Wireless device digital beamforming capability indication

Abstract

Embodiment methods for managing communications between a wireless device and a base station can include transmitting, by the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming to the base station in a random access channel (RACH) message. Embodiment methods can include receiving, by the base station, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming from the wireless device in a random access channel (RACH) message, generating a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in the RACH message, and multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 078,775, filed on September 15, 2020, entitled “Wireless Device Digital Beamforming Capability Indication,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 467,641, filed on September 7, 2021, entitled “Wireless Device Digital Beamforming Capability Indication,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Long Term Evolution (LTE), Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), and other recently developed communication technologies allow wireless devices to communicate information at data rates that are several orders of magnitude higher (e.g., in terms of gigabits per second, etc.) than were available just a few years ago. New technologies that allow for increased data rates include the use of higher frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) bands) and the use of beamforming antennas. Millimeter wave bands are susceptible to rapid channel variations and suffer from free space path loss and atmospheric absorption. To address these challenges, NR base stations and wireless devices can employ highly directional antennas (i.e., beamforming antennas) to achieve sufficient link budget for wireless devices in a wide area network. Such highly directional antennas require precise alignment of the transmitter beam and the receiver beam, for example, using beam management operations. However, beam management operations may increase the delay in establishing a communication link and may affect control layer processes, such as initial access, handover, and beam tracking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects include systems and methods for managing communications with a base station performed by a processor of a wireless device. Various aspects can include establishing a communication link with a base station and transmitting, to the base station in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming. In some aspects, the wireless device can transmit, to the base station in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming. Some aspects can further include receiving, from the base station via a mmWave using digital beamforming, a RACH message. In some aspects, receiving, from the base station via a mmWave using digital beamforming, a RACH message can include receiving, from the base station using digital beamforming, a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg 4 RACH response. In some aspects, receiving, from the base station via a mmWave using digital beamforming, a RACH message can include receiving the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the base station. In some aspects, transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming can include transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4. In some aspects, transmitting, to the base station in a RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming can include transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to an analog beamforming failure.

[0005] Some aspects can further include transmitting, to the base station, an indication of a subset of base station beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device and receiving, from the base station via digital beamforming, a RACH response in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams transmitted to the base station.

[0006] Various aspects include systems and methods, performed by a processor of a base station, for managing communications with a wireless device. Various aspects can include receiving, in a random access channel (RACH) message from the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming, generating a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, and multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device. In some aspects, receiving, in the RACH message from the wireless device, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming can include receiving the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message. In some aspects, receiving, in the RACH message from the wireless device, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming can include receiving, in the RACH message from the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in one of a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

[0007] Some aspects can further include receiving, from the wireless device, an indication of a subset of base station beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device, where multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response transmitted to the second wireless device can include multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response transmitted to the second wireless device on beams within the indicated subset of base station beams in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams from the wireless device.

[0008] Other aspects can include a wireless device or a base station having a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to perform one or more operations of any of the methods summarized above. Other aspects can include a processing apparatus for use in a wireless device or a base station configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations of any of the methods summarized above. Other aspects can include a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a wireless device or a base station to perform operations of any of the methods summarized above. Other aspects include a wireless device having means for performing the functionality of any of the methods summarized above. Other aspects include a system on chip for use in a wireless device or a base station including a processor configured to perform one or more operations of any of the methods summarized above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a system block diagram illustrating an exemplary communications system suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 is a component block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing and wireless modem system suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3 is a component block diagram illustrating a software architecture including a radio protocol stack for the user and control planes in wireless communication suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4A is a component block diagram illustrating a millimeter wave receiver suitable for use in connection with the various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 4B is a component block diagram illustrating a millimeter wave transmitter suitable for use in connection with the various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for managing communications with a base station performed by a processor of a wireless device.

[0015] Figure 5B is a message flow diagram illustrating a method for managing communications with a base station.

[0016] Figures 5C-5G illustrates operations that can be performed as part of a method for managing communications with a base station.

[0017] Figure 6A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for managing communications with a wireless device performed by a processor of a base station.

[0018] Figure 6B illustrates operations that can be performed as part of a method for managing communications with a base station.

[0019] Figure 7 is a component block diagram of a network computing device suitable for use in connection with the various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 8 is a component block diagram of a wireless device suitable for use in connection with the various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various specific details of particular examples and implementations shown in the figures is intended to illustrate the application. However, the application is intended to be limited in scope only by the claims.

[0022] Various embodiments include systems and methods for managing communications between a wireless device and a base station. In various embodiments, a wireless device including digital beamforming capabilities can be configured to transmit, to a base station in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming. In various embodiments, the base station can receive the indication from the wireless device and can generate a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the base station can multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device.

[0023] The term "wireless device" is used herein to refer to any one or all of the following options: a wireless router device, a wireless appliance, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a portable computing device, a personal or mobile multimedia player, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a palm-top computer, a wireless electronic mail receiver, an Internet-enabled multimedia cellular telephone, a medical device and equipment, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device including a smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, smart wrist bands, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring and a smart bracelet), an entertainment device (e.g., a wireless game controller, a music and video player, a satellite radio, etc.), an Internet of Things (IoT) device supporting wireless networking including a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, large and small machinery and appliances for home or enterprise use, a wireless communication element inside an autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle, a wireless device fixed to or incorporated in various mobile platforms, a global positioning system device, and similar electronic devices that include a memory, a wireless communication component, and a programmable processor.

[0024] The term "system on a chip" (SOC) is used herein to refer to a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that contains multiple resources or processors integrated on a single substrate. A single SOC can contain circuits for digital, analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency functions. A single SOC can also include any number of general-purpose or specialized processors (digital signal processors, modem processors, video processors, etc.), memory blocks (e.g., ROM, RAM, Flash, etc.), and resources (e.g., timers, voltage regulators, oscillators, etc.). An SOC can also include software for controlling the integrated resources and processors, as well as controlling peripheral devices.

[0025] The term "system-in-a-package" (SIP) can be used herein to refer to a single module or package that contains multiple resources, compute units, cores, or processors located on two or more IC chips, substrates, or SOCs. For example, a SIP can include a single substrate on which multiple IC chips or semiconductor dies are arranged in a vertical configuration stacked on top of one another. Similarly, a SIP can include one or more multi-chip modules (MCMs) on which multiple ICs or semiconductor dies are packaged into a unified substrate. A SIP can also include multiple independent SOCs coupled together and packaged in close proximity via high-speed communication circuitry, for example, on a single motherboard or in a single wireless device. The proximity of these SOCs facilitates high-speed communication as well as sharing of memory and resources.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "network," "system," "wireless network," "cellular network," and "wireless communication network" can refer, in an interchangeable manner, to portions or all of an operator wireless network associated with a wireless device and / or a subscription on a wireless device. The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication networks such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), FDMA, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), and other networks. Generally, any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network can support one or more radio access technologies. For example, a CDMA network can implement Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) (including Wideband-CDMA (WCDMA) standards), CDMA2000 (including IS-2000, IS-95, and / or IS-856 standards), and so on. In another example, a TDMA network can implement Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). In another example, an OFDMA network can implement Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA) (including LTE standards), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDMA, and so on. A wireless network can alternatively be a mesh network. A wireless network can also be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, or other 3GPP-based network. A wireless network can be a Fifth Generation (5G) network. A wireless network can be a Next network. The techniques described herein can be used for wireless network using LTE standards, and thus the terms "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access," "E-UTRAN," and "eNodeB" can also be used interchangeably herein to refer to a wireless network. However, such references are provided merely as examples and are not intended to exclude wireless networks using other communication standards. For example, although various third generation (3G) systems, fourth generation (4G) systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems are discussed herein, these systems are referenced merely as examples and future generation systems (e.g., sixth generation (6G) or beyond) can be substituted in various examples.

