Joint cell selection for dual subscription bi-pass (DSDA) operation

Abstract

A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) may include performing a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and performing a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription. In some aspects, at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeding a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 724,205, filed on April 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc. These systems may be able to support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless multiple-access communication system may include a number of base stations (BSs), each of which simultaneously supports communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise referred to as user equipment (UE).

[0003] To meet the growing demand for expanded mobile broadband connectivity, wireless communication technology is evolving from Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology to the next generation New Radio (NR) technology, which may be referred to as the fifth generation (5G). For example, NR is designed to provide lower latency, higher bandwidth or higher throughput, and higher reliability compared to LTE. NR is designed to operate on a wide array of frequency bands, for example, from low frequency bands below about 1 gigahertz (GHz) and mid-frequency bands from about 1 GHz to about 6 GHz to high frequency bands such as millimeter wave (mmWave) bands. NR is also designed to operate across different spectrum types, from licensed spectrum to unlicensed and shared spectrum. In addition, as wireless communications become cheaper and more reliable, consumer expectations have also changed. Some UE manufacturers have responded to consumer preferences by including multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) within the UE. Summary of the invention

[0004] The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all expected features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects of the present disclosure, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a summarized form as a prelude to more specific embodiments presented later.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: performing a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and performing a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription, wherein at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) includes: a processor; and a transceiver communicating with the processor, wherein the UE is configured to: perform a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and perform a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription, wherein the UE is configured to perform at least one of the first handover or the second handover based on the following items: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein the program code includes instructions that can be executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE) to cause the UE to: perform a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and perform a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription, wherein the instructions configured to cause the UE to perform at least one of the first handover or the second handover are based on: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) includes: a component for performing a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and a component for performing a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription, wherein at least one of the component for performing the first handover or the component for performing the second handover is based on: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0009] After studying the following description of specific exemplary aspects in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features, and examples will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the various features may be discussed below with respect to certain aspects and drawings, all aspects may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more aspects may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used according to the various aspects discussed herein. In a similar manner, although the exemplary aspects may be discussed below as aspects of devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such exemplary aspects may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A A wireless communication network according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 1B is a diagram illustrating an example decomposed BS architecture according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 A communication scenario utilizing multiple subscriptions according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3 is a UE according to some aspects of the present disclosure (such as FIG. 1 to FIG. Figure 2 Block diagram of the hardware architecture of the UE).

[0014] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a hardware architecture of a UE with a shared external low noise amplifier (eLNA) for each of multiple antenna ports according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram of a method for joint cell selection for dual subscription dual access (DSDA) operation according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for joint cell selection for DSDA operation according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating a user equipment (UE) according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 A block diagram of a base station (BS) is illustrated according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for joint cell selection for DSDA operation according to some aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations, and is not intended to represent the only configuration with which the concepts described herein can be practiced. In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various concepts, the specific embodiments include specific details. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some respects, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring such concepts.

[0021] The present disclosure as a whole relates to wireless communication systems, which are also referred to as wireless communication networks. In various aspects, various technologies and devices can be used for wireless communication networks, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, global mobile communication systems (GSM) networks, fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) networks and other communication networks. As described herein, the terms "network" and "system" can be used interchangeably.

[0022] OFDMA networks may implement radio technologies such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA, and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Specifically, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents provided by an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP), and cdma2000 is described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are either known or under development. For example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between a group of telecommunications associations with the goal of defining globally applicable third generation (3G) mobile phone specifications. 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a 3GPP project aimed at improving the UMTS mobile phone standard. 3GPP may define specifications for next generation mobile networks, mobile systems, and mobile devices. The present disclosure relates to the evolution from LTE, 4G, 5G, NR and beyond wireless technologies, where access to wireless spectrum is shared between networks using a range of new and different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces.

[0023] Specifically, 5G networks consider various deployments, various spectrums, and various services and devices that can be implemented using a unified air interface based on OFDM. To achieve these goals, in addition to developing new radio technologies for 5G NR networks, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are also considered. 5G NR will be able to expand to provide coverage for the following: (1) Ultra-high density (e.g., about 1M nodes / km 2 ), ultra-low complexity (e.g., on the order of tens of bits / second), ultra-low energy consumption (e.g., on the order of 10+ years battery life), and deep coverage capable of reaching challenging locations; (2) including strong security to protect sensitive personal, financial, or classified information, ultra-high reliability (e.g., on the order of 99.9999% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., on the order of 1ms), and control for users with extensive mobility or lack of mobility; and (3) providing services with enhanced mobile broadband (including very high capacity (e.g., on the order of 10Tbps / km 2 ), coverage of very high data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rates, 100+Mbps user experienced rates), and deep awareness with advanced discovery and optimization).

[0024] The 5G NR system can be implemented as follows: using an optimized OFDM-based waveform with scalable parameter sets and transmission time intervals (TTIs); having a common, flexible framework to efficiently multiplex services and features using dynamic low-latency time division duplex (TDD) / frequency division duplex (FDD) designs; and having advanced wireless technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), robust millimeter wave (mmWave) transmission, advanced channel decoding, and device-centric mobility. The scalability of parameter sets in 5G NR and the scaling of subcarrier spacing can effectively address the operation of various services across different spectrums and different deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro coverage deployments of less than 3GHz FDD / TDD implementations, the subcarrier spacing can appear at 15kHz on bandwidths (BW) such as 5MHz, 10MHz, 20MHz, etc. For other various outdoor and small cell coverage deployments of TDD greater than 3GHz, the subcarrier spacing can appear at 30kHz on 80 / 100MHz BW. For various other indoor broadband implementations, using TDD on the unlicensed portion of the 5GHz band, the subcarrier spacing may appear at 60kHz on 160MHz BW. Finally, for various deployments that transmit using the mmWave component at 28GHz TDD, the subcarrier spacing may appear at 120kHz on 500MHz BW. In some aspects, the frequency bands used for 5G NR are divided into two different frequency ranges: frequency range one (FR1) and frequency range two (FR2). The FR1 band includes a band of 7GHz or lower (e.g., between about 410MHz and about 7125MHz). The FR2 band includes a band in the millimeter wave range between about 24.25GHz and about 52.6GHz. Compared to the FR1 band, the mmWave band may have a shorter range but a higher bandwidth. Additionally, 5G NR may support different subcarrier spacing sets for different frequency ranges.

[0025] 5G NR's scalable parameter sets facilitate scalable TTIs for different latency and quality of service (QoS) requirements. For example, shorter TTIs can be used for low latency and high reliability, while longer TTIs can be used for higher spectral efficiency. Efficient multiplexing of long and short TTIs allows transmission to start on symbol boundaries. 5G NR also envisions a self-contained integrated subframe design with UL / downlink scheduling information, data, and acknowledgment in the same subframe. The self-contained integrated subframe supports communications in unlicensed or contention-based shared spectrum, adaptive UL / downlink (which can be flexibly configured on a per-cell basis to dynamically switch between UL and downlink to meet current business needs).

[0026] The various other aspects and features of the present disclosure are further described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein can be embodied in various forms, and any specific structure, function, or both disclosed herein are merely representative and not restrictive. Based on the teachings herein, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented independently of any other aspects, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, such a device can be implemented, or such a method can be implemented, using other structures, functions, or structures and functions other than or different from one or more of the aspects set forth herein. For example, the method can be implemented as a part of a system, device, device, and / or as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for execution on a processor or computer. In addition, an aspect can include at least one element of a claim.

