Wireless communication method and user equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wireless communication method and a user equipment (UE) to facilitate successful activation of an unknown target PUCCH SCell. In one embodiment, the method can include receiving, by a UE from a network node, a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCH SCell; and transmitting, by the UE to the network node, an L1 report or an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via an uplink channel on a SpCell or another SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to a method of activating an unknown Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) secondary cell (SCell). BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication networks have grown exponentially over the years. Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems provide high peak data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating cost due to simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also referred to as 4G systems, also provide seamless integration with old wireless networks, such as GSM, CDMA, and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). In LTE systems, the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) includes multiple evolved Node-Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) that communicate with multiple mobile stations referred to as user equipment (UE). Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks typically include a mix of 2G / 3G / 4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) board has decided to focus future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for the 5G New Radio (NR) system.

[0003] In legacy 5G technology, a network node can send an activation command for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) secondary cell (SCell) to a UE. However, the PUCCH SCell can be an unknown PUCCH SCell defined in 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.133. The PUCCH SCell is unknown if one of the following conditions is met: (1) the UE has not sent a valid measurement report for the PUCCH SCell being activated before receiving the SCell activation command. (2) The measured synchronization signal / PBCH block (SSB) cannot remain detectable before the UE receives the SCell activation command. (3) The measured SSB cannot remain detectable during the SCell activation. The detectable in the above conditions can refer to clause 9 in TS 38.133. For an unknown PUCCH SCell with a valid timing advance (TA) or an invalid TA, the measurement report can not be successfully transmitted to the network on the activated PUCCH SCell. In this case, the network cannot indicate to the UE the instructions for activation, such as downlink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, uplink spatial relation indication, channel state information (CSI) report configuration for physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission, and physical downlink control channel order (PDCCH Order). Ultimately, the activation of the unknown PUCCH SCell fails.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to explore how to successfully activate an unknown PUCCH SCell with a valid TA or an invalid TA. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a wireless communication method and a user equipment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of wireless communication, which can include receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCH SCell from a network node; and transmitting, by the UE, an L1 report or an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to the network node over an uplink channel on a SpCell or other SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE), which can include a receiver configured to receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCH SCell from a network node; and a transmitter configured to transmit an L1 report or an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to the network node over an uplink channel on a SpCell or other SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated.

[0008] In summary, in the present disclosure, an L1 report or an L3 report for an unknown target PUCCH SCell is transmitted to a network node over an uplink channel on a SpCell or other SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, which will help the unknown target PUCCH SCell to be successfully activated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a network node and a user equipment (UE) that perform certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell with valid TA according to a novel aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell with invalid TA according to a novel aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell according to a novel aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." "Substantially" or "approximately" means that, within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and substantially achieve the technical effect. Furthermore, the terms "coupled" or "coupled" herein include any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device through other devices or connection means.

[0014] The following description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is best determined by referring to the appended claims.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram of a network node and user equipment (UE) implementing certain embodiments of the present invention. Network node 101 may be a base station (BS) or gNB, but the invention is not limited thereto. UE 102 may be a smartphone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, tablet computer, etc. Alternatively, UE 102 may be a notebook computer (NB) or personal computer (PC) with a data card inserted or installed, the data card including a modem and radio frequency transceiver to provide wireless communication capabilities.

[0016] Network node 101 includes an antenna array 111 comprising multiple antenna components for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and one or more RF transceivers 112 coupled to the antenna array 111. The RF transceivers receive RF signals from the antenna array 111, convert them into baseband signals, and transmit them to a processor 113. The RF transceivers 112 also convert baseband signals received from the processor 113 into RF signals and transmit them back to the antenna array 111. The processor 113 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits 120 to perform functions within network node 101. A memory 114 stores program instructions and data 115 to control the operation of network node 101. Network node 101 also includes multiple functional modules for performing different tasks according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Similarly, UE 102 has an antenna array 131 for transmitting and receiving radio signals. An RF transceiver 132, coupled to the antenna, receives RF signals from the antenna array 131, converts them into baseband signals, and sends them to the processor 133. The RF transceiver 132 also converts baseband signals received from the processor 133 into RF signals and sends them back to the antenna array 131. The processor 133 processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules and circuits 140 to perform functions in UE 102. Memory 134 stores program instructions and data 135 to control the operation of UE 102. UE 102 also includes multiple functional modules that perform different tasks according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Functional modules and circuits 120 and 140 can be implemented and configured by hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. When executed by processors 113 and 133 (e.g., by executing program code 115 and 135), functional modules and circuits 120 and 140 allow network node 101 and UE 102 to execute embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, network node 101 may include allocation circuitry 121 and configuration circuitry 122. Allocation circuitry 121 may generate a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) secondary cell (SCell) activation command for a target PUCCH SCell. Configuration circuitry 122 may send the PUCCH SCell activation command to UE 102.

