Apparatus, method and integrated circuit for utilizing multi-beam to enhance uplink transmission

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication apparatus and a communication method for enhancing uplink transmission with multiple beams. The communication apparatus includes a transceiver that receives control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission, and a circuit that uses the two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission occasions in response to at least one condition for beam switching based on the control information being satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to communication apparatus and methods for new radio (NR) communications, and more specifically, to communication apparatus and methods for enhancing uplink transmission using multi-beams. Background Technology

[0002] In 3GPP Release 15 (Rel. 15), slot-level repetition, or repetition type A, is supported. In repetition type A, different repetitions are transmitted in different slots with the same length and start symbol. This repetition is applied to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), and Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0003] In 3GPP Release 16 (Rel. 16), micro-slot (within a micro-slot) level repetition is supported only for PUSCH, i.e., PUSCH repetition type B. Based on crossing slot boundaries or invalid symbols, the nominal repetition of PSCH can be divided into multiple actual repetitions.

[0004] For both PUSCH repeating types A and B, according to the current Rel.15 / 16 specification, the following observations can be made (Observation 1): Figure 6 As shown, it is assumed that all PUSCH repeats use the same uplink (UL) beam and the same UL transmission parameter set. Similarly, observation 1 still holds for PUCCH repeats.

[0005] According to the RAN1#102-e protocol, the study of the performance and specification impact of time-domain-based solutions for PUSCH enhancements is a priority. This study includes: (i) increasing the number of PUSCH repetitions of type A (such as PUSCH repetitions with non-contiguous time slots) based on available time slots for Time Division Duplex (TDD), noting that whether to increase the number of PUSCH repetitions for Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) depends on the results of agenda item 8.8.1.1 in the RAN1 chairperson's notes; (ii) enhancements to PUSCH repetition type B, such as actual repetitions across time slot boundaries or actual repetitions longer than 14 symbols; and (iii) at least on multi-time slot PUSCHs, handling of transport blocks (TBs), such as a single TB of size for a single time slot but partially transmitted across multiple time slots, and a single TB of size for multiple time slots combined with repeated transmission across multiple time slots.

[0006] The protocol also discusses topics for further research, such as early termination of repeats based on orthogonal cover code (OCC) extensions, symbol-level repeats, TB interleaving, redundant version (RV) repeats, and PUSCH repeats.

[0007] In Rel.16, for the downlink (DL), only multiple Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) transmissions from TBs at different transmission points are supported. For UL, multiple PUSCH transmissions using TBs with different beams are not supported in the Rel.15 / 16 specifications.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to address one or more of the aforementioned challenges and to develop new communication devices and methods for enhancing uplink transmission using multi-beams. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A non-limiting and exemplary embodiment helps to provide communication apparatus and methods for enhancing UL transmission using multi-beams.

[0010] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus comprising: a transceiver receiving control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; and circuitry responsive to satisfying at least one condition for beam switching based on the control information, to use the two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0011] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a communication method comprising: receiving control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; and, in response to satisfying at least one condition for beam switching based on the control information, using the two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0012] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, storage media or any alternative combination thereof.

[0013] Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. These benefits and / or advantages can be obtained individually from the various embodiments and features in the specification and drawings, and it is not necessary to provide all of these embodiments and features in order to obtain one or more such benefits and / or advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be better understood and apparent to those skilled in the art from the following written description (by way of example only) and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary 3GPP NR-RAN architecture is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the functional division between NG-RAN and 5GC is depicted.

[0017] Figure 3 A sequence diagram of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment / reconfiguration procedure is depicted.

[0018] Figure 4 The illustration depicts use cases for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0019] Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary 5G system architecture for V2X communication in a non-roaming scenario is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 Exemplary Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) repetition types A and B are shown, in which the same uplink (UL) beam is applied to all PUSCH repetitions.

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example blockage of one of the multiple beams used for uplink transmission is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 Schematic examples of communication apparatuses according to various embodiments are shown. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the communication apparatus can be implemented as a UE or gNB / base station and utilize multi-beam enhancement for uplink transmission.

[0023] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a communication method utilizing multi-beam enhancement for uplink transmission according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 A first example of a PUSCH repeating type A using two beams is shown according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 This illustrates a first example of a first embodiment of the present disclosure mapping a transmission from multiple TRPs (Transmission Reception Points) in a scenario where multiple TRPs are transmitted. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of two repeating beams.

[0026] Figure 12 An example configuration for time-domain resource allocation / distribution for beam switching of multiple uplink transmission opportunities, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0027] Figure 13 An example configuration of a new invalid symbol in the uplink transmission timing under PUSCH repetition type B according to a second embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 14A The PUSCH repeat type B with Rel.16 invalid symbol is shown.

[0029] Figure 14B A PUSCH repeating type B with a new invalid symbol is shown according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 15A The PUSCH repeat type B with Rel.16 invalid symbol is shown.

[0031] Figure 15B Another example of a PUSCH repeating type B with Rel.16 invalid symbols and new invalid symbols is shown according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 15C The second embodiment of this disclosure shows a PUSCH repeating type B with Rel.16 invalid symbols and new invalid symbols.

[0033] Figure 16 An example of symbol-level repetition according to a third embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 17 An example PUSCH allocation configuration for beam switching of multiple uplink transmission opportunities according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the illustrations, block diagrams, or flowcharts may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the present embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings (by way of example only). The same reference numerals and characters in the drawings refer to the same elements or equivalents.

[0037] 3GPP has been working on the next version of fifth-generation cellular technology (5G), including the development of New Radio Access Technology (NR) operating in the frequency range up to 100 GHz. The first version of the 5G standard was completed at the end of 2017, allowing for trials and commercial deployment of smartphones compliant with the 5G NR standard. The second version of the 5G standard was completed in June 2020, further expanding 5G coverage to new services, spectrum, and deployments such as unlicensed spectrum (NR-U), non-public networks (NPN), time-sensitive networks (TSN), and cellular V2X.

[0038] The overall system architecture employs NG-RAN (Next Generation – Radio Access Network), including gNBs, to provide UEs with NG-radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol terminals. gNBs are interconnected via Xn interfaces. gNBs also connect to NGC (Next Generation Core) via Next Generation (NG) interfaces, and more specifically, to AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) (e.g., a specific core entity performing AMF) via NG-C interfaces and to UPF (User Plane Function) (e.g., a specific core entity performing UPF) via NG-U interfaces. Figure 1 The NG-RAN architecture is shown (see, for example, 3GPPTS 38.300 v16.3.0).

[0039] The NR user plane protocol stack (see, for example, Section 4.4.1 of 3GPP TS 38.300) includes the PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol, see Section 6.4 of TS 38.300) sublayer, the RLC (Radio Link Control, see Section 6.3 of TS 38.300) sublayer, and the MAC (Medium Access Control, see Section 6.2 of TS 38.300) sublayer, all terminated in the network-side gNB. Additionally, a new access stratum (AS) sublayer (SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol)) is introduced above the PDCP (see, for example, Subclause 6.5 of 3GPP TS 38.300). A control plane protocol stack is also defined for NR (see, for example, Section 4.4.2 of TS 38.300). An overview of Layer 2 functionality is given in Subclause 6 of TS 38.300. The functionality of the PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers is listed in Sections 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2 of TS 38.300, respectively. The functionality of the RRC layer is listed in Subclause 7 of TS 38.300.

[0040] For example, the media access control layer handles logical channel multiplexing, scheduling, and scheduling-related functions, including handling different sets of parameters (numerology).

[0041] The Physical Layer (PHY) is responsible for tasks such as encoding / decoding, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processing, modulation, multi-antenna processing, and mapping signals to appropriate physical time-frequency resources. It also handles the mapping from transport channels to physical channels. The Physical Layer provides services to the MAC Layer in the form of transport channels. A physical channel corresponds to a set of time-frequency resources used for transmission on a specific transport channel, and each transport channel is mapped to a corresponding physical channel. For example, physical channels include PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel), PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel), and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) for uplink; PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel) for downlink; and PSSCH (Physical Sidelink Shared Channel), PSCCH (Physical Sidelink Control Channel), and PSFCH (Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel) for sidelink (SL).

[0042] Use cases / deployment scenarios for NR may include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) with varying requirements in terms of data rate, latency, and coverage. For example, eMBB is expected to support peak data rates (20Gbps downlink, 10Gbps uplink) and user experience data rates three orders of magnitude higher than those offered by Advanced IMT. On the other hand, in the case of URLLC, ultra-low latency (0.5ms user plane latency for both UL and DL) and high reliability (1-10 times latency within 1ms) are crucial. -5 This places more stringent requirements on mMTC. Finally, mMTC may preferably require a high connection density (1,000,000 devices / km in urban environments). 2 ), wide coverage in harsh environments, and extremely long-life batteries (15 years) for low-cost devices.

