Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) Beamforming across Multiple Discontinuous Reception (Multi-DRX) Groups

Abstract

Techniques for wireless communication are disclosed. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode: receives a configuration of a plurality of DRX cycles; receives one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receives one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measures / transmits one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 066,130, filed on August 14, 2020, entitled "POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNAL (PRS) BUNDLING ACROSS MULTIPLE DISCONTINUOS RECEPTION (MULTI - DRX) GROUPS", and U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 399,895, filed on August 11, 2021, entitled "POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNAL (PRS) BUNDLING ACROSS MULTIPLE DISCONTINUOS RECEPTION (MULTI - DRX) GROUPS", both of which are assigned to the assignee of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0003] Background of the Disclosure

[0004] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] Wireless communication systems have evolved through several generations, including first - generation analog wireless telephone services (1G), second - generation (2G) digital wireless telephone services (including transitional 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third - generation (3G) high - speed data wireless services with Internet capabilities, and fourth - generation (4G) services (e.g., Long - Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). There are many different types of wireless communication systems currently in use, including cellular as well as personal communication services (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0008] The fifth generation (5G) wireless standard, known as New Radio (NR), requires higher data transfer speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, the 5G standard is designed to provide a data rate of tens of megabits per second to each of thousands of users, and a data rate of 1 gigabit per second to dozens of employees on an office floor. Hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections should be supported to enable large sensor deployments. Therefore, the spectral efficiency of 5G mobile communications should be significantly improved compared to the current 4G standard. In addition, signaling efficiency should be improved and latency should be greatly reduced compared to current standards.

[0009] Overview

[0010] A simplified overview related to one or more aspects disclosed herein is presented below. Accordingly, the following overview should not be considered an exhaustive survey of all contemplated aspects, nor should the following overview be considered to identify key or critical elements related to all contemplated aspects or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present in a simplified form certain concepts related to one or more aspects of the mechanisms disclosed herein prior to the detailed description that follows.

[0011] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode includes: receiving a configuration of a plurality of DRX cycles; receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measuring or transmitting, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0012] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: receive a configuration of a plurality of DRX cycles via the at least one transceiver; receive one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles via the at least one transceiver, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receive one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles via the at least one transceiver, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measure or transmit, via the at least one transceiver, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

[0013] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a configuration of a plurality of DRX cycles; means for receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; means for receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and means for measuring or transmitting, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0014] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a configuration of a plurality of DRX cycles; receive one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receive one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measure or transmit, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0015] Based on the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are provided to assist in describing the aspects of the present disclosure, and are provided only for illustrative purposes and not to limit the aspects.

[0018] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example wireless network structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 3A 、 3B and 3C are simplified block diagrams of several sample aspects of components that may be employed and configured to support communication as taught herein in a user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network entity, respectively.

[0021] Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating an example frame structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating various downlink channels within an example downlink time slot in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating various uplink channels within an example uplink time slot in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 5A to 5C An example discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0025] Figures 6A to 6C is an example timing diagram of received positioning reference signals relative to a DRX cycle.

[0026] Figure 7 is a signal and processing flow for determining and reporting positioning information.

[0027] Figure 8 is a simplified timing diagram of a wake-up signal and a discontinuous reception mode start time.

[0028] Figure 9 An example downlink control information (DCI) format for a wake-up signal (WUS) is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 10It is a table explaining the downlink positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) measurement configuration for multiple DRX groups according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 11A and 11B It is a diagram explaining an example scenario in which WUS is applied to a DRX group according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 12 It is a diagram explaining the interaction between WUS, multi-DRX, and DL-PRS when WUS indicates that all DRX groups should follow the same behavior for the next DRX cycle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 13 It is a diagram explaining the interaction between WUS, multi-DRX, and DL-PRS when WUS indicates that each DRX group should follow different behaviors for the next DRX cycle according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 14 An example wireless communication method according to aspects of the present disclosure is explained.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure are provided in the following description of various examples provided for illustrative purposes and the associated drawings. Alternative aspects can be designed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements in the present disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the present disclosure.

[0036] The terms "exemplary" and / or "example" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" and / or "example" need not be construed as superior or better than other aspects. Similarly, the term "aspects of the present disclosure" does not require that all aspects of the present disclosure include the discussed features, advantages, or modes of operation.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the following description may be represented, in part, depending on the specific application, in part, depending on the intended design, in part, depending on the corresponding technology, etc., by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In addition, many aspects are described in the form of sequences of actions performed by elements of a computing device, for example. It will be recognized that the various actions described herein can be performed by special purpose circuitry (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of the two. Additionally, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered to be fully embodied within any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that, when executed, cause or direct the associated processor of the device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionally, for each aspect described herein, any corresponding form of such aspect can be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to perform the described actions."

[0039] As used herein, the terms "user equipment" (UE) and "base station" are not intended to be dedicated to or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT), unless otherwise specified. In general, a UE can be any wireless communication device (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smart watch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headsets, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network. The UE can be mobile or can be stationary (e.g., at certain times) and can communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term "UE" can be interchangeably referred to as "access terminal" or "AT", "client device", "wireless device", "subscriber device", "subscriber terminal", "subscriber station", "user terminal" or "UT", "mobile device", "mobile terminal", "mobile station", or variations thereof. In general, a UE can communicate with a core network via a RAN and, through the core network, the UE can connect to an external network (such as the Internet) and to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for a UE, such as via a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) network (e.g., based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, etc.), and so on.

[0040] A base station can operate according to one of several RATs depending on the network in which the base station is deployed to communicate with a UE, and can alternatively be referred to as an access point (AP), a network node, a B node, an evolved B node (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a New Radio (NR) B node (also referred to as a gNB or gNodeB), etc. The base station can be mainly used to support wireless access by the UE, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UE. In some systems, the base station can provide a pure edge node signaling function, while in other systems, the base station can provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link by which the UE can send signals to the base station is referred to as an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., a reverse traffic channel, a reverse control channel, an access channel, etc.). The communication link by which the base station can send signals to the UE is referred to as a downlink (DL) or a forward link channel (e.g., a paging channel, a control channel, a broadcast channel, a forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to an uplink / reverse traffic channel or a downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0041] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit receive point (TRP) or can refer to multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, in the case where the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP can be the base station antenna corresponding to the cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. In the case where the term "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or in the case where the base station employs beamforming). In the case where the term "base station" refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, the non-co-located physical TRPs can be the serving base station that receives measurement reports from the UE and a neighbor base station whose reference radio frequency (RF) signal the UE is measuring. Since the TRP is the point from which the base station transmits and receives wireless signals, as used herein, a reference to a transmission from the base station or a reception at the base station should be understood to refer to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0042] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support the wireless access of the UE (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections regarding the UE), but can alternatively transmit to the UE reference signals to be measured by the UE and / or can receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such base stations may be referred to as positioning towers (e.g., in the case of transmitting signals to the UE) and / or as location measurement units (e.g., in the case of receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0043] An "RF signal" includes an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of each RF signal through a multipath channel, the receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same RF signal transmitted on different paths between the transmitter and the receiver may be referred to as a "multipath" RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a "wireless signal" or simply as a "signal", where it is clear from the context that the term "signal" refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0044] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labeled "BS") and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macro cell base stations (high-power cell base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cell base stations). In one aspect, the macro cell base stations may include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or gNBs (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0045] Each base station 102 may jointly form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC)) via a backhaul link 122, and via the core network 170 to one or more location servers 172 (e.g., a location management function (LMF) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP)). The location server 172 may be part of the core network 170 or may be external to the core network 170. The location server 172 may be integrated with the base station 102. The UE 104 may communicate with the location server 172 directly or indirectly. For example, the UE 104 may communicate with the location server 172 via the base station 102 currently serving the UE 104. The UE 104 may also communicate with the location server 172 via another path (such as via an application server (not shown)), via another network (such as via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP 150 described below), etc.). For signaling purposes, the communication between the UE 104 and the location server 172 may be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., via the core network 170, etc.) to an intermediate node (if any) or a direct connection (e.g., as shown via the direct connection 128), where the intermediate node is omitted from the signaling diagram for clarity.

[0046] In addition to other functions, the base station 102 may also perform functions related to one or more of the transfer of user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of alert messages. The base stations 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via the EPC / 5GC) via a backhaul link 134, which may be wired or wireless.

[0047] The base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with the UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by the base station 102 in each geographical coverage area 110. A "cell" is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a certain frequency resource, which is referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.), and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Enhanced Cell Identifier (ECI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI), etc.) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access for different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others). Since a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term "cell" can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station that supports the logical communication entity depending on the context. Additionally, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms "cell" and "TRP" can be used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station in the sense that a carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a certain part of the geographical coverage area 110.

[0048] Although the geographical coverage areas 110 of adjacent macro cell base stations 102 can partially overlap (e.g., in a handover area), some geographical coverage areas 110 may be substantially overlapped by a larger geographical coverage area 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (labeled "SC" for "small cell") can have a geographical coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographical coverage areas 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network including both small cells and macro cell base stations can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. The heterogeneous network can also include a Home eNB (HeNB), which can provide services to a restricted group called a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0049] The communication link 120 between the base station 102 and the UE 104 may include an uplink (also referred to as a reverse link) transmission from the UE 104 to the base station 102 and / or a downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmission from the base station 102 to the UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may be over one or more carrier frequencies. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink compared to the uplink).

[0050] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 in communication with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in an unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in an unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure to determine if the channel is available before communicating.

[0051] The small cell base station 102' may operate in a licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in an unlicensed spectrum, the small cell base station 102' may employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as that used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in an unlicensed spectrum may boost the coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network. NR in an unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in an unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, licensed-assisted access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0052] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter wave (mmW) base station 180 that may operate in mmW frequencies and / or near mmW frequencies to communicate with a UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a part of RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near mmW may extend down to 3 GHz frequency with a 100 millimeter wavelength. The super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, which is also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near mmW radio frequency bands has high path loss and a relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Additionally, it will be appreciated that in an alternative configuration, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near mmW and beamforming for transmission. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the foregoing explanation is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0053] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing an RF signal in a specific direction. Conventionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, the network node broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). With transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thereby providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal to the receiving device. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters that are broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node may use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates a beam of RF waves, and the beam of RF waves can be "steered" to point in different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that the radio waves from the separate antennas add together in the desired direction to increase radiation, while canceling in the undesired directions to suppress radiation.

[0054] Transmission beams can be quasi - co - located, meaning that they appear to have the same parameters to a receiving party (e.g., UE), regardless of whether the transmission antennas of the network node are physically co - located. In NR, there are four types of quasi - co - location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is of QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler frequency shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler frequency shift and Doppler spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler frequency shift and average delay of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0055] In receive beamforming, the receiver uses a receive beam to amplify the RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase the gain setting of the antenna array and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when the receiver is said to perform beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is relatively high compared to the beam gains in other directions, or the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gains of all other receive beams available to the receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal - to - interference - plus - noise ratio (SINR), etc.) for the RF signal received from that direction.

[0056] Transmission beams and receive beams can be spatially related. The spatial relationship means that the parameters of a second beam (e.g., transmission or receive beam) for a second reference signal can be derived from information about a first beam (e.g., receive beam or transmission beam) for a first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmission beam based on the parameters of the receive beam for transmitting an uplink reference signal (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS)) to that base station.

[0057] Note that depending on the entity forming the "downlink" beam, the beam can be a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if the base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to the UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if the UE is forming a downlink beam, the downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving the downlink reference signal. Similarly, depending on the entity forming the "uplink" beam, the beam can be a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if the base station is forming an uplink beam, the uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, and if the UE is forming an uplink beam, the uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0058] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various classes, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz – 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz – 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, in various documents and articles, FR1 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6 GHz band". A similar naming issue sometimes arises with FR2, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz – 300 GHz) identified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the "millimeter wave" band, FR2 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in various documents and articles.

[0059] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are typically referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating bands for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designations FR3 (7.125 GHz – 24.25 GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus effectively extend the features of FR1 and / or FR2 into the mid-band frequencies. Additionally, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation above 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz – 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz – 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz – 300 GHz). Each of these higher bands falls within the EHF band.