[0027] As used herein, the term “RF chain” refers to the components in a communication device that transmit, receive, and decode radio frequency signals. An RF chain typically includes several components coupled together that transmit RF signals, referred to as a “transmit chain,” and several components coupled together that receive and process RF signals, referred to as a “receive chain.”

[0028] As used herein, a “beam” refers to a signal formed at a transmitting device by using beamforming or beamsteering techniques applied via a combination of physical devices and signal processing with various names such as beamforming functionality, mapping functionality, or spatial filters. Beam reception by a receiving device can involve configuring the physical devices and signal processing of the receiving device to receive signals transmitted in a beam by the transmitting device. In some cases, beam reception by a receiving device can also involve configuring the physical devices and signal processing of the receiving device via beamforming functionality, mapping functionality, or spatial filters to preferentially receive signals from a characteristic direction (e.g., a direction aligned with the transmitting device) with enhanced gain.

[0029] The term “beamforming” as used herein refers to antenna array designs and signal processing techniques used to direct signal communications and / or to achieve spatial selectivity of radio frequency (RF) signal reception. Beamforming on the transmitter side of a communication can be implemented by selective delaying (referred to as “phase shifting”) of signals coupled to different elements in an antenna array, which causes RF signals transmitted by the antenna array in a particular angle (relative to the antenna array) to be enhanced by constructive interference, while RF signals transmitted by the antenna in other angles (relative to the antenna) exhibit lower signal strength due to destructive interference. Beamforming on the receiver side of a communication can be implemented by processing signals received by elements in an antenna array via phase shifting circuits, which causes RF signals received in a particular angle relative to the receiving antenna array to be enhanced by constructive interference, while RF signals received in other angles relative to the wireless device are destructively interfered to produce a decrease in perceived signal strength. Using beamforming techniques, RF signals can be transmitted (e.g., by a base station or a wireless device) in one or more directional “beams” within the millimeter band for ultra-wideband communications. Each of such directional beams can be controlled by a transmitter that uses beamforming techniques to scan in one or two dimensions (i.e., azimuth and elevation directions). Beamforming in both the transmitter and the receiver can be implemented with analog (e.g., phase shifters) circuitry, digital components, and / or digital processing techniques.

[0030] A fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) system can provide high data rate communication services for wireless devices. However, higher frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) bands) are susceptible to rapid channel variations and suffer from free space path loss and atmospheric absorption. As used herein, a mmWave band can include mmWave spectrum bands allocated to 5G / NR operating frequency range (FR) 2, such as the 24.25-27.5 GHz mmWave spectrum band (e.g., band n258), the 26.5-29.5 GHz mmWave spectrum band (e.g., band n257), the 27.5-28.35 GHz mmWave spectrum band (e.g., band n261), the 37-40 GHz mmWave spectrum band (e.g., band n260), the 39.5-43.5 GHz mmWave spectrum band (e.g., band n259), and the like. To address these limitations in mmWave communications, NR base stations and wireless devices can employ highly directional antennas to achieve sufficient link budget in wide area networks. Such highly directional antennas require precise alignment of transmitter beams and receiver beams, e.g., with beam management operations. However, beam management operations can increase latency due to the time required to establish a communication link and can impact control plane procedures, e.g., initial access, handover, and beam tracking.

[0031] A mmWave receiver can employ analog or hybrid beamforming circuitry and processing techniques. Analog or hybrid beamforming is performed in the radio frequency (RF) or at the intermediate frequency (IF) by a bank of phase shifters (PSs). The receiver can include one PS per antenna element. This architecture reduces power consumption by employing only one (e.g., high resolution) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) per RF chain at the receiver (Rx). While analog and hybrid beamforming are power efficient, they can only receive in one or a few directions at a given time, precluding the multiplexing capability of multiplexed reception.

[0032] A mmWave receiver can also be configured to employ digital beamforming techniques. Digital beamforming can be performed in the baseband. Each antenna element within an antenna panel can be coupled to an associated ADC in the Rx, which has a preferential receive processing that enhances the reception capability in a specific direction (referred to as a receive beam) that is performed in a digital processor (rather than in analog circuitry used in analog and hybrid beamforming techniques). This enables the Rx to simultaneously tune a receive beam in any direction supported by the antenna panel, in contrast to analog and hybrid beamforming techniques that are limited to a few predefined receive beams as a function of analog processing of RF signals.

[0033] To date, digital receive beamforming has not been deployed into wireless devices due to the high power consumption of the ADCs coupled to each antenna element. Wireless devices can be battery powered and therefore limited in power and unable to provide adequate service based on a given battery charge. Powering a conventional ADC for each antenna element would limit battery life or require the use of a large battery. However, recent research in digital beamforming techniques offers a promising prospect that it can be possible to perform digital beamforming in wireless devices with 5G NR capability by using lower resolution ADCs that draw less power. For example, as an alternative to employing ADCs with 8-bit resolution (i.e., the ability to resolve RF receive power into 256 levels), the research shows that ADCs with 3-bit resolution (i.e., the ability to resolve RF receive power into 8 levels), 4-bit resolution (the ability to resolve RF receive power into 16 levels) in digital beamforming applications achieve acceptable antenna gain with acceptable power requirements. Thus, there can be potential to deploy digital beamforming capability into wireless devices with 5G NR capability in the near future.

[0034] In some embodiments, digital beamforming techniques can not replace analog and hybrid beamforming techniques that are deployed today and are functioning well, but rather can be implemented as an alternative antenna processing option that can be activated when analog and hybrid beamforming techniques encounter a beam failure. Also because, when an analog receive beam exhibits unacceptable link quality, the higher gain that can be obtained through digital beamforming can be sufficient to maintain a communication link without performing a beam switching procedure. Digital beamforming can also provide other benefits that are useful or preferred over analog and hybrid beamforming techniques in certain conditions, link quality requirements, or applications.

[0035] To allow for the use of digital beamforming techniques when they are deployed into wireless devices, and when they are activated or available, new signaling will be needed between wireless devices and network nodes. Various embodiments can include systems and methods for managing communications between a wireless device and a base station, where the wireless device can be configured to inform the base station that the wireless device is capable of performing digital beamforming, and for enabling the base station to multiplex messages to the wireless device with messages for another wireless device. In particular, the wireless device can be configured to inform the base station in an initial access message (i.e., a message sent as part of an initial access procedure), for example, in a random access channel (RACH) message, that the wireless device is capable of performing digital beamforming in a millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency range or band. The base station can be configured to multiplex one or more RACH messages to the wireless device and another wireless device.