[0027] In some aspects, a wireless communication device or UE is a multiple SIM (multi-SIM) device capable of communicating with one or more networks using multiple subscriptions. For example, the UE may include two SIMs: a first SIM for a first subscription and a second SIM for a second subscription. In some instances, the first subscription and the second subscription may be provided by the same operator. For example, the first subscription and the second subscription may correspond to different user accounts and / or services on the same operator network. In other instances, the first subscription and the second subscription may be provided by different operators. In any case, in certain scenarios, the UE may communicate using the first subscription and / or the second subscription. In some instances, the UE may operate in a dual-card dual-standby (DSDS) mode, in which two subscriptions may be in a standby state (in idle mode), waiting to start communication. However, when a communication or network connection is established on one SIM (e.g., the first subscription), the other SIM (e.g., the second subscription) is no longer active. That is, one SIM may be active at a given time. The DSDS mode may be applicable to UEs equipped with a single transceiver and / or radio frequency (RF) chain that may be utilized by the first subscription or the second subscription. In other instances, the UE may operate in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode, where the UE may be simultaneously connected to the same network or different networks via a first SIM and a second SIM. To operate in the DSDA mode, the UE may have separate transceivers and / or RF chains or resources for the first SIM and the second SIM. In the present disclosure, operations or communications performed via a SIM may refer to operations or communications performed for a wireless service subscription associated with the SIM (wherein subscription information for the wireless service is stored).

[0028] For multi-SIM devices, one of the SIMs / subscriptions carries Internet data services, and it is called the default data subscription (DDS). In some aspects, DDS can be used for voice, and the other subscription—nDDS can be used for other purposes, such as eMBB, video streaming, online gaming, etc. The user can select which subscription is the DDS, and the user can change the DDS through the user interface (UI) of the UE. For multi-SIM devices in DSDS mode, the UE's radio frequency (RF) resources can be periodically shared between the two subscriptions to receive signals on one subscription and decode pages and perform measurements in idle mode on the other subscription. In some instances, such periodic sharing may result in an undesirable block error rate (BLER), as described below.

[0029] A UE operating in DSDA mode may have separate hardware (HW) for receiving and / or transmitting resources for each subscription / SIM. By using separate HW resources, the UE can continue to operate in 4x4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode to maintain throughput and performance. However, duplicating HW resources for each Rx / Tx chain may undesirably increase manufacturing costs and device complexity. Another DSDA option may include sharing HW resources between subscriptions and downgrading to 2x2 MIMO mode when DSDA mode is activated. However, this may reduce the throughput and / or performance of the device, which may undesirably reduce the user experience.

[0030] In one specific implementation, a portion of the HW resources may be shared between subscriptions, and a portion of the HW resources may be replicated for each Rx / Tx processing chain. For example, a UE may be configured with 4 antenna ports. Each antenna port may be associated with a corresponding external low noise amplifier (eLNA). For the purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that the eLNA may not necessarily be external to the transceiver circuit. For example, in some aspects, each antenna portion may be associated with an internal LNA shared between subscriptions. The HW resources may separate the signal after eLNA amplification, and provide independent baseband filters, internal LNAs, and / or phase-locked loop (PLL) control for each subscription. This specific implementation may reduce the increased manufacturing cost while allowing 4x4 MIMO operation under DSDA. However, since each information stream or antenna port is associated with only one eLNA, a single eLNA gain state may be used to perform Rx processing for each subscription's information stream. However, in DSDA operation, each antenna port may receive communications from two different cells. Therefore, the signal strength of the signal for the first subscription may be different from the signal strength of the second subscription. In some aspects, the eLNA gain state may be optimal or appropriate for a first subscription (e.g., DDS), but not for a second subscription (e.g., nDDS). For example, the eLNA gain state may cause the received signal of the second subscription to be insufficiently amplified, or may cause saturation. This may result in increased BLER and latency, and degraded user performance.

[0031] The present disclosure describes schemes, mechanisms, and devices for joint cell selection in co-band MSIM DSDA operation. For example, aspects of the present disclosure include performing a cell selection process to select a pair of cells whose signal strengths are within a range that can be handled using a single eLNA gain state. For example, a UE may be configured for dual-card operation, such as DSDA as described above. The UE may include an antenna array associated with one or more antenna ports. In one exemplary aspect, the UE may be associated with four antenna ports. In addition, the UE may be configured for MIMO operation. In one example, the UE may include 4 antenna ports and may be configured for 4x4 MIMO operation. In some aspects, after starting the DSDA mode, the UE may check the signal strength of the cell associated with each subscription, the current eLNA gain state, and / or its corresponding switching point. The UE may also determine whether the best eLNA gain state for each subscription is different. In addition, the UE may determine the signal strength range of the best eLNA gain state for at least one of the subscriptions. If the signal strength of the primary subscription is above a configurable threshold, the UE may search for other cells of the primary subscription that have a signal strength lower than the cell of the current primary subscription by at least the above signal strength range. Therefore, although the signal strength of the primary subscription may be lower for the newly selected cell, the selected cells of both subscriptions may have signal strengths within the above-mentioned eLNA gain state signal strength range.

[0032] The mechanisms and aspects described herein provide several advantages. For example, joint cell selection for DSDA operation allows higher throughput 4x4 MIMO operation running in DSDA mode, thereby providing higher throughput and performance while reducing material / manufacturing costs. In addition, the devices and mechanisms described herein have limited or negligible practical impact on network performance because the signal strength of the two jointly selected cells for subscription can have acceptable signal strength and / or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions, so that the BLER is maintained at a low level. Therefore, DSDA operation is allowed while maintaining high data transmission rates from MIMO operation, which provides a better overall user experience.

[0033] Figure 1AA wireless communication network 100 according to some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The network 100 may be a 5G network. The network 100 includes several base stations (BSs) 105 (respectively labeled 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, and 105f) and other network entities. The BS 105 may be a station that communicates with the UE 115 (respectively labeled 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, 115e, 115f, 115g, 115h, and 115k), and may also be referred to as an evolved B node (eNB), a next generation eNB (gNB), an access point, etc. Each BS 105 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" may refer to that particular geographic coverage area of ​​the BS 105 and / or a BS subsystem serving that coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0034] The BS 105 may provide communication coverage for macro cells or small cells (such as pico cells or femto cells) and / or other types of cells. Macro cells generally cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with a network provider. Small cells (such as pico cells) will generally cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions with a network provider. Small cells (such as femto cells) will also generally cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and, in addition to unrestricted access, may also provide restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs of users in a home, etc.). A BS for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell BS, a pico BS, a femto BS, or a home BS. In Figure 1A In the example shown, BS 105d and 105e may be conventional macro BSs, while BS 105a-105c may be macro BSs with one of three-dimensional (3D), full-dimensional (FD) or massive MIMO capabilities. BS 105a-105c may utilize its higher-dimensional MIMO capabilities to employ 3D beamforming in both elevation and azimuth beamforming to increase coverage and capacity. BS 105f may be a small cell BS, which may be a home node or a portable access point. BS 105 may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0035] The network 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the BSs may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the BSs may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different BSs may not be aligned in time.

[0036] UE 115 is dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 115 may be stationary or mobile. UE 115 may also be referred to as a terminal, a mobile station, a subscriber unit, a station, and the like. UE 115 may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, and the like. In one aspect, UE 115 may be a device including a universal integrated circuit card (UICC). In another aspect, UE may be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, UE 115 that does not include a UICC may also be referred to as an IoT device or an Internet of Everything (IoE) device. UE 115a-115d is an example of a mobile smart phone type device that accesses the network 100. UE 115 may also be a machine that is specifically configured for connected communications (including machine type communications (MTC), enhanced MTC (eMTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), and the like). UE 115e-115h are examples of various machines configured for communication to access network 100. UE 115i-115k are examples of vehicles equipped with wireless communication devices configured for communication to access network 100. UE 115 may be able to communicate with any type of BS, whether macro BS, small cell, etc. Figure 1A In the present disclosure, a lightning bolt (e.g., a communication link) indicates a wireless transmission between a UE 115 and a serving BS 105 (which is a BS designated to serve the UE 115 on a downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL)), a desired transmission between BSs 105, a backhaul transmission between BSs, or a sidelink transmission between UEs 115.

[0037] In operation, BS 105a-105c uses 3D beamforming and cooperative spatial techniques (such as coordinated multi-point (CoMP) or multiple connections) to serve UEs 115a and 115b. Macro BS 105d can perform backhaul communications with BS 105a-105c and small cell BS 105f. Macro BS 105d also transmits multicast services that UEs 115c and 115d subscribe to and receive. Such multicast services may include mobile TV or streaming video, or may include other services for providing community information, such as weather emergencies or alerts, such as Amber alerts or gray alerts.