[0043] Therefore, a set of OFDM parameters suitable for one use case (e.g., subcarrier spacing, OFDM symbol duration, cyclic prefix (CP) duration, number of symbols per scheduling interval) may not be effective for another use case. For example, low-latency services may preferably require shorter symbol durations (and thus larger subcarrier spacing) and / or fewer symbols per scheduling interval (also known as TTI) compared to mMTC services. Furthermore, deployments with large channel delay spreads may preferably require longer CP durations compared to scenarios with short delay spreads. Subcarrier spacing should be optimized accordingly to maintain similar CP overhead. NR can support more than one subcarrier spacing value. Accordingly, subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, etc., are currently considered. Symbol duration T u The subcarrier spacing Δf is determined by the formula Δf = 1 / T. u And directly related. In a manner similar to that in LTE systems, the term "resource element" can be used to represent the smallest resource unit consisting of a subcarrier of one OFDM / SC-FDMA symbol length.

[0044] In the new 5G-NR radio system, for each parameter set and carrier, resource grids for subcarriers and OFDM symbols are defined for both uplink and downlink. Each element in the resource grid is called a resource element and is identified based on its frequency index in the frequency domain and its symbol position in the time domain (see 3GPP TS 38.211 v16.3.0).

[0045] Figure 2 This illustrates the functional division between NG-RAN and 5GC. NG-RAN logical nodes are either gNBs or ng-eNBs. 5GC has logical nodes AMF, UPF, and SMF (Session Management function).

[0046] Specifically, gNB and ng-eNB host the following main functions:

[0047] Functions for radio resource management, such as radio bearer control, radio access control, connection mobility control, and dynamic allocation (scheduling) of resources to UEs in uplink and downlink.

[0048] Data IP header compression, encryption, and integrity protection;

[0049] When the route to the AMF cannot be determined based on the information provided by the UE, the AMF is selected when the UE is attached;

[0050] Routing user plane data toward (multiple) UPFs;

[0051] Orientation to AMF routing control plane information;

[0052] Connection establishment and release;

[0053] Scheduling and transmission of paging messages;

[0054] The scheduling and transmission of system broadcast information (originating from AMF or OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance));

[0055] Configuration for measurement and measurement reporting for mobility and scheduling;

[0056] Transport level packet markers in the uplink;

[0057] Session management;

[0058] Supports network slicing;

[0059] QoS flow management and mapping to data radio bearers;

[0060] Supports UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state;

[0061] NAS (Non-Access Stratum) message distribution functionality;

[0062] Radio access network sharing;

[0063] Dual connectivity;

[0064] Close interoperability between NR and E-UTRA.

[0065] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) hosts the following key functions:

[0066] Non-access stratum (NAS) signaling terminal;

[0067] NAS signaling security;

[0068] Access layer AS security control;

[0069] Inter-node signaling for mobility between 3GPP access networks;

[0070] Idle mode UE reachability (including paging retransmission control and execution);

[0071] Registration area management;

[0072] Supports mobility within and between systems;

[0073] Access authentication;

[0074] Access authorization, including checking roaming permissions;

[0075] Mobility management controls (subscriptions and policies);

[0076] Supports network slicing;

[0077] SMF (Session Management Function) selection.

[0078] In addition, the User Plane Function UPF hosts the following main functions:

[0079] Anchors used for mobility within / between RATs (where applicable);

[0080] External PDU session points that interconnect with the data network;

[0081] Packet routing and forwarding;

[0082] Group checks and user plane components for policy rule enforcement;

[0083] Traffic usage report;

[0084] Supports uplink classifiers that route traffic streams to the data network;

[0085] Supports branch points for PDU sessions from multiple locations;

[0086] QoS processing in the user plane, such as packet filtering, gating, and UL / DL rate implementation;

[0087] Uplink traffic verification (SDF to QoS flow mapping);

[0088] Downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification are triggered.

[0089] Finally, the session management function SMF hosts the following main functions:

[0090] Session management;

[0091] UE IP address allocation and management;

[0092] Selection and control of the UP function;

[0093] Configure traffic routing at the User Plane Function (UPF) to route traffic to the correct destination;

[0094] The control portion of policy implementation and QoS;

[0095] Downlink data notification.

[0096] Figure 3 This document illustrates some interactions between the UE, gNB, and AMF (5GC entity) in the context of the UE transitioning from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED for the NAS portion (see TS 38.300v16.3.0). The transition steps are as follows:

[0097] 1. The UE requests to establish a new connection from RRC_IDLE.

[0098] 2 / 2a.gNB completes the RRC establishment procedure.

[0099] Note: The scenarios in which gNB rejects a request are described below.

[0100] 3. The first NAS message from the UE (carried in RRCSetupComplete) is sent to the AMF.

[0101] 4 / 4a / 5 / 5a. Additional NAS messages can be exchanged between the UE and AMF, see TS 23.502.

[0102] 6. The AMF prepares UE context data (including PDU session context, security key, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities, etc.) and sends it to the gNB.

[0103] 7 / 7a.gNB activation and UE AS security.

[0104] The 8 / 8a.gNB file performs a reconfiguration to establish SRB2 and DRB.

[0105] 9.gNB notifies that the AMF setup process is complete.

[0106] RRC is a higher-level signaling (protocol) used for UE and gNB configuration. Specifically, this transition involves the AMF preparing UE context data (including, for example, PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities) and sending it to the gNB along with an "Initial Context Establishment Request". The gNB then activates AS security with the UE, which is performed by the gNB sending a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE, and the UE responding to the gNB with a SecurityModeComplete message. Afterward, the gNB performs reconfiguration by sending an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE and receiving an RRCReconfigurationComplete message from the UE in response, to establish Signaling Radio Bearer 2 (SRB2) and (multiple) Data Radio Bearers (DRBs). For signaling-only connections, the steps related to RRCReconfiguration are skipped because SRB2 and DRBs are not established. Finally, the gNB notifies the AMF that the establishment procedure is complete with an "Initial Context Establishment Response".

[0107] IMT use cases in 2020 and beyond

[0108] Figure 4 Some use cases for 5G NR are shown. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project New Radio (3GPP NR), three use cases already envisioned for supporting a wide variety of services and applications in IMT-2020 are being considered. The Phase 1 specification for Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) has been completed. In addition to further expanding eMBB support, current and future work will involve the standardization of Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) and Massive Machine-Type Communication. Figure 4Examples of envisioned IMT use cases for 2020 and beyond are shown (see, for example, ITU-R M.20183). Figure 2 ).

[0109] URLLC use cases have stringent requirements for features such as throughput, latency, and availability, and are envisioned as a supporter for future vertical applications such as wireless control of industrial manufacturing or production processes, telemedicine surgery, distribution automation in smart grids, and transportation security. URLLC's ultra-reliability is supported by identifying technologies that meet the requirements set forth in TR 38.913. For NR URLLC in version 15, key requirements include a target user plane latency of 0.5 ms for both the UL (uplink) and DL (downlink). Typical URLLC requirements for a single packet transmission are a BLER (Block Error Rate) of 1E-5 for a 32-byte packet size and a 1 ms user plane latency.

[0110] From a physical layer perspective, reliability can be improved in several ways. Current approaches to improving reliability involve defining a separate CQI table for URLLC, a more compact DCI format, PDCCH repetition, and more. However, this scope can be broadened to achieve hyper-reliability as NR becomes more stable and advanced (for NR URLLC-critical requirements). Specific use cases for NR URLLC in version 15 include augmented reality / virtual reality (AR / VR), eHealth, eSafety, and mission-critical applications.

[0111] Furthermore, the technical enhancements targeted by NR URLLC aim to improve latency and reliability. Enhancements for latency improvement include configurable parameter sets, non-slot-based scheduling with flexible mapping, unlicensed (configurable licensed) uplinks, slot-level repetition of data channels, and downlink preemption. Preemption means stopping a transmission for which resources have already been allocated and using those resources for another transmission that was requested later but has lower latency / higher priority requirements. Accordingly, the already licensed transmission is preempted by the later transmission. The application of preemption is independent of a specific service type. For example, a transmission of service type A (URLLC) can be preempted by a transmission of service type B (such as eMBB). Technical enhancements for reliability improvement include a dedicated CQI / MCS table for the target BLER of 1E-5.

[0112] Use cases for mMTC (massive machine-type communication) are characterized by a very large number of connected devices typically transmitting relatively small amounts of non-latency-sensitive data. This requires devices to be low-cost and have very long battery life. From an NR (Radio Frequency Identification) perspective, utilizing a very narrow bandwidth segment is a possible solution that offers power savings and achieves long battery life from a UE (User Equipment) perspective.

[0113] As mentioned above, a wider range of reliability is expected in NR. A key requirement for all situations (especially for URLLC and mMTC) is high or ultra-high reliability. Several mechanisms can be considered to improve reliability from both the radio device and network perspectives. Generally, there are several key potential areas that can help improve reliability. These areas include compact control channel information, data / control channel repetition, and diversity in the frequency, time, and / or spatial domains. These areas apply to reliability in general, regardless of the specific communication scenario.

[0114] For NR URLLC, other use cases with more stringent requirements have been identified, such as factory automation, the transportation industry, and power distribution. These more stringent requirements include higher reliability (up to 10). -6 (Level), higher availability, packet size up to 256 bytes, time synchronization down to the order of microseconds (where the value can be one microsecond or several microseconds, depending on the frequency range), and short latency in the order of 0.5 to 1 ms (especially 0.5 ms target user plane latency, depending on the use case).