[0020] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, UE 102 may include measurement circuitry 141 and reporting circuitry 142. Measurement circuitry 141 may perform measurements based on configuration information from network node 101 or other network nodes. Reporting circuitry 142 may send a Layer 1 (L1) report or a Layer 3 (L3) report for an unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 based on the measurement results of measurement circuitry 141 for that unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0021] According to a novel aspect of the present invention, when UE 102 receives a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via an uplink channel on a special cell (SpCell) or an uplink channel on another SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated. Then, before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, network node 101 may, based on the L1 report or L3 report, indicate at least one of the following instructions: downlink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) status, uplink spatial relation indication, channel state information (CSI) resource allocation, CSI report configuration for Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission, and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) command. SpCell can include at least one of Primary Cell (PCell) and Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell). Unknown target PUCCH SCell can be located in frequency range 1 (FR1) or frequency range 2 (FR2).

[0022] According to a novel aspect of the invention, the unknown target PUCCH SCell may belong to a PUCCH group (e.g., an auxiliary PUCCH group). L1 or L3 reports can be transmitted via an active serving cell in a PUCCH group other than the one associated with the unknown target PUCCH SCell. In one example, if the unknown target PUCCH SCell belongs to a PUCCH group, UE 102 can transmit an L1 or L3 report for that unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via an uplink channel on a specific cell (SpCell) or an uplink channel on a SCell of another PUCCH group before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated. That is, UE 102 has the capability to transmit reports (e.g., CSI reports, L1 reports, or L3 reports) across PUCCH groups.

[0023] The uplink channel may include at least one of a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or a PUCCH. In one example, UE 102 may send an L1 report for an unknown target PUCCH SCell via a PUCCH on the SpCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated. In another example, UE 102 may send an L1 report for an unknown target PUCCH SCell via a PUSCH on the SpCell or a PUSCH on another SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated. In yet another example, UE 102 may send an L3 report for an unknown target PUCCH SCell via a PUSCH on the SpCell or a PUSCH on another SCell before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated.

[0024] In one example, an L1 report may include an L1-Reference Signal Received Power (L1-RSRP) measurement, an L1-Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (L1-SINR) measurement, a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), a Rank Indicator (RI), or a Channel-State-Information Reference-Signal (CSI-RS) Resource Indicator (CRI). L1 reports can be aperiodic or semi-persistent.

[0025] In one example, an L3 report may include an L3-RSRP measurement report or a Synchronization-Signal Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SS-SINR) measurement report.

[0026] An unknown target PUCCH SCell can be associated with either a valid TA or an invalid TA. In one example, when an unknown target PUCCH SCell is associated with an invalid TA, after UE 102 sends an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell, UE 102 can receive a PDCCH command from network node 101. Then, UE 102 can send information related to the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission to another network node associated with the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0027] In one embodiment, the unknown target PUCCH SCell is associated with a valid TA and belongs to FR1. When UE 102 receives a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 in slot n, no later than The time slot activates the unknown target PUCCH SCell. T HARQ T represents the time between downlink (DL) data transmission and acknowledgment. CSI_Reporting This delay includes the uncertainty of acquiring the first viable downlink CSI reference signal. activation_time The activation time is for the unknown target PUCCH SCell. In this embodiment, additional conditions are met.

[0028] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L1 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUCCH on SpCell or PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0029] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0030] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0031] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +TL1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ).