[0038] The BSs 105 may also communicate with a core network. The core network may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. At least some of the BSs 105 (e.g., which may be examples of gNBs or access node controllers (ANCs)) may interface with the core network via a backhaul link (e.g., NG-C, NG-U, etc.), and may perform wireless configuration and scheduling for communications with the UE 115. In various examples, the BSs 105 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through the core network) over a backhaul link (e.g., X1, X2, etc.), which may be a wired or wireless communication link.

[0039] The network 100 may also support communications with ultra-reliable and redundant links for devices such as UE 115e, which may be a drone. The redundant communication links with UE 115e may include links from macro BSs 105d and 105e, and a link from a small cell BS 105f. Other machine type devices such as UE 115f (e.g., a thermometer), UE 115g (e.g., a smart meter), and UE 115h (e.g., a wearable device) may communicate directly with BSs such as small cell BS 105f and macro BS 105e through the network 100, or communicate through the network in a multi-action size configuration by communicating with another user device such as UE 115f that communicates temperature measurement information to a smart meter (UE 115g), which then reports to the network through the small cell BS 105f, which relays its information to the network. The network 100 may also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic low latency TDD / FDD communications, such as V2V, V2X, C-V2X communications between UE 115i, 115j, or 115k and other UEs 115 and / or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications between UE 115i, 115j, or 115k and BS 105.

[0040] In some implementations, the network 100 utilizes an OFDM-based waveform for communication. An OFDM-based system can divide the system BW into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are also commonly referred to as subcarriers, frequency modulations, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. In some aspects, the subcarrier spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system BW. The system BW can also be divided into subbands. In other aspects, the subcarrier spacing and / or the duration of the TTI can be scalable.

[0041] In some aspects, BS 105 may assign or schedule transmission resources (e.g., in the form of time-frequency resource blocks (RBs)) for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmissions in network 100. DL refers to the transmission direction from BS 105 to UE 115, and UL refers to the transmission direction from UE 115 to BS 105. The communication may be in the form of a radio frame. A radio frame may be divided into a plurality of subframes or time slots, for example, about 10. Each time slot may also be divided into micro-time slots. In FDD mode, simultaneous UL and DL transmissions may occur in different frequency bands. For example, each subframe includes a UL subframe in a UL frequency band and a DL subframe in a DL frequency band. In TDD mode, UL and DL transmissions occur in different time periods using the same frequency band. For example, a subset of subframes in a radio frame (e.g., a DL subframe) may be used for DL ​​transmission, and another subset of subframes in a radio frame (e.g., a UL subframe) may be used for UL transmission.

[0042] DL subframes and UL subframes may be further divided into several zones. For example, each DL or UL subframe may have a predefined zone for the transmission of reference signals, control information, and data. A reference signal is a predetermined signal that facilitates communication between BS 105 and UE 115. For example, a reference signal may have a specific pilot pattern or structure, wherein a pilot tone may span an operational BW or frequency band, and each pilot tone is located at a predefined time and a predefined frequency. For example, BS 105 may send a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and / or a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) to enable UE 115 to estimate a DL channel. Similarly, UE 115 may send a sounding reference signal (SRS) to enable BS 105 to estimate an UL channel. Control information may include resource assignments and protocol control. Data may include protocol data and / or operational data. In some aspects, BS 105 and UE 115 may communicate using a self-contained subframe. A self-contained subframe may include a portion for DL ​​communication and a portion for UL communication. A self-contained subframe may be DL-centric or UL-centric. A DL-centric subframe may include a duration longer for DL ​​communications than for UL communications. A UL-centric subframe may include a duration longer for UL communications than for UL communications.

[0043] In some aspects, the network 100 may be an NR network deployed on a licensed spectrum. The BS 105 may send synchronization signals (e.g., including a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) in the network 100 to facilitate synchronization. The BS 105 may broadcast system information associated with the network 100 (e.g., including a master information block (MIB), remaining system information (RMSI), and other system information (OSI)) to facilitate initial network access. In some aspects, the BS 105 may broadcast the PSS, SSS, and / or MIB in the form of a synchronization signal block (SSB), and may broadcast the RMSI and / or OSI on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The MIB may be sent on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0044] In some aspects, a UE 115 attempting to access the network 100 may perform an initial cell search by detecting a PSS from the BS 105. The PSS may enable synchronization of period timing and may indicate a physical layer identification value. The UE 115 may then receive the SSS. The SSS may enable radio frame synchronization and may provide a cell identification value, which may be combined with the physical layer identification value to identify the cell. The PSS and SSS may be located in the center portion of the carrier or at any suitable frequency within the carrier.

[0045] After receiving the PSS and SSS, the UE 115 may receive the MIB. The MIB may include system information for initial network access and scheduling information for RMSI and / or OSI. After decoding the MIB, the UE 115 may receive the RMSI and / or OSI. The RMSI and / or OSI may include radio resource control (RRC) information related to random access channel (RACH) procedures, paging, control resource sets (CORESET) for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring, physical UL control channel (PUCCH), physical UL shared channel (PUSCH), power control, and SRS.

[0046] After obtaining the MIB, RMSI, and / or OSI, the UE 115 may perform a random access procedure to establish a connection with the BS 105. In some examples, the random access procedure may be a four-step random access procedure. For example, the UE 115 may send a random access preamble, and the BS 105 may respond with a random access response. The random access response (RAR) may include a detected random access preamble identifier (ID) corresponding to the random access preamble, timing advance (TA) information, UL authorization, a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), and / or a backoff indicator. Upon receiving the random access response, the UE 115 may send a connection request to the BS 105 and the BS 105 may respond with a connection response. The connection response may indicate contention resolution. In some examples, the random access preamble, the RAR, the connection request, and the connection response may be referred to as message 1 (MSG1), message 2 (MSG2), message 3 (MSG3), and message 4 (MSG4), respectively. In some examples, the random access procedure may be a two-step random access procedure, where the UE 115 may send a random access preamble and a connection request in a single transmission, and the BS 105 may respond by sending a random access response and a connection response in a single transmission.

[0047] After establishing the connection, UE 115 and BS 105 may enter a normal operation phase, in which operation data may be exchanged. For example, BS 105 may schedule UE 115 for UL and / or DL ​​communications. BS 105 may send UL and / or DL ​​scheduling grants to UE 115 via PDCCH. Scheduling grants may be sent in the form of DL control information (DCI). BS 105 may send DL communication signals (e.g., carrying data) to UE 115 via PDSCH according to the DL scheduling grant. UE 115 may send UL communication signals to BS 105 via PUSCH and / or PUCCH according to the UL scheduling grant. The connection may be referred to as an RRC connection. When UE 115 actively exchanges data with BS 105, UE 115 is in an RRC connected state.

[0048] In an example, after establishing a connection with BS 105, UE 115 may initiate an initial network attachment process with network 100. BS 105 may coordinate with various network entities or fifth generation core (5GC) entities, such as access and mobility function (AMF), serving gateway (SGW) and / or packet data network gateway (PGW) to complete the network attachment process. For example, BS 105 may coordinate with network entities in 5GC to identify UE, authenticate UE and / or authorize UE to transmit and / or receive data in network 100. In addition, AMF may assign a set of tracking areas (TAs) to UE. Once the network attachment process is successful, a context is established in AMF for UE 115. After successfully attaching to the network, UE 115 may move around the current TA. For tracking area update (TAU), BS 105 may request UE 115 to periodically update network 100 with the location of UE 115. Alternatively, UE 115 may report the location of UE 115 to network 100 only when entering a new TA. The TAU allows the network 100 to quickly locate and page the UE 115 when an incoming data packet or a call for the UE 115 is received.