[0036] Various embodiments can include transmitting, by a wireless device, an indication in a RACH message to a base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming. Some embodiments can include receiving a RACH message from a base station using digital beamforming via mmWave. Some embodiments can include transmitting an indication in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message to a base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the wireless device can receive a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg4 RACH response from the base station employing digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the wireless device can receive the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the base station. In some embodiments, the wireless device can transmit an indication in the RACH message to the base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in frequency range (FR) 2 or FR4. In some embodiments, the wireless device can transmit an indication in the RACH message to the base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure.

[0037] In some embodiments, the wireless device can be configured with one or more antenna panels. In some cases, for example, when a panel is partially obstructed (e.g., by a user’s hand), the obstructed panel can be more susceptible to receiving certain frequencies (as compared to other frequencies). In some embodiments, the wireless device can transmit an indication to the base station of a subset of base station beams corresponding to receiver panels of the wireless device. The base station can respond by transmitting a signal or message employing the indicated subset of beams. In some embodiments, the wireless device can receive a RACH response (or another message or signal) from the base station via digital beamforming employing the indicated subset of base station beams.

[0038] Various embodiments can include systems and methods performed by a processor of a base station for managing communications with a wireless device. Various embodiments can include receiving, in a RACH message from the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave (mmWave) digital beamforming, generating a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, and multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the base station can receive the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message. In some embodiments, the base station can receive, in the RACH message, an indication from the wireless device that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave digital beamforming in one of a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR4. In some embodiments, the base station can receive, from the wireless device, an indication of a subset of base station beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device. In some embodiments, the base station can multiplex a first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response to a second wireless device on a beam within the indicated subset of base station beams in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams from the wireless device.

[0040] Various embodiments improve the ability of a wireless device to receive communications from a base station by informing the base station that communication is possible using digital beamforming completion, thereby improving the functionality of the wireless device and the 5G communication system, which improves the robustness of communications between the base station and the wireless device. Various embodiments improve the functionality of the base station and the communication system by improving the efficiency of the base station in transmitting signals and messages (e.g., RACH responses). Various embodiments improve the functionality of the wireless device and the 5G communication system by reducing the consumption of communication resources during initial acquisition before data communications between the wireless device and the base station begin using digital beamforming operations.

[0041] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an example communication system 100. The communication system 100 can be a 5G New Radio (NR) network or any other suitable network, such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. Although Figure 1 A later generation network can include the same or similar elements. Accordingly, references in the following description to a 5G network and 5G network elements are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] The communication system 100 can include a heterogeneous network architecture that includes a core network 140 and a variety of wireless devices (in Figure 1The communication system 100 can include a number of wireless devices 120a-120e, which are illustrated as smartphones in this example. The communication system 100 can also include a number of base stations (illustrated as BS 110a, BS 110b, BS 110c, and BS 1 lOd) and other network entities. A base station is an entity that communicates with wireless devices and can also be referred to as an eNodeB, an LTE evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an access point (AP), a radio head, a transmit receive point (TRP), a New Radio Base Station (NR BS), a 5G NodeB (NB), or a Next Generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), among other possibilities. Each base station can provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In 3GPP, the term “cell” can refer to a coverage area of a base station, a base station subsystem serving this coverage area, or a combination thereof, depending on the context in which the term is used. The core network 140 can be any type of core network, such as an LTE core network (e.g., EPC network), a 5G core network, or the like.

[0043] The base stations 110a-110d can provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, or other types of cell or a combination thereof. A macro cell can cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and can allow unrestricted access by subscription parties with service Figure 1 In the example shown in FIG. 1, the base station 110a can be a macro BS for a macro cell 102a, the base station 110b can be a pico BS for a pico cell 102b, and the base station 110c can be a femto BS for a femto cell 102c. A base station can support one or multiple (e.g., three) cells. The terms “eNB,” “base station,” “NR BS,” “gNB,” “TRP,” “AP,” “Node B,” “5G NB,” and “cell” can be used interchangeably herein.

[0044] In some examples, a cell can not be stationary, and a geographic area of the cell can move based on the location of a mobile base station. In some examples, the base stations 110a-110d can be interconnected to one or more other base stations or network nodes (not shown) in the communication system 100 through various backhaul interfaces and the like, such as a direct physical connection, a virtual network, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The base stations 110a-110d can communicate with the core network 140 through the wired or wireless communication links 126. The wireless devices 120a-120e can communicate with the base stations 110a-110d through wireless communication links 122.

[0046] The wired communication links 126 can employ a variety of wired networks, such as Ethernet, TV cable, telephone, optical fiber, and other forms of physical network connections, which can employ one or more wired communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Point-to-Point Protocol, High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC), Advanced Data Communication Control Protocol (ADCCP), and Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP).

[0047] The communication system 100 can also include relay stations (e.g., relay BS 1 lOd). A relay station is an entity that can receive a transmission of data from an upstream station (e.g., a base station or a wireless device) and send a transmission of the data to a downstream station (e.g., a wireless device or a base station). A relay station can also be a wireless device that can relay transmissions for other wireless devices. In the example shown, the relay station 1 lOd can communicate with the macro base station 110a and the wireless device 120d in order to facilitate communication between the base station 110a and the wireless device 120d. A relay station can also be referred to as a relay base station, a relay BS, a relay, etc. Figure 1 In the example shown, the relay station 1 lOd can communicate with the macro base station 110a and the wireless device 120d in order to facilitate communication between the base station 110a and the wireless device 120d. A relay station can also be referred to as a relay base station, a relay BS, a relay, etc.

[0048] The communication system 100 can be a heterogeneous network that includes base stations of different types, e.g., macro base stations, pico base stations, femto base stations, relay base stations, etc. These different types of base stations can have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and different impacts on interference in the communication system 100. For example, macro base stations can have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 Watts), whereas pico base stations, femto base stations, and relay base stations can have lower transmit power levels (e.g., 0.1 to 2 Watts).

[0049] A network controller 130 can couple to a set of base stations and can provide coordination and control for these base stations. The network controller 130 communicates with the base stations via a backhaul. The base stations can also communicate with one another, e.g., directly or indirectly via a wireless or wireline backhaul.

[0050] The wireless devices 120a, 120b, 120c can be dispersed throughout the communication system 100, and each wireless device can be stationary or mobile. A wireless device can also be referred to as an access terminal, a terminal, a mobile station, a subscriber unit, a station, a user device (UE), etc.

[0051] The macro base station 110a can communicate with a communication network 140 over a wired or wireless communication link 126. The wireless devices 120a, 120b, 120c can communicate with the base stations 110a-110d over wireless communication links 122.

[0052] The wireless communication links 122 and 124 can include multiple carrier signals, frequencies or frequency bands, each of which can include multiple logical channels. The wireless communication links 122 and 124 can utilize one or more radio access technologies (RATs). Examples of RATs that can be used in the wireless communication links include 3GPP LTE 3G, 4G, 5G (e.g., NR), GSM, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and other mobile telephone communication technologies cellular RATs. Other examples of RATs that can be used in one or more of the various wireless communication links within the communication system 100 include medium range protocols such as Wi-Fi, LTE-U, LTE-Direct, LAA, MuLTEfire, and relatively short range RATs such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE).

