 104, the TX processor 368, or the controller / processor 359 may execute the sleep component 140 or the measurement component 146 to send the physical layer measurements 1030 to the SN based on the parameter set. For example, at subblock 1352, the measurement component 146 may send the PUCCH 524 to the PSCell 520. Thus, the UE 104, the TX processor 368, or the controller / processor 359 executing the sleep component 140 or the state component 142 may provide a means for sending physical layer measurements to the SN based on the parameter set.

[0133] In block 1360, method 1300 may include sending an SRS to a PSCell. In some embodiments, for example, UE 104, TX processor 368, or controller / processor 359 may execute sleep component 140 or transmitter component 1072 to send SRS 1036 to PSCell 520. SRS 1036 may be multiplexed with PUCCH 524. For example, SRS 1036 may be multiplexed with PUCCH 524 using one or more of the following: frequency division, time division, code division, or space division multiplexing schemes. In some embodiments, SRS 1036 and PUCCH 524 may be sent on a sleep special BWP of the PSCell. Therefore, UE 104, TX processor 368, or controller / processor 359 executing sleep component 140 or state component 142 may provide a unit for sending SRS to a PSCell.

[0134] Fig.14 1 is a flow chart of an example method 1400 for a base station to control a UE operating in an SCG sleep state. The method 1400 may be performed by a base station (such as a base station 102, which may include a memory 376 and may be the entire base station 102 or a component of the base station 102, such as a sleep control component 120, a TX processor 316, a RX processor 370, or a controller / processor 375). The method 1400 may be performed by a sleep control component 120 in communication with a sleep component 140 of a UE 104.

[0135] At block 1410, method 1400 may include determining that the UE has entered a dormant state relative to the SN. In some implementations, for example, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, or the TX processor 316 may execute the dormancy control component 120 or the UE state component 122 to determine that the UE 104 has entered a dormant state relative to the SN 620. The SN 620 may include the PSCell 520 and the SCG 510. Thus, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, or the TX processor 316 executing the dormancy control component 120 or the UE state component 122 may provide a means for determining that the UE has entered a dormant state relative to the SN.

[0136] At block 1420, method 1400 may include maintaining a set of parameters for the UE for at least the PSCell when the UE is in a dormant state relative to the SCG. In some embodiments, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, or TX processor 316 may execute dormancy control component 120 or parameter set component 124 to maintain a set of parameters for the UE for at least the PSCell 520 when the UE 104 is in a dormant state relative to the SCG. In some embodiments, at subblock 1422, block 1420 may include determining a parameter change based on one or more of a physical layer measurement, a PUCCH, or an SRS. For example, parameter set component 124 may determine a parameter change based on one or more of a physical layer measurement 1030, a PUCCH 524, or an SRS 1036.

[0137] In some embodiments, at subblock 1430, block 1420 may include, after receiving the physical layer measurement 1030, sending a parameter change message 760 from the PSCell during the monitoring window 762. For example, the parameter set component 124 may send the parameter change message 760 or 960. In some embodiments, at subblock 1432, the parameter set component 124 may send the DCI 1020 on the PDCCH during the monitoring window. In some embodiments, at subblock 1434, the parameter set component 124 may send a PDSCH including a MAC-CE based on the DCI.

[0138] In some implementations, at subblock 1440 , block 1420 may include receiving a parameter change confirmation. For example, at subblock 1442 , parameter collection component 124 may receive a confirmation of DCI 1020 indicating a parameter change with subsequent physical layer measurements 1030 .

[0139] Thus, in view of the foregoing, the base station 102, controller / processor 375, or TX processor 316 executing the sleep control component 120 or parameter set component 124 may provide: a unit for maintaining a parameter set for the UE for the PSCell when the UE is in a sleep state relative to the SCG.

[0140] At box 1450, method 1400 may optionally include: triggering non-periodic measurement of one or more SCells of the SCG. In some embodiments, for example, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, or the TX processor 316 may execute the sleep control component 120 or the transmitter component 1052 to trigger the non-periodic measurement of one or more SCells of the SCG. For example, the sleep control component 120 may trigger the non-periodic measurement before the SCG sleep ends. For example, the sleep control component 120 may trigger the non-periodic measurement in response to the SCG activation request 454. Therefore, the base station 102, the controller / processor 375, or the TX processor 316 that executes the sleep control component 120 or the transmitter component 1052 may provide a unit for triggering non-periodic measurement.

[0141] At block 1460, method 1400 may include receiving physical layer measurements from the UE based on the parameter set. In some implementations, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, or RX processor 370 may execute sleep control component 120 or report receiving component 126 to receive physical layer measurements from the UE based on the parameter set. For example, at subblock 1462, report receiving component 126 may receive PUCCH 524 from UE 104. Thus, base station 102, controller / processor 375, or RX processor 370 executing sleep control component 120 or report receiving component 126 may provide a means for receiving physical layer measurements from the UE based on the parameter set.

[0142] At block 1470, method 1400 may optionally include receiving an SRS from a UE. In some implementations, for example, base station 102, controller / processor 375, or RX processor 370 may execute sleep control component 120 or receiver component 1050 to receive SRS 1036 from UE 104. Thus, base station 102, controller / processor 375, or RX processor 370 executing sleep control component 120 or receiver component 1050 may provide means for receiving an SRS from a UE.

[0143] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc.

[0144] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described with respect to functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0145] The hardware and data processing apparatus for implementing the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed with a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, a particular process and method may be performed by a circuit specific to a given function.

[0146] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or any combination thereof. The embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of a data processing apparatus.

[0147] If implemented in software, the function can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or transmitted through a computer-readable medium. The process of the method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor executable software module that can reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not a limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection can be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. As used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and blue-ray disks, wherein disks usually reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine-readable medium and a computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0148] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0149] In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for convenience in describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on appropriately oriented pages and may not reflect the proper orientation of any device implemented.