[0115] In addition, several technical enhancements from a physical layer perspective have been identified for NR URLLC. These include PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) enhancements related to compact DCI, PDCCH repetition, and increased PDCCH monitoring. Furthermore, UCI (Uplink Control Information) enhancements are associated with enhanced HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) and CSI feedback enhancements. Additionally, PUSCH enhancements related to micro-slot (or intra-slot) level frequency hopping and retransmission / repetition enhancements have been identified. The term "micro-slot" refers to a transmission time interval (TTI) containing fewer symbols than a single time slot (which consists of 14 symbols).

[0116] The 5G QoS (Quality of Service) model is based on QoS flows and supports both QoS flows that require guaranteed flow bit rate (GBR QoS flows) and QoS flows that do not require guaranteed flow bit rate (non-GBR QoS flows). Therefore, at the NAS level, QoS flows represent the finest granularity of QoS differentiation within a PDU session. QoS flows are identified within a PDU session by the QoS flow ID (QFI) carried in the encapsulation header on the NG-U interface.

[0117] For each UE, 5GC establishes one or more PDU sessions. For each UE, NG-RAN establishes at least one data radio bearer (DRB) along with the PDU session, and subsequently, additional DRBs for (multiple) QoS flows of that PDU session can be configured (when to do so depends on NG-RAN), for example, as referenced above. Figure 3 As shown, NG-RAN maps packets belonging to different PDU sessions to different DRBs. The NAS-level packet filter in the UE and 5GC associates UL and DL packets with QoS flows, while the AS-level mapping rules in the UE and NG-RAN associate UL and DL QoS flows with DRBs.

[0118] Figure 5 A 5G NR non-roaming reference architecture is shown (see TS 23.287 v16.4.0, Section 4.2.1.1). Application Function (AF) (e.g., in...) Figure 4 The external application server (exemplarily described in the example) hosting 5G services interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as supporting application impact on traffic routing, access to the Network Exposure Function (NEF), or interaction with policy frameworks used for policy control (see Policy Control Function (PCF)) (e.g., QoS control). Based on operator deployment, application functions considered trusted by the operator may be allowed to interact directly with the relevant network functions. Application functions that the operator does not allow to directly access network functions may interact with the relevant network functions via the NEF using the external exposure framework.

[0119] Figure 5Other functional units of the 5G architecture for V2X communication are illustrated, namely, Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Application Function (AF), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF) in the 5GC, as well as the V2X Application Server (V2AS) and Data Network (DN) (e.g., operator services, internet access, or third-party services). All or part of the core network functions and application services can be deployed and run in a cloud computing environment.

[0120] Therefore, this disclosure provides an application server (e.g., an AF in a 5G architecture) including a transmitter and control circuitry, the transmitter sending a request containing QoS requirements for at least one of URLLC, eMBB, and mMTC services to at least one function of the 5GC (e.g., NEF, AMF, SMF, PCF, UPF, etc.) to establish a PDU session including radio bearers between the gNodeB and the UE according to the QoS requirements, and the control circuitry using the established PDU session to perform services.

[0121] In this disclosure, the downlink control signals (information) related to this disclosure may be signals (information) transmitted through the physical layer PDCCH, or signals (information) transmitted through a higher-layer MAC control element (CE) or RRC. Downlink control signals may be predefined signals (information).

[0122] The uplink control signals (information) related to this disclosure may be signals (information) transmitted via the physical layer PUCCH, or signals (information) transmitted via a higher-layer MAC CE or RRC. Furthermore, the uplink control signals may be predefined signals (information). Uplink control signals may be replaced by uplink control information (UCI), first-stage side uplink control information (SCI), or second-stage SCI.

[0123] In this disclosure, for example, a base station can be a Transmitter-Receiver Point (TRP), cluster head, access point, Remote Radio Head (RRH), eNodeB (eNB), gNodeB (gNB), Base Station (BS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), base unit, or gateway. Furthermore, in side-link communication, a terminal can be used instead of a base station. A base station can be a relay device that relays communication between higher nodes and terminals. A base station can also be a roadside unit.

[0124] This disclosure can be applied to any of the uplink, downlink, and sidelink channels. This disclosure can be applied to, for example, uplink channels (such as PUSCH, PUCCH, and PRACH), downlink channels (such as PDSCH, PDCCH, and PBCH), and sidelink channels (such as the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), and Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH)).

[0125] PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH are examples of downlink control channel, downlink data channel, uplink data channel, and uplink control channel, respectively. PSCCH and PSSCH are examples of sidelink control channel and sidelink data channel, respectively. PBCH and PSBCH are examples of broadcast channel, and PRACH is an example of random access channel.

[0126] This disclosure can be applied to any data channel and control channel. The channels in this disclosure can be replaced by data channels including PDSCH, PUSCH, and PSSCH and / or control channels including PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PSCCH, and PSBCH.

[0127] In this disclosure, a reference signal is a signal known to both the base station and the mobile station, and each reference signal may be referred to as a reference signal (RS) or sometimes as a pilot signal. A reference signal may be any one of a DMRS, a Channel State Information – Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), and a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0128] An antenna port refers to a logical antenna (antenna group) formed by one or more physical antennas. That is, an antenna port does not necessarily refer to a single physical antenna; sometimes it refers to an array antenna formed by multiple antennas, etc. For example, there is no defined number of physical antennas forming an antenna port; instead, an antenna port is defined as the smallest unit through which a terminal can transmit a reference signal. An antenna port can also be defined as the smallest unit of a precoding vector weighted multiplication. It should be understood that although various attributes of different embodiments have been described with reference to the device, the corresponding attributes also apply to the methods of various embodiments, and vice versa.

[0129] There is a need to address one or more of the aforementioned challenges and to develop new communication devices and methods for enhancing uplink transmission using multi-beaming, specifically for enhancing: (i) the performance of UEs at cell edges or in coverage enhancement areas; (ii) use cases for these UEs; (iii) beam-directed operation (or beam management) in 5G; and (iv) multi-TRP transmission operation. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background of this disclosure.

[0130] In the various embodiments described below, the uplink transmission timing refers to a nominal / actual repeat or a set of nominal / actual repeats or a set of nominal / actual repeats, wherein the nominal / actual repeat can be one or more consecutive symbols.

[0131] Figure 6Exemplary PUSCH repetition type A 600 and PUSH repetition type B 602 are shown, where the same UL beam is applied to all PUSCH repetitions. As mentioned above, in Rel.15, different repetitions 610, 612, and 614 are transmitted in different time slots 604, 606, and 608 with the same length and start symbol; while in Rel.16, the nominal repetition of a PUSCH can be divided into multiple actual repetitions 624, 626, and 628 based on crossing time slot boundary 616 or invalid symbols (not shown). According to Observation 1 in the current Rel.15 / 16 specification, it is assumed that all PUSCH repetitions use the same UL beam (i.e., spatial relationship information) and the same set of UL transmission parameters.

[0132] One of the major technical challenges of using high-frequency bands in 5G New Radio (NR) networks is severe human / building obstruction, which can lead to shadowing fading and penetration loss. For example, human obstruction can cause propagation channel attenuation of up to 30-40 dB. Since the same UL beam is used for all PUCCH / PUSCH repetitions, it can be obstructed by people, resulting in a significant decrease in coverage and reliability. To overcome obstruction, multiple beams can be used for PUCCH / PUSCH repetitions. However, how to handle the latency aspect of beam switching to support PUCCH / PUSCH repetitions utilizing multiple beams remains an open question.

[0133] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of obstruction in a multi-beam configuration used for uplink transmission is shown. A UE (e.g., a mobile device) 702 may initiate a UL transmission to a base station 704. UL transmission via beam 1 706 may be obstructed by a hand 708, causing the UL transmission to fail, while beam 2 710 is not obstructed by hand 708 and can therefore reach base station 704. Therefore, beam 2 710 can be used for UL transmission.

[0134] Therefore, it is necessary to address one or more of the aforementioned challenges and develop new communication devices and methods for enhancing uplink transmissions using multi-beams. According to this disclosure, a UE uses two or more beams to transmit multiple uplink transmissions in response to satisfying at least one condition. This at least one condition relates to at least one of the required delays of explicit network indication and beam switching. Advantageously, this improves the coverage and reliability performance of uplink transmissions using multi-beams.

[0135] Figure 8 Schematic examples of communication apparatuses according to various embodiments are shown. According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the communication apparatus can be implemented as a UE or gNB / base station and utilize multi-beam enhancement for uplink transmission.

[0136] like Figure 8As shown, the communication device 800 may include circuitry 814, at least one radio transmitter 802, at least one radio receiver 804, and at least one antenna 812 (for simplicity and for illustrative purposes, in...). Figure 8 (Only one antenna is depicted in the image). Circuit 814 may include at least one controller 806 for software and hardware assistance to perform tasks designed to be executed by the at least one controller 806, including controlling communication with one or more other communication devices in a wireless network. Circuit 814 may also include at least one transmit signal generator 808 and at least one receive signal processor 810. The at least one controller 806 may control the at least one transmit signal generator 808 to generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) to be transmitted to one or more other communication devices (e.g., basic communication devices) via at least one radio transmitter 802, and control the at least one receive signal processor 810 to process signals (e.g., baseband signals) received from one or more other communication devices via at least one radio receiver 804 under the control of the at least one controller 806. Figure 8 As shown, at least one transmit signal generator 808 and at least one receive signal processor 810 may be separate modules of the communication device 800, communicating with at least one controller 806 for the functions described above. Alternatively, at least one transmit signal generator 808 and at least one receive signal processor 810 may be included in at least one controller 606. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the arrangement of these functional modules is flexible and may vary depending on actual needs and / or requirements. Data processing, storage, and other related control devices may be provided on suitable circuit boards and / or chipsets. In various embodiments, at least one radio transmitter 602, at least one radio receiver 804, and at least one antenna 812 may be controlled by at least one controller 806.