[0053] Certain wireless networks (e.g., LTE) utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM partition the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as tones, bins, or the like. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. In general, modulation symbols are sent on the frequency domain with OFDM and on the time domain with SC-FDM. The spacing of the adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can be dependent on the system bandwidth. For example, the spacing of the subcarriers can be 15 kHz and the total number of subcarriers (K) can be 120 for a system bandwidth of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz). Thus, the nominal fast Fourier transform (FFT) size can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024 or 2048 for system bandwidth of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be partitioned into sub-bands. For example, a sub-band can cover 1.08 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 sub-bands for system bandwidth of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, respectively.

[0054] Although the description of some implementations can use terminology and examples associated with the LTE technology, some implementations can be applicable to other wireless communication systems, such as a New Radio (NR) or 5G network. NR can utilize OFDM with a cyclic prefix (CP) on the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL), include support for half-duplex operation using time division duplex (TDD), and include support for beamforming and MIMO technology. A single component carrier (CC) bandwidth can be 100 MHz, with each resource block (RB) spanning 75 kHz. Each radio frame can consist of 50 subframes, with a length of 10 ms. Each subframe can include a variety of channels for DL and UL data transmission, as well as control channels. A resource grid can be used to represent time slots on the DL. Each time slot can be an individual subframe. Each time slot may

[0055] Multi-cell aggregation with up to eight serving cells can be supported. Alternatively, NR can support a different air interface that is not based on OFDM.

[0056] Some wireless devices can be considered machine-type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) wireless devices. MTC and eMTC wireless devices include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, location tags, etc., that can communicate with a base station, another device (for example, remote device), or some other entity. A wireless computing platform can provide, for example, for connection to or connection of network(s) (for example, a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via wired or wireless communication links. Some wireless devices can be considered Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, or can be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband internet of things) devices. The wireless devices 120a-120e can be contained within a housing that houses components of the wireless devices 120a-120e, for example, a processor component, a memory component, similar components, or a combination thereof.

[0057] In general, any number of communication systems and any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographic area. Each of these systems and networks can support communication for particular radio access technologies (RATs) and can operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT can also be referred to as a radio technology, an air interface, etc. A frequency can also be referred to as a carrier, a frequency channel, etc. Each frequency channel can support a single RAT in a given geographic area in order to avoid interference between systems supporting the RAT. In some cases, 4G / LTE networks and / or 5G / NR RAT networks can be deployed. For example, a 5G non- standalone (NSA) network can utilize both 4G / LTE RATs, located at a 4G / LTE RAN side of the 5G NSA network, and 5G / NR RATs, located at a 5G / NR RAN side of the 5G NSA network. The 4G / LTE RAN and the 5G / NR RAN can be connected to one another and to a 4G / LTE core network (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) network) in the 5G NSA. Other example network configurations can include 5G standalone (SA) networks, in which a 5G / NR RAN is connected to a 5G core network.

[0058] In some implementations, two or more wireless devices (e.g., illustrated as wireless devices 120a and 120e) can communicate directly utilizing one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without utilizing base stations 110a-d as an intermediary to communicate with one another). For example, wireless devices 120a-e can communicate utilizing peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, device-to-device (D2D) communications, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol (which can include a vehicle-to- vehicle (V2V) protocol, a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol, and / or the like or similar protocol), a mesh network, or similar network, or a combination thereof. In this case, the wireless devices 120a-120e can perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by the base stations 110a-110d.

[0059] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a component block diagram illustrating an example computing and wireless modem system 200 suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments. The various embodiments can be implemented on a number of single and multi-processor computer systems including a system on a chip (SOC) and a system in a package (SIP).

[0060] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustrated computing system 200 (which can be a SIP in some embodiments) includes two SOCs 202 and 204 coupled to a clock 206, a voltage regulator 208, and a wireless transceiver 266 configured to transmit / receive wireless communications to / from a wireless device (e.g., base station 110a) via an antenna. In some implementations, the first SOC 202 can operate as a central processing unit (CPU) of the wireless device, which executes software application instructions by performing arithmetic, logical, control, and input / output (I / O) operations specified by the instructions. In some implementations, the second SOC 204 can operate as a specialized processing unit. For example, the second SOC 204 can operate as a specialized 5G processing unit responsible for managing large volumes, high speeds (e.g., 5 Gbps or the like), or very high frequency short wavelength (e.g., 28 GHz millimeter wave spectrum or the like) communications.

[0061] The first SOC 202 can include a digital signal processor (DSP) 210, a modem 212, a graphics processor 214, an application processor 216, one or more processors 218 (e.g., vector co-processor) connected to one or more of the processors, a memory 220, custom circuitry 222, system components and resources 224, an interconnect / bus module 226, one or more temperature sensors 230, a thermal management unit 232, and a thermal power envelope (TPE) component 234. The second SOC 204 can include a 5G modem processor 252, a power management unit 254, an interconnect / bus module 264, a plurality of millimeter wave transceivers 256, a memory 258, and various additional processors 260 such as an application processor, a packet processor, or the like.

[0062] Each processor 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260 can include one or more cores, and each processor / core can perform operations independently of the other processors / cores. For example, the first SOC 202 can include a processor that executes a first type of operating system (e.g., FreeBSD, LINUX, OS X, or the like) and a processor that executes a second type of operating system (e.g., MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10). Moreover, any or all of the processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260 can be included as part of a processor cluster architecture (e.g., a synchronous processor cluster architecture, an asynchronous or heterogeneous processor cluster architecture, or the like).

[0063] The first and second SOCs 202 and 204 can include various system components, resources, and custom circuitry that are used to manage sensor data, analog-to-digital conversion, wireless data transmission, and to perform other specialized operations such as decoding data packets and processing encoded audio and video signals for rendering in a web browser. For example, the system components and resources 224 of the first SOC 202 can include power amplifiers, voltage regulators, oscillators, phase-locked loops, peripheral bridges, data controllers, memory controllers, system controllers, access ports, timers, and other similar components for supporting the processors and software clients running on the wireless device. The system components and resources 224 or custom circuitry 222 can also include circuitry that interfaces with peripheral devices such as cameras, electronic displays, wireless communication devices, external memory chips, and the like.

[0064] The first and second SOCs 202, 204 can communicate via an interconnect / bus module 250. The various processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 can be interconnected to one or more memory elements 220, system components and resources 224, custom circuitry 222, and a thermal management unit 232 via an interconnect / bus module 226. Similarly, the processor 252 can be interconnected to a power management unit 254, millimeter wave transceiver 256, memory 258, and various additional processors 260 via an interconnect / bus module 264. The interconnect / bus modules 226, 250, 264 can include an array of reconfigurable logic gates, or can implement a bus architecture (e.g., CoreConnect, AMBA, etc.). Communication can be provided by an advanced interconnect, such as a high-performance network-on-chip (NoC).

[0065] The first and second SOCs 202, 204 can further include input / output modules (not shown) for communicating with resources external to the SOC, such as the clock 206 and voltage regulator 208. Resources external to the SOC, such as the clock 206, voltage regulator 208, can be shared by two or more of the internal SOC processors / cores.

[0066] In addition to the exemplary SIP 200 discussed above, some embodiments can be implemented into a wide range of various types of computing systems, including single-processor, multi-processor, multi-core, and other architectures.