[0060] Taking into account the above aspects, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used herein, terms such as "sub-6 GHz" can generically represent frequencies that can be less than 6 GHz, can be within FR1, or can include mid-band frequencies. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if used herein, terms such as "millimeter wave" can generically represent frequencies that can include mid-band frequencies, can be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a, or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or can be within the EHF band.

[0061] In a multi-carrier system (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the "primary carrier" or "anchor carrier" or "primary serving cell" or "PCell", and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as "secondary carriers" or "secondary serving cells" or "SCells". In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier operates on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by the UE 104 / 182 and on the cell in which the UE 104 / 182 performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common control channels as well as UE-specific control channels and can be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier that operates on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) and can be configured once an RRC connection is established between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and this carrier can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may only contain necessary signaling information and signals. For example, UE-specific signaling information and signals may not be present in the secondary carrier because both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same holds true for the uplink primary carrier. The network is able to change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since the "serving cell" (whether it is a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier that a certain base station is using for communication, terms such as "cell", "serving cell", "component carrier", "carrier frequency", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0062] For example, still referring to Figure 1, one of the frequencies utilized by the macro cell base station 102 may be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies utilized by the macro cell base station 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 may be secondary carriers ("SCells"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception over multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rate. For example, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in a two-fold increase in data rate (i.e., 40 MHz) compared to the data rate obtained by a single 20 MHz carrier.

[0063] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 164 that may communicate with the macro cell base station 102 over a communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 over an mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 may support a PCell and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0064] In some cases, the UE 164 and the UE 182 may be able to perform sidelink communication. A UE with sidelink capabilities (SL-UE) may communicate with the base station 102 over the Uu interface (i.e., the air interface between the UE and the base station) via the communication link 120. The SL-UEs (e.g., UE 164, UE 182) may also communicate directly with each other via the PC5 interface (i.e., the air interface between UEs with sidelink capabilities) over the wireless sidelink 160. The wireless sidelink (or just "sidelink") is an adaptation of the core cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that allows direct communication between two or more UEs without that communication passing through the base station. Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) media sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications, etc. One or more of the SL-UEs in a group of SL-UEs utilizing sidelink communication may be within the geographical coverage area 110 of the base station 102. Other SL-UEs in such a group may be outside the geographical coverage area 110 of the base station 102 or may for other reasons be unable to receive transmissions from the base station 102. In some cases, each group of SL-UEs communicating via sidelink communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system where each SL-UE transmits to every other SL-UE in the group. In some cases, the base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communication. In other cases, sidelink communication is performed between the SL-UEs without involving the base station 102.

[0065] In one aspect, the sidelink 160 may operate on a wireless communication medium of interest, which may be shared with other wireless communications between other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points and other RATs. The "medium" may include one or more time, frequency, and / or spatial communication resources associated with wireless communication between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs (e.g., covering one or more channels across one or more carriers). In one aspect, the medium of interest may correspond to at least a portion of an unlicensed frequency band shared among various RATs. Although different licensed frequency bands have been reserved for certain communication systems (e.g., reserved by government entities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems, particularly those employing small cell access points, have recently extended their operation into unlicensed frequency bands, such as the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) bands used by wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies (most notably the IEEE 802.11x WLAN technologies commonly referred to as "Wi-Fi"). Example systems of this type include different variants of CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, and so on.

[0066] Note that while Figure 1 only two of these UEs are illustrated as SL-UEs (i.e., UEs 164 and 182), any of the illustrated UEs may be an SL-UE. Additionally, although only UE 182 is described as being capable of beamforming, any of the illustrated UEs (including UE 164) may be capable of beamforming. In cases where the SL-UEs are capable of beamforming, they may beamform towards each other (i.e., towards other SL-UEs), towards other UEs (e.g., UE 104), towards base stations (e.g., base stations 102, 180, small cell 102', access point 150), etc. Thus, in some cases, UEs 164 and 182 may utilize beamforming on the sidelink 160.

[0067] In Figure 1 the example of, any of the illustrated UEs (for simplicity in Figure 1As shown in the middle as a single UE 104, it can receive signals 124 from one or more Earth-orbiting spacecraft (SV) 112 (e.g., satellites). In one aspect, the SV 112 can be part of a satellite positioning system where the UE 104 can use it as an independent source of position information. A satellite positioning system generally includes transmitter systems (e.g., SV 112), and these transmitters are positioned such that a receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine the position of the receiver on or above the Earth at least partially based on the positioning signals (e.g., signal 124) received from these transmitters. Such transmitters typically transmit signals labeled with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code of a set number of chips. Although the transmitter is typically located in the SV 112, it can sometimes also be located on a ground-based control station, a base station 102, and / or other UE 104. The UE 104 can include one or more dedicated receivers that are specifically designed to receive the signal 124 from the SV 112 to derive geographical location information.

[0068] In a satellite positioning system, the use of the signal 124 can be augmented by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), which can be associated with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems or otherwise enabled to be used in conjunction with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, the SBAS can include augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential corrections, etc., such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), the Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided Geo Augmented Navigation or GPS and Geo Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN), and so on. Thus, as used herein, a satellite positioning system can include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0069] In one aspect, the SV 112 can additionally or alternatively be part of one or more non-terrestrial networks (NTN). In the NTN, the SV 112 is connected to an Earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to elements in the 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a ground antenna) or a network node in the 5GC. This element then provides access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately provides access to external entities outside the 5G network, such as Internet web servers and other user devices. In this way, the UE 104 can receive communication signals (e.g., signal 124) from the SV 112 as a replacement or supplement to receiving communication signals from the ground base station 102.

[0070] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 190), which are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "sidelinks"). In Figure 1 the example of, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with a UE 104 connected to a base station 102 (for example, UE 190 can thus indirectly obtain cellular connectivity), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (UE 190 can thus indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity). In one example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can use any well-known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), etc.) to support.

[0071] Figure 2A Illustrates an example wireless network structure 200. For example, the 5GC 210 (also referred to as the Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally regarded as a control plane (C-plane) function 214 (such as UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and a user plane (U-plane) function 212 (such as UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which operate cooperatively to form the core network. The user plane interface (NG-U) 213 and the control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210, especially to the user plane function 212 and the control plane function 214 respectively. In an additional configuration, the ng-eNB 224 can also be connected to the 5GC 210 via the NG-C 215 to the control plane function 214 and the NG-U 213 to the user plane function 212. In addition, the ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with the gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 can have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more ng-eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or the ng-eNB 224 (or both) can communicate with one or more UEs 204 (such as any UE described herein).

[0072] Another optional aspect may include a location server 230 that may communicate with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance for the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules scaled across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively may each correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, and the UE 204 can connect to the location server 230 via the core network, the 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). Additionally, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively may be external to the core network (e.g., a third-party server such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or a service server).

[0073] Figure 2B Another example wireless network structure 250 is illustrated. The 5GC 260 (which may correspond to Figure 2AThe 5GC 210) therein can be functionally regarded as a control plane function (provided by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264) and a user plane function (provided by the User Plane Function (UPF) 262), which operate cooperatively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, session management (SM) message transmission between one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein) and the Session Management Function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, short message service (SMS) message transmission between the UE 204 and the Short Message Service Function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with the Authentication Server Function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves security material from the AUSF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include Security Context Management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF, which is used by the SCM to derive an access network - specific key. The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes: location service management for regulatory services, location service message transmission between the UE 204 and the Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as the location server 230), location service message transmission between the NG - RAN 220 and the LMF 270, EPS bearer identifier allocation for interworking with the Evolved Packet System (EPS), and UE 204 mobility event notification. Additionally, the AMF 264 also supports the functionality of non - 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0074] The functions of the UPF 262 include: acting as an anchor point for intra - RAT / inter - RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point for interconnection to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflexive QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport - level packet marking in both the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 can also support the transmission of location service messages between the UE 204 and a location server (such as the SLP 272) on the user plane.

[0075] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of the user plane function, traffic steering configuration for routing traffic to the correct destination at the UPF 262, partial control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface on which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the N11 interface.

[0076] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270 that may communicate with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for the UE 204. The LMF 270 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules scaled across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively may each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, and the UE 204 can be connected to the LMF 270 via the core network, the 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not illustrated). The SLP 272 may support functions similar to those of the LMF 270, but the LMF 270 may communicate with the AMF 264, the NG-RAN 220, and the UE 204 on the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to convey signaling messages without conveying voice or data), and the SLP 272 may communicate with the UE 204 and an external client ( Figure 2B not shown in the figure) on the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to carry voice and / or data, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0077] The user plane interface 263 and the control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC 260 (and particularly the UPF 262 and the AMF 264, respectively) to one or more gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 in the NG-RAN 220. The interface between the gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and the AMF 264 is referred to as the "N2" interface, and the interface between the gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 and the UPF 262 is referred to as the "N3" interface. The gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 of the NG-RAN 220 may communicate directly with each other via a backhaul connection 223, which is referred to as the "Xn-C" interface. One or more of the gNB 222 and / or ng-eNB 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 on a radio interface, which is referred to as the "Uu interface".

[0078] The functionality of gNB 222 is divided between a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226 and one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DU) 228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU 226 and the one or more gNB-DUs 228 is referred to as the "F1" interface. The gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as transporting user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, etc., except for those functions specifically allocated to the gNB-DU 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 is in charge of the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of the gNB 222. The gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that is in charge of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of the gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, while one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. Therefore, the UE 204 communicates with the gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, and communicates with the gNB-DU 228 via the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers.

[0079] Figure 3A , 3B and FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) that can be incorporated into a UE 302 (which can correspond to any UE described herein), a base station 304 (which can correspond to any base station described herein), and a network entity 306 (which can correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270, or alternatively can be independent of Figure 2A and 2B the NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, such as a private network) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It will be appreciated that these components can be implemented in different types of devices in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components can also be incorporated into other devices in the communication system. For example, other devices in the system can include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Additionally, a given device can include one or more of these components. For example, a device can include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0080] UE 302 and base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, means for measuring, means for tuning, means for suppressing transmission, etc.) for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as an NR network, an LTE network, a GSM network, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may each be respectively connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356 for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc.) over an interested wireless communication medium (e.g., a set of time / frequency resources in a specific spectrum) via at least one specified RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be respectively configured in various ways according to the specified RAT for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 respectively include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for respectively transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, and respectively include one or more receivers 312 and 352 for respectively receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358.

[0081] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 each also include one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. Short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 may be respectively connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, and provide means for communicating via at least one specified RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, Devices (e.g., devices for transmitting, receiving, measuring, tuning, suppressing transmission, etc.) that communicate with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) over a wireless communication medium of interest, such as PC5, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), vehicle environment wireless access (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), etc. The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured in various ways according to the specified RAT to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) respectively, and vice versa to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.) respectively. Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 respectively for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, and each include one or more receivers 322 and 362 respectively for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368. As a specific example, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, transceivers, and / or transceivers, NFC transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0082] In at least some cases, the UEs 302 and the base station 304 also include satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 can be respectively connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, and can respectively provide means for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378. In the case where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 can be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. In the case where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 can be communication signals (e.g., carrying control and / or user data) originating from a 5G network. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 can respectively include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 request information and operations from other systems as appropriate, and in at least some cases perform calculations to determine the respective positions of the UEs 302 and the base station 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable satellite positioning system algorithms.

[0083] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, to provide means (e.g., means for transmitting, means for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, base station 304 may employ one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may employ one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base stations 304 over one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or to communicate with other network entities 306 over one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0084] The transceivers may be configured to communicate over wired or wireless links. The transceivers (whether wired or wireless transceivers) include transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). The transceivers may be integrated devices (e.g., implementing the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry in a single device) in some implementations, may include separate transmitter circuitry and separate receiver circuitry in some implementations, or may be implemented otherwise in other implementations. The transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry of a wired transceiver (e.g., in some implementations, network transceivers 380 and 390) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. The wireless transmitter circuitry (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which permits the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmit "beamforming" as described herein. Similarly, the wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which permits the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter circuitry and the receiver circuitry may share the same plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366) such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, not both simultaneously. The wireless transceivers (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include a network listening module (NLM) for performing various measurements, etc.