[0150] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination. In addition, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be deleted from the combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variations of a subcombination.

[0151] Similarly, although operations are shown in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring these operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence, or performing all the operations shown, in order to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings may schematically illustrate one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations not shown may be incorporated into the schematically illustrated example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated in multiple software products. In addition, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions recorded in the claims may be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired results.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: A secondary cell group (SCG) with respect to a secondary node (SN) having a primary serving cell (PSCell) enters a dormant state; When in the dormant state relative to the SCG, maintaining a set of parameters associated with the PSCell; sending physical layer measurements to the SN based on the set of parameters; and Receive parameter change messages.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending the physical layer measurement to the SN includes: sending a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the PSCell.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: A sounding reference signal (SRS) is sent to the PSCell, wherein the SRS is multiplexed with the PUCCH.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Transmitting the PUCCH and the SRS includes transmitting the PUCCH and the SRS on a dormant special bandwidth part (BWP) for the PSCell.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When the SCG is dormant for the UE, maintaining the parameter set associated with the PSCell includes: receiving the parameter change message from a master node (MN) comprising a master cell group (MCG); and A parameter change confirmation is sent to the MN.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When the SCG is dormant for the UE, maintaining the parameter set associated with the PSCell includes: receiving the parameter change message from the PSCell of the SN during a monitoring window after sending the physical layer measurements to the SN; and A parameter change confirmation is sent to the SN.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Receiving the parameter change message from the PSCell includes: monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the monitoring window; and Downlink control information (DCI) is received.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Receiving the parameter change message from the PSCell also includes: based on the DCI, receiving a physical downlink shared channel including a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), the MAC-CE being one of the following: a timing advance MAC-CE, a transmit power parameter set MAC-CE, a PDCCH TCI status indication MAC-CE, a PDSCH TCI status activation / deactivation MAC-CE, or a PUCCH spatial relationship activation / deactivation MAC-CE.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The monitoring window is configured with a period and a duration, and the monitoring window starts after measuring a transmission offset from the physical layer to the SN.

10. A user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one transceiver; a memory configured to store instructions; as well as at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions for: A secondary cell group (SCG) with respect to a secondary node (SN) having a primary serving cell (PSCell) enters a dormant state; When the UE is in the dormant state relative to the SCG, maintaining a set of parameters associated with the PSCell; sending, via the at least one transceiver, physical layer measurements for transmission to the SN based on the set of parameters; as well as A parameter change message is received via the at least one transceiver.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to the PSCell.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one transceiver is configured to transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS) to the PSCell, wherein the SRS is multiplexed with the PUCCH.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one transceiver is configured to transmit the PUCCH and the SRS on a dormant special bandwidth part (BWP) for the PSCell.

14. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: To maintain the set of parameters associated with the PSCell when the SCG is dormant for the UE, the at least one processor is configured to: receiving, via the at least one transceiver, the parameter change message from a master node (MN) comprising a master cell group (MCG); and A parameter change confirmation is sent to the MN via the at least one transceiver.

15. The UE according to claim 10, wherein: To maintain the set of parameters associated with the PSCell when the SCG is dormant for the UE, the at least one processor is configured to: receiving, via the at least one transceiver, the parameter change message from the PSCell of the SN during a monitoring window after sending the physical layer measurements to the SN; as well as A parameter change confirmation is sent to the SN via the at least one transceiver.

16. The UE according to claim 15, wherein: In order to receive the parameter change message from the PSCell, the at least one processor is configured to: monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the monitoring window; as well as Downlink control information (DCI) is received via the at least one transceiver.

17. The UE according to claim 16, wherein: In order to receive the parameter change message from the PSCell, the at least one processor is further configured to: Based on the DCI, a physical downlink shared channel including a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) is received via the at least one transceiver, the MAC-CE being one of the following: a timing advance MAC-CE, a transmit power parameter set MAC-CE, a PDCCH TCI state indication MAC-CE, a PDSCH TCI state activation / deactivation MAC-CE, or a PUCCH spatial relationship activation / deactivation MAC-CE.

18. The UE according to claim 15, wherein: The monitoring window is configured with a period and a duration, and the monitoring window starts after measuring a transmission offset from the physical layer to the SN.

19. An apparatus for a primary serving cell (PSCell) associated with a secondary cell group (SCG), comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; as well as at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions for: receiving an indication that the UE has entered a dormant state with respect to a secondary node (SN), wherein the SN includes the PSCell and the SCG; When the UE is in the dormant state relative to the SCG, maintaining a set of parameters associated with the UE for at least the PSCell; receiving physical layer measurements from the UE based on the set of parameters; as well as Output parameter changed message.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The at least one processor is configured to receive a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) including the physical layer measurements from the UE.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The at least one processor is configured to receive a sounding reference signal (SRS) from the UE, wherein the SRS is multiplexed with the PUCCH.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein The at least one processor is configured to receive the PUCCH and the SRS on a sleep special bandwidth part (BWP) for the PSCell.

23. The device according to claim 21, wherein In order to maintain the set of parameters associated with the PSCell when the UE is in the dormant state relative to the SCG, the at least one processor is configured to: Changing a parameter of the parameter set based on one or more of the physical layer measurement, the PUCCH, or the SRS; After receiving the physical layer measurement, outputting the parameter change message from the PSCell during a monitoring window; as well as Obtaining a parameter change confirmation from the UE.

24. The device according to claim 19, wherein The at least one processor is configured to: Triggering aperiodic measurement of one or more secondary cells (SCells) of the SCG, wherein the physical layer measurement includes physical layer measurement of the one or more SCells.

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