[0067] Figure 3 is a component block diagram illustrating a software architecture 300 including a radio protocol stack for the user and control planes in wireless communication suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments. Reference is made to Figures 1-3The wireless device 320 can implement the software architecture 300 to facilitate communication between the wireless device 320 (e.g., wireless devices 120a-120e, 200) of a communication system (e.g., 100) and a base station 350 (e.g., base stations 110a-110d). In embodiments, layers in the software architecture 300 can form a logical connection with corresponding layers in software of the base station 350. The software architecture 300 can be distributed among one or more processors (e.g., processors 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260). Although illustrated in connection with one radio protocol stack, in multi-SIM (subscriber identity module) wireless devices, the software architecture 300 can include multiple protocol stacks, each of which can be associated with a different SIM (e.g., in a dual-SIM wireless communication device, two protocol stacks are associated with two SIMs, respectively). Although described below with reference to LTE communication protocols, the software architecture 300 can support any of a variety of standards and protocols for wireless communication, and / or can include additional protocol stacks supporting any of a variety of standards and protocols for wireless communication.

[0068] The software architecture 300 can include a non-access stratum (NAS) 302 and an access stratum (AS) 304. The NAS 302 can include functions and protocols that support packet filtering, security management, mobility control, session management, and traffic and signaling between a SIM (e.g., SIM 204) of the wireless device and its core network 140. The AS 304 can include functions and protocols that support communication between a SIM (e.g., SIM 204) and entities (e.g., base stations) of supported access networks. In particular, the AS 304 can include at least three layers (Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3), each of which can contain various sub-layers.

[0069] In the user and control planes, Layer 1 (LI) of the AS 304 can be a physical layer (PHY) 306, which can oversee functions that allow transmission or reception over an air interface via a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266). Examples of such physical layer 306 functions can include cyclic redundancy check (CRC) attachment, coding blocks, scrambling and descrambling, modulation and demodulation, signal measurements, MIMO, etc. The physical layer can include various logical channels, including a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0070] In the user and control planes, layer 2 (L2) of AS 304 can be responsible for the link between wireless device 320 and base station 350 over physical layer 306. In some embodiments, layer 2 can include a medium access control (MAC) sublayer 308, a radio link control (RLC) sublayer 310, and a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) 312 sublayer, each of which forms a logical connection that terminates at base station 350.

[0071] In the control plane, layer 3 (L3) of AS 304 can include a radio resource control (RRC) sublayer 313. Although not shown, software architecture 300 can include additional layer 3 sublayers as well as various upper layers above layer 3. In some embodiments, RRC sublayer 313 can provide functions including broadcast of system information, paging, and establishment and release of an RRC signaling connection between wireless device 320 and base station 350.

[0072] In some embodiments, PDCP sublayer 312 can provide uplink functions including multiplexing of different radio bearers and logical channels, sequence number addition, handover data handling, integrity protection, ciphering, and header compression. In downlink, PDCP sublayer 312 can provide functions including in-sequence delivery of data packets, duplicate data packet detection, integrity verification, deciphering, and header decompression.

[0073] In uplink, RLC sublayer 310 can provide segmentation and concatenation of upper layer data packets, retransmission of lost data packets, and automatic repeat request (ARQ). In downlink, although RLC sublayer 310 functions can include reordering of data packets to compensate for out-of-sequence reception, reassembly of upper layer data packets, and ARQ.

[0074] In uplink, MAC sublayer 308 can provide functions including multiplexing between logical and transport channels, random access procedures, logical channel prioritization, and hybrid-ARQ (HARQ) operation. In downlink, MAC layer functions can include channel mapping, demultiplexing, discontinuous reception (DRX), and HARQ operation within a cell.

[0075] Although software architecture 300 can provide functions for transmitting data over a physical medium, software architecture 300 can further include at least one host layer 314 to provide data transfer services to various applications in wireless device 320. In some embodiments, application-specific functions provided by the at least one host layer 314 can provide an interface between the software architecture and general-purpose processor 206.

[0076] In other implementations, software architecture 300 can include one or more higher logical layers (such as transport, session, presentation, application, etc.) that provide host layer functionality. For example, in some implementations, software architecture 300 can include a network layer (e.g., Internet Protocol (IP) layer) in which logical connections terminate at a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW). In some implementations, software architecture 300 can include an application layer in which logical connections terminate at another device (such as an end user device, a server, etc.). In some implementations, software architecture 300 can further include, in AS 304, a hardware interface 316 between physical layer 306 and communication hardware (such as one or more radio frequency (RF) transceivers).

[0077] Figure 4A is a component block diagram illustrating a millimeter wave receiver 400, and Figure 4B is a component block diagram illustrating a millimeter wave transmitter 450, each of which is suitable for use in conjunction with various embodiments. Millimeter wave receiver 400 and millimeter wave transmitter 450 can also be referred to as beamforming architectures. Referring to Figures 1-4B , millimeter wave receiver 400 and millimeter wave transmitter 450 can be used in a wireless device (e.g., 120a-120e, 200, 320) or a base station (e.g., 110a-110d, 200, 350).

[0078] In various embodiments, a wireless device can be configured to have both millimeter wave receiver 400 and millimeter wave transmitter 450 (i.e., have both architectures), and can use either or both. Implementing a wireless device with multiple architectures addresses the limitations of a single static architecture. One architecture can be sufficient to implement a first set of communications (e.g., using appropriate spectral efficiency, resolution, and / or power consumption, etc.), and another architecture can be sufficient to implement a second set of communications. In contrast, a static selection of a single architecture can result in underutilization of computational, communication, network, and / or power resources due to the adoption of a single architecture to transmit and / or receive communications.

[0079] Referring to Figure 4A , millimeter wave receiver 400 includes an antenna array 402 composed of multiple antenna elements contained within one or more antenna panels. In Figure 4A , the value "N" represents the number of antenna elements in antenna array 402. Antenna array 402 can include multiple cross-polarized antennas (each symbolized by an "X" symbol). In some embodiments, the wireless device can be configured to have four dual-polarized antennas (i.e., a total of eight). Based on a selected beamforming codebook (which can be translated into a set of phase shifts in the analog beamforming block), the wireless device can form beams Al to A N .

[0080] Conventional millimeter wave receiver 400 can be configured to perform analog or hybrid beamforming. A signal received at antenna N of antenna array 402 at time t may propagate to hybrid beamforming circuitry 406. Hybrid beamforming can be performed in RF or at an intermediate frequency (IF) by hybrid beamforming circuitry 406. Hybrid beamforming circuitry 406 can include a bank of phase shifters 408 connected to some of the antenna elements and a summer 410. Although analog and hybrid beamforming techniques are generally power efficient, they can only receive within a few directions. If a millimeter wave signal is located outside of the analog beams supported by millimeter wave receiver 400, signal quality can be degraded or beam failure can occur.