[0085] As used herein, various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) and wired transceivers (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some implementations) may generally be characterized as "transceiver", "at least one transceiver", or "one or more transceivers". Thus, it may be inferred whether a particular transceiver is a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver from the type of communication being performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers generally involves signaling via a wired transceiver, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) generally involves signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0086] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that may be used in conjunction with the operations disclosed herein. UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394 for providing functionality related to, for example, wireless communication and for providing other processing functionality. In one aspect, processors 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0087] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuitry that implements memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (such as information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.), respectively. Memories 340, 386, and 396 can thus provide means for storage, means for retrieval, means for maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may include positioning components 342, 388, and 398, respectively. Positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be hardware circuits that are part of or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, respectively, which when executed cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. In other aspects, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be external to processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be memory modules stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which when executed by processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.) cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Figure 3A Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 342, which can be part of, for example, one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or can be a self - standing component. Figure 3B Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 388, which can be part of, for example, one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or can be a self - standing component. Figure 3C Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 398, which can be part of, for example, one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or can be a self - standing component.

[0088] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting movement and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. As an example, the sensor(s) 344 may include an accelerometer (e.g., a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric altimeter), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Additionally, the sensor(s) 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, the sensor(s) 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and an orientation sensor to provide the ability to calculate a position in a two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system.

[0089] Additionally, UE 302 includes a user interface 346 that provides means for providing an indication to a user (e.g., an audible and / or visual indication) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., upon the user actuating a sensing device such as a keypad, a touch screen, a microphone, etc.). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include a user interface.

[0090] Referring more specifically to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 may be provided to the processor 384. One or more processors 384 may implement functionality for the RRC layer, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. One or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)) broadcast, RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction via Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0091] The transmitter 354 and the receiver 352 may implement layer 1 (L1) functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The transmitter 354 disposes of the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time domain and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a stream of time-domain OFDM symbols. The OFDM symbol stream is space precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator may be used to determine the encoding and modulation schemes and for spatial processing. The channel estimates may be derived from reference signals transmitted by the UE 302 and / or channel status feedback. Each spatial stream may then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. The transmitter 354 may modulate an RF carrier with the respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0092] At the UE 302, the receiver 312 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 316. The receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to one or more processors 332. The transmitter 314 and the receiver 312 implement layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 302. If there are multiple spatial streams destined for the UE 302, they may be combined by the receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The receiver 312 then uses a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency-domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols, as well as the reference signal, on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation point most likely transmitted by the base station 304. These soft decisions may be based on the channel estimates computed by the channel estimator. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by the base station 304 on the physical channel. These data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332 that implement layer-3 (L3) and layer-2 (L2) functionality.

[0093] In the uplink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0094] Similar to the functionality described in connection with the downlink transmission performed by the base station 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0095] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator from reference signals or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to the different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can modulate an RF carrier with the respective spatial streams for transmission.

[0096] Uplink transmissions are processed at the base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver functionality at the UE 302. The receiver 352 receives signals via its respective antennas 356. The receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to one or more processors 384.

[0097] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, deciphering, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from the UE 302. The IP packets from one or more processors 384 can be provided to the core network. One or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0098] For convenience, the UE 302, the base station 304, and / or the network entity 306 are in Figure 3A 、 3BThe 3C is shown as including various components that can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it will be appreciated that the illustrated components may have different functionality in different designs. Specifically, Figures 3A to 3C each of the components in is optional in alternative configurations, and each aspect includes configurations that may vary due to design choices, cost, use of the device, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A the case of, a particular implementation of the UE 302 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 310 (e.g., a wearable device or a tablet computer or a PC or a laptop device may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth capabilities without cellular capabilities), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 320 (e.g., only cellular, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal receiver 330, or may omit the sensor(s) 344, etc. In another example, in Figure 3B the case of, a particular implementation of the base station 304 may omit the WWAN transceiver(s) 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver(s) 360 (e.g., only cellular, etc.), or may omit the satellite receiver 370, etc. For simplicity, descriptions of the various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0099] The various components of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 may be communicatively coupled to each other respectively on data buses 334, 382, and 392. In one aspect, the data buses 334, 382, and 392 may respectively form or be part of the communication interfaces of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306. For example, in the case where different logical entities are implemented in the same device (e.g., gNB and location server functionality are incorporated into the same base station 304), the data buses 334, 382, and 392 may provide communication between them.

[0100] Figure 3A 、 3B and the components of 3C can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe various components of can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, by way of example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by the circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by the processor and (a) memory component(s) of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor component). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 may be implemented by the processor and memory component(s) of base station 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor component). Additionally, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 may be implemented by the processor and (a) memory component(s) of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor component). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being "performed by the UE", "performed by the base station", "performed by the network entity", etc. However, as will be appreciated, such operations, actions, and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350 and 360, memories 340, 386 and 396, positioning components 342, 388 and 398, etc.

[0101] In some designs, network entity 306 may be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, network entity 306 may be operated by a network operator different from the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, network entity 306 may be a component of a private network that may be configured to communicate with UE 302 via base station 304 or independently of base station 304 (e.g., over a non-cellular communication link, such as WiFi).

[0102] NR supports several cellular network-based positioning techniques, including downlink-based positioning methods, uplink-based positioning methods, and downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include: Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and Downlink Angle of Departure (DL-AoD) in NR. In the OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedures, the UE measures the difference in the time of arrival (ToA) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from paired base stations (referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements), and reports these differences to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives the identifiers (IDs) of the reference base station (e.g., serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in the assistance data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each non-reference base station. Based on the known locations of the involved base stations and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity (e.g., the UE for UE-based positioning or the location server for UE-assisted positioning) can estimate the location of the UE.

[0103] For DL-AoD positioning, the positioning entity uses beam reports of received signal strength measurements of multiple downlink transmission beams from the UE to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the transmitting base station(s). The positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the transmitting base station(s).

[0104] Uplink-based positioning methods include Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA) and Uplink Angle of Arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but the UL-TDOA is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE. For UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from the UE on one or more uplink reception beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurements and the angle(s) of the reception beam(s) to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the base station(s). Based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the base station(s), the positioning entity can subsequently estimate the location of the UE.

[0105] Downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods include: Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) positioning and Multi-Round Trip Time (RTT) positioning (also known as "Multi-Cell RTT" and "Multi-RTT"). In the RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or an SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or a base station), and the second entity transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or a PRS) back to the first entity. Each entity measures the time difference between the arrival time (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as the received-transmitted (Rx-Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement can be made, or adjusted, to include only the time difference between the received signal and the nearest subframe boundary of the transmitted signal. Then, both entities can send their Rx-Tx time difference measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 270), which calculates the round-trip propagation time (i.e., the RTT) between the two entities based on the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., calculated as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements). Alternatively, one entity can send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, and then the other entity calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined based on the RTT and a known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi-RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or a base station) performs the RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) so that the position of the first entity can be determined based on the distances to the second entities and the known positions of the second entities (e.g., using multilateration). The RTT method and the multi-RTT method can be combined with other positioning techniques (such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD) to improve position accuracy.

[0106] The E-CID positioning method is based on Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, the timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timing, and signal strength of the detected neighbor base stations. Subsequently, the position of the UE is estimated based on this information and the known positions of the (base) stations.

[0107] To assist in positioning operations, a positioning server (e.g., positioning server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) may provide assistance data to a UE. For example, the assistance data may include: identifiers of base stations (or cells / TRPs of base stations) from which reference signals are measured, reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive positioning subframes, the periodicity of positioning subframes, silence sequences, frequency hopping sequences, reference signal identifiers, reference signal bandwidths, etc.) and / or other parameters applicable to a particular positioning method. Alternatively, the assistance data may directly originate from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE itself may be able to detect neighbor network nodes without using assistance data.

[0108] In the case of the OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedures, the assistance data may further include an expected RSTD value and an associated uncertainty, or a search window around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the value range of the expected RSTD may be + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any resources used for positioning measurements are in FR1, the value range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all resources used for positioning measurements are in FR2, the value range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD may be + / - 8 μs.

[0109] A position estimate may be referred to by other names, such as a positioning estimate, location, position, positioning lock, lock, etc. A position estimate may be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude), or may be civic and include a street address, postal address, or some other verbal location description. A position estimate may be further defined relative to some other known location or in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). A position estimate may include an expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including an area or volume within which the position is expected to be included with a certain specified or default confidence).

[0110] Various frame structures may be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs). Figure 4A FIG. 400 is a diagram illustrating an example frame structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The frame structure may be a downlink or uplink frame structure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0111] LTE, and in some cases NR, utilize OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency-division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option of using OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also often referred to as frequency tones, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally speaking, the modulation symbols are sent in the frequency domain for OFDM and in the time domain for SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number (K) of subcarriers can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kilohertz (kHz), and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Thus, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz), the nominal FFT sizes can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0112] LTE supports single parameter design (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR supports multiple parameter designs (μ). For example, subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz (μ = 0), 30 kHz (μ = 1), 60 kHz (μ = 2), 120 kHz (μ = 3), and 240 kHz (μ = 4) or larger may be available. In each subcarrier spacing, there are 14 symbols per time slot. For 15 kHz SCS (μ = 0), there is one time slot per subframe, 10 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 1 millisecond (ms), the symbol duration is 66.7 microseconds (μs), and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 50. For 30 kHz SCS (μ = 1), there are two time slots per subframe, 20 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.5 ms, the symbol duration is 33.3 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 100. For 60 kHz SCS (μ = 2), there are four time slots per subframe, 40 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.25 ms, the symbol duration is 16.7 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 200. For 120 kHz SCS (μ = 3), there are eight time slots per subframe, 80 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.125 ms, the symbol duration is 8.33 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 400. For 240 kHz SCS (μ = 4), there are 16 time slots per subframe, 160 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.0625 ms, the symbol duration is 4.17 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 800.

[0113] In Figure 4A 's example, a parameter design of 15 kHz is used. Thus, in the time domain, a 10 ms frame is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each subframe being 1 ms, and each subframe includes one time slot. In Figure 4A , time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0114] A resource grid can be used to represent a time slot, and each time slot includes one or more time-concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE can correspond to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. In Figure 4AIn the parameter design, for the normal cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 resource elements (REs). For the extended cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0115] Some REs can carry reference (pilot) signals (RSs). These reference signals can include positioning reference signals (PRSs), tracking reference signals (TRSs), phase tracking reference signals (PTRSs), cell-specific reference signals (CRSs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), demodulation reference signals (DMRSs), primary synchronization signals (PSSs), secondary synchronization signals (SSSs), synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), sounding reference signals (SRSs), etc., depending on whether the described frame structure is used for uplink or downlink communication. Figure 4A Examples of the positions of REs carrying reference signals (marked as "R") are illustrated.

[0116] The set of resource elements (REs) used for the transmission of PRS is referred to as "PRS resources". The set of resource elements can span multiple physical resource blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain and 'N' (such as 1 or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resources occupy consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain.

[0117] The transmission of PRS resources within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also referred to as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size 'N', the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol of the PRB. For example, for a comb-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the REs corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) are used to transmit the PRS of the PRS resources. Currently, comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12 are supported for DL-PRS. Figure 4A An example PRS resource configuration for a comb-4 (which spans 4 symbols) is illustrated. That is, the positions of the shaded REs (marked as "R") indicate the PRS resource configuration for the comb-4.

[0118] Currently, DL-PRS resources using a full-frequency-domain interleaved pattern can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot. DL-PRS resources can be configured in any downlink or flexible (FL) symbol configured by the higher layer in the time slot. There may be a constant energy per resource element (EPRE) for all REs of a given DL-PRS resource. The following are the per-symbol frequency offsets for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12 on 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb - 2: {0,1}; 4-symbol comb - 2: {0,1,0,1}; 6-symbol comb - 2: {0,1,0,1,0,1}; 12-symbol comb - 2: {0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1}; 4-symbol comb - 4: {0,2,1,3} (as in the example of Figure 4A ); 12-symbol comb - 4: {0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}; 6-symbol comb - 6: {0,3,1,4,2,5}; 12-symbol comb - 6: {0,3,1,4,2,5,0,3,1,4,2,5}; and 12-symbol comb - 12: {0,6,3,9,1,7,4,10,2,8,5,11}.