[0049] In some aspects, BS 105 may communicate with UE 115 using HARQ technology to improve communication reliability, for example, to provide URLLC services. BS 105 may schedule UE 115 for PDSCH communication by sending DL grants in PDCCH. BS 105 may send DL data packets to UE 115 according to the scheduling in PDSCH. DL data packets may be sent in the form of transmission blocks (TBs). If UE 115 successfully receives the DL data packet, UE 115 may send HARQ ACK to BS 105. Conversely, if UE 115 fails to successfully receive the DL transmission, UE 115 may send HARQ NACK to BS 105. Upon receiving HARQ NACK from UE 115, BS 105 may resend the DL data packet to UE 115. The retransmission may include a decoded version of the DL data that is the same as the initial transmission. Alternatively, the retransmission may include a decoded version of the DL data that is different from the initial transmission. The UE 115 may apply soft combining to combine the coded data received from the initial transmission and the retransmission for decoding. The BS 105 and the UE 115 may also apply HARQ to UL communications using a substantially similar mechanism as DL HARQ.

[0050] In some aspects, the network 100 may operate on a system BW or a component carrier (CC) BW. The network 100 may divide the system BW into multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) (e.g., parts). The BS 105 may dynamically assign the UE 115 to operate on a specific BWP (e.g., a specific part of the system BW). The assigned BWP may be referred to as an active BWP. The UE 115 may monitor the active BWP to find signaling information from the BS 105. The BS 105 may schedule the UE 115 to perform UL or DL ​​communications in the active BWP. In some aspects, the BS 105 may assign a pair of BWPs within the CC to the UE 115 for UL and DL communications. For example, the BWP pair may include one BWP for UL communication and one BWP for DL ​​communication.

[0051] In some aspects, the UE 115 may be capable of utilizing multiple SIMs and may operate such that one SIM is in an active mode and the other SIM is in an idle mode (e.g., DSDS mode). In other instances, the UE may operate in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode, where the UE may be simultaneously connected to the same network or different networks via a first SIM and a second SIM. To operate in DSDA mode, the UE may have separate transceivers and / or RF chains or resources for the first SIM and the second SIM.

[0052] Figure 1B A diagram illustrating an example disaggregated base station 102 architecture is shown. The disaggregated base station 102 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 150 that may communicate directly with a core network 120 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 100 through one or more disaggregated base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 125 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 145 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 135, or both. The CU 150 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 130 via respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU 130 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 140 via respective fronthaul links. The RU 140 may communicate with respective UEs 120 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 140.

[0053] Each of the units (i.e., CU 150, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125, non-RT RIC 145, and SMO framework 135) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interfaces of these units may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface configured to receive or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, these units may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive or transmit signals or both to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium.

[0054] In some aspects, the CU 150 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 150. The CU 150 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the CU 150 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). If necessary, the CU 150 may be implemented to communicate with the DU 130 for network control and signaling.

[0055] DU 130 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 140. In some aspects, DU 130 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) at least in part according to a functional partitioning such as that defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 130 may also host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 130 or with control functions hosted by CU 150.

[0056] The lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 140. In some deployments, the RU 140 controlled by the DU 130 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 140 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 120. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 140 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 130. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the DU 130 and CU 150 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0057] The SMO framework 135 may be configured to support RAN deployment and configuration of non-virtualized network elements and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 135 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 135 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 190) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 150, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 135 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 111) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some specific implementations, the SMO framework 135 may communicate directly with one or more RUs 140 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 135 may also include a non-RT RIC 145 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 135 .

[0058] The non-RT RIC 145 may be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 125. The non-RT RIC 145 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 125 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions through an interface (such as via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 150, one or more DUs 130, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 125.

[0059] In some implementations, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 125, the non-RT RIC 145 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 125 and may be received from a non-network data source or from a network function at the SMO framework 135 or the non-RT RIC 145. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 145 or the near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 145 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 135 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0060] Figure 2 2 illustrates a communication scenario 200 utilizing multiple subscriptions according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The communication scenario 200 may correspond to a communication scenario between a BS 105 and / or a UE 115 in a network 100. For simplicity, Figure 2 Two BSs 205 (shown as 205a and 205b) and one UE 215 are illustrated, but a greater number of UEs 215 (e.g., about 3, 4, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) and / or BSs 205 (e.g., about 3, 4, or more) may be supported. BSs 205 and UEs 215 may be similar to BSs 105 and UEs 115, respectively.

[0061] In scenario 200, UE 215 is capable of communicating with one or more networks using multiple SIMs (eg, SIM cards). For simplicity, Figure 2A UE 215 including two SIMs 210 (shown as SIM A 210a and SIM B 210b) is illustrated, but the UE 215 may include more than two SIMs (e.g., about 3, 4, or more). In some aspects, each SIM 210 may include an integrated circuit and / or memory configured to store information for accessing a network, for example, to authenticate and identify the UE 215 as a subscriber of the network. Some examples of information stored at SIM A 210a and / or SIM B 210b may include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity (such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) and / or information and / or keys for identifying and authenticating the UE 215 in a certain provider network. For example, the UE 215 may subscribe to a first operator and a second operator. That is, the UE 215 may have a first subscription 212a (shown as SUB A) with the first operator and a second subscription 212b (shown as SUB B) with the second operator. Thus, SIM A 210a may store or maintain information for accessing a first operator's network based on a first subscription 212a, and SIM B 210b may store information for accessing a second operator's network based on a second subscription 212b. In some instances, the first operator and the second operator may correspond to the same operator. For example, the first subscription 212a and the second subscription 212b may correspond to different user accounts and / or services subscribed to the same operator. In other instances, the first operator may be different from the second operator.

[0062] In operation, UE 215 may communicate with BS 205a (operated by a first operator) using SIM A 210a via radio link 202a. Additionally, UE 215 may communicate with BS 205b (operated by a second operator) using SIM B 210b via radio link 202b. In some aspects, UE 215 may communicate with BS 205a and BS 205b using the same radio access technology (e.g., NR or NR-U). In other aspects, UE 215 may communicate with BS 205a using one radio access technology (e.g., NR or NR-U) and communicate with BS 205b using another radio access technology (e.g., LTE). Although Figure 2 The UE 215 is illustrated as communicating with different BSs 205 using SIM A 210a and SIM B 210b, but it should be understood that in other examples, the UE 215 can communicate with the same BS. For example, the UE 215 can communicate with the same BS 205a for a first subscription 212a via SIM A 210a, and communicate with the BS for a second subscription 212b via SIM B 210b.

[0063] In some aspects, the UE 215 can operate in a DSDS mode, where both SIMs 210a and 210b can be in a standby state (in an idle mode), waiting to start communication. When communication is established on one SIM (e.g., SIM A 210a), the other SIM (e.g., SIM B 210b) is no longer in an active state. That is, one SIM can be active at a given time. For example, two SIMs 210 can share a single transceiver and / or RF chain at the UE 215 for communicating with the corresponding network.

[0064] In other instances, the UE may operate in a dual SIM dual active (DSDA) mode, where the UE may be simultaneously connected to the same network or different networks via a first SIM and a second SIM. To operate in the DSDA mode, the UE may have separate transceivers and / or RF chains or resources for the first SIM and the second SIM. In the present disclosure, operations or communications performed via a SIM may refer to operations or communications performed for a wireless service subscription associated with the SIM (wherein subscription information for the wireless service is stored).

[0065] In some aspects, the radio link 202a between the UE 215 and the BS 205a and the radio link 202b between the UE 215 and the BS 205b can be on orthogonal frequency bands such as FR1 / FR2 or low frequency band / high frequency band FR1. Of course, any combination of radio links 202 is possible, and the radio links can even be implemented using different radio access technologies. For example, the radio link 202a can carry communications according to the 5G protocol, while the radio link 202b can carry communications according to the LTE protocol.

[0066] Figure 3 An example hardware architecture for an RF chain is illustrated. The example hardware may be used in UE 115 (FIG. 1), UE 215 ( Figure 2 ) or UE 700 ( Figure 7 ). In the exemplary design, the hardware architecture includes a transceiver 320 coupled to a first antenna 310, a transceiver 322 coupled to a second antenna 312, and a data processor / controller 380. Transceiver 320 includes multiple (K) receivers 330pa through 330pk and multiple (K) transmitters 350pa through 350pk to support multiple frequency bands, multiple radio technologies, carrier aggregation, etc. Transceiver 322 includes L receivers 330sa through 330sl and L transmitters 350sa through 350sl to support multiple frequency bands, multiple radio technologies, carrier aggregation, receive diversity, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission from multiple transmit antennas to multiple receive antennas, etc.