[0081] Millimeter wave receiver 400, suitable for use in conjunction with various embodiments, can be configured with a digital beamformer 414 to perform digital beamforming in addition to analog or hybrid beamforming. Millimeter wave receiver 400 can perform beamforming in baseband frequencies. Each antenna element (e.g., 1-N) of antenna array 402 can be associated with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 404 (e.g., ADC1-ADC N ) to enable millimeter wave receiver 400 to simultaneously point a virtual receive beam (i.e., enhance a receive direction) in any direction within an angular range of the antennas. To achieve fully digital receive beamforming in millimeter wave frequencies with power efficiency, ADCs 404 with limited bits or a few bits of resolution (less than 5 bits) can be employed to reduce power consumption of ADCs 404. Such ADCs 404 can also be relatively cost-efficient. In millimeter wave receiver 400, the number of antenna elements (e.g., 1-N) of antenna array 402 can correspond to the number of RF chains 412 (e.g., 1-N RF ). In some embodiments, the wireless device can be configured with high resolution ADCs (one per RF chain). In some embodiments, the wireless device can be configured with low resolution ADCs (one per antenna element, up to eight low resolution ADCs).

[0082] In current networks, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), data blocks (e.g., physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transport blocks carrying DL data payloads, etc.), and control blocks (e.g., SIBs carrying system information (e.g., SIB1 carrying remaining minimum system information (RMSI)), etc.) are all only time-division multiplexed with each other in millimeter wave frequency bands (such as FR2, FR4, etc.). Because current networks only support time-division multiplexed transmissions of SSBs with data blocks and / or control blocks, a separate time slot must be scheduled for each of the SSBs, data blocks, and control blocks to be transmitted. The requirement for time-division multiplexing of SSBs with data blocks and / or control blocks in current networks involves only using analog beamforming operations in millimeter wave frequencies in current networks.

[0083] Various embodiments can enable a wireless device to indicate to a base station (e.g., gNB, etc.) that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave digital beamforming. Using millimeter wave digital beamforming, e.g., in FR2 frequencies, FR4 frequencies, etc., can enable a base station to employ frequency-division multiplexing of transmissions of SSBs, data blocks, and control blocks in the same time slots in which the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave digital beamforming. Some of the constraints present in analog beamforming systems can be addressed by performing digital beamforming in millimeter wave frequencies. As one example, millimeter wave digital beamforming in FR2 frequencies, FR4 frequencies, etc., can be able to separately and successfully decode frequency-multiplexed SSBs, data blocks, and control blocks in a manner that a wireless device employing analog beamforming operations in millimeter wave frequencies cannot take. There are many other possibilities that can be realized through digital beamforming in various frequencies, including FR2 and FR4. A wireless device capable of millimeter wave digital beamforming can be able to separately and successfully decode frequency-multiplexed SSBs, data blocks, and control blocks. This capability enables a base station to schedule SSBs in a millimeter wave frequency range for the wireless device, where the SSBs are frequency-division multiplexed with at least another block for the wireless device (such as a data transmission block, a system information block (SIB), both a data transmission block and a SIB, etc.) in the same transmission time slots. Thus, upon being notified of the digital beamforming capabilities of the wireless device, a base station can multiplex SSBs with one or more other blocks (such as one or both of a data transmission block and a SIB, etc.) in the same transmission time slots for the wireless device.

[0084] Reference Figure 4BThe millimeter wave transmitter 450 includes an antenna array 402 of a plurality of antenna elements contained within one or more antenna panels. The wireless device can transmit signals received via digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 456 (DAC1 to DAC N ) via the antenna elements in the antenna array 402. The DACs 456 can receive signals from a digital decoder 452 and convert the signals to the analog domain. The digital decoder 452 can perform phase shifting, mixing, and / or other operations on the received signals.

[0085] The millimeter wave transmitter 450 can include hybrid beamforming circuitry 458 that can receive n signals from the N RF chains 412. The hybrid beamforming circuitry 458 can include a row of adders 454 and a row of phase shifters 408. The hybrid beamforming circuitry 458 can propagate the signals to the antennas N of the antenna array 402.

[0086] Figure 5A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method 500a performed by a processor of a wireless device for managing communications with a base station. Figure 5B is a message flow diagram illustrating the method 500a for managing communications with a base station. Referring to Figures 1-5B , the operations of the method 500a can be performed in a wireless device (e.g., wireless devices 120a-120e, 200, 320, 400) by a processor (such as processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memories 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or millimeter wave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0087] In block 501, the processor can perform operations of the wireless device for establishing a communication link with a base station. Such operations can be performed in cooperation with the base station through a signal exchange according to a communication protocol (e.g., a 5G protocol). Means for performing the functions of the operations in block 501 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memories 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266).

[0088] ​In block 502, the processor can transmit, to a base station, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in a random access channel (RACH) message. In some embodiments, the processor can transmit, to the base station, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming (i.e., transmit and / or receive signals employing mmWave digital beamforming) in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message. Means for performing the function of the operations in block 502 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0089] In block 504, the processor can receive, from the base station, a RACH message via mmWave using digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the RACH message received by the processor employing digital beamforming can include a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg 4 RACH response. In some embodiments, the processor can receive the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the base station. In some embodiments, the multiplexed signal can include a RACH message transmitted by the base station to a second wireless device. Means for performing the function of determining the operations in block 504 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0090] The processor can again perform the operations of block 502 from time to time.

[0091] Figures 5C-5G Operations 500c-500g are shown that can be performed as part of method 500a for managing communications with a base station. Referring to Figures 1-5G , operations 500c-500g can be performed in a wireless device (e.g., wireless devices 120a-120e, 200, 320, 400) by a processor (such as processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0092] Referring to Figure 5C , block 502 of method 500a Figure 5A) in the RACH message to the base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, the processor can receive a Msg 2 RACH response or a Msg 4 RACH response from the base station in block 506 employing digital beamforming. Means for performing the function of operations in block 506 can include the processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816), as well as the wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0093] After the processor can transmit the indication in block 502 Figure 5A ) of method 500a that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in the RACH message to the base station.

[0094] Referring to Figure 5D , the processor can receive the RACH message in block 508 from the base station in a multiplexed signal after transmitting the indication in block 502 Figure 5A ) of method 500a that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in the RACH message to the base station.

[0095] After the processor can transmit the indication in block 502 Figure 5A ) of method 500a that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in the RACH message to the base station.

[0096] Referring to Figure 5E , the processor can transmit an indication in block 510 to the base station in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in frequency range (FR) 2 or FR4 after receiving the RACH message in block 504 Figure 5A ) of method 500a from the base station via mmWave employing digital beamforming.

[0097] After receiving the RACH message from the base station via the mmW using the digital beamforming in block 504 Figure 5A

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the processor can receive a RACH message from the base station via the mmW using the digital beamforming in block 504 Figure 5F Figure 5A After receiving the RACH message from the base station via the mmW using the digital beamforming in block 504

[0099] After receiving the RACH message from the base station via the mmW using the digital beamforming in block 504 Figure 5A

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the processor can receive a RACH message from the base station via the mmW using the digital beamforming in block 504 Figure 5G After transmitting the indication in the RACH message to the base station that the wireless device is capable of mmW digital beamforming in block 502 Figure 5A In some embodiments, the receiver panel is capable of performing digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the wireless device is configured with one or more receiver panels that are capable of performing digital beamforming. Means for performing functions to determine operations in block 514 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmW receiver (e.g., 400).

[0101] In block 516, after transmitting the indication of the subset of the base station beams capable of receiving signals from the base station to the base station, the processor can receive a RACH response from the base station via the digital beamforming. Means for performing functions to determine operations in block 516 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 816) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmW receiver (e.g., 400). ​​​

[0102] Thereafter, the processor can transmit, as described, an indication in a RACH message to the base station that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in block 502 Figure 5A ) of method 500a.