[0119] A "PRS resource set" is a set of PRS resources used for the transmission of PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. Additionally, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and is associated with a specific TRP (identified by the TRP ID). Additionally, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set have the same periodicity, common silent mode configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as "PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor") across time slots. Periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource of the first PRS instance to the same first repetition of the same first PRS resource of the next PRS instance. The periodicity can have a length selected from: 2^μ*{4,5,8,10,16,20,32,40,64,80,160,320,640,1280,2560,5120,10240} time slots, where μ = 0,1,2,3. The repetition factor can have a length selected from {1,2,4,6,8,16,32} time slots.

[0120] The PRS resource ID in the PRS resource set is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in the PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and thus, a "PRS resource" (or simply "resource") can also be referred to as a "beam". Note that this does not imply anything about whether the UE knows the TRP and beam transmitting the PRS.

[0121] A "PRS instance" or "PRS occasion" is an instance of a periodically repeating time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive time slots) in which it is expected to transmit the PRS. A PRS occasion can also be referred to as a "PRS positioning occasion", "PRS positioning instance", "positioning occasion", "positioning instance", "positioning repetition", or simply "occasion", "instance", or "repetition".

[0122] A "positioning frequency layer" (also simply referred to as a "frequency layer") is a set of one or more PRS resource sets with the same values for certain parameters across one or more TRPs. Specifically, the set of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning that all parameter designs supported for the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) are also supported for the PRS), the same point A, the same value for the downlink PRS bandwidth, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter takes the value of the parameter "ARFCN-ValueNR" (where "ARFCN" stands for "absolute radio frequency channel number") and is an identifier / code that specifies a pair of physical radio channels used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of 4 PRB, and the minimum value is 24 PRB while the maximum value is 272 PRB. Currently, up to 4 frequency layers are defined, and each TRP can configure up to 2 PRS resource sets per frequency layer.

[0123] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to the concepts of a component carrier and a bandwidth part (BWP), but the difference is that component carriers and BWPs are used by a base station (or a macrocell base station and a small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while frequency layers are used by several (often three or more) base stations to transmit PRS. The UE can indicate the number of frequency layers that the UE can support when the UE sends its positioning capabilities to the network (such as during an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) session). For example, the UE can indicate whether the UE can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0124] Figure 4B is a diagram 430 illustrating various downlink channels within a downlink time slot. In Figure 4Bin which time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, and frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top. In Figure 4B 's example, a parameter design of 15 kHz is used. Thus, in the time domain, the explained time slot length is 1 millisecond (ms) and is divided into 14 symbols.

[0125] In NR, the channel bandwidth or system bandwidth is divided into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs). A BWP is a set of contiguous resource blocks (RBs) selected from a contiguous subset of the common RBs designed for a given carrier. Generally, a maximum of 4 BWPs can be specified for both the downlink and the uplink. That is, a UE can be configured to have at most 4 BWPs on the downlink and at most 4 BWPs on the uplink. Only one BWP (either uplink or downlink) can be active at a given time, which means that a UE can only receive or transmit on one BWP at a time. On the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but it may or may not contain the SSB.

[0126] Referring to Figure 4B , the primary synchronization signal (PSS) is used by the UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and the physical layer identity. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on this PCI, the UE can determine the position of the aforementioned DL-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form the SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the downlink system bandwidth and the system frame number (SFN). The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as system information blocks (SIBs)) not transmitted through the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0127] The physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more control channel elements (CCEs), each CCE including one or more resource element group (REG) bundles (which can span multiple symbols in the time domain), each REG bundle including one or more REGs, each REG corresponding to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The physical resource set used to carry the PDCCH / DCI is called the control resource set (CORESET) in NR. In NR, the PDCCH is restricted to a single CORESET and is transmitted together with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0128] In Figure 4B the example, there is one CORESET per BWP, and the CORESET spans three symbols in the time domain (although it can be only one symbol or two symbols). Different from the LTE control channel that occupies the entire system bandwidth, in NR, the PDCCH channel is localized in a specific area in the frequency domain (i.e., the CORESET). Thus, Figure 4B the frequency components of the PDCCH shown in are illustrated as less than a single BWP in the frequency domain. Note that although the illustrated CORESETs are contiguous in the frequency domain, the CORESETs do not need to be contiguous. Additionally, the CORESET can span less than three symbols in the time domain.

[0129] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of the downlink data transmitted to the UE (referred to as uplink grant and downlink grant, respectively). More specifically, the DCI indicates the resources scheduled for the downlink data channel (e.g., PDSCH) and the uplink data channel (e.g., Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)). Multiple (e.g., up to 8) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of multiple formats. For example, there are different DCI formats for uplink scheduling, for downlink scheduling, for uplink transmit power control (TPC), etc. The PDCCH can be transmitted by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or coding rates.

[0130] The following are the currently supported DCI formats. Format 0_0: Fallback for PUSCH scheduling; Format 0_1: Non-fallback for PUSCH scheduling; Format 1_0: Fallback for PDSCH scheduling; Format 1-1: Non-fallback for PDSCH scheduling; Format 2_0: Notify UE group of slot format; Format 2_1: Notify UE group of the (s)PRB(s) and (s)OFDM symbol(s) in which the UE can assume no transmission intended for the UE; Format 2_2: Transmit TPC commands for PUCCH and PUSCH; and Format 2_2: Transmit SRS request group and TPC commands for SRS transmission. Note that the fallback format is the default scheduling option, which has non-configurable fields and supports basic NR operations. In contrast, the non-fallback format is flexible to accommodate NR features.

[0131] As will be appreciated, the UE needs to be able to demodulate (also referred to as “decode”) the PDCCH in order to read the DCI and thereby obtain the scheduling of the resources allocated to the UE on the PDSCH and PUSCH. If the UE fails to demodulate the PDCCH, the UE will not know the location of the PDSCH resources, and it will continue to attempt to demodulate the PDCCH using different PDCCH candidate sets in subsequent PDCCH monitoring occasions. If the UE fails to demodulate the PDCCH after a certain number of attempts, the UE declares a radio link failure (RLF). To overcome the PDCCH demodulation problem, the search space is configured for efficient PDCCH detection and demodulation.

[0132] Generally, the UE does not attempt to demodulate every PDCCH candidate that may be scheduled in a time slot. To reduce the restrictions on the PDCCH scheduler and, at the same time, to reduce the number of blind demodulation attempts made by the UE, the search space is configured. The search space is indicated by a set of contiguous CCEs that the UE is expected to monitor for scheduling assignments / grants related to a certain component carrier. There are two types of search spaces for the PDCCH to control each component carrier: the common search space (CSS) and the UE-specific search space (USS).

[0133] The common search space is shared across all UEs, while the UE-specific search space is used per UE (i.e., the UE-specific search space is specific to a particular UE). For the common search space, the DCI cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is scrambled with a system information radio network temporary identifier (SI-RNTI), a random access RNT (RA-RNTI), a temporary cell RNTI (TC-RNTI), a paging RNTI (P-RNTI), an interruption RNTI (INT-RNTI), a time slot format indication RNTI (SFI-RNTI), a TPC-PUCCH-RNTI, a TPC-PUSCH-RNTI, a TPC-SRS-RNTI, a cell RNTI (C-RNTI), or a configured scheduling RNTI (CS-RNTI) for all common procedures. For the UE-specific search space, the DCI CRC is scrambled with a C-RNTI or a CS-RNTI because these are specific to an individual UE.

[0134] The UE demodulates the PDCCH using four UE-specific search space aggregation levels (1, 2, 4, and 8) and two common search space aggregation levels (4 and 8). Specifically, for the UE-specific search space, the aggregation level '1' has a size of six PDCCH candidates and six CCEs per time slot. The aggregation level '2' has a size of six PDCCH candidates and 12 CCEs per time slot. The aggregation level '4' has a size of two PDCCH candidates and 8 CCEs per time slot. The aggregation level '8' has a size of two PDCCH candidates and 16 CCEs per time slot. For the common search space, the aggregation level '4' has a size of four PDCCH candidates and 16 CCEs per time slot. The aggregation level '8' has a size of two PDCCH candidates and 16 CCEs per time slot.

[0135] Each search space includes a group of consecutive CCEs that can be allocated to the PDCCH (referred to as PDCCH candidates). The UE demodulates all PDCCH candidates in these two search spaces (USS and CSS) to discover the DCI for that UE. For example, the UE can demodulate the DCI to obtain the scheduled uplink grant information on the PUSCH and the downlink resources on the PDSCH. Note that the aggregation level is the number of REs carrying the PDCCH DCI message in the CORESET and is expressed in the form of CCEs. There is a one-to-one mapping between the aggregation level and the number of CCEs per aggregation level. That is, for the aggregation level '4', there are four CCEs. Thus, as shown above, if the aggregation level is '4' and the number of PDCCH candidates in a time slot is '2', then the size of the search space is '8' (i.e., 4 x 2 = 8).

[0136] In one aspect, the reference signal is carried on Figure 4A The reference signal marked as "R" on the REs can be the SRS. The SRS transmitted by the UE can be used by the base station to obtain the channel state information (CSI) for transmitting the UE. The CSI describes how the RF signal propagates from the UE to the base station and represents the combined effects of scattering, fading, and power attenuation with distance. The system uses the SRS for resource scheduling, link adaptation, massive MIMO, beam management, etc.

[0137] The set of REs used for SRS transmission is called an "SRS resource" and can be identified by the parameter "SRS-ResourceId (SRS resource ID)". The set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and 'N' (e.g., one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol, the SRS resource occupies one or more consecutive PRBs. An "SRS resource set" is a set of SRS resources used for SRS signal transmission and is identified by an SRS resource set ID ("SRS-ResourceSetId").

[0138] The transmission of an SRS resource within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also referred to as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of the SRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size 'N', the SRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a symbol of the PRB. For example, for a comb-4, for each symbol of the SRS resource configuration, the REs corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) are used to transmit the SRS of the SRS resource. In Figure 4A the example of, the illustrated SRS is a comb-4 over four symbols. That is, the positions of the shaded SRS REs indicate the SRS resource configuration of the comb-4.

[0139] Currently, SRS resources with comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, or comb-8 can span 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot. The following are the per-symbol frequency offsets for the currently supported SRS comb patterns. 1-symbol comb-2: {0}; 2-symbol comb-2: {0,1}; 2-symbol comb-4: {0,2}; 4-symbol comb-2: {0,1,0,1}; 4-symbol comb-4: {0,2,1,3} (as in the example of Figure 4A ); 8-symbol comb-4: {0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}; 12-symbol comb-4: {0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}; 4-symbol comb-8: {0,4,2,6}; 8-symbol comb-8: {0,4,2,6,1,5,3,7}; and 12-symbol comb-8: {0,4,2,6,1,5,3,7,0,4,2,6}.

[0140] Generally speaking, as mentioned, the UE transmits SRS so that the receiving base station (serving base station or neighboring base station) can measure the channel quality (i.e., CSI) between the UE and the base station. However, the SRS can also be specifically configured as an uplink positioning reference signal for uplink-based positioning procedures such as uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), etc. As used herein, the term "SRS" can refer to the SRS configured for channel quality measurement or the SRS configured for positioning purposes. When it is necessary to distinguish between the two types of SRS, the former can be referred to herein as "SRS-for-communication" and / or the latter can be referred to as "SRS-for-positioning" or "positioning SRS".