[0137] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the radio transmitter 802 and the radio receiver 804 may be collectively referred to as a transceiver. Thus, the communication device 800 may include at least one transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals via at least one antenna 812.

[0138] The communication device 600 provides the functionality required to enhance uplink transmission using multiple beams. For example, the communication device 600 may be a UE, and at least one radio receiver 804 may receive control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission, and circuitry 614 may use two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities in response to at least one condition of beam switching based on the control information.

[0139] Figure 9A flowchart 900 illustrating a communication method for enhancing uplink transmission using multiple beams according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In step 902, a step of receiving control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission is performed. In step 904, a step of using two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities is performed in response to satisfying at least one condition for beam switching.

[0140] In the following paragraphs, with reference to a UE that uses multiple beams for uplink transmission, particularly under PUSCH repetition type A using multiple beams, certain examples relating to the first embodiment of this disclosure are explained.

[0141] Figure 10 A first example of a PUSCH repetition type A using two beams is shown according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Under PUSCH repetition type A, different transmission timings (e.g., repetitions 1006, 1008) are transmitted in different time slots 1002, 1004, having the same length and start symbol, respectively. In this embodiment, if the interval between two consecutive transmission timings (e.g., repetitions 1006, 1008 in consecutive time slots 1002, 1004) ( T Not less than the required delay for beam switching from the UE ( T BSw If the beam switching between multiple beams is applied, then the interval can be calculated using equation (1) and expressed using equation (2). T Compared to T BSw The above conditions:

[0142] Equation (1)

[0143] Equation (2)

[0144] Where L is the length of each repetition, and T is the interval between two consecutive transmission opportunities (1006 and 1008 in this case). T BSw It is the time delay required for beam switching.

[0145] In response to satisfying the condition expressed in equation (2), namely, that repeats #1 1006 and #2 1008 have an interval greater than the time delay required for beam switching ( T = 14 – L ≥ T BSw Two beams (beam #1 1010 and beam #2 1012) were then used to transmit repeat #1 1006 and repeat #2 1008, respectively.

[0146] In this embodiment, the beam switching decision is made by the base station gNB. In such an embodiment, a new display indication is sent to the UE using at least one of downlink control information (DCI) signaling, media access control layer control element (MAC CE) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling. In the new display indication, the gNB is based on { S, L, 14 – L ≥ T BSw}or{ SLIV, 14 – L ≥ T BSw Use} to define Time Domain Resource Allocation (TDRA), instead of using the { specified in the Rel.15 / 16 specification. S,L}or{ SLIV},in S It is the starting symbol for PUSCH allocation. L The length of each repetition and SLIV It is the start length indicator. Additionally or alternatively, DCI is used to indicate the TDRA value.

[0147] Beam switching may be applicable within each time slot (e.g., time slot 1002, time slot 1004). In other words, inter-slot-level beam switching and mapping applies to each time slot. Figure 10 As shown, a cyclic beam mapping pattern can be used, meaning that the first beam (e.g., beam #1 1010) and the second beam (e.g., beam #2 1012) are applied to the first repetition (e.g., repetition #1 1006) and the second repetition (e.g., repetition #2 1008) of the time slot, respectively. Assume there are no beams other than the first beam 1010 and the second beam 1012, and that the first and second beams are applied to the third and fourth repetitions (not shown), respectively. The same beam mapping pattern continues for the remaining repetitions.

[0148] In a first variant of the first embodiment, {} can be configured to satisfy the conditions expressed in equations (1) and (2). S,L}or{ SLIV A subset of}, which is specified in subclause 5.1.2.1 of 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.214 concerning resource allocation in the time domain.

[0149] In a second variation of the first embodiment, a sequential beam mapping pattern is used instead of a cyclic beam mapping pattern. For example, the first beam 1010 is applied to the first and second repetitions 1006, 1008, and the second beam 1012 is applied to the third and fourth repetitions (not shown). The third beam (not shown) can be applied to the fifth and sixth repetitions (not shown). The same beam mapping pattern continues for the remaining repetitions.

[0150] In a third variation of the first embodiment, a half-half mapping pattern is used instead of a cyclic beam mapping pattern. Specifically, if there are a total of four repetitions in the PUSCH, the first beam 1010 is applied to the first half of the four repetitions, namely the first and second repetitions, while the second beam 1012 is applied to the second half of the four repetitions, namely the third and fourth repetitions.

[0151] In a fourth variation of the first embodiment, instead of the cyclic beam mapping mode, the use of each of the multiple repeating multi-beams (i.e., the first beam 1010 and the second beam 1012) is configurable. This beam mapping mode may be referred to as a configurable beam mapping mode.

[0152] In a fifth variation of the first embodiment, the interval between two consecutive repetitions is determined based on the length of each repetition.

[0153] In a sixth variation of the first embodiment, if the interval between two consecutive repetitions is less than the delay required for beam switching and therefore the condition is not met, then only one of the multiple beams will be used to transmit the multiple repetitions.

[0154] In a seventh variation of the first embodiment, if the interval between two consecutive repetitions is less than the delay required for beam switching and therefore the condition is not met, wherein the first beam is the strongest beam among the multiple beams, then other repetitions mapped to one or more beams other than the first beam will be discarded, such that only one or more repetitions mapped to the first beam are transmitted.

[0155] In the eighth variant of the first embodiment, for PUSCH repetitions in discontinuous time slots, such as the first time slot 1002 and the third time slot (not shown) immediately following the second time slot 1004, if the interval between two consecutive repetitions is less than the delay required for beam switching and therefore the condition is not met, where the first beam is the strongest beam among the multiple beams, then the repetitions mapped to one or more beams other than the first beam will be postponed or shifted until the condition is met, i.e., the interval between two consecutive repetitions is not less than the delay required for beam switching.

[0156] In a ninth variation of the first embodiment, referring to the seventh and eighth variations, the first beam may be a configuration beam with a minimum index.

[0157] In the tenth variant of the first embodiment, the interval between two consecutive repetitions is different between UEs.

[0158] In the eleventh variation of the first embodiment, the time slot can be a virtual time slot, which includes multiple consecutive virtual symbols in a symbol-level repetition frame, wherein the virtual symbols contain multiple consecutive symbols. Furthermore, sequential mapping mode and half-mapping mode can be used in the mapping repetition of mapped virtual symbols on the virtual time slot.

[0159] In the twelfth variant, for multi-beam configurations, the repetition length of the PUSCH assignment can be even shorter.

[0160] Note that the above-described uplink transmission timing using multiple beams can be directly applied to a single or multiple TRP (Transmitter-Receiver Point) transmission timing. For a single TRP, the first beam 1010 and the second beam 1012 are used for the first repetition 1006 and the second repetition 1008, respectively; while for multiple TRPs, both the first beam 1010 and the second beam 1012 are used to map both the first repetition 1006 and the second repetition 1008. Figure 11 This illustrates a first example of a first embodiment of the present disclosure, mapping a data source to a data source in a scenario involving multiple TRP (transmitter-receiver point) transmissions. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of two repeating beams. UE1101 can transmit signals to the first base station 1102 and the second base station 1104 via the first beam (e.g., beam #1 1010) and the second beam (e.g., beam #2 1012), respectively. Figure 10 Beam #1 and beam #2 are the same Figure 11 In the schematic diagram 1100, beams #1 and #2 are represented by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0161] In multiple TRP transmission scenarios, the UE can use beam #1 1010 and beam #2 1012 for all repetitions, such as the first repetition 1006 and the second repetition 1008. In this case, even if beam #1 1010 is blocked by hand 1106 and cannot reach the intended first base station 1102, repetitions 1006 and 1008 can still be successfully transmitted to the second base station 1104 via beam #2 1012.

[0162] Figure 12 An example configuration 1200 for time-domain resource allocation / distribution for beam switching of multiple uplink transmission opportunities according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocation In PUSCH-Allocation-r16 Enhanced by adding new entries beam-switching To indicate beam switching. When beam-switching Enabled and by numberOfRepetition0r16 When the indicated value is greater than 1, the UE can also enable one of the beam mapping modes in beam-mapping-pattern, where CycBeamMap, SeqBeamMap HalfBeamMap, ConfigBeamMap These represent cyclic beam mapping mode, sequential beam mapping mode, half-beam mapping mode, and configurable beam mapping mode, respectively.