[0067] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary design shown, each receiver 330 includes an LNA 340 and a receiving circuit 342. For data reception, the antenna 310 receives signals from a base station and / or other transmitter station and provides a received RF signal. The RF signal may be routed through the antenna interface circuit 324 and presented to the selected receiver as an input RF signal. The antenna interface circuit 324 may include switches, duplexers, transmit filters, receive filters, matching circuits, etc. The following description assumes that the receiver 330pa is the selected receiver, although the described operation is equally applicable to any of the other receivers 330. Within the receiver 330pa, the LNA 340pa amplifies the input RF signal and provides an output RF signal. The receiving circuit 342pa down-converts the output RF signal from RF to baseband, amplifies and filters the down-converted signal, and provides an analog input signal to the data processor 380. The receiving circuit 342pa may include mixers, filters, amplifiers, matching circuits, oscillators, local oscillator (LO) generators, phase-locked loops (PLLs), etc. Each remaining receiver 330 in transceivers 320 and 322 may operate in a similar manner as receiver 330pa.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary design shown, each transmitter 350 includes a transmit circuit 352 and a power amplifier (PA) 354. For data transmission, a data processor 380 processes (e.g., encodes and modulates) the data to be transmitted and provides an analog output signal to the selected transmitter. The following description assumes that transmitter 350pa is the selected transmitter, although the described operation is equally applicable to any of the other transmitters 350. Within transmitter 350pa, the transmit circuit 352pa amplifies, filters, and up-converts the analog output signal from baseband to RF and provides a modulated RF signal. The transmit circuit 352pa may include amplifiers, filters, mixers, matching circuits, oscillators, LO generators, PLLs, etc. PA 354pa receives and amplifies the modulated RF signal and provides a transmit RF signal with an appropriate output power level. The transmit RF signal may be routed through antenna interface circuit 324 and transmitted via antenna 310. Each of the remaining transmitters 350 in transceivers 320 and 322 may operate in a similar manner to transmitter 350pa.

[0069] Figure 3 An exemplary design of a receiver 330 and a transmitter 350 is shown. The receiver and transmitter may also include Figure 3Other circuits not shown in the figure, such as filters, matching circuits, etc. All or part of transceivers 320 and 322 can be implemented on one or more analog (ICs), RF ICs (RFICs), mixed signal ICs, etc. For example, LNA 340 and receiving circuit 342 in transceivers 320 and 322 can be implemented on multiple IC chips or on the same IC chip. The circuits in transceivers 320 and 322 can also be implemented in other ways.

[0070] The data processor / controller 380 may perform various functions for the wireless device 110. For example, the data processor 380 may perform processing for data received via the receiver 330 and data transmitted via the transmitter 350. The controller 380 may control the operation of various circuits within the transceivers 320 and 322. The memory 382 may store program codes and data for the data processor / controller 380. The data processor / controller 380 may be implemented on one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or other ICs.

[0071] The controller 380 can communicate with one or more SIMs to provide DSDA operation, where one SIM can send and receive data and the other SIM can be in idle mode. In a dual SIM implementation, the controller 380 can execute software logic that assigns one of the transceivers 320, 322 to a specific SIM and assigns the other of the transceivers to the other SIM. For another example, the controller 380 can assign both transceivers 320, 322 to two SIMs, allowing the two SIMs to employ multi-antenna operations, such as beamforming, etc. In an example implementation, one of the SIMs is in an active state and the other SIM is in idle mode.

[0072] In one example, a first SIM (e.g., DDS) may use the receive portion of either or both transceivers 320, 322 to receive SSB, TRS, application data, etc. However, another SIM (e.g., nDDS in idle mode) may periodically receive paging signals from its network. In this way, the SIM in idle mode may use RF resources (e.g., antennas 310, 312, interface circuits 324, 326, and various filters, mixers, oscillators, and processing circuits not shown) and require antenna switching circuits (e.g., in interface circuits 324, 326) to create an RF receive path for the SIM in idle mode. Once the SIM in idle mode has completed its paging operation, the antenna switching circuit may then decouple the RF receive path to the SIM in idle mode. Both creating an RF receive path and decoupling an RF receive path include switching operations, in which physical circuits are closed or opened, respectively, and the switching operations may cause the impedance at the antenna elements 310, 312 to be mismatched for a short period of time, which may cause DL reception interference at the SIM in active mode. Thus, data processor 380 may execute computer code to provide functionality for selecting the timing of switching operations that do not generate DL reception interference, or that result in a reduced amount of DL reception interference.

[0073] Figure 4 Another example hardware architecture for the RF chain is illustrated. The RF chain can be in UE 115 (FIG. 1), UE 215 ( Figure 2 ) or UE 700 ( Figure 7 ). In some aspects, Figure 4 The architecture shown could be similar to Figure 3 2. The exemplary design of the embodiment of the present invention provides a hardware architecture for transmitting a received signal and / or transmitted data. In the exemplary design, the hardware architecture includes, for each antenna, an external LNA (eLNA) and a signal splitter for splitting the signal from each eLNA into two receive processing chains. Each Rx processing chain can be associated with a subscription in the MSIM communication scheme. In addition, in some aspects, the hardware architecture can be used for receive processing and / or transmit.

[0074] In architecture 400, each chain 402, 404, 406, 408 may include an antenna 412 in communication with the eLNA. Although illustrated as an antenna or antenna element, it should be understood that each antenna 412 may represent an antenna port. For example, an antenna port may be associated with one or more antenna elements of an antenna array. Each antenna port may be configured to receive and process one or more information streams in an MMIO communication scenario. For example, in Figure 4, each antenna 412 may be configured to receive two information streams from two respective serving cells. Each information stream for each cell may be sent by a single network entity (e.g., a BS, a wireless communication node, a RIS, etc.), or may be sent from different network entities. For example, each antenna 412 may be configured to receive a first information stream from a first BS on a first cell, and a second information stream from a second BS on a second cell. One of the information streams may be associated with a DDS, and the other information stream may be associated with an n-DDS. In some aspects, the eLNA may not be external. For example, the eLNA 414 may be an internal LNA shared between subscriptions.

[0075] The eLNA 414 is configured to amplify the signal from each antenna or antenna port 412 based on the gain state. In some aspects, the gain state may be configured and updated based on signal strength measurements and / or other feedback from the chain 402. For example, the architecture 400 may include an automatic gain control (AGC) mechanism that uses feedback from one or both of the separated Rx chains. In some aspects, the eLNA gain state may be updated to be within the optimal signal strength range to maintain the SNR and prevent signal saturation. In some aspects, the UE may be configured to update the eLNA gain state to the optimal or preferred gain state of the Rx signal. However, as further explained below, if the amplified signal from the eLNA gain state is separated into information streams associated with two different cells, the eLNA gain state for each information stream may be different. In some instances, such as during DSDA operation where multiple information streams are received at each antenna 412, the optimal eLNA gain state for one information stream / subscription may result in insufficient SNR and / or signal saturation for another information stream / subscription. Aspects of the present disclosure include joint cell selection methods and mechanisms for MSIM devices to enter DSDA mode.

[0076] Each chain 402, 404, 406, 408, 410 also includes a signal separation circuit system 416 for separating and / or copying the amplified signal into two Rx processing chains associated with each of the two subscriptions. Each processing chain includes an internal LNA (iLNA) 418a, 418b, a receiving circuit 420a, 420b, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 422a, 422b. Similar to the eLNA, each iLNA 418 can be independently controlled using the iLNA gain state to adapt to the signal strength difference of the separated signals. The receiving circuit 420 of each stream may include a baseband filter (BBF) and other circuit systems that are configured to down-convert the output RF signal from the separator 416 to baseband, amplify and filter the down-converted signal, and provide an analog input signal to the ADC422. The receiving circuit 420 may include a mixer, a filter, an amplifier, a matching circuit, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator, a phase-locked loop (PLL), etc. In some aspects, receive circuit 420 is configured to provide a feedback signal for controlling a gain state of iLNA 418. In other aspects, receive circuit 420 can be configured to provide a feedback signal for controlling a gain state of eLNA 414.