[0141] Several enhancements to the previously defined SRS have been proposed for "SRS-for-positioning" (also known as "UL-PRS"), such as new interleaving patterns within the SRS resource (in addition to single symbol / comb-2), new comb types of the SRS, new sequences of the SRS, a larger number of SRS resource sets per component carrier, and a larger number of SRS resources per component carrier. Additionally, the parameters "SpatialRelationInfo" and "PathLossReference" are to be configured based on the downlink reference signal or SSB from an adjacent TRP. Furthermore, an SRS resource can be transmitted outside the active BWP, and an SRS resource can span multiple component carriers. In addition, the SRS can be configured in the RRC connected state and transmitted only within the active BWP. Moreover, there may be no frequency hopping, repetition factor, single antenna port, and new lengths of the SRS (e.g., 8 and 12 symbols). There may also be open-loop power control and no closed-loop power control, and comb-8 (i.e., SRS transmitted on every eighth subcarrier in the same symbol) can be used. Finally, the UE can transmit via the same transmit beam from multiple SRS resources for UL-AoA. All of these are features outside the current SRS framework, which is configured by RRC higher layer signaling (and potentially triggered or activated by MAC control element (MAC-CE) or DCI).

[0142] Note that the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" generally refer to specific reference signals for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" can also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as but not limited to: PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc. as defined in LTE and NR. Additionally, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" can refer to downlink or uplink positioning reference signals, unless otherwise indicated by the context. If further distinction of the type of PRS is needed, the downlink positioning reference signal can be referred to as "DL-PRS", while the uplink positioning reference signal (e.g., positioning SRS, PTRS) can be referred to as "UL-PRS". Additionally, for signals that can be transmitted in both the uplink and downlink (e.g., DMRS, PTRS), these signals can be prefixed with "UL" or "DL" to distinguish the direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" can be distinguished from "DL-DMRS".

[0143] Figure 4C is a diagram 450 illustrating various uplink channels within an uplink time slot. In Figure 4C it, time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, and frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top. In Figure 4C the example of, a parameter design of 15 kHz is used. Thus, in the time domain, the length of the illustrated time slot is 1 millisecond (ms) and is divided into 14 symbols.

[0144] The random access channel (RACH) (also known as the physical random access channel (PRACH)) can be within one or more time slots in a frame based on the PRACH configuration. The PRACH can include 6 consecutive RB pairs within a time slot. The PRACH allows the UE to perform initial system access and achieve uplink synchronization. The physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) can be located at the edge of the uplink system bandwidth. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as a scheduling request, CSI report, channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) carries data and can additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0145] Even when no traffic is being transmitted from the network to the UE, it is expected that the UE monitors every downlink subframe on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). This means that even when there is no traffic, the UE must always be "on" or active because the UE cannot know exactly when the network will transmit data for it. However, being always active is a significant power consumption for the UE.

[0146] To address this issue, the UE can implement Discontinuous Reception (DRX) and / or Connected Mode Discontinuous Reception (CDRX) techniques. DRX and CDRX are mechanisms by which the UE enters a "sleep" mode for a scheduled period of time and "wakes up" for other periods of time. During the wake-up or active periods, the UE checks if there is any data from the network and, if not, returns to the sleep mode.

[0147] To implement DRX and CDRX, the UE and the network need to be synchronized. In the worst-case scenario, the network may attempt to send some data to the UE while the UE is in the sleep mode, and the UE may wake up when there is no data to be received. To prevent such scenarios, the UE and the network should have a well-defined agreement on when the UE can be in the sleep mode and when the UE should wake up / be active. This agreement has been standardized in various technical specifications. Note that DRX includes CDRX, and thus a reference to DRX refers to both DRX and CDRX unless otherwise indicated.

[0148] A network (e.g., serving cell) may configure a UE to have DRX / CDRX timing using an RRC connection reconfiguration message (for CDRX) or an RRC connection setup message (for DRX). The network may signal the following DRX configuration parameters to the UE: (1) DRX cycle: the duration of an ‘ON time’ plus an ‘OFF time’. This value is not explicitly specified in the RRC message; instead, this value is calculated from the subframe / slot time and the “long DRX cycle start offset”. (2) ON duration timer: the duration of the ‘ON time’ within a DRX cycle, indicated by the parameter “drx-onDurationTimer (drx-ON duration timer)”. (3) DRX inactivity timer: how long the UE should remain ‘ON’ after receiving a PDCCH. When this timer is active, the UE remains in the ‘ON state’, which can extend the ON period into a period that would otherwise be an ‘OFF’ period. (4) DRX retransmission timer: the maximum number of consecutive PDCCH subframes / slots for which the UE should remain active to wait for incoming retransmissions after the first available retransmission time. (5) Short DRX cycle: a DRX cycle that can be implemented during the ‘OFF’ period of the long DRX cycle. (6) DRX short cycle timer: the number of consecutive subframes / slots that should follow a short DRX cycle after the DRX inactivity timer expires.

[0149] Figures 5A to 5C Illustrates an example DRX configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5A Illustrates an example DRX configuration 500A in which a long DRX cycle (the time from the start of one ON duration to the start of the next ON duration) is configured and no PDCCH is received during that cycle. Figure 5B Illustrates an example DRX configuration 500B in which a long DRX cycle is configured and a PDCCH is received during the ON duration 510 of the second DRX cycle illustrated. Note that the ON duration 510 ends at time 512. However, based on the length of the DRX inactivity timer and the time the PDCCH is received, the time the UE wakes up / remains active (“active time”) is extended to time 514. Specifically, when a PDCCH is received, the UE starts the DRX inactivity timer and remains in the active state until the timer expires (resetting the timer each time a PDCCH is received during the active time).

[0150] Figure 5CIllustrated is example DRX configuration 500C, in which a long DRX cycle is configured and a PDCCH and a DRX command MAC control element (MAC-CE) are received during the on-duration 520 of the second DRX cycle being illustrated. Note that, since the PDCCH is received at time 522 and the DRX inactivity timer then expires at time 524, the active time starting during the on-duration 520 would normally end at time 524, as discussed above with reference to Figure 5B that which was discussed. However, in the Figure 5C example, based on the time of the DRX command MAC-CE that instructs the UE to terminate the DRX inactivity timer and start the on-duration timer, the active time is shortened to time 526.

[0151] More specifically, the active time of a DRX cycle is the time during which the UE is considered to be monitoring the PDCCH. The active time may include time during periods such as: the on-duration timer is running, the DRX inactivity timer is running, the DRX retransmission timer is running, the MAC contention resolution timer is running, a scheduling request has been sent on the PUCCH and is pending, an uplink grant for a pending HARQ retransmission may occur and there is data in the corresponding HARQ buffer, or a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the UE's cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) has not been received after a random access response (RAR) to a preamble not selected by the UE has been successfully received. Also, in non-contention-based random access, after receiving the RAR, the UE shall be in the active state until a PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the UE's C-RNTI is received.

[0152] Referring to Figures 6A to 6C , various relative timings of the PRS with respect to the DRX start time may occur depending on the scheduled PRS and the scheduled DRX cycle. The PRS discussed herein is the DL-PRS, but the description applies to other PRSs, such as the UL-PRS. As Figure 6AAs shown in [figure], in the complete overlap relationship between the PRS and the DRX on-time, the scheduled DL-PRS occasion 610 (including multiple repetitions of the DL-PRS resource 612, only one of which is labeled for clarity) completely appears within the scheduled DRX on-time window 620. Therefore, the DL-PRS occasion 610 completely overlaps with the DRX on-time window 620. The DRX on-time can refer to the DRX on-duration (configured by the DRX on-duration timer) or the DRX active time (as discussed above, where the active time range is more dynamic, e.g., not determined at the start of the DL-PRS occasion). The DRX cycle time is shown as the time from the start of the DRX on-time window 620 to the start of the next DRX on-time window 630.

[0153] As Figure 6B shown in [figure], in the partial overlap relationship between the PRS and the DRX on-time, the scheduled DL-PRS occasion 610 partially overlaps with the DRX on-time window 620. One part of the DL-PRS occasion 610 overlaps with one part of the DRX on-time window 620, while another part of the DL-PRS occasion 610 overlaps with one part of the DRX off-time window 640. As Figure 6C shown in [figure], in the zero overlap relationship between the PRS and the DRX on-time, the scheduled DL-PRS occasion 610 does not overlap with the DRX on-time window 620 at all, but instead completely overlaps with the DRX off-time window 640.

[0154] Currently, 5G only supports periodic PRS transmissions. The UE is expected to measure all PRS occasions regardless of the DRX cycle, which consumes more power. If the UE needs to measure all PRS occasions, the UE needs to power on its RF receive chain and / or RF transmit chain for each occasion, which consumes more power. The RF chain (whether for reception or transmission) is a cascade of electronic components configured to receive incoming analog signals (in the case of the RF receive chain) or transmit outgoing analog signals (in the case of the RF transmit chain), such as amplifiers (e.g., low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) for the RF receive chain and power amplifiers (PAs) for the RF transmit chain), filters, mixers, attenuators, and detectors. Each RF receive chain is coupled at one end to at least one antenna (e.g., antenna(s) 316) and at the other end to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Each RF transmit chain is coupled at one end to an antenna (e.g., antenna(s) 316) and at the other end to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

[0155] Based on the above observations, techniques for power savings when measuring and / or transmitting PRS while a UE is configured to operate in DRX mode would be beneficial. Previous solutions have focused on power savings techniques for DL-PRS. For example, a UE can be configured (statically and / or dynamically) to implement measurement behavior depending on the relative timing of PRS and DRX on-time according to Table 1 below. Table 1 indicates the following overlap situations of DL-PRS relative to DRX on-time: DL-PRS is completely within the DRX on-time (completely outside the DRX off-time), partially within the DRX on-time (partially overlapping the DRX on-time and partially overlapping the DRX off-time), and completely outside the DRX on-time (completely within the DRX off-time). The configuration information reflected by the measurement behavior that can be implemented by the UE as indicated in Table 1 can cause the UE to perform according to Table 1 or a part of Table 1 based on the overlap situation of PRS and DRX on-time.

[0156]

[0157] Table 1

[0158] A UE can be configured to send various positioning reports, such as layer 2 / layer 3 (L2 / L3) reports or layer 1 / layer 2 (L1 / L2) reports. A UE can be configured to send a scheduling request (SR) message to the network to seek an uplink grant for triggering an L2 / L3 report. For an L1 / L2 report, the positioning report can be triggered by DCI on the PDCCH, an active MAC-CE (on the PDSCH), or a deactivated MAC-CE. For example, a new MAC-CE can contain a command to activate or deactivate PRS on the PDCCH.

[0159] Figure 7 An example signaling and processing flow 700 for determining and reporting positioning information is illustrated. Flow 700 is merely an example as phases can be added, rearranged, and / or removed. For example, in some cases, phase 720 and / or phase 780 can be omitted.

[0160] In stage 710, a TRP 704 (e.g., the TRP of any base station described herein) sends a DRX configuration message 711 to a UE 702 (e.g., any UE described herein) and sends a DRX configuration message 712 to a location server 706 (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272). For example, the TRP 704 may be a serving TRP for the UE 702 and may send DRX configuration information to the UE 702 in the message 711. The DRX configuration information may include, for each of two frequency ranges for receiving PRS from the TRP 704, for example, a DRX cycle, a DRX on-duration timer, a DRX inactivity timer, a DRX retransmission timer, a short DRX cycle, and a DRX short cycle timer. The TRP 704 sends a message 712 having the same information as the message 711 so that the location server 706 can be aware of the timing of the PRS with respect to the DRX cycle(s) of the UE 702.

[0161] In stage 720, the UE 702 may send one or more measurement and reporting recommended configuration / capability messages 721 to the location server 706. The message(s) 721 may indicate the configuration of the measurement behavior of the UE 702 for measuring a positioning signal (e.g., PRS) in view of the DRX mode operation of the UE 702. For example, the message(s) 721 may indicate a static configuration of the UE 702 for measuring PRS according to one or more behaviors shown in Table 1000. The message(s) 721 may additionally or alternatively indicate the configuration of the positioning information reporting of the UE 702 in view of the DRX mode operation of the UE 702. For example, the message(s) 721 may indicate a static configuration of the UE 702 for sending a positioning report according to one or more trigger conditions and / or one or more timing parameters or conditions for reporting.