[0163] According to a second example of the first embodiment of this disclosure, a new explicit indication for allowing beam switching can be used to indicate to the UE. In this case, unlike the first example, the UE makes the beam switching decision if the interval between two consecutive repetitions is not less than the delay required for beam switching (e.g., as represented by equations (1) and (2)). Otherwise, beam mapping and switching are not applicable. At least one of DCI signaling, MAC CE signaling, and RC signaling is used to indicate the new explicit indication. When the new explicit indication is configured by the gNB, the UE understands that the gNB supports beam mapping based on the current TDRA, for beam mapping based on the { specified in the Rel.15 / 16 technical specification}. S, L}or{ SLIV Repeated assignments using PUSCH.

[0164] Similar to the first example, the second example can use any of the beam mapping modes such as cyclic beam mapping mode, sequential beam mapping mode, half beam mapping mode, and configurable beam mapping mode.

[0165] To perform the operation of the second example of the first embodiment, firstly, when the UE receives control information and a new explicit indication for allowing beam switching from the gNB, the UE can determine the repeating start symbol for PUSCH allocation based on the current TDRA configuration and the new explicit indication for allowing beam switching. S and allocation length L Secondly, based on the UE's capabilities, i.e., the latency required for beam switching. T BSw Whether the conditions expressed in equations (1) and (2) are met, the UE decides whether to perform an actual beam switching. The UE understands that the gNB supports beam mapping based on the new indication. The UE can also provide auxiliary information to the gNB based on the UE's capabilities, wherein the auxiliary information includes at least the beam mapping mode, the preference for the delay required for beam switching, processing timeline parameters, antenna configuration, bandwidth portion, channel state information measurement and / or spatial information. Such auxiliary information is provided for UE adaptation in subsequent configuration to effectively perform uplink transmission.

[0166] It is worth noting that the difference between the first and second examples of the first embodiment of this disclosure is that in the first example, the beam switching decision is made by the gNB, while in the second example, the beam switching decision is made by the UE. In the first example, beam switching is applicable within each time slot, while in the second example, due to the repeated derivation for PUSCH,S and L TDRA, therefore beam switching may not be applicable in every time slot. TDRA in the first example is based on { }or{ } definition; while in the second example based on { }or{ SLIV}

[0167] In the following paragraphs, with reference to a UE for uplink transmission utilizing multiple beams, particularly under PUSCH repetition type B utilizing multiple beams, certain examples relating to the second embodiment of this disclosure are explained.

[0168] Under PUSCH repetition type B, the nominal repetition of a PUSCH can be divided into multiple actual repetitions based on crossing time slot boundaries or invalid symbols. According to the second embodiment, in order to achieve beam switching between multiple beams in PUSCH repetition type B, the following is considered... T BSw The UE defines a new invalid symbol.

[0169] In the first example of the second embodiment, a new invalid symbol is configured according to the following equation (3):

[0170] } Equation (3)

[0171] in, Rel.16_invalid_symbols Is using tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon / tdd- UL-DLConfigurationDedicated ,or ssb-PositionsInBurst / ssb-PositionsInBurst ,or numberInvalidSymbolsForDL-UL-Switching ,or Invalid Symbol Pattern Invalid symbols in Rel.16 as indicated.

[0172] According to 3GPP TS 38.214 v16.2.0 sub-clause 6.1.2.1, if the UE is configured with multiple serving cells and is provided with half-duplex-behaviour-r16 "enabled"; and is not able to transmit and receive simultaneously on any of the multiple serving cells, and indicates support for half-duplex operation in CA with unpaired spectrum, and does not monitor the PDCCH for detecting DCI format 2-0 on any of the multiple serving cells, then for PUSCH repetition type B transmission, if via SIB1 ssb-PositionsInBurst or ServingCellConfigCommon In ssb- PositionInBurst If a symbol is indicated to the UE as being used to receive SS / PBCH blocks in any of the multiple serving cells, then that symbol is considered an invalid symbol in any of the multiple serving cells; and if the symbol is... tdd-UL-DL- ConfigurationCommon or tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationDedicated If the symbol is indicated as a downlink on the reference cell, or if the UE is configured by a higher layer to receive PDCCH, PDSCH, or CSI-RS on the reference cell in a symbol, then after activation, for PUSCH repeating type B transmissions with type 1 or type 2 configuration authorization, the symbol is considered an invalid symbol in any of the multiple serving cells, except for type 2 PUSCH transmissions (including all repetitions).

[0173] For PUSCH repetition type B, after determining one or more invalid symbols to be transmitted for each of the K nominal repetitions, the remaining symbols are considered as potentially valid symbols to be transmitted for PUSCH repetition type B. If the number of potentially valid symbols to be transmitted for PUSCH repetition type B is greater than zero for a nominal repetition, then the nominal repetition consists of one or more actual repetitions, where each actual repetition consists of a contiguous set of all potentially valid symbols available for PUSCH repetition type B transmission within a time slot. Actual repetitions with a single symbol are omitted except in the case of L-1. Actual repetitions are omitted according to the conditions in Clause 11.1 of TS38.213. Redundant versions to be applied to the nth actual repetition (the count includes omitted actual repetitions) are determined according to Table 2.

[0174] For PUSCH repetition type B, when the UE receives a DCI that schedules (one or more) aperiodic CSI reports or activates (one or more) semi-persistent CSI reports on a PUSCH without a transport block via the CSI request field on the DCI, the nominal number of repetitions is always assumed to be 1, regardless of... number of repetitions What is the value of ? When a UE is scheduled to send a PUSCH repetition type B without a transport block and with a non-periodic or semi-persistent SCI report (one or more) via the SCI request field on the DCI, the first nominal repetition is expected to be the same as the first actual repetition. For a PUSCH repetition type B carrying a semi-persistent SCI report (one or more) without a corresponding PDCCH after being activated on the PUSCH by the CSI request field on the DCI, the first nominal repetition is omitted if it differs from the first actual repetition; otherwise, the first nominal repetition is omitted in accordance with the conditions of Clause 11.1 of TS 38.213.

[0175] For PUSCH repetition type B, when the UE is scheduled to send a transport block and (one or more) aperiodic CSI reports on the PUSCH via the CSI request field on the DCI, the (one or more) CSI reports are multiplexed only on the first actual repetition. The UE does not expect the first actual repetition to have a single symbol duration.

[0176] if pusch-Config In push-TimeDomainAllocationList Contains a line indicating the allocation of resources for two to eight consecutive PUSCHs. K 2 This instructs the UE to send a slow of the first of multiple PUSCHs, each PUSCH having a separate [slow]. SLIV and mapping type. The number of scheduled PUSCHs is notified by signaling in DCI format 0_1. push-TimeDomainAllocationList The validity of the line indication SLIV The quantity of incoming letters is notified.

[0177] When the UE is configured in the active UL BWP (bandwidth portion) minimumSchedulingOffsetK2 When the same field is available, the UE applies the minimum scheduling offset limit indicated by the "Minimum Applicable Scheduling Offset Indicator" field in DCI format 0_1 ​​or DCI format 1_1. This applies when the UE is configured in an active UL BWP. minimumSchedulingOffSetK2 Furthermore, if it does not receive the "Minimum Applicable Scheduling Offset Indicator" field in DCI format 0_1 ​​or 1_1, the UE will apply a minimum scheduling offset limit based on the "Minimum Applicable Scheduling Offset Indicator" value of "0". When applying the minimum scheduling offset limit, the UE is not expected to be DCI scheduled in slow n to send PUSCHs scheduled in C-RNTI, CS-RNTI, MCS-C-RNTI, or SP-CSI-RNTI, where K 2 less than ,in K 2min and respectively µ It is the minimum scheduling offset limit and the parameter set of the active UL BWP of the scheduled cell when receiving DCI in slow n, and µ' is the parameter set of the new active UL BWP if the active UL BWP in the scheduled cell changes, otherwise it is equal to µ When PUSCH transports are scheduled for RACH procedures via RAR UL authorization or fallback RAR UL authorization, or when PUSCH is scheduled with TC-RNTI, the minimum scheduling constraint is not applied. The application delay of changes to the minimum scheduling offset constraint is defined in Clause 5.3.1.

[0178] In the first example of the second embodiment, this new invalidation symbol according to equation (3) is applied to each timing or event of a Rel.16 invalidation symbol. Specifically, the timing or event may include a single or more consecutive Rel.16 invalidation symbols. new_invalid_symbols Instructions can be given to the UE using at least DCI signaling, MAC CE signaling, and RC signaling.

[0179] Figure 13An example configuration of a new invalid symbol in the uplink transmission timing under PUSCH repetition type B according to a second embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Additionally, a... NewInvalidStmbolPattern and T_BSw Where value1 and value2 correspond to the durations of 3 and 6 symbols, and InvalidSymbolPattern-r16 Specify in Rel.16.

[0180] After each occurrence or event of applying a new invalid symbol to the Rel.16 invalid symbol in PUSCH repetition type B, the nominal / actual repetition of PUSCH repetition type B is now based on the new invalid symbol. Based on (one or more) new invalid symbols, the nominal repetition of PUSCH is divided into multiple actual repetitions. Each of the multiple beams can be used for a set of actual repetitions. During the time occupied by the new invalid symbol, beam switching is applied between the multiple beams. Similarly, in this embodiment, any of the beam mapping modes such as cyclic beam mapping mode, sequential beam mapping mode, half-beam mapping mode, and configurable beam mapping mode can be used.