[0032] Where ms represents milliseconds, T FirstSSB_MAX The timing configuration in the time slot is indicated by the Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block (SSB) Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC). This continues until the first complete synchronization signal / PBCH block (SSB) burst ends. SMTC_MAX It refers to the longer SMTC period between the activated SCell and the activated serving cell in the case of intra-band SCell activation (or inter-band SCell activation). rs It is the SMTC cycle or T of the activated SCell. rs Set to 5ms. L1-RSRP，measure This is the L1-RSRP measurement delay. T L1-RSRP，report This is a delay in obtaining CSI report resources. uncertainty_MAC It is the time period from the first valid L1-RSRP report until the UE receives the last activation command among the activation commands for PDCCH TCI, PDSCHTCI, and UL spatial relationships. FineTiming It is the time period from when the UE completes processing the last activation command in the activation commands for PDCCH TCI and PDSCH TCI until the time of the first fully available SSB corresponding to the TCI (PDCCH TCI or PDSCH TCI) state. uncertainty_SP It is the time period from the first valid L1-RSRP report until the activation command for activating the semi-persistent CSI-RS resource set used to perform CQI reporting is received. uncertainty_RRC This is the time period from the first valid L1-RSRP report until the receipt of the RRC configuration message, which is for the TCI of the periodic CSI-RS used to perform CQI reporting. RRC_delay This is the delay in the RRC process. Details of the above parameters are defined in 3GPP TS 38.133, 3GPP TS 38.213 and TS38.331.

[0033] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0034] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L3-RSRP +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0035] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0036] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L3-RSRP +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ), where T L3-RSRP For T as defined in Section 9.2 of 3GPP TS 38.133 identify intra without index or T identify intra with index .

[0037] In another embodiment, the unknown target PUCCH SCell is associated with an invalid TA and belongs to FR1. When UE 102 receives a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 in slot n, no later than The time slot activates the unknown target PUCCHSCell. T HARQ T represents the time between downlink (DL) data transmission and acknowledgment. CSI_Reporting This delay includes the uncertainty of acquiring the first viable downlink CSI reference signal. activation_timeT1 is the activation time of the unknown target PUCCH SCell. T2 is the delay uncertainty in acquiring the first available PRACH opportunity in the PUCCH SCell. T2 is the delay for acquiring a valid TA command, which is for the secondary timing-advance group (sTAG) to which the SCell configured with the PUCCH belongs. T3 is the delay for applying the received TA to the uplink transmission. In this embodiment, additional conditions are met.

[0038] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L1 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUCCH on SpCell or PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0039] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAx +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0040] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0041] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ).

[0042] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0043] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +TSMTC_MAX +T rs +T L3-RSRP +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0044] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0045] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +T SMTC_MAX +T rs +T L3-RSRP +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ), where T L3-RSRP For T as defined in Section 9.2 of 3GPP TS 38.133 identify intra without index or T identify intra with index .

[0046] In another embodiment, the unknown target PUCCH SCell is associated with a valid TA and belongs to FR2. When UE 102 receives a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 in slot n, no later than The time slot activates the unknown target PUCCH SCell. T HARQ T represents the time between downlink (DL) data transmission and acknowledgment. CSI_Reporting This delay includes the uncertainty of acquiring the first viable downlink CSI reference signal. activation_time The activation time is for the unknown target PUCCH SCell. In this embodiment, additional conditions are met.

[0047] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L1 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUCCH on SpCell or PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0048] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +TL1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0049] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0050] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ).

[0051] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0052] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L3-RSRP +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0053] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0054] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L3-RSRP +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ), where T L3-RSRP For T as defined in Section 9.2 of 3GPP TS 38.133 identify intra without index or T identify intra with index.

[0055] In another embodiment, the unknown target PUCCH SCell is associated with an invalid TA and belongs to FR2. When UE 102 receives a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 in slot n, no later than The time slot activates the unknown target PUCCHSCell. T HARQ T represents the time between downlink (DL) data transmission and acknowledgment. CSI_Reporting This delay includes the uncertainty of acquiring the first viable downlink CSI reference signal. activation_time T1 is the activation time of the unknown target PUCCH SCell. T2 is the delay uncertainty in acquiring the first available PRACH opportunity in the PUCCH SCell. T2 is the delay for acquiring a valid TA command, which is for the secondary timing-advance group (sTAG) to which the SCell configured with the PUCCH belongs. T3 is the delay for applying the received TA to the uplink transmission. In this embodiment, additional conditions are met.