[0162] In stage 730, the location server 706 may send a PRS configuration message 731 to the TRP 704 and a PRS configuration message 732 to the UE 702. The PRS configuration message 731 instructs the TRP 704 to transmit DL-PRS to the UE 702 and / or receive UL-PRS from the UE 702 according to appropriate transmission parameters (such as timing, frequency layer, offsets, etc.). The PRS configuration message 732 provides information about receiving the PRS to be transmitted by the TRP 704 (such as timing, frequency layer, offsets, etc.). Although the process 700 only shows one TRP 704 and only provides PRS configuration to this TRP, the location server 706 may send PRS configuration information to multiple TRPs and provide corresponding configuration information for multiple TRPs to the UE 702. The configuration message 732 may provide information for receiving PRS (such as DL-PRS and / or UL-PRS) (e.g., depending on the capabilities of the UE 702).

[0163] In stage 740, the location server 706 may send a PRS measurement configuration message 741 to the TRP 704 and / or to the UE 702. Since the TRP 704, the UE 702, or both may be configured to perform measurements (e.g., the TRP 704 for uplink-based or downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods, the UE 702 for downlink-based or downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods, and both for downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods), the message 741 is shown as being sent from the location server 706 to both the TRP 704 and the UE 702. Referring to the UE 702, the message 741 to the UE may dynamically configure the UE 702 to measure the PRS or skip measuring the PRS based on the relative timing of the PRS and the DRX on-time (e.g., according to one or more behaviors shown in Table 1). The UE 702 may be configured to use any statically configured behavior as the default behavior to follow in the absence of receiving dynamic configuration information from the location server 706. The UE 702 may be configured to override any statically configured behavior in response to receiving conflicting dynamic configuration information from the location server 706. The configuration information in the message 741 may be time-limited, and the UE 702 may be configured to revert to any statically configured behavior upon expiration of the time limit of the message 741. The TRP 704 may use the configuration in the message 741 to schedule time slots for uplink reporting from the UE 702.

[0164] In stage 750, the location server 706 may send a positioning report configuration message 751 to the TRP 704 and / or to the UE 702. For example, the message 751 may configure the TRP 704 and / or the UE 702 dynamically with conditions for reporting positioning information. With reference to the UE 702, the message 751 going to the UE may alternatively or additionally configure the UE 702 dynamically with one or more reporting behaviors for reporting positioning information based on reporting timing relative to the DRX cycle. For example, the message 751 may configure the UE 702 to respond to a PUCCH mask / off command and / or a PUSCH mask / off command to suppress sending positioning reports (e.g., measurement reports) on the PUCCH and / or the PUSCH, respectively.

[0165] In stage 755, a trigger / activation message 756 may be sent from the TRP 704 to the UE 702. The trigger / activation message 756 may be DCI for triggering an aperiodic PRS measurement and / or may activate a semi-persistent PRS measurement. The message 756 may indicate which PRSs are to be measured and how to report (e.g., available time slots, channels, etc.). Reporting of positioning information based on aperiodic PRS and / or semi-persistent PRS may be based on the reporting configuration information provided by the TRP 704 in the message 756 and / or in a positioning report configuration message 751 (such as for L1 / L2 reporting).

[0166] In stage 760, the TRP 704 sends a PRS 761 to the UE 702. The TRP 704 sends the PRS to the UE 702 according to a PRS configuration message 731 sent from the location server 706 to the TRP 704.

[0167] In stage 770, the UE 702 (and optionally the TRP 704) implements appropriate measurement behavior according to the static and / or dynamic measurement configuration of the UE 702. For example, the UE 702 may determine the timing of the PRS relative to the DRX on-time timing and implement the corresponding measurement behavior that the UE 702 is configured with according to Table 1. The UE may implement one of the measurement behaviors according to whether the DL-PRS from stage 760 is scheduled to arrive entirely within the DRX on-time, partially within the DRX on-time and partially outside the DRX on-time, or entirely outside the DRX on-time (entirely within the DRX off-time).

[0168] In phase 780, the UE 702 may send a scheduling request 781 to the TRP 704 and the TRP 704 may send an uplink grant message 782. For example, the UE 702 may send an SR 781 to the TRP 704, where the SR 781 requests an uplink grant for the UE 702 to send an L2 / L3 positioning report, and the TRP 704 may send an uplink grant message 782, thereby giving the UE 702 one or more uplink parameters (e.g., time slots) for sending positioning information in the L2 / L3 report.

[0169] In phase 790, the UE 702 sends an L1 / L2 positioning report 791 and / or an L3 positioning report 792 (e.g., a measurement report) according to the static and / or dynamic positioning report configuration of the UE 702 and the timing of the report relative to the DRX cycle. The UE 702 may withhold the transmission of the report on the PUCCH and / or PUSCH according to a mask setting for an A / SP / P report when the report is scheduled to be sent within the DRX on-time, or according to a shutdown command for a P / SP report when the report is scheduled to be sent within the DRX off-time. The L1 / L2 positioning report may be sent according to the report configuration provided by the positioning report configuration message 751 and / or the trigger / activation message 756 and / or the uplink grant message 782 (for L2), e.g., as UCI on the PUCCH or PUSCH, or as a MAC-CE. The L3 positioning report may be sent to the TRP 704 and the location server 706 (e.g., where the location server 706 is physically incorporated into the TRP 704) according to the uplink grant message 782 (such as, a MAC-PDU).

[0170] Legacy UEs were expected to monitor all DRX-on durations in their CDRX patterns. However, in NR, the network (e.g., serving base station) may transmit a Wake-up Signal (WUS) to the UE during a monitoring occasion before the DRX-on duration. More specifically, a UE configured with DRX pattern operation may be configured to monitor a WUS outside of the DRX active time. A set of WUS monitoring occasions (MOs) is associated with each DRX cycle. The WUS indicates to the MAC entity of the UE whether it should start the DRX-on duration timer for the next DRX cycle. However, the WUS does not affect other timers (e.g., "bwp-inactivityTimer", "dataInactivityTimer", and "sCellDeactivationTimer"). The WUS is a PDCCH defined by DCI format 2-6 with a CRC scrambled by a Power Saving RNTI (PS-RNTI). The WUS may be shared by a group of UEs and monitored in a common search space set. The WUS may be configured only on the Primary Cell (PCell) or the Primary Secondary Cell Group (SCG) cell (PSCell), and may indicate the sleep behavior (to skip the DRX-on time) for up to five Secondary Cell (SCell) groups.

[0171] Figure 8 is a simplified timing diagram 800 of the wake-up signal and the DRX pattern on-times. In Figure 8 the example, the UE may be configured to monitor the WUS received outside of the DRX-on times 820 and 840. As Figure 8 shown, a WUS may be sent corresponding to each DRX-on time, where WUS 810 corresponds to DRX-on time 820 and is sent / received before DRX-on time 820, and WUS 830 corresponds to DRX-on time 840 and is sent / received before DRX-on time 840. The UE may be configured to monitor the WUS during an appropriate WUS monitoring occasion. WUSs 810 and 830 indicate to the UE whether it should implement the corresponding (e.g., the next in time) DRX-on times 820 and 840.

[0172] Figure 9 illustrates an example DCI format 900 for the WUS. Refer to Figure 9, WUS 900 includes a Wake-up (WU) indication 910, a corresponding content part 920, and a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) 930. WUS 900 can be shared by a group of UEs, where each UE in the group is assigned a UE-specific field in the WUS 900. Specifically, each combination of the WU indication 910 and the content 920 can correspond to a respective UE, such that WUS 900 can be shared with multiple UEs. WUS 900 can be a PDCCH message defined by DCI format 2-6 with a CRC 930 scrambled with a PS-RNTI. Each of the WU indications 910 can be a single bit that indicates to the corresponding UE to wake up for the corresponding (e.g., next) DRX on-time and thus monitor the PDCCH during that DRX on-time, or indicates to skip (e.g., ignore) the corresponding DRX on-time and thus not monitor the PDCCH during the scheduled DRX on-time.

[0173] In addition to providing the PS-RNTI for scrambling the CRC 930, the following can also be provided for monitoring DCI format 2-6. First, one or more type 3-PDCCH Common Search Space (CSS) sets can be provided for monitoring DCI format 2-6 with a PS-RNTI. More specifically, more than one search space set can be configured for DCI format 2-6. Second, the payload size of DCI format 2-6 and the position of the wake-up indication bit for indicating the location of the UE-specific field can be provided for monitoring DCI format 2-6. Third, a group of SCell (up to 5) for indicating the sleep behavior outside the active time can be provided for monitoring DCI format 2-6. Note that the group of SCell for indicating the sleep behavior during the active time (through the scheduling DCI) is configured separately. Fourth, a time offset (e.g., as indicated by the parameter "ps_Offset (ps offset)") indicating the time for the UE to start locating the monitoring occasion for DCI format 2-6 before the slot at the start of the DRX cycle can be provided for monitoring DCI format 2-6. Note that the parameter "ps_Offset" can have a value selected from {0.125ms, 0.25ms, 0.375ms... 15ms}.

[0174] The serving cell can be configured by RRC into two groups, called "DRX groups". When the secondary DRX group is not configured by RRC, there is only one DRX group. When two DRX groups are configured, each serving cell group is configured by RRC with its own set of parameters (in particular, "drx-onDurationTimer" and "drx-InactivityTimer") that control its DRX operation. However, the two groups share the same values for the following RRC parameters: "drx-SlotOffset", "drx-RetransmissionTimerDL", "drx-RetransmissionTimerUL", "drx-LongCycleStartOffset", "drx-ShortCycle" (optional), "drx-ShortCycleTimer" (optional), "drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL" and "drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerUL".

[0175] When the UE is configured with multiple DRX groups, a measurement configuration for DL-PRS needs to be defined across the multiple DRX groups. That is, when the UE is configured with multiple DRX groups, it needs to know which DL-PRS occasions it is expected to measure. Figure 10Table 1000 illustrates DL-PRS measurement configurations for multiple DRX groups according to aspects of the present disclosure. Note that "clustered DL-PRS pairs" and "clustered pairs" in the third column of Table 1000 refer to DL-PRS resources in different DRX groups that are configured to be measured and reported together. For example, two DRX groups can be associated with DL-PRSs transmitted by two TRPs, and a UE can be configured to determine the RSTD between the DL-PRs transmitted by these two TRPs. In this case, one or more DL-PRS resources transmitted by one TRP can be paired or clustered with one or more DL-PRS resources transmitted by the other TRP to enable the UE to determine the RSTD between these TRPs. The DL-PRS resources can be clustered based on, for example, having the same measurement requirements (e.g., for RSTD measurements involving DL-PRS pairs from a TRP pair, the DL-PRS pairs can have the same transmission time from the respective TRPs). As another example, DL-PRSs in different DRX groups can be paired to enable the UE to perform inter-frequency PRS stitching. That is, the UE combines the measurements of one or more DL-PRSs in one DRX group with the measurements of one or more DL-PRSs in another DRX group. These DRX groups may or may not be associated with the same TRP. As yet another example, for DL-AoD measurements, the UE needs to measure at least two DL-PRS resources from the same TRP to determine the DL-AoD. Thus, these DL-PR resources can be paired.

[0176] The reference to "DL-PRS + one DRX group design" in the third column of Table 1000 refers to the behavior illustrated in Table 1.

[0177] Note that with respect to inter-group measurements, two DRX groups share the same starting offset, which means they will start at the same time. However, better power savings and positioning measurements can be achieved if the starting offsets of each DRX group can be different.

[0178] The present disclosure provides techniques for using WUS to indicate how (e.g., whether) DL-PRS should be measured across DRX groups. There are two general designs: (1) one WUS is applied to all DRX groups or (2) one WUS is applied to one DRX group. Figure 11A FIG. 1100 is a diagram illustrating an example scenario in which one WUS is applied to all DRX groups according to aspects of the present disclosure. In Figure 11AIn the example, the UE is configured with two DRX cycles, labeled "DRX cycle 1" and "DRX cycle 2". The first DRX cycle (DRX cycle 1) is configured with a DRX on-time window 1110, and the second DRX cycle (DRX cycle 2) is configured with a DRX on-time window 1120. The time between the start of each DRX on-time window 1110 and 1120 is the corresponding DRX cycle.