[0181] Figure 14A The PUSCH repeat type B 1400a with an invalid Rel.16 symbol is shown. Figure 14A In this process, the UE determines six actual repeats #1-6 from three nominal repeats #1-3 based on Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbols (such as symbols #4-5 and #11 in the UL slot).

[0182] In this example, based on a single invalid symbol (e.g., Figure 14A (Rel.16 invalid symbol at symbol #11) or multiple consecutive conventional invalid symbols (e.g., Figure 14A The new invalid symbol is determined by the Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbol at symbol #4-5. Figure 14B An example of a PUSCH repeating type B 1400b with a new invalid symbol is shown according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. Assumptions are determined. T BSw The value of three symbols determines three new invalid symbols at symbols #4-6 and #11-13 respectively, based on the first timing / event in the UL slot (based on consecutive Rel.16 invalid symbols at symbols #4-5) and the second timing / event (based on a single Rel.16 invalid symbol at symbol #11).

[0183] Using the new invalid symbols, the UE determines five actual repetitions #1-5 from three nominal repetitions #1-3. The introduction of these new invalid symbols creates an interval between two actual repetitions that is not less than the delay required for beam switching, thus enabling beam switching. During the time occupied by the new invalid symbols, beam switching between multiple beams can be applied, in this case at symbols #4-6, where the first beam #1 1402 is used for one set of actual repetitions #1-3, and the second beam #2 1404 is used for one set of actual repetitions #4-5.

[0184] According to the second example of the second embodiment, a new invalid symbol is configured according to the following equation (4).

[0185] } Equation (4)

[0186] in, Rel.16_invalid_symbols It is specified in sub-clause 6.1.2.1 of technical specification 38.214. tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon / tdd-UL-DLConfigurationDedicated ,or ssb- PositionsInBurst / ssb-PositionsInBurst ,or numberInvalidSymbolsForDL-UL- Switching ,or InvalidSymbolPattern Invalid symbols in Rel.16 as indicated.

[0187] Figure 15A The PUSCH repeat type B 1500a with an invalid Rel.16 symbol is shown. Figure 15A In this process, the UE determines six actual repeats #1-6 from three nominal repeats #1-3 based on Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbols (such as symbols #4-5 and #11 in the UL slot).

[0188] In one case of this second example, the determination of new invalid symbols and beam switching T BSw The configurations are independent of each other. In other words, T BSw This refers to the allocation of time-domain resources for beam switching purposes. In one case, it can be determined that the allocation is caused by one or more Rel.16 invalid symbols and T BSw The new invalid symbols are composed of (one or more) Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbols and T BSw Non-overlapping, i.e., the case where beam switching occurs only when the beams are switched by the beams being switched. T BSw The duration specified in 1508 applies, such as Figure 15C As shown in the image.

[0189] In another case of this second example, it can be determined that it is an invalid symbol as Rel.16 (traditional) and T BSw The union of new invalid symbols, where (one or more) Rel.16 invalid symbols are... T BSw Overlap, i.e., overlapping cases. Furthermore, unlike the first example, the determination of new invalid symbols in both non-overlapping and overlapping cases cannot be applied to every moment / event of a single or more consecutive Rel.16 invalid symbols. In the manner of overlapping cases, Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbols and T BSw The length of the union is equal to or greater than T BSw The length.

[0190] Therefore, beam switching can be applied only when beams are used by… T BSw During the specified duration (e.g., in) Figure 15B In the UL time slot, Rel.16 (traditional) invalid symbols and T BSw The union symbol is symbol #2-5, where T BSw Includes 3 symbols, with beam switching configured only during symbols #2-4 in the UL time slot (hereinafter referred to as case). i ); or invalid symbols in Rel.16 (traditional) and T BSw The duration of the union of the values ​​can be flexibly configured (hereinafter referred to as the case). ii ).

[0191] Specifically, Figure 15B Another example of a PUSCH repeating type B 1500b with a new invalid symbol is shown according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. T BSw 1506 is independently defined and includes three symbols, such as symbols #2-4 in the UL slot, where symbol #4 overlaps with the symbol of the Rel.16 (conventional) invalid symbol. As the Rel.16 (conventional) invalid symbol and T BSw The new invalid symbols of the union of symbols are symbols #2-5 in the UL timeslot, including the Rel.16 invalid symbols at symbols #4-5. The UE also determines five actual repeats #1-5 from three nominal repeats #1-3 based on the new invalid symbols, as in equation (4). For case i Beam switching is applied during symbols #2-4 in the UL time slot. For example... iiOne possibility is to configure beam switching during symbols #2-4 in the UL timeslot; another possibility is to flexibly configure beam switching during symbols #3-5 in the UL timeslot, i.e., flexibly configure it within the symbol union. For example, the first beam #1 1502 is used for a set of actual repetitions #1-2, and the second beam #2 1504 is used for a set of actual repetitions #3-5. In another embodiment, independently configured... T BSw It can avoid overlapping with Rel.16 invalid symbols, such as Figure 15C As shown. In Figure 15C middle, T BSw 1508 is independently determined and includes three symbols, such as symbols #1-3 in the UL time slot, while they do not overlap with the symbols of the Rel.16 (conventional) invalid symbols at symbols #4-5. Beam switching is applied during symbols #1-3 in the UL time slot. It should be understood that the actual repetition of time allocation resource allocation / assignment in non-overlapping cases differs from that in overlapping cases; within overlapping cases, for case... i and ii In both cases, the actual time allocation and resource allocation / assignment are the same.

[0192] In the following paragraphs, reference is made to a UE that utilizes symbol-level repeating multi-beam uplink transmission to explain certain examples related to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0193] Symbol-level repetition includes the concepts of virtual symbols and virtual time slots. Virtual symbols contain corresponding... virtualsymbolLength A virtual time slot consists of multiple consecutive symbols; a virtual time slot is composed of multiple consecutive virtual symbols. This is achieved by assuming a combined use of symbol-level repetition and time slot-level repetition (repetition type A is specified in Rel.15, where different repetitions are sent in different (virtual) time slots with the same length and start symbol), i.e., virtual time slot-level repetition. Specifically, virtual symbols (repetitions) are repeated on multiple virtual time slots. Thus, the Rel.15 repetition procedure can be reused by replacing symbols / time slots with virtual symbols / time slots.

[0194] If the interval (e.g., duration) between two consecutive repetitions of a virtual symbol is not less than T BSwThen, beam switching between multiple beams is applied. This can be called virtual time-slot level beam switching / mapping. This beam switching in this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, but with symbol-level repetition (virtual symbols and virtual time slots). Therefore, it is obvious that all variations of the first embodiment of this disclosure can be used in this third embodiment and its variations by replacing virtual symbols / time slots with symbols / time slots, and descriptions of different variations of this embodiment are omitted. For example, one of the beam mapping modes such as cyclic beam mapping mode, sequential beam mapping mode, half-beam mapping mode, and configurable beam mapping mode can be used to repeatedly perform beam mapping on virtual symbols on multiple virtual time slots.

[0195] Figure 16 An example of symbol-level repetition according to a third embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Six virtual symbols 1506a are mapped in virtual time slots. n In +1 1502, each of the virtual symbols in 1506a consists of 2 consecutive symbols ( virtualsymbolLength = 2). The repetition of these virtual symbols 1506b is mapped to virtual time slots. n +2 1504. If two consecutive repetitions of virtual symbols 1506a and 1506b have a value not less than T BSw interval T (For example, duration), then beam switching between multiple beams is enabled. If so, beam #1 1608 and beam #2 1610 are used for the first repetition 1506a and the second repetition 1506b of the virtual symbol, respectively.

[0196] To perform the operation of the third embodiment, the number of symbols for each virtual symbol is provided to the UE by using at least one of DCI signaling, MAC CE signaling, or RRC signaling. virtualsymbolLength The information includes the number of virtual symbols in each virtual time slot and / or the number of repetitions of the virtual time slot, as well as beam mapping and switching information.

[0197] Figure 17 An example PUSCH allocation configuration for beam switching of multiple uplink transmission opportunities according to a third embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Similar to the first embodiment, this is achieved by adding new entries. symbol_level To indicate the use of PUSCH allocation and beam-switching The Temporal Domain Resource Allocation (TDRA) of virtual symbols, PUSCH-Allocation-r16 is enhanced to indicate symbol-level repetition. When symbol_level Configured and numberOfRepetitions-r16>1 At this time, the UE can also enable beam-mapping-pattern One of the beam mapping modes in [the context].

[0198] In a variation of the third embodiment of this disclosure, the frequency hopping procedure is used at least based on virtual symbols / time slots. A demodulation reference signal for frequency hopping can be enabled based on virtual symbols / time slots. Specifically, each repetition of a virtual symbol can correspond to one frequency hopping. Therefore, if the interval (e.g., duration) between two consecutive frequency hoppings is not less than... T BSw Then, beam switching between multiple beams is applied. All variations of the first embodiment can still be applied to this variation of the third embodiment of this disclosure. For example, one of the beam mapping modes, such as cyclic beam mapping mode, sequential beam mapping mode, half-beam mapping mode, and configurable beam mapping mode, can be used to perform beam mapping for frequency hopping. To perform such an operation, the Rel.15 / 16 time slot inter-slot frequency hopping procedure can be reused by replacing the time slot inter-slot with a virtual time slot inter-slot. Advantageously, this variation helps to achieve frequency hopping gain.