[0056] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L1 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUCCH on SpCell or PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0057] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0058] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0059] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L1-RSRP，measure +T L1-RSRP，report+max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ).

[0060] In this embodiment, if UE 102 sends an L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell via PUSCH on SpCell / other SCells before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, when performing CSI reporting using semi-persistent CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0061] 6ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L3-RSRP +T HARQ +max(T uncertainty_MAC +T FineTiming +2ms, T uncertainty_SP ),

[0062] Alternatively, when performing CSI reporting using periodic CSI-RS, T activation_time It can be defined as follows:

[0063] 3ms+T FirstSSB_MAX +15*T SMTC_MAX +8*T rs +T L3-RSRP +max(T HARQ +T uncertainty_MAC +5ms+T FineTiming T uncertainty_RRC +T RRC_delay ), where T L3-RSRP For T as defined in Section 9.2 of 3GPP TS 38.133 identify intra without index or T identify intra with index .

[0064] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell with a valid TA, according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In this invention, the unknown PUCCH SCell belongs to the auxiliary PUCCH group.

[0065] In step 201, UE 102 can receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCHSCell from network node 101 via the primary cell (PCell).

[0066] In step 202, UE 102 may perform Medium-Access Control-Element (MAC CE) parsing and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) check.

[0067] In step 203, UE 102 may send an ACK / NACK message to network node 101.

[0068] In step 204, the network node 103 associated with the unknown target PUCCH SCell can send a measurement reference signal (RS) for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to the UE 102.

[0069] In step 205, UE 102 may perform measurements based on the measurement reference signal to generate an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0070] In step 206, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101. For example, as described above, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the primary cell (PCell). In other embodiments, in step 201, UE 102 may also receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 via the primary / secondary cell (PSCell), thereby in step 206, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the primary / secondary cell (PSCell). Furthermore, in other embodiments, in step 201, UE 102 may also receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 via an active SCell located in a different auxiliary PUCCH group than the unknown target PUCCH SCell. Therefore, in step 206, UE 102 can send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the active SCell located in a different auxiliary PUCCH group than the unknown target PUCCH SCell. The primary cell (PCell) and primary / secondary cell (PSCell) are examples of SpCells. The uplink channel may include at least one of PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0071] In step 207, network node 101 may send the downlink (DL) Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) status and uplink (UL) spatial relationship indicator to UE 102 based on the L1 or L3 report of the unknown target PUCCH SCell. From steps 204 to 207, the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, but it is not yet fully activated (i.e., steps 204 to 207 are the relevant procedures before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated).

[0072] In step 208, the activation of the unknown target PUCCH SCell is completed (i.e., it is activated), and UE 102 can send the L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 103 through the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell with an invalid TA, according to a novel aspect of the present invention. In this invention, the unknown PUCCH SCell belongs to an auxiliary PUCCH group.

[0074] In step 301, UE 102 can receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for an unknown target PUCCHSCell from network node 101 via the primary cell (PCell).

[0075] In step 302, UE 102 may perform Medium-Access Control-Element (MAC CE) parsing and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) check.

[0076] In step 303, UE 102 may send an ACK / NACK message to network node 101.

[0077] In step 304, the network node 103 associated with the unknown target PUCCH SCell can send a measurement reference signal (RS) for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to the UE 102.

[0078] In step 305, UE 102 may perform measurements based on the measurement reference signal to generate an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0079] In step 306, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101. For example, as described above, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the primary cell (PCell). In other embodiments, in step 301, UE 102 may also receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 via the primary / secondary cell (PSCell), thereby in step 306, UE 102 may send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the primary / secondary cell (PSCell). Furthermore, in other embodiments, in step 301, UE 102 may also receive a PUCCH SCell activation command for the unknown target PUCCH SCell from network node 101 via an active SCell located in a different auxiliary PUCCH group than the unknown target PUCCH SCell. Therefore, in step 306, UE 102 can send an L1 report or L3 report for the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 101 via the uplink channel on the active SCell located in a different auxiliary PUCCH group than the unknown target PUCCH SCell. The primary cell (PCell) and primary / secondary cell (PSCell) are examples of SpCells. The uplink channel may include at least one of PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0080] In step 307, network node 101 may send the downlink (DL) transmission configuration indicator (TCI) status and uplink (UL) spatial relationship indicator to UE 102 based on the L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0081] In step 308, network node 101 can generate downlink control information (DCI) for transmission on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH).