[0077] After being digitized by ADC 422, the signal may be digitally processed by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be implemented on one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or other ICs. The processing circuit may communicate with one or more SIMs to provide DSDA operations, wherein one SIM may send and receive data while the other SIM may be in idle mode. In a dual SIM implementation, the processing circuit may execute software logic that assigns one of the chains to a particular SIM and another of the transceivers to another SIM. As another example, the processing circuit may be assigned to two SIMs, thereby allowing the two SIMs to employ multi-antenna operations, such as beamforming, and the like.

[0078] In some aspects, architecture 400 can be used for MSIM UEs operating in DSDA mode. In addition, the architecture can allow MIMO operation, where each antenna / antenna port 412 can be used to transmit and receive signals for each active subscription. Thus, if a UE has 4 antenna ports, such as Figure 4 As shown, the UE may be configured to perform 4x4 MIMO operation in DSDA mode. In other aspects, the UE may be configured with Figure 4 Fewer or more antenna ports are shown, such as 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.

[0079] In some aspects, Figure 4A UE having an architecture similar or identical to architecture 400 may receive signals associated with two subscriptions on at least one antenna port. The signals for each subscription may be associated with different cells and / or different transmitting wireless communication devices (e.g., different BSs at different locations). In some aspects, each subscription is associated with a different network entirely. For example, when operating in DSDA mode, each antenna port may receive signals with different signal strengths and / or SNRs simultaneously or at different times. However, each antenna port may have a single AGC mechanism to apply a single eLNA gain state to the signals before the signals are separated into two information streams. In some instances, although the eLNA gain state may be suitable or optimal for one subscription, the eLNA gain state may not be suitable for another subscription.

[0080] The present disclosure describes schemes, mechanisms, and devices for joint cell selection in co-band MSIM DSDA operation. For example, aspects of the present disclosure include performing a cell selection process to select a pair of cells whose signal strengths are within a range that can be handled using a single eLNA gain state. For example, a UE may be configured for dual-card operation, such as DSDA as described above. The UE may include an antenna array associated with one or more antenna ports. In one exemplary aspect, the UE may be associated with four antenna ports. In addition, the UE may be configured for MIMO operation. In one example, the UE may include 4 antenna ports and may be configured for 4x4 MIMO operation. In some aspects, after starting the DSDA mode, the UE may check the signal strength of the cell associated with each subscription, the current eLNA gain state, and / or its corresponding switching point. The UE may also determine whether the best eLNA gain state for each subscription is different. In addition, the UE may determine the signal strength range of the best eLNA gain state for at least one of the subscriptions. If the signal strength of the primary subscription is above a configurable threshold, the UE may search for other cells of the primary subscription that have a signal strength lower than the cell of the current primary subscription by at least the above signal strength range. Therefore, although the signal strength of the primary subscription may be lower for the newly selected cell, the selected cells of both subscriptions may have signal strengths within the above-mentioned eLNA gain state signal strength range.

[0081] Figure 5 5 is a signaling diagram of a method 500 for MSIM joint cell selection according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The method is performed by a UE 515 and a BS 505. The UE 515 is configured for MSIM operation on a first subscription SUB 1 and a second subscription SUB 2. In some aspects, the UE 515 includes a method similar to Figure 4The communication architecture of the architecture 400 shown in FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture of FIG. 400. In some aspects, UE 515 includes multiple antennas and / or antenna ports configured to maintain simultaneous information flows for MIMO operation. For example, UE 515 may include two antenna ports configured for 2x2 MIMO operation. As another example, UE 515 may include four antenna ports configured for 4x4 MIMO operation. In some aspects, UE 515 may include one or UE 115, UE 215, and / or UE 700 of network 100. In some aspects, BS 505 may be a BS in BS 105 of network 100 and / or BS 800 described below. UE 515 may be configured for DSDA operation, so that SUB 1 is configured to communicate with BS 505 on a first cell and communicate with different BSs on different second cells. In some aspects, SUB 1 may communicate with BS 505 on a first network, and SUB 2 may communicate with different BSs on different networks. In other aspects, SUB 1 and SUB 2 may communicate with the same BS and / or the same network.

[0082] At action 502, the UE 515 sends one or more first measurement reports associated with SUB 1. In some aspects, the measurement report may include or indicate a signal strength measurement, a signal quality measurement, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), LNA gain state information, and / or any other suitable channel condition information associated with the cell of SUB 1. For example, the measurement report for SUB 1 may include or indicate a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and / or any other relevant channel condition indicator. In some aspects, SUB 1 may be referred to as a primary subscription, a default subscription, and / or a DDS.

[0083] For purposes of this disclosure, signal strength measurements may be illustrated in the figures as “RSSI.” However, it should be understood that the indication of RSSI in the figures is merely exemplary and represents one or more signal strength measurements and / or signal quality measurements, including RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR.

[0084] At action 504, the UE 515 sends one or more second measurement reports associated with SUB 2. In some aspects, the measurement report may include or indicate a signal strength measurement, a signal quality measurement, an SNR, LNA gain state information, and / or any other suitable channel condition information associated with the cell of SUB 2. For example, the measurement report for SUB 2 may include or indicate RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, and / or any other relevant channel condition indicator. In some aspects, SUB 2 may be referred to as a secondary subscription, a non-default subscription, and / or n-DDS.

[0085] At action 506, the BS 505 sends a conditional handover (CHO) configuration to the UE 515 on SUB 1. In some aspects, the CHO configuration is sent based on an event or trigger. In some aspects, the event or trigger is indicated in the measurement report communicated at actions 502 and / or 504. The CHO may indicate a plurality of cells for which the UE 515 may perform handover or cell reselection. In some aspects, action 506 may include sending a single CHO configuration indicating candidate cells for SUB 1. On the other hand, action 506 may include sending a single CHO configuration indicating candidate cells for both SUB 1 and SUB 2. On the other hand, action 506 may include sending a first CHO configuration indicating a first plurality of candidate cells for SUB 1 and a second CHO configuration indicating a second plurality of candidate cells for SUB 2.

[0086] At action 508, the UE 515 checks the signal strength of both SUB 1 and SUB 2. In addition, the UE 515 may determine an external LNA (eLNA) gain state for one or more of these antenna ports. In some aspects, action 508 includes the UE 515 determining an eLNA gain state switching point. In some aspects, action 508 may include determining whether the signal strength of SUB 1 exceeds a configured threshold. In this regard, if the signal strength of SUB 1 has a sufficiently high strength or power, the UE 515 may determine whether to perform a handover to the new cell, as further explained below. In some aspects, action 508 may include determining RSSI and / or RSRP. On the other hand, action 508 may include determining RSRP and / or SINR. In some aspects, action 508 also includes determining the optimal eLNA gain state for each of SUB 1 and SUB 2. As described below with respect to Figure 6 To explain further, if the best or preferred eLNA gain state of SUB 1 is different from the best or preferred eLNA gain state of SUB 2, then UE 515 may determine to initiate a cell search and reselection procedure.

[0087] At action 510, UE 515 determines a signal strength delta associated with SUB 1. The signal strength delta may refer to a signal strength range associated with an eLNA gain state for SUB 1. In other words, the signal strength delta may indicate a range of signal strengths or signal powers for which the eLNA gain state for SUB 1 would be optimal or preferred.

[0088] At act 512, if the eLNA gain state of SUB 1 is different from the best eLNA gain state of SUB 2, and if the signal strength of SUB 1 is equal to or greater than the configured threshold described with respect to act 508, then the UE 515 performs signal measurements for cell reselection. In some aspects, act 512 includes obtaining RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR of one or more neighboring cells. In the illustrated example, act 512 may include performing measurements on some or all of the cells indicated in the CHO configuration communicated at act 506.