[0199] While the example above describes symbol-level repetition (with inter-virtual time-slot level beam switching / mapping) using the concept of repetition type A, in another consideration of the third embodiment, a combined combination of the concepts of symbol-level repetition and repetition type B can be used. In this variation, beam switching between multiple beams can be applied in a manner similar to that in the second embodiment, where new invalid symbols can be introduced through symbol-level repetition (virtual symbols) on virtual time slots.

[0200] In the following paragraphs, certain examples relating to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure are explained with reference to a UE performing uplink transmission with Transport Block (TB) processing on multi-slot multi-beam.

[0201] For TB processing across multiple time slots, a TB size is obtained for a single time slot, but it is mapped and transmitted in multiple parts across multiple time slots. If the interval (e.g., duration) between two consecutive mapped parts (on two consecutive or non-consecutive time slots) is not less than... T BSw Then, beam switching between multiple beams is applied. All variations of the first embodiment of this disclosure can be used in this fourth embodiment and its variations by replacing the mapping portion with repeated or uplink transmission timings. Advantageously, this allows for coding and time diversity gain.

[0202] In a first variant of the fourth embodiment, joint padding and TB processing are applied across multiple time slots. The TB size is obtained for a single time slot (or virtual time slot) or multiple time slots (or multiple virtual time slots). The TB (on a single time slot across multiple time slots) is repeatedly transmitted multiple times in the time domain, each repetition corresponding to the transmission timing of the TB. If the interval (e.g., duration) between two consecutive repetitions of the TB is not less than... T BSwThen, beam switching between multiple beams is applied.

[0203] In a second variation of the fourth embodiment, the frequency hopping procedure is applied to each of the multiple parts (on multiple time slots). If the interval between two consecutive frequency hopping events (e.g., the duration) is not less than... T BSw Then, beam switching between multiple beams is applied.

[0204] In a third variation of the fourth embodiment, TBs can be partially mapped and transmitted over multiple virtual time slots.

[0205] In the following paragraphs, certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are explained with reference to a UE for other considerations of utilizing multi-beam enhancement of uplink transmission.

[0206] In various embodiments, the time delay required for beam switching T BSw Represented in symbolic units. In one embodiment, when T BSw When the size is very small or negligible, at least intra-slot (or virtual intra-slot) level beam switching can be applied. In this embodiment, each beam in the multi-beam system is used for one of the nominal / actual repetitions.

[0207] For example, for low subcarrier spacing (SCS), such as 15 kHz, 30 kHz, etc., the time delay required for beam switching T BSw The UE can switch beams within the cyclic prefix of an OFDM symbol, provided the duration is not greater than the cyclic prefix duration. Applying both intra-slot (or virtual intra-slot) and inter-slot (or virtual inter-slot) beam switching is sufficient. Another example is that if the guard duration is not less than the delay required for beam switching, the UE can switch beams within the guard duration between two consecutive time slots used for inter-slot (or virtual inter-slot) beam switching. For high SCSs in millimeter-wave (mmWave) NR operation, such as 480 kHz and 960 kHz SCSs for NR operation from 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz or above 71 GHz, the delay required for beam switching is equal to or greater than the duration of the OFDM symbol due to the shorter duration. In this way, applying inter-slot (or virtual inter-slot) beam switching is more sufficient than intra-slot (or virtual intra-slot) beam switching. It should be understood and noted that, if the delay required for beam switching is met, in-slot (or virtual-slot) level beam switching can also be applied in this manner.

[0208] In another embodiment, each of the multiple beams used for beam switching is configured with a set of power control parameters.

[0209] For codebook-based transmissions, in order to enable PUSCH repetition using multiple beams, in one embodiment, multiple indications are used to indicate multiple PUSCH transport precoders from the codebook, such as the current Transport Precoding Matrix Indication (TPMI) and the new Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the DCI signaling. Based on control information received from the gNB, each of the multiple beams is associated with one of the TPMIs from the codebook used for codebook-based transmissions. For codebook-based transmissions, each of the multiple beams may be associated with one of the SRS resource sets, which in turn are associated with Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources. One of the SRS resource sets can be indicated using the new SRI in the DCI signaling. In another embodiment, the current TPMI or SRI in the DCI signaling can be reinterpreted as indicating multiple PUSCH transport precoders or SRS resource sets, respectively, to achieve PUSCH repetition using multiple beams.

[0210] For non-codebook-based transmissions, in order to utilize multi-beam PUSCH repetition, in one embodiment, for each TRP, a set of probe reference signals (SRS) resources is associated with multiple non-zero power channel state information reference signals (NZPSCI-RS). The SRS resource set consists of, for example, srs-ResourceSetToAddModList The higher-level parameter configuration, and the value " nonCodeBook The higher-level parameters are associated with "". In another embodiment, multiple SRS resource sets can be configured for each TRP, where each SRS resource set is associated with an NZP CSI-RS and with the value "". nonCodeBook The higher-level parameters are associated with ".

[0211] In one embodiment, multiple Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states can be indicated in the DCI signaling, replacing multiple beams to be used for the PUSCH transmission timing of the first to fourth embodiments of this disclosure for switching multiple spatial information. If a uniform TCI state is indicated for both UL and DL, then the uniform TCI state is used for both DL and UL.

[0212] In one embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments of this disclosure described above can be applied to a PUCCH repeating framework. They can also be used for PUCCH / PUSCH repeating in discontinuous time slots. They can also be directly applied to support more than two beams and / or more than two TRPs.

[0213] In another embodiment, multiple embodiments described above can be applied simultaneously at a single UE to enhance uplink transmission using multi-beaming.

[0214] This disclosure provides the following examples:

[0215] 1. A communication device, comprising:

[0216] A transceiver that receives control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; and

[0217] A circuit that, in response to satisfying at least one condition for beam switching based on control information, uses two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0218] 2. According to the communication apparatus of Example 1, each of the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities is a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) processing from one or more transport blocks, a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) or Physical Random Access (PRACH) transmission opportunity, and is defined by a slot index, a start symbol, and a number of consecutive symbols.

[0219] 3. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities is a transmission opportunity in a plurality of repetitions of PUCCH or PUSCH in an inter-slot level repetition frame, or a transmission opportunity in a plurality of nominal / actual repetitions of PUCCH or PUSCH in an intra-slot level repetition frame.

[0220] 4. The communication device according to Example 1, wherein at least one condition is that an explicit instruction to perform beam switching in the time domain is received from the basic communication device based on control information.

[0221] 5. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the transceiver receives control information by using at least one of downlink control information (DCI) signaling, media access control layer control element (MAC CE) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0222] 6. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein at least one condition is that the first interval between two consecutive uplink transmission opportunities among a plurality of uplink transmission opportunities is not less than the delay required for beam switching.

[0223] 7. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuitry further provides auxiliary information to the basic communication apparatus, the auxiliary information relating to the configuration of two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0224] 8. The communication device according to Example 7, wherein the auxiliary information includes at least the delay required for beam switching based on the capabilities of the communication device, processing timeline parameters, antenna configuration, bandwidth portion, CSI measurements and / or spatial information preferences.

[0225] 9. The communication apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the circuitry further determines a first interval between two consecutive uplink transmission opportunities based on the length of each of the two consecutive uplink transmission opportunities.

[0226] 10. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuit, in response to satisfying at least one condition, uses each of two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities in a cyclic or sequential mode.

[0227] 11. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuit, in response to satisfying at least one condition, uses a first half of two or more beams for a first half of a plurality of uplink transmission opportunities, and uses a second half of two or more beams for a second half of a plurality of uplink transmission opportunities.

[0228] 12. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuit, in response to the failure to meet at least one condition, uses one of two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0229] 13. A communication apparatus according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the circuit further responds to the failure to satisfy at least one condition by using a first beam of two or more beams for one or more uplink transmission opportunities among a plurality of uplink transmission opportunities, and removing the remaining uplink transmission opportunities among the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities, wherein the first beam is the strongest beam among the two or more beams.

[0230] 14. The communication apparatus according to Example 13, wherein when at least one condition is not met, the circuit delays or shifts the remaining uplink transmission opportunity.

[0231] 15. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the use of each of two or more beams is configurable for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0232] 16. A communication device according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the circuitry further includes:

[0233] New invalid symbols are determined based on a single or more consecutive legacy invalid symbols and the required delay for beam switching, wherein the new invalid symbols have a length corresponding to the larger of the length of the required delay for beam switching and the length of the single or more consecutive legacy invalid symbols; and

[0234] Determining multiple uplink transmission timings based on new invalid symbols; and

[0235] In response to a decision, two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0236] 17. The communication apparatus according to Example 16, wherein the determination of multiple uplink transmission timings based on new invalid symbols is applied to each single or one or more consecutive conventional invalid symbols.