[0082] In step 309, network node 101 may send a PDCCH command to UE 102.

[0083] In step 310, UE 102 may send information related to PRACH transmission to network node 103 related to the unknown target PUCCH SCell. From step 304 to step 310 is the activation process for the unknown target PUCCH SCell, before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is fully activated (that is, steps 304 to step 310 are the relevant processes before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated).

[0084] In step 311, the activation of the unknown target PUCCH SCell is completed (i.e., it is activated), and UE 102 can send the L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target PUCCH SCell to network node 103 through the unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a PUCCH SCell activation method for an unknown PUCCH SCell according to a novel aspect of the present invention.

[0086] In step 401, the UE receives a PUCCH SCell activation command from the network node for an unknown target PUCCH SCell.

[0087] In step 402, before the unknown target PUCCH SCell is activated, the UE sends an L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target PUCCH SCell to the network node through the uplink channel on the SpCell or other SCells.

[0088] In the activation method for an unknown target PUCCH SCell, the uplink channel may include at least one of PUSCH and PUCCH.

[0089] While the invention has been described by way of example and according to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (which will be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, include: The user equipment receives a Physical Uplink Control Channel Assisted Cell Activation Command from a network node for an unknown target Physical Uplink Control Channel Assisted Cell; and Before the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is activated, the user equipment sends an L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell to the network node through the uplink channel on other auxiliary cells. Specifically, the user equipment sends an L1 or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell to the network node via the uplink channel on other auxiliary cells, including: The user equipment sends an L1 or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell to the network node via the uplink channel on the auxiliary cell in a physical uplink control channel group other than the physical uplink control channel group associated with the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The uplink channel includes at least one of the physical uplink shared channel and the physical uplink control channel.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The unknown target's physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is related to effective timing advance or invalid timing advance.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the case of an unknown target physical uplink control channel-assisted cell being associated with an invalid timing advance, the method further includes: The user equipment receives physical downlink control channel commands from the network node; and The user equipment transmits information related to the physical random access channel transmission to another network node associated with the physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell of the unknown target.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is located in frequency band 1 or frequency band 2.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The L1 report includes L1 reference signal received power measurement, L1 signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio measurement, channel quality indicator, precoding matrix indicator, rank indicator, or channel state information reference signal resource indicator.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The L1 report includes non-periodic L1 reports or semi-persistent L1 reports.

8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The L3 report includes an L3 reference signal received power measurement report or a synchronization signal interference-to-noise ratio measurement report.

9. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The activation time of the unknown target's physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell includes the L3 reference signal received power delay.

10. A user equipment, characterized in that, include: The receiver is used to receive from the network node a Physical Uplink Control Channel Auxiliary Cell Activation Command for an unknown target Physical Uplink Control Channel Auxiliary Cell; The transmitter is used to send an L1 report or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell to the network node via the uplink channel on other auxiliary cells before the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is activated. Specifically, when sending the L1 or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell to the network node through the uplink channel on other auxiliary cells, the L1 or L3 report of the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is sent to the network node through the uplink channel on an auxiliary cell in a physical uplink control channel group other than the physical uplink control channel group associated with the unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell.

11. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The uplink channel includes at least one of the physical uplink shared channel and the physical uplink control channel.

12. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The unknown target's physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is related to effective timing advance or invalid timing advance.

13. The user equipment as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, In the case of an unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell being associated with an invalid timing advance, the receiver receives physical downlink control channel commands from the network node; and The transmitter sends information related to the physical random access channel transmission to another network node associated with the physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell of the unknown target.

14. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The unknown target physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell is located in frequency band 1 or frequency band 2.

15. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The L1 report includes L1 reference signal received power measurement, L1 signal interference-to-noise ratio measurement, channel quality indicator or channel state information reference signal resource indicator.

16. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The L1 report includes non-periodic L1 reports or semi-persistent L1 reports.

17. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The L3 report includes an L3 reference signal received power measurement report or a synchronization signal interference-to-noise ratio measurement report.

18. The user equipment as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The activation time of the unknown target's physical uplink control channel auxiliary cell includes the L3 reference signal received power delay.

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