[0089] At action 514, based on the cell reselection measurements obtained at action 512, the UE 515 performs a RACH procedure to connect to a new cell. In some aspects, action 514 includes performing a RACH procedure only for SUB 1. In other aspects, action 514 includes performing a RACH procedure for each of SUB 1 and SUB 2. For example, action 512 may include obtaining cell measurements of a plurality of candidate cells for each of SUB 1 and SUB 2, and selecting a pair of cells suitable for each of SUB 1 and SUB 2. However, in some aspects, the cell reselection criteria for SUB 1 or the primary SUB may be different from the reselection criteria for SUB 2.

[0090] In some aspects, action 514 includes selecting a SUB 1 cell based on the above-mentioned signal strength increment. For example, action 514 may include selecting a cell for SUB 1 whose signal strength is lower than the signal strength of the current SUB 1 serving cell by an amount equal to or greater than the signal strength increment. However, action 514 may also include selecting a new SUB 1 cell based on a lower limit or a lower threshold. Therefore, action 514 may include selecting a cell for SUB 1 whose signal strength meets the following conditions: (1) lower than the signal strength of the current SUB 1 serving cell by an amount equal to or greater than the signal strength increment; and (2) greater than the configured lower threshold. In some aspects, action 514 may include selecting a cell for SUB 2 whose signal strength is greater than the configured lower threshold, but may not depend on the above-mentioned signal strength increment. In other aspects, cells for both SUB 1 and SUB 2 are selected based on the signal strength increment. Based on the RACH process of action 514, UE 515 may enter an RRC connected state for either or both of SUB 1 and / or SUB 2. In addition, UE 515 can activate DSDA mode and start communicating on each of SUB 1 and SUB 2.

[0091] It should be understood that one or more modifications may be made to the method 500 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one aspect, the method 500 may not include communicating the CHO, or performing cell reselection measurements based on the CHO. In some aspects, one or more of the cell reselection determinations made by the UE 515 may be made by the network (e.g., including by the BS 505). For example, in some aspects, based on an event trigger or condition being met, the UE may send SUB 1 and SUB 2 cell measurements and the current eLNA gain state to the network. One or more devices of the network (e.g., the BS 505) may determine whether to initiate cell reselection for SUB 1 and / or SUB 2 based on these measurements. In some aspects, the network may determine to initiate cell reselection, as similarly described above. For example, if the signal strength of SUB 1 exceeds a configured threshold, and if the best or preferred eLNA gain state of SUB 1 is different from the best or preferred eLNA gain state of SUB 2, the network may determine to initiate cell reselection. The network may send a measurement configuration to the UE 515 to motivate one or more neighboring candidate cells to perform measurements. The UE 515 may perform the measurements indicated in the measurement. The UE 515 may then send one or more measurement reports for the cells indicated in the measurement configuration to the network. In some aspects, the UE 515 may prioritize reporting measurements for cells on SUB 1 that maintain a signal strength delta below the signal strength delta relative to cells of SUB 2.

[0092] In one aspect, the UE 515 may be configured to perform the method 500 before entering the DSDA mode. For example, the UE 515 may perform the method 500 while in the DSDS mode. For another example, the UE 515 may be configured to perform the method 500 after entering the DSDA mode in response to the signal strength of the primary subscription being higher than a configured threshold.

[0093] Figure 6 6 is a flow chart of a method for joint cell reselection in a DSDA communication scenario. In some aspects, method 600 may include one or more aspects of method 500. For example, various aspects of the method may be performed by UE 515 and / or BS 505. In some aspects, actions 508, 510, and 512 of method 500 may include one or more aspects of method 600. In some aspects, a UE performing various aspects of method 600 may be configured with, for example, Figure 4 The hardware architecture is shown.

[0094] At action 602, the UE initiates a handover procedure or a cell reselection procedure. In some aspects, initiating the handover procedure may be based on a triggering event or condition. In another aspect, the handover may be initiated based on a communication from the network. In some aspects, the handover may be initiated by the network based on a cell measurement report sent by the UE.

[0095] At action 604, the UE measures the signal strength of SUB 1, the signal strength of SUB 2, and checks the current eLNA gain state. In some aspects, action 604 includes, for example, obtaining an RSSI measurement, an RSRP measurement, an RSRQ measurement, and / or an SINR measurement. In some aspects, method 600 includes sending a measurement report indicating the signal strength measurement to the network.

[0096] At action 606, the UE determines whether the signal strength of SUB 1 is above a configured threshold. In some aspects, the signal strength may be SINR, RSRP, and / or RSSI. For example, if the signal strength of SUB 1 is high enough, the UE may be able to reselect to another cell with a lower signal strength with minimal or no impact on performance. If the signal strength is not above the threshold, at action 608, the UE may terminate or stop initiating the joint cell reselection method. In other words, in some aspects, reselection may be performed only if the signal strength of SUB 1 is greater than the threshold. For example, if the signal strength of SUB 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, reducing the signal strength of SUB 1 may not result in a significant reduction in network performance or user experience. In some aspects, action 606 may be based on the service type of SUB 1. The service type may include voice, SMS, MMS, data, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and / or any other suitable service type. For example, if the service type is voice, the allocated resources may be relatively sparse, so that the signal strength may be less affected by reselection to a different cell. If the service type is data, the UE may terminate or stop initiating the handover procedure.In some aspects, action 606 is based on a combination of the signal strength of SUB 1, a signal strength threshold, and the service type of SUB 1 and / or SUB 2.

[0097] At action 610, the UE determines the best or preferred eLNA gain state for the SUB 1 cell and the best eLNA gain state for the SUB 2 cell. If the best eLNA gain states for SUB 1 and SUB 2 are the same, the UE may terminate the joint cell reselection method at action 608. If the best eLNA gain states are different, the UE may continue to calculate the signal strength delta for SUB 1. In this regard, the signal strength delta may refer to a range of signal strengths (e.g., RSSI, RSRP) for which the current eLNA gain state for SUB 1 is the best or preferred. In other words, any serving cell within the signal strength delta of the current SUB 1 serving cell will use the same eLNA gain state.

[0098] At act 612, the UE may continue to obtain cell measurements of SUB 1 for one or more neighboring cells at act 612. In some aspects, the one or more neighboring cells may be indicated in a conditional handover (CHO) configuration. In other aspects, the UE may perform a cell search procedure to identify the one or more neighboring cells.

[0099] At action 614, the UE selects a cell having a signal strength lower than the current serving cell of SUB 1 by at least the signal strength delta.

[0100] At act 616, the UE completes the handover process for the cell selected from act 614. In some aspects, based on the handover, the UE may update the eLNA gain state based on the newly selected cell of SUB 1 from act 614. In some aspects, the updated eLNA gain state of the newly selected cell may mitigate any impact on the performance of SUB 1 while potentially improving performance on SUB 2, as the eLNA gain state may be more suitable or better than the previous eLNA gain state for SUB 2. In some aspects, an automatic gain control (AGC) mechanism may be used to update the eLNA gain state.

[0101] Figure 7 700 is a block diagram of an exemplary UE 700 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. UE 700 may be as described above in Figure 1A to Figure 2 115 or UE 215 discussed in the above Figure 3 The hardware architecture described. As shown, UE 700 may include a processor 702, a memory 704, a multi-SIM module 708, a transceiver 710 including a modem subsystem 712 and a radio frequency (RF) unit 714, and one or more antennas 716. These elements may be coupled to each other. The term "coupled" may refer to direct or indirect coupling or connection to one or more intermediate elements. For example, these elements may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, for example, via one or more buses.

[0102] The processor 702 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 702 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0103] The memory 704 may include cache memory (e.g., cache memory of the processor 702), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory devices, hard drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In one aspect, the memory 704 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory 704 may store or have recorded thereon instructions 706. The instructions 706 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 702, cause the processor 702 to refer to the UE 115, UE 215 to perform various aspects of the present disclosure described herein (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 Instructions 706 may also be referred to as codes, which may include any type of computer-readable statements.

[0104] The multi-SIM module 708 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the multi-SIM module 708 may be implemented as a processor, a circuit, and / or an instruction 706 stored in the memory 704 and executed by the processor 702 .