[0237] 18. A communication device according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the circuitry further includes:

[0238] Identify new invalid symbols consisting of one or more consecutive traditional invalid symbols and the required delay of beam switching, wherein the one or more consecutive traditional invalid symbols do not overlap with the required delay of beam switching;

[0239] Determining multiple uplink transmission timings based on new invalid symbols; and

[0240] In response to a decision, two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0241] 19. A communication apparatus according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the circuitry further includes:

[0242] The new invalid symbols are identified as the union of one or more consecutive conventional invalid symbols and the delay required for beam switching; and

[0243] Determining multiple uplink transmission timings based on new invalid symbols; and

[0244] In response to a decision, two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0245] 20. A communication apparatus according to Example 19, wherein the circuitry flexibly performs beam switching within the union of a single or more consecutive conventional invalid symbols and the required delay of beam switching.

[0246] 21. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuit uses each of two or more beams for a subset of multiple uplink transmission opportunities when at least one condition is met.

[0247] 22. A communication device according to any of Examples 16-20, wherein the delay required for beam switching is configured by control information to be periodic or aperiodic.

[0248] 23. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of uplink transmission times corresponds to one of the plurality of partial processes from one or more transport blocks; wherein each of the plurality of partial processes from one or more transport blocks is mapped to one of the corresponding plurality of time slots.

[0249] 24. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein one or more transport blocks are further configured by control information to be repeated multiple times in the time domain, wherein each of the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities corresponds to the transmission opportunity of one or more transport blocks, wherein at least one condition is that a second interval between two consecutive repetitions of one or more transport blocks is not less than the delay required for beam switching.

[0250] 25. A communication apparatus according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein each of a plurality of uplink transmission times corresponds to one of a plurality of repetitions of virtual symbols on a plurality of virtual time slots, wherein the virtual symbols comprise a plurality of consecutive symbols, and the virtual time slots comprise a plurality of consecutive virtual symbols in symbol-level repetitions.

[0251] 26. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities corresponds to one of the plurality of frequency hopping, wherein at least one condition is that a third interval between two consecutive frequency hopping is not less than the delay required for beam switching.

[0252] 27. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein each of two or more beams is configured with a set of power control parameters.

[0253] 28. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuitry further associates each of two or more beams with at least one of a plurality of transmission precoders from a codebook for codebook-based transmission based on control information.

[0254] 29. A communication apparatus according to Example 28, wherein one of a plurality of transmission precoders is indicated by using at least a Transmission Precoder Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and / or a Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in DCI signaling.

[0255] 30. A communication apparatus according to Example 28, wherein multiple transport precoders are indicated by reinterpreting at least TPMI and / or SRI in DCI signaling.

[0256] 31. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuitry associates each of two or more beams with at least one of a set of sounding reference signals (SRS) resources for codebook-based transmission, wherein the at least one of the SRS resources is associated with a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

[0257] 32. The communication apparatus according to Example 31, wherein one of the SRS resource sets is indicated by using at least SRI in DCI signaling.

[0258] 33. The communication apparatus according to Example 31, wherein the SRS resource set is indicated by reinterpreting at least the SRI in the DCI signaling.

[0259] 34. The communication apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the circuitry associates each of two or more beams with one of a plurality of Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states.

[0260] 35. A communication apparatus according to any of Examples 6, 8, 16-20, 22, 24 and 26, wherein the required delay for beam switching is expressed in symbolic units.

[0261] 36. The communication apparatus according to Example 35, wherein the circuit applies intra-slot or virtual-slot-level beam switching when the delay required for beam switching is very small or negligible, wherein one of two or more beams is used for one of multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0262] 37. A communication apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the circuitry uses two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities at a single or multiple transmit and receive points (TRPs); wherein each of the two or more beams corresponds to one of the multiple TRPs.

[0263] 38. A basic communication device, comprising:

[0264] A circuit that generates control information indicating explicit indications of beam switching for two or more beams used for uplink transmission and / or required delays; and

[0265] A transmitter that sends control information to a communication device.

[0266] 39. A communication method, comprising:

[0267] Receive control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; and

[0268] In response to satisfying at least one condition for beam switching based on control information, two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities.

[0269] This disclosure can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments can be implemented partially or entirely by an LSI such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be controlled partially or entirely by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI can be formed as a chip on its own, or a chip can be formed to include part or all of the functional blocks. An LSI can include data inputs and outputs coupled thereto. Depending on the level of integration, the LSI here can be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra-LSI. However, the technology for implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs and can be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or special-purpose processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or reconfigurable processors in which the connections and settings of circuit cells arranged within the LSI can be reconfigured, can be used. This disclosure can be implemented as digital or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technologies replace LSIs due to advancements in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, future integrated circuit technologies can be used to integrate the functional blocks. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0270] This disclosure can be implemented by any kind of means, apparatus or system with communication capabilities (referred to as a communication device).

[0271] The communication device may include a transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The transceiver may include and / or act as both a receiver and a transmitter. As a transmitter and receiver, the transceiver may include an RF (radio frequency) module, which includes amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators, etc., and one or more antennas.

[0272] The communication device may include a transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The transceiver may include and / or act as both a receiver and a transmitter. As a transmitter and receiver, the transceiver may include an RF (radio frequency) module, which includes amplifiers, RF modulators / demodulators, etc., and one or more antennas.

[0273] Some non-limiting examples of such communication devices include telephones (e.g., cellular phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, netbooks), cameras (e.g., digital cameras / camcorders), digital players (digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, remote health / telemedicine (remote health and medical) devices, and vehicles that provide communication capabilities (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and various combinations thereof.

[0274] The communication device is not limited to portable or mobile devices, but may also include any kind of non-portable or fixed device, equipment or system, such as smart home devices (e.g., appliances, lighting, smart meters, control panels), vending machines and any other “thing” in an “Internet of Things (IoT)” network.

[0275] Communication can include exchanging data through, for example, cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, satellite systems, and various combinations thereof.

[0276] The communication device may include a device, such as a controller or sensor, coupled to a communication device that performs the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, the communication device may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device performing the communication functions of the communication device.

[0277] Communication devices may also include infrastructure such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, equipment, or systems that communicate with or control such devices as those in the non-limiting examples above.

[0278] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the present disclosure shown in particular embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the broadly described disclosure. Therefore, the presented embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.

[0279] Table 1. PUSCH temporal resource allocation for DCI format 0_0 applied in the public search space and UE-specific search space

[0280]

[0281] Table 2. Default PUSCH time-domain resource allocation for normal CP A

[0282]

Claims

1. A communication device, the communication device comprising: A transceiver that receives control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as The circuit, based on the control information, uses two or more beams for multiple uplink transmission opportunities. Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities include one or more of the following: Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) processing from one or more transport blocks, Sound Reference Signal (SRS) or Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission opportunities, and are defined by a slot index, a start symbol, and a number of consecutive symbols.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities are transmission opportunities in multiple repetitions of the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) in an inter-slot level repetition framework, or transmission opportunities in multiple nominal / actual repetitions of the PUCCH or PUSCH in an intra-slot level repetition framework.

4. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transceiver receives from the basic communication apparatus an explicit instruction to perform beam switching in the time domain, wherein at least one condition for beam switching is based on the explicit instruction.

5. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transceiver receives the control information by using at least one of downlink control information (DCI) signaling, media access control layer control element (MAC CE) signaling, or radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

6. The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one condition is that the first interval between two consecutive uplink transmission opportunities among the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities is not less than the delay required for beam switching.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein, The beam switching is performed within the cyclic prefix if the delay required for the beam switching is not greater than the duration of the cyclic prefix.

8. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the circuit provides auxiliary information to the basic communication device based on the capability of the two or more beams.

9. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit uses the two or more beams for the plurality of uplink transmission opportunities in a cyclic or sequential mode.

10. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry associates the two or more beams with a plurality of Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states.

11. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more beams are each configured with a set of power control parameters.

12. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit associates the two or more beams with at least one of a plurality of transmission precoders from a codebook for codebook-based transmission based on the control information.

13. The communication apparatus of claim 12, wherein one of the plurality of transmission precoders is indicated by using at least a Transmission Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and / or a Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

14. The communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit associates the two or more beams with at least one of a set of sounding reference signals (SRS) for codebook-based transmission, wherein the at least one of the SRS resources is associated with a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource.

15. The communication apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one of the SRS resource sets is indicated by using at least a Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

16. A communication method, the communication method comprising: Receive control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as Based on the control information, the two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities. Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

17. A basic communication device, comprising: A circuit that generates control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as The transmitter sends the control information. Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

18. A communication method, comprising: Generate control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as Send the control information, Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

19. An integrated circuit for controlling the processing of a communication device, the processing comprising: Receive control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as Based on the control information, the two or more beams are used for multiple uplink transmission opportunities. Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

20. An integrated circuit for controlling the processing of a basic communication device, the processing comprising: Generate control information indicating two or more beams for uplink transmission; as well as Send the control information, Wherein, for codebook-based transmission, a first beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a first Transport Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) and a first Probe Reference Signal Resource Indicator (SRI) in the control information, and a second beam of the two or more beams is associated with at least one of a second TPMI and a second SRI in the control information, and / or For non-codebook-based transmissions, the first beam of the two or more beams is associated with a first non-zero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and the second beam of the two or more beams is associated with a second NZPCSI-RS.

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