[0103] Figure 6A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method 600a performed by a processor of a base station for managing communications with a wireless device. Referring to Figures 1-6A , the operations of method 600a can be performed, in a base station such as base station 110a-110d, 200, 350, by a processor such as processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 701 executing instructions stored in memory such as memory 220, 258, 702, and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0104] In block 602, the processor can receive, from the wireless device, a random access channel (RACH) message including an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming. In some embodiments, the processor can receive the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message. In some embodiments, the processor can receive, in the RACH message from the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in one of a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR4. Means for performing the functions of determining the operations in block 602 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0105] In block 604, the processor can generate, in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, a first RACH response to the wireless device. Means for performing the functions of determining the operations in block 604 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 220, 258, 702).

[0106] In sub-block 606, the processor can multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device. Means for performing the functions of determining the operations in block 606 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or mmWave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0107] The processor can perform the operations of block 602 again from time to time.

[0108] Figure 6B Operations 600b are shown that can be performed as part of method 600a for managing communications with a base station. Referring to Figures 1-6B , operations 600b can be performed in a base station (such as base stations 110a-110d, 200, 350) by a processor (such as processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in a memory (such as memories 220, 258, 702) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or millimeter wave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0109] After receiving the RACH message from the wireless device including the indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in block 602 of method 600a, Figure 6A the processor can receive, in block 608, an indication from the wireless device of a subset of the base station beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device that is capable of receiving signals from the base station. Means for performing the functions of the operations in block 608 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memories 220, 258, 702) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or millimeter wave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0110] In block 604, the processor can generate a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to receiving the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming as described.

[0111] In block 610, the processor can multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device on beams within the indicated subset of base station beams in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams from the wireless device. Means for performing the functions of the operations in block 610 can include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260) executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memories 220, 258, 702) and a wireless transceiver (e.g., 266) or millimeter wave receiver (e.g., 400).

[0112] After that, the processor can receive the RACH message from the wireless device including the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in block 602 of the method Figure 6A as described.

[0113] Figure 7 is a component block diagram of a network computing device suitable for use in conjunction with various embodiments. Such a network computing device (e.g., base stations 110a-110d, 350) can include at least the components shown in Figure 7 Referring to Figures 1-7 , a network computing device 700 can generally include a processor 701 coupled to volatile memory 702 and a large capacity nonvolatile memory, such as a disk drive 708. The network computing device 700 can also include a peripheral memory access device 706 coupled to the processor 701, such as a floppy disk drive, a compact disc (CD) or digital video disc (DVD) drive. The network computing device 700 can also include a network access port 704 (or interface) coupled to the processor 701 for establishing data connections with a network, such as the Internet or local area networks coupled to other system computers and servers. The network computing device 700 can include one or more antennas 707 for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation that can be connected to a wireless communication link. The network computing device 700 can include additional access ports for coupling to peripherals, external memory, or other devices, such as USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc.

[0114] Figure 8 is a component block diagram of a wireless device 800 suitable for use in conjunction with various embodiments. Referring to Figures 1-8 , various embodiments can be implemented on a wide variety of wireless devices 800 (e.g., wireless devices 120a-120e, 200, 320, illustrated in Figure 8 an example in the form of a smartphone. The wireless device 800 can include a first SOC 202 (e.g., SOC-CPU) coupled to a second SOC 204 (e.g., 5G capable SOC). The first and second SOCs 202, 204 can be coupled to internal memory 816, a display 812, and a speaker 814. In addition, the wireless device 800 can include one or more antenna panels 804 (e.g., four panels), each of which is composed of several antenna elements (e.g., 4-8 elements) configured to receive RF signals via digital beamforming as described herein (e.g., antenna array 402). The antenna panels 804 can be connected to a wireless transceiver 266 or millimeter wave receiver (e.g., 400) coupled to one or more processors in the first or second SOCs 202, 204. The wireless device 800 can include menu selection buttons or rocker switches 820 for receiving user input.

[0115] The wireless device 800 can include sound encoding / decoding (CODEC) circuitry 810 that digitizes sound received from a microphone into data packets suitable for wireless transmission, and decodes received sound data packets to generate an analog signal that is provided to a speaker to generate sound. One or more of the processors in the first and second SOCs 202, 204, the wireless transceiver 266, and the CODEC 810 can include digital signal processor (DSP) circuitry (not shown separately).

[0116] The processors of the network computing device 700 and the wireless device 800 can be any programmable microprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform a variety of functions, including some of the functions described below some embodiments. In some wireless devices, multiple processors can be provided, such as one processor within the SOC 204 dedicated to wireless communication functions, and one processor within the SOC 202 dedicated to running other applications. The software applications can be stored in the memory 702, 816, and later accessed and loaded into the processors for execution. The processors can include internal memory sufficient to store the application software instructions.

[0117] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," and "system" and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a wireless device and the wireless device can be referred to as components. One or more components can reside within a process or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one processor or core or distributed across two or more processors or cores. In addition, these components can execute from various non-transitory computer-readable media having various instructions or data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate by way of local or remote processes, function or procedure calls, electronic signals, data packets, memory reads / writes, and other known computer, processor, or process related communication methods.

[0118] Many different cellular and mobile communication services and standards can be available or contemplated in the future, all of which can be implemented by and benefit from the various embodiments described. Such services and standards include, for example, Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Third Generation wireless mobile communication technology (3G), Fourth Generation wireless mobile communication technology (4G), Fifth Generation wireless mobile communication technology (5G), and later generation 3GPP technologies, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GSM, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems (e.g., cdmaOne, CDMAi020™), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), IS-136, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Digital AMPS (IS-136 / TDMA), DECT, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi Protected Access I and II (WPA, WPA2), and Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN). Each of these technologies involves, for example, the transmission and reception of voice, data, signaling, and / or content messages. It should be understood that any reference to terminology and / or technical details related to a particular telecommunication standard or technology is for purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to a particular communication system or technology, unless specifically recited in the claims language.

[0119] The various embodiments illustrated and described are provided merely as examples to illustrate various features of the claims. However, the features shown and described in connection with any given embodiment are not necessarily limited to that associated embodiment, and can be used in conjunction with other embodiments shown and described. Further, the claims are not intended to be limited to any one example embodiment. For example, one or more of the operations of the methods 500a, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, 500g, 600a, and 600b can be replaced or combined with one or more operations of the methods 500a, 500c, 500d, 500e, 500f, 500g, 600a, and 600b.

[0120] Example implementation scenarios are described in the following paragraphs. Although some of the example implementation scenarios below are described in connection with example methods, other example implementations can include example methods discussed in the following paragraphs implemented by a wireless device or base station having a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor, where the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to cause the wireless device or base station to perform operations for the methods of the example implementation scenarios below; example methods discussed in the following paragraphs implemented by a wireless device or base station include means for performing the functions of the methods of the example implementation scenarios below; and example methods discussed in the following paragraphs can be implemented as non-transitory processor-readable storage media having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a wireless device or base station to perform operations for the methods of the example implementation scenarios below.

[0121] Example 1. A method performed by a wireless device, comprising: establishing a communication link with a base station; and transmitting, to the base station in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming.