[0179] As Figure 11A shown, before the first illustrated DRX on-time windows 1110 and 1120, the UE receives a single WUS that includes a WU indicator (e.g., WU indication 910) applied to both DRX cycles. In contrast, before the second illustrated DRX on-time windows 1110 and 1120, the UE receives a single WUS that includes separate WU indicators (e.g., WU indication 910) applied to each DRX cycle. The WU indicator may indicate whether the UE is to wake up for the next DRX on-time windows 1110 and 1120.

[0180] Figure 11B FIG. 1150 is a diagram illustrating an example scenario in which one WUS according to aspects of the present disclosure is applied to one DRX cycle. As in the Figure 11A example of Figure 11B the example, the UE is configured with two DRX cycles, labeled "DRX cycle 1" and "DRX cycle 2". The first DRX cycle (DRX cycle 1) is configured with a DRX on-time window 1110, and the second DRX cycle (DRX cycle 2) is configured with a DRX on-time window 1120. The time between the start of each DRX on-time window 1110 and 1120 is the corresponding DRX cycle.

[0181] As in Figure 11B the example shown, before the DRX on-time windows 1110 and 1120, the UE receives two WUSs (labeled "WUS1" and "WUS2") each applied to one DRX cycle (applied to DRX cycle 1 and DRX cycle 2, respectively). The WUS (specifically, the WU indicator of the WUS) may indicate whether the UE is to wake up for the next DRX on-time windows 1110 and 1120.

[0182] As will be appreciated, both designs can provide DRX indication for each DRX group. Specifically, for the first design, one WUS can include WU indication for each DRX group, while in the second design, each DRX group is associated with its own WUS. Additionally, the WUS / WU indicator can specify that different groups follow the same behavior or different behaviors. Thus, in either design, all DRX groups can be instructed to take the same action on the next DRX cycle, or different DRX groups can receive different WUS indications for the next DRX cycle (e.g., monitor the next DRX on-time window for one group and skip the next DRX on-time window for another group).

[0183] Figure 12 FIG. 1200 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between WUS, multi-DRX, and DL-PRS when the WUS instructs all DRX groups to follow the same behavior for the next DRX cycle according to aspects of the present disclosure. At 1210, the UE receives a WUS that applies to all DRX groups. As Figure 11A illustrated, the WUS can be a single WU that includes a separate WU indication for each DRX group, or as Figure 11B illustrated, the UE can receive a separate WUS for each DRX group. In either case, the separate WU indication or separate WUS will indicate the same behavior. Specifically, the WUS can indicate that all DRX groups should skip the next DRX cycle (starting at the next DRX start time) or that all DRX groups should wake up for the next DRX cycle.

[0184] If the WUS indicates that the DRX groups should wake up, then at 1220, the UE should follow the behavior for the interaction between DRX and DL-PRS as Figure 10 illustrated in Table 1000. However, if the WUS indicates that the DRX groups should not wake up, the UE can be configured to perform one of two options. As a first option, at 1230, the UE can perform PRS-related operations (e.g., measurement, reporting) for all DRX groups. The UE can follow the behavior for the interaction between DRX and DL-PRS as Figure 10 illustrated in Table 1000. Note that although the UE wakes up to perform PRS operations in this option, the UE does not monitor the PDCCH during the next DRX cycle as if the WUS had indicated that the UE wakes up.

[0185] As a second option, at 1240, the UE can simply skip the DL-PRS opportunity measurement and remain in the DRX off-time. The UE can be configured with the option to follow via RRC signaling from the serving base station or LPP signaling from a location server, which option can be specified in the applicable radio communication standard, etc.

[0186] Figure 13 FIG. 1300 is a diagram that illustrates the interaction between WUS, multiple DRXs, and DL-PRS when WUS indicates that each DRX group should follow different behavior for the next DRX cycle. As Figure 11A illustrated therein, the WUS may be a single WU that includes a separate WU indication for each DRX group, or as Figure 11B illustrated therein, the UE may receive separate WUS for each DRX group. In either case, the separate WU indication or separate WUS will indicate different behavior. For example, for two DRX groups, the first WU indication may indicate that the UE should wake up for one of the two DRX groups, and the second WU indication may indicate that the UE should not wake up for the other of the two DRX groups.

[0187] As indicated in block 1310, the DL-PRS and the corresponding reports for each DRX group may be independent of each other. That is, there is no dependency between the measurement and reporting of the DL-PRS associated with one DRX group and the measurement and reporting of the DL-PRS associated with another DRX group. In this case, as indicated in block 1320, the UE follows the DL-PRS, WUS, and one DRX group behavior shown in Table 1.

[0188] However, as indicated in block 1330, there may be some inter-group dependencies between the PRS measurements. For example, the DL-PRS in one DRX group may be bundled (paired) with the DL-PRS in another DRX group. The UE may also be configured to measure the DL-PRS in one DRX group that is not bundled with the DL-PRS in another DRX group. In this case, the behavior of the UE is illustrated in Table 1340. In Table 1340, the UE is configured with two DRX groups, labeled "DRX group 1" and "DRX group 2". The UE has been configured to measure the DL-PRS in DRX group 1 and skip the measurement of the DL-PRS in DRX group 2.

[0189] There are two measurement behaviors. In the first scenario, the DL-PRS in DRX group 1 is transmitted, and the DL-PRS in DRX group 2 is cancelled. This may be the case for persistent (P) or semi-persistent (SP) DL-PRS transmitted by the TRP to the UE via a unicast connection. In this scenario, the UE measures all the DL-PR in DRX group 1, except for any DL-PRS in DRX group 1 that are paired with the DL-PRS in DRX group 2 (since those DL-PRS have been cancelled).

[0190] In a second scenario, DL-PRSs in both DRX group 1 and DRX group 2 are transmitted. This may be the case for persistent (P) or semi-persistent (SP) DL-PRSs broadcast by the TRP to multiple UEs in its coverage area. In this scenario, the UE measures all DL-PRSs in DRX group 1 and any DL-PRSs in DRX group 2 that are bundled (paired) with the DL-PRS set in DRX group 1.

[0191] The above DL-PRS measurement behavior can also be applied to UL-PRS transmissions. In this case, the UE transmits UL-PRSs instead of receiving / measuring DL-PRSs.

[0192] Figure 14 An example wireless communication method 1400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In one aspect, method 1400 may be performed by a UE (e.g., any UE described herein) configured to operate in DRX mode.

[0193] At 1410, the UE receives a configuration of multiple (e.g., two) DRX groups. In one aspect, operation 1410 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which may be considered a means for performing the operation.

[0194] At 1420, the UE receives one or more PRS (e.g., DL-PRS or UL-PRS) configurations for the multiple DRX groups, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the multiple DRX groups. In one aspect, operation 1420 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which may be considered a means for performing the operation.

[0195] At 1430, the UE receives one or more WUSs for the multiple DRX groups, the one or more WUSs indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the multiple DRX groups. In one aspect, operation 1430 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which may be considered a means for performing the operation.

[0196] At 1440, the UE measures (for DL-PRS) or transmits (for UL-PR) one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUSs. In one aspect, operation 1440 may be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any or all of which may be considered a means for performing the operation.

[0197] As will be appreciated, a technical advantage of method 1400 is improved positioning performance due to the bundling of uplink and downlink PRS resources when operating in DRX mode.

[0198] In the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that in the various examples different features are grouped together. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as intending that the example clauses have more features than those expressly recited in each clause. Rather, various aspects of the present disclosure may include less than all of the features of the individual example clauses disclosed. Accordingly, the appended clauses are hereby considered to be incorporated into the description, where each clause by itself may be a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in the clauses to a particular combination with one of the other clauses, the aspects of the dependent clause(s) are not limited to that particular combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of the dependent clause(s) with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause or combinations of any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The various aspects disclosed herein expressly include such combinations, unless explicitly stated or readily inferable as not being intended for a particular combination (e.g., conflicting aspects such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Additionally, it is intended that aspects of the clauses may be included in any other independent clause, even if the clause does not directly depend on that independent clause.

[0199] Implementing examples are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0200] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, comprising: receiving configurations of a plurality of DRX cycles; receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measuring or transmitting, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0201] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the one or more WUS include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0202] Clause 3. The method of Clause 2, wherein the one or more WUS include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0203] Clause 4. The method of any one of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein the one or more WUS include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0204] Clause 5. The method of Clause 1, wherein the one or more WUS include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0205] Clause 6. The method of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0206] Clause 7. The method of Clause 6, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit, independently across the plurality of DRX cycles, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0207] Clause 8. The method of Clause 7, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all PRS resources for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0208] Clause 9. The method of Clause 7, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include one PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0209] Clause 10. A method as in any one of Clauses 6 to 9, wherein one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups depend on one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0210] Clause 11. A method as in Clause 10, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group and at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group during the same DRX occasion.

[0211] Clause 12. A method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0212] Clause 13. A method as in Clause 12, wherein the measuring or transmitting at least in part includes: suppressing the measurement or transmission of one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0213] Clause 14. A method as in Clause 12, wherein the measurement or transmission includes: measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0214] Clause 15. A method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0215] Clause 16. A method as in Clause 15, wherein one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups are independent of one or more PRS resources of other DRX groups among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0216] Clause 17. A method as in Clause 15, wherein one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups depend on one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0217] Clause 18. A method as in Clause 17, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), and one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted by a second TRP.

[0218] Clause 19. The method as in Clause 18, wherein the measurement or transmission includes: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, PRS resources in one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the PRS resources in one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0219] Clause 20. The method as in Clause 17, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, and one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP.

[0220] Clause 21. The method as in Clause 20, wherein the measurement or transmission includes: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and measuring PRS resources in one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

[0221] Clause 22. The method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 21, wherein each of the plurality of DRX groups is associated with a different TRP.

[0222] Clause 23. The method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 22, wherein the UE receives the configuration of the plurality of DRX groups from a location server or a serving base station.

[0223] Clause 24. The method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 23, wherein the UE receives the one or more PRS configurations from a location server or one or more TRPs.

[0224] Clause 25. The method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 24, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and the measurement or transmission includes: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0225] Clause 26. The method as in Clause 25, further comprising: transmitting a measurement report that includes any measurements made on one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0226] Clause 27. A method as in any of Clauses 1 to 24, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and the measuring or transmitting comprises: transmitting, during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUSs.

[0227] Clause 28. An apparatus, comprising: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the memory, the at least one transceiver, and the at least one processor being configured to perform a method as in any of Clauses 1 to 27.

[0228] Clause 29. An apparatus, comprising means for performing a method according to any of Clauses 1 to 27.

[0229] Clause 30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions including at least one instruction for causing a computer or processor to perform a method according to any of Clauses 1 to 27.

[0230] Additional implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0231] Clause 1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, comprising: receiving a configuration of a plurality of DRX groups; receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX groups, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups; receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUSs) for the plurality of DRX groups, the one or more WUSs indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups; and measuring or transmitting, during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUSs.

[0232] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the one or more WUSs include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0233] Clause 3. The method of Clause 2, wherein the one or more WUSs include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0234] Clause 4. A method as in any of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein the one or more WUSs include a WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0235] Clause 5. A method as in Clause 1, wherein the one or more WUSs include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0236] Clause 6. A method as in any of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0237] Clause 7. A method as in Clause 6, wherein the UE is expected to independently measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX groups across the plurality of DRX groups.

[0238] Clause 8. A method as in Clause 7, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all of the PRS resources for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0239] Clause 9. A method as in Clause 7, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0240] Clause 10. A method as in any of Clauses 6 to 9, wherein the complete positioning measurement is based on a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0241] Clause 11. A method as in Clause 10, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group and at least one PRS resource among the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group during the same DRX occasion.

[0242] Clause 12. A method as in any of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the measurement or transmission includes: suppressing the measurement or transmission of one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0243] Clause 13. A method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the measurement or transmission includes: measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0244] Clause 14. A method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group of the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the second DRX group of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0245] Clause 15. The method as in Clause 14, wherein the first measurement of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group is independent of the second measurement of the second DRX group.