[0122] Example 2. The method of example 1, wherein transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming comprises transmitting, to the base station in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming.

[0123] Example 3. The method of any of examples 1 or 2, further comprising receiving, from the base station, the RACH message via mmWave using digital beamforming.

[0124] Example 4. The method of any of examples 1-3, wherein receiving, from the base station, the RACH message via mmWave using digital beamforming comprises receiving, from the base station, a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg4 RACH response using digital beamforming.

[0125] Example 5. The method of any of examples 1-3, wherein receiving, from the base station, the RACH message via mmWave using digital beamforming comprises receiving the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the base station.

[0126] Example 6. The method of any of examples 1-5, wherein transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming comprises transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR4.

[0127] Example 7. The method of any of Examples 1-6, wherein transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming comprises transmitting, to the base station in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure.

[0128] Example 8. The method of any of Examples 1-7, further comprising transmitting, to the base station, an indication of a subset of base station beams corresponding to receiver panels of the wireless device, and receiving, from the base station via digital beamforming, a RACH response from the base station in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams transmitted to the base station.

[0129] Example 9. A method for managing communications with a wireless device performed by a base station, comprising: receiving, from the wireless device in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, generating a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming, and multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device.

[0130] Example 10. The method of Example 9, wherein receiving, from the wireless device in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming comprises receiving the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message.

[0131] Example 11. The method of Example 9, wherein multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device is performed via a Msg2 RACH message or a Msg4 RACH message.

[0132] Example 12. The method of any of Examples 9-11, wherein receiving, from the wireless device in the RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming comprises receiving, from the wireless device in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in one of a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

[0133] Example 13. The method of any of Examples 9-12, further comprising receiving, from the wireless device, an indication of a subset of base station beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device, wherein multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response transmitted to the second wireless device comprises multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response transmitted to the second wireless device on beams within the indicated subset of base station beams in response to the indication of the subset of base station beams from the wireless device.

[0134] The method descriptions and the process flow diagrams set forth in the foregoing disclosure are provided merely as examples and are not intended to require or imply that the operations of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the order of execution of the operations in the foregoing embodiments can be whatever order is necessary or expedient. It is also to be understood that such terms as "before," "after," "corresponding," "then" and the like, are not intended to necessitate a chronological ordering of operations; the descriptions herein merely seek to provide a logical flow of operations as would be accomplished. Further, any use of a language known as a singular form, for example, the use of the article "a" or "an," or "the," with respect to claim elements, should not be construed as limiting the element to a single instance of the element. Rather, the description herein seeks to cover all possible instances of the element.

[0135] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, components, circuits, and algorithm operations described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and operations have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the claims.

[0136] The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field

[0137] In one or more embodiments, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a non-transitory processor-readable medium. The operations of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be embodied in a processor-executable software module or processor-executable instructions, which can reside on a non-transitory computer- or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer- or processor-readable storage media can be any storage media that can be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example but not limitation, such non-transitory computer- or processor-readable storage media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage smart objects, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of non-transitory computer- and processor-readable media. Additionally, the operations of the methods or algorithms can reside in one or any combination of the above memory hardware, code, and / or instructions as non-transitory processor- and / or computer-readable storage media that can be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0138] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and characteristics disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device, comprising: establishing a communication link with a network node; and sending, to the network node in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure. The sending, to the network node in the RACH message, of the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure comprises sending, to the network node in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message, the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from the network node via mmWave using digital beamforming, a RACH message. The receiving, from the network node via mmWave using digital beamforming, of the RACH message comprises receiving, from the network node using digital beamforming, a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg4 RACH response.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The receiving, from the network node via mmWave using digital beamforming, of the RACH message comprises receiving the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the network node.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The sending, to the network node in the RACH message, of the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure comprises sending, to the network node in the RACH message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, to the network node, an indication of a subset of network node beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device, and receiving, from the network node via digital beamforming, a RACH response in response to the indication of the subset of network node beams sent to the network node.

8. A method performed by a network node for managing communications with a wireless device, comprising: receiving, from the wireless device in a random access channel (RACH) message, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure; generating a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming; and multiplexing the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response sent to a second wireless device. The receiving, from the wireless device in the RACH message, of the indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure comprises receiving the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message. The multiplexing of the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response sent to a second wireless device is performed via a Msg2 RACH message or a Msg4 RACH message.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ 10. The method of claim 8, wherein, ​ 11. The method of claim 8, wherein, Receiving, in the RACH message, the indication from the wireless device that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure includes receiving, in the RACH message, the indication from the wireless device that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in one of frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, from the wireless device, an indication of a subset of network node beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device, wherein multiplexing a first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response to the second wireless device includes multiplexing a first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response to the second wireless device on a beam within the indicated subset of network node beams in response to the indication of the subset of network node beams from the wireless device.

13. A wireless device, comprising: a processor; and memory in electronic communication with the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, thereby causing the wireless device to: establish a communication link with a network node; and transmit, in a random access channel (RACH) message to the network node, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure.

14. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to transmit, in a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message to the network node, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure.

15. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to receive, via mmWave, a RACH message from the network node employing digital beamforming.

16. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to receive, employing digital beamforming, a Msg2 RACH response or a Msg 4 RACH response from the network node.

17. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to receive the RACH message in a multiplexed signal from the network node.

18. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to transmit, in the RACH message to the network node, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

19. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory are further executable by the processor to cause the wireless device to: transmit, to the network node, an indication of a subset of network node beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device, and receive, via digital beamforming, a RACH response from the network node in response to the indication of the subset of network node beams to the network node.

20. A network node, comprising: a processor; and memory in electronic communication with the processor, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor, thereby causing the network node to: receive, in a random access channel (RACH) message from a wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of millimeter wave (mmWave) digital beamforming in response to analog beamforming failure; generate a first RACH response to the wireless device in response to the indication in the RACH message that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming; and multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device.

21. The network node of claim 20, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory can be further executable by the processor to cause the network node to receive the indication from the wireless device in one of a Msgl RACH message or a Msg3 RACH message.

22. The network node of claim 20, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory can be further executable by the processor to cause the network node to multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with a second RACH response transmitted to a second wireless device via a Msg2 RACH message or a Msg4 RACH message.

23. The network node of claim 20, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory can be further executable by the processor to cause the network node to receive, in the RACH message from the wireless device, an indication that the wireless device is capable of mmWave digital beamforming in a frequency range (FR) 2 or FR 4.

24. The network node of claim 20, wherein, The instructions stored in the memory can be further executable by the processor to cause the network node to: receive, from the wireless device, an indication of a subset of network node beams corresponding to a receiver panel of the wireless device; and multiplex the first RACH response to the wireless device with the second RACH response transmitted to the second wireless device on beams within the indicated subset of network node beams in response to the indication of the subset of network node beams from the wireless device.

25. A wireless device comprising means for performing the method of any of claims 1-7.

26. A network node comprising means for performing the method of any of claims 8-12.

27. A computer-readable medium having recorded thereon one or more computer instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless device, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of claims 1-7.

28. A computer-readable medium having recorded thereon one or more computer instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a network node, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any of claims 8-12.

29. A computer program product comprising one or more computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless device, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7.

30. A computer program product comprising one or more computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a network node, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 8-12.

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