[0246] Clause 16. The method as in Clause 14, wherein the first measurement of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group depends on the second measurement of the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0247] Clause 17. A method as in any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein: the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted, and the measurement or transmission includes: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the PRS resources of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0248] Clause 18. The method as in Clause 17, wherein: the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, and the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP, and the measurement or transmission includes: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and measuring the PRS resources of the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

[0249] Clause 19. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and the measurement or transmission includes: measuring one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0250] Clause 20. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and the measurement or transmission includes: transmitting one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0251] Clause 21. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: receive a configuration of a plurality of DRX groups via the at least one transceiver; receive one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX groups via the at least one transceiver, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups; receive one or more wake-up signals (WUSs) for the plurality of DRX groups via the at least one transceiver, the one or more WUSs indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups; and measure or transmit one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs via the at least one transceiver.

[0252] Clause 22. The UE according to Clause 21, wherein the one or more WUSs include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0253] Clause 23. The UE according to Clause 22, wherein the one or more WUSs include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0254] Clause 24. The UE according to any one of Clauses 22 to 23, wherein the one or more WUSs include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0255] Clause 25. The UE according to Clause 21, wherein the one or more WUSs include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0256] Clause 26. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0257] Clause 27. A UE as in Clause 26, wherein the UE is expected to independently measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX groups across the plurality of DRX groups.

[0258] Clause 28. A UE as in Clause 27, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all PRS resources for all DRX groups in the plurality of DRX groups.

[0259] Clause 29. A UE as in Clause 27, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include one PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0260] Clause 30. A UE as in any one of Clauses 26 to 29, wherein the complete positioning measurement is based on a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group in the plurality of DRX groups and a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group in the plurality of DRX groups.

[0261] Clause 31. A UE as in Clause 30, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group and at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group during the same DRX occasion.

[0262] Clause 32. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit including: the at least one processor is configured to: suppress measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0263] Clause 33. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit including: the at least one processor is configured to: measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0264] Clause 34. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0265] Clause 35. A UE as in Clause 34, wherein the first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group is independent of the second measurement of the second DRX group.

[0266] Clause 36. A UE as in Clause 34, wherein the first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group depends on the second measurement of one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0267] Clause 37. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 36, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit including: the at least one processor is configured to: measure, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0268] Clause 38. A UE as in Clause 37, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit including the at least one processor is configured to: measure, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and measure the PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

[0269] Clause 39. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 38, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit including: the at least one processor is configured to perform the following operations: measure, during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, the one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0270] Clause 40. A UE as in any one of Clauses 21 to 38, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and the at least one processor is configured to measure or transmit, including: the at least one processor is configured to: transmit one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUSs.

[0271] Clause 41. A user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a configuration of a plurality of DRX groups; means for receiving a configuration of one or more positioning reference signals (PRSs) for the plurality of DRX groups, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups; means for receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUSs) for the plurality of DRX groups, the one or more WUSs indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups; and means for measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUSs.

[0272] Clause 42. The UE as in Clause 41, wherein the one or more WUSs include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0273] Clause 43. The UE as in Clause 42, wherein the one or more WUSs include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0274] Clause 44. The UE as in any one of Clauses 42 to 43, wherein the one or more WUSs include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0275] Clause 45. The UE as in Clause 41, wherein the one or more WUSs include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0276] Clause 46. The UE as in any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0277] Clause 47. The UE as in Clause 46, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups independently across the plurality of DRX groups.

[0278] Clause 48. The UE of Clause 47, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all PRS resources of all DRX groups among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0279] Clause 49. The UE of Clause 47, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include one PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0280] Clause 50. The UE of any one of Clauses 46 to 49, wherein the complete positioning measurement is based on a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0281] Clause 51. The UE of Clause 50, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group and at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group during the same DRX occasion.

[0282] Clause 52. The UE of any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the means for measurement or transmission includes means for suppressing measurement or transmission of one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0283] Clause 53. The UE of any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein: the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the means for measurement or transmission includes means for measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0284] Clause 54. The UE of any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein the one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0285] Clause 55. The UE of Clause 54, wherein the first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group is independent of the second measurement of the second DRX group.

[0286] Clause 56. The UE as in Clause 54, wherein a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group depends on a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0287] Clause 57. The UE as in any one of Clauses 41 to 56, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted, and the apparatus for measurement or transmission includes apparatus for measuring, during a next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0288] Clause 58. The UE as in Clause 57, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, and one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP, and the apparatus for measurement or transmission includes: apparatus for measuring, during a next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and apparatus for measuring PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

[0289] Clause 59. The UE as in any one of Clauses 41 to 58, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and the apparatus for measurement or transmission includes apparatus for measuring, during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0290] Clause 60. The UE as in any one of Clauses 41 to 58, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and the apparatus for measurement or transmission includes apparatus for transmitting, during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

[0291] Clause 61. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive configurations of a plurality of DRX cycles; receive one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; receive one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; and measure or transmit, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0292] Clause 62. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 61, wherein the one or more WUS include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0293] Clause 63. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 62, wherein the one or more WUS include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0294] Clause 64. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 62 to 63, wherein the one or more WUS include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0295] Clause 65. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 61, wherein the one or more WUS include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0296] Clause 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 61 to 65, wherein the one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0297] Clause 67. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 66, wherein the UE is expected to independently measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles across the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0298] Clause 68. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 67, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all PRS resources for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

[0299] Clause 69. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 67, wherein the one or more PRS configurations include a PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0300] Clause 70. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the complete positioning measurement is based on a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of a first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of a second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0301] Clause 71. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 70, wherein the UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group and at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group during the same DRX occasion.

[0302] Clause 72. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 61 to 65, wherein: the one or more WUS indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to measure or transmit when executed by the UE include computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to perform the following operations when executed by the UE: suppress measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0303] Clause 73. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 61 to 65, wherein: the one or more WUS indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, and the computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to measure or transmit when executed by the UE include computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to perform the following operations when executed by the UE: measure or transmit one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

[0304] Clause 74. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any one of Clauses 61 to 65, wherein the one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of the second DRX group among the plurality of DRX groups.

[0305] Clause 75. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Clause 74, wherein the first measurement of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group is independent of the second measurement of the second DRX group.

[0306] Clause 76. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in Clause 74, wherein a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group depends on a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0307] Clause 77. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any one of Clauses 61 to 76, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted, and the computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to measure or transmit when executed by the UE include computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to perform the following operations when executed by the UE: measure, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the PRS resources of the second DRX group.

[0308] Clause 78. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in Clause 77, wherein: one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP, and the computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to measure or transmit when executed by the UE include computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to perform the following operations when executed by the UE: measure, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and measure the PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

[0309] Clause 79. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any one of Clauses 61 to 78, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and the computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to measure or transmit when executed by the UE include computer-executable instructions that cause the UE to perform the following operations when executed by the UE: measure, during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, the one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least in part based on the one or more WUSs.

[0310] Clause 80. A non-transitory computer-readable medium as in any of Clauses 61 to 78, wherein: the one or more PRS resources include one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and the computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a UE, cause the UE to measure or transmit include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to perform the following: transmit one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

[0311] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0312] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. The skilled person may implement the described functionality in a different manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0313] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0314] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in connection with the various aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module can reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium can be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). In an alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside in the user terminal as discrete components.

[0315] In one or more example aspects, the described functionality can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. The computer-readable medium includes both a computer storage medium and a communication medium including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Similarly, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc, where disk generally reproduces data magnetically, while disc uses laser to reproduce data optically. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable medium.

[0316] Although the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the present disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or acts in the method claims according to the aspects of the present disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Moreover, although the elements of the present disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is also contemplated unless expressly stated to be limited to the singular.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured to operate in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, comprising: Receiving configurations of a plurality of DRX cycles; Receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; Receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS further indicating whether the UE is expected to measure the one or more PRS resources across the plurality of DRX cycles; And Measuring or transmitting, at least in part based on the one or more WUS, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more WUS include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more WUS include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein The one or more WUS include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The one or more WUS include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The UE is expected to measure or transmit, independently across the plurality of DRX cycles, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more PRS configurations include a single PRS configuration for all PRS resources for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more PRS configurations include one PRS configuration for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, A complete positioning measurement is based on a first measurement of one or more PRS resources of a first DRX cycle among the plurality of DRX cycles and a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of a second DRX cycle among the plurality of DRX cycles.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The UE is expected to measure or transmit at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the first DRX cycle and at least one PRS resource among one or more PRS resources of the second DRX cycle during the same DRX occasion.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, The measuring or transmitting includes: suppressing measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during a next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups. The measuring or transmitting comprises: measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein The one or more WUSs indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of a first DRX group of the plurality of DRX groups and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle of a second DRX group of the plurality of DRX groups.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, A first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group is independent of a second measurement of the second DRX group.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein, A first measurement of one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group depends on a second measurement of one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: One or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first transmission reception point (TRP), One or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are not transmitted, and The measuring or transmitting comprises: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, PRS resources of the first DRX group that are not paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the second DRX group.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: One or more PRS resources of the first DRX group are transmitted by a first TRP, One or more PRS resources of the second DRX group are transmitted by a second TRP, and The measuring or transmitting comprises: Measuring, during the next DRX cycle of the first DRX group, one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group; and Measuring PRS resources of the second DRX group that are paired with any of the one or more PRS resources of the first DRX group.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more PRS resources comprise one or more downlink PRS (DL-PRS) resources, and The measuring or transmitting comprises: measuring, during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more DL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more PRS resources comprise one or more uplink PRS (UL-PRS) resources, and The measuring or transmitting comprises: transmitting, during the next DRX cycle of each of the plurality of DRX groups, one or more UL-PRS resources of each of the plurality of DRX groups at least partially based on the one or more WUSs.

21. A user equipment (UE) comprising: A memory; At least one transceiver; And At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Receive configurations of a plurality of DRX cycles via the at least one transceiver; Receive, via the at least one transceiver, one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the plurality of DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles; Receive, via the at least one transceiver, one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, the one or more WUS further indicating whether the UE is expected to measure the one or more PRS resources across the plurality of DRX cycles; And Measure or transmit, via the at least one transceiver, one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

22. The UE according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more WUS include one WUS for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

23. The UE according to claim 22, wherein: The one or more WUS include a wake-up (WU) indication for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, or The one or more WUS include one WU indication for all of the plurality of DRX cycles.

24. The UE according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more WUS include a WUS for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

25. The UE according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

26. The UE according to claim 21, wherein: The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, The at least one processor being configured to measure or transmit includes: the at least one processor being configured to inhibit measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

27. The UE according to claim 21, wherein: The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles, The at least one processor being configured to measure or transmit includes: the at least one processor being configured to measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the plurality of DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the plurality of DRX cycles.

28. The UE according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more WUS indicate that the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for a first DRX cycle of the plurality of DRX cycles and is not expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for a second DRX cycle of the plurality of DRX cycles.

29. A user equipment (UE) comprising: Apparatus for receiving configurations of multiple DRX cycles; Apparatus for receiving one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the multiple DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the multiple DRX cycles; Apparatus for receiving one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the multiple DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the multiple DRX cycles, the one or more WUS further indicating whether the UE is expected to measure the one or more PRS resources across the multiple DRX cycles; And Apparatus for measuring or transmitting one or more PRS resources for each of the multiple DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the multiple DRX cycles, at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

30. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: Receive configurations of multiple DRX cycles; Receive one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) configurations for the multiple DRX cycles, each of the one or more PRS configurations indicating one or more PRS resources for each of the multiple DRX cycles; Receive one or more wake-up signals (WUS) for the multiple DRX cycles, the one or more WUS indicating whether the UE is expected to wake up for the next DRX cycle for each of the multiple DRX cycles, the one or more WUS further indicating whether the UE is expected to measure the one or more PRS resources across the multiple DRX cycles; And Measure or transmit one or more PRS resources for each of the multiple DRX cycles during the next DRX cycle for each of the multiple DRX cycles, at least in part based on the one or more WUS.

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