[0105] In some aspects, the multi-SIM module 708 may include multiple SIMs or SIM cards (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) similar to the SIM 210. Each SIM may be configured to store information for accessing a network, for example, to authenticate and identify the UE 700 as a subscriber of the network. Some examples of information stored on the SIM may include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity (such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) and / or information and / or keys for identifying and authenticating the UE 700 in a certain provider network. In some aspects, the UE 700 may have a first subscription on a first SIM in the multiple SIMs and a second subscription on a second SIM in the multiple SIMs. The first subscription may identify the UE 700 by a first subscriber identity, and the second subscription may identify the UE 700 by a second subscriber identity.

[0106] In some aspects, the above Figure 5 and Figure 6The described functionality may be included as logic within the multi-SIM module 708. In other aspects, the functionality may be included in another component, such as a computer-readable code within the instructions 706 included in the memory 704. In some aspects, the multi-SIM module 708 may be configured to perform one or more aspects of a joint cell selection process for DSDA operation, as explained above. For example, the multi-SIM module 708 may be configured to perform a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription. In some aspects, performing the first handover and / or performing the second handover may be based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeding a threshold. For example, the threshold may be based on a signal strength increment or range of an eLNA gain state for the first subscription, or may be associated with a signal strength increment or range of an eLNA gain state for the first subscription. On the other hand, performing the first handover and / or performing the second handover may be based on a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell being equal to or less than a threshold.

[0107] As shown, the transceiver 710 may include a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714. The transceiver 710 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices, such as the BS 105 and the BS 205. The modem subsystem 712 may be configured to modulate and / or encode data from the memory 704 and the multi-SIM module 708 according to a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) (e.g., a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding scheme, a turbo coding scheme, a convolutional coding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc.). In some aspects, the transceiver 710 may include, for example, a modem subsystem 712 and an RF unit 714. Figure 4 The hardware architecture shown. For example, for each of the multiple antenna ports, the transceiver 710 may include an eLNA and a signal separation circuit system for separating the amplified signal from the eLNA into a receive signal path. The RF unit 714 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) modulated / encoded data (e.g., PUSCH data, PUCCH UCI, MSG1, MSG3, etc.) or modulated / encoded data (e.g., PUSCH data, PUCCH UCI, MSG1, MSG3, etc.) transmitted from another source (such as UE 115 or BS 105 or anchor). The RF unit 714 may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with digital beamforming. Although shown as being integrated together in the transceiver 710, the modem subsystem 712 and the RF unit 714 may be separate devices that are coupled together at the UE 700 to enable the UE 700 to communicate with other devices.

[0108] The RF unit 714 can provide the modulated and / or processed data, such as a data packet (or more generally, a data message that can contain one or more data packets and other information) to the antenna 716 for transmission to one or more other devices. The antenna 716 can further receive data messages sent from other devices. The antenna 716 can provide the received data message for processing and / or demodulation at the transceiver 710. The transceiver 710 can provide the demodulated and decoded data (e.g., RRC configuration, MIB, PDSCH data and / or PDCCH DCI, etc.) to the multi-SIM module 708 for processing. The antenna 716 may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs to maintain multiple transmission links.

[0109] In one aspect, the UE 700 may include multiple transceivers 710 that implement different RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In one aspect, the UE 700 may include a single transceiver 710 that implements multiple RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In one aspect, the transceiver 710 may include various components, where different combinations of components may implement different RATs.

[0110] Figure 8 800 is a block diagram of an exemplary BS 800 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. BS 800 may be Figure 1A and Figure 2 BS 105 or BS 205 in question. As shown, BS 800 may include a processor 802, a memory 804, a multi-SIM module 808, a transceiver 810 including a modem subsystem 812 and an RF unit 814, and one or more antennas 816. These elements may be coupled to each other. The term "coupled" may refer to being directly or indirectly coupled or connected to one or more intervening elements. For example, these elements may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, such as via one or more buses.

[0111] The processor 802 may have various features as a particular type of processor. For example, these features may include a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 802 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0112] The memory 804 may include cache memory (e.g., cache memory of the processor 802), RAM, MRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, solid-state memory devices, one or more hard disk drives, memristor-based arrays, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or a combination of different types of memory. In some aspects, the memory 804 may include non-transitory computer-readable media. The memory 804 may store instructions 806. The instructions 806 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 802, cause the processor 802 to perform the operations described herein (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 Instructions 806 may also be referred to as program code. The program code may be used to cause the wireless communication device to perform these operations, for example, by causing one or more processors (such as processor 802) to control or command the wireless communication device to do so. The terms "instructions" and "code" should be broadly interpreted to include any type of computer-readable statements. For example, the terms "instructions" and "code" may refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, processes, etc. "Instructions" and "code" may include a single computer-readable statement or many computer-readable statements.

[0113] The multi-SIM module 808 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the multi-SIM module 808 may be implemented as a processor, circuit, and / or instructions 806 stored in the memory 804 and executed by the processor 802. In some examples, the multi-SIM module 808 may be integrated within the modem subsystem 812. For example, the multi-SIM module 808 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or general purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuit systems) within the modem subsystem 812. The multi-SIM module 808 may communicate with one or more components of the BS 800 to implement various aspects of the present disclosure, such as, Figure 5 and Figure 6 all aspects.

[0114] In some aspects, the multi-SIM module 808 can be configured to perform one or more aspects of a joint cell selection process for DSDA operation, as explained above. For example, the multi-SIM module 808 can be configured to determine whether to initiate a cell reselection or handover process based on cell measurements obtained by the UE. In some aspects, the cell measurements can include cell measurements for a first subscription and a second subscription, and the multi-SIM module 808 can determine whether to initiate a cell reselection based on a signal strength difference between the first SUB and the second SUB exceeding a first threshold. For example, the first threshold can be based on a signal strength increment or range of an eLNA gain state for the first subscription, or can be associated with a signal strength increment or range of an eLNA gain state for the first subscription. On the other hand, initiating the first handover and / or the second handover can be based on the signal strength of the first SUB exceeding a second threshold. For example, the second threshold can be a configured signal strength threshold.

[0115] As shown, the transceiver 810 may include a modem subsystem 812 and an RF unit 814. The transceiver 810 may be configured to communicate bidirectionally with other devices (such as UE 115, UE 215, and / or BS 800 and / or another core network element). The modem subsystem 812 may be configured to modulate and / or encode data according to an MCS (e.g., an LDPC decoding scheme, a Turbo decoding scheme, a convolutional decoding scheme, a digital beamforming scheme, etc.). The RF unit 814 may be configured to process (e.g., perform analog-to-digital conversion or digital-to-analog conversion, etc.) the modulated / encoded data (e.g., RRC configuration, MIB, PDSCH data, and / or PDCCH DCI, etc.) from the modem subsystem 812 (for outbound transmission) or from another source (such as UE 115, UE 215, and / or UE 700). The RF unit 814 may be further configured to perform analog beamforming in conjunction with digital beamforming. Although shown as being integrated together in transceiver 810, modem subsystem 812 and / or RF unit 814 may be separate devices that are coupled together at BS 800 to enable BS 800 to communicate with other devices.

[0116] The RF unit 814 can provide modulated and / or processed data, such as data packets (or more generally, data messages that can contain one or more data packets and other information) to the antenna 816 for transmission to one or more other devices. The antenna 816 can also receive data messages sent from other devices and provide the received data messages for processing and / or demodulation at the transceiver 810. The transceiver 810 can provide the demodulated and decoded data (e.g., PUSCH data, PUCCH UCI, MSG1, MSG3, etc.) to the multi-SIM module 808 for processing. The antenna 816 may include multiple antennas of similar or different designs to maintain multiple transmission links.

[0117] In one aspect, the BS 800 may include multiple transceivers 810 that implement different RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In one aspect, the BS 800 may include a single transceiver 810 that implements multiple RATs (e.g., NR and LTE). In one aspect, the transceiver 810 may include various components, where different combinations of components may implement different RATs.

[0118] Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart of a method 900 for performing joint cell selection in an MSIM communication scenario according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The method 900 may be performed by a UE such as UE 115 ( FIG. 1 ), UE 215 ( Figure 2 )、UE 515( Figure 5 ) and / or UE 700 ( Figure 7 ) or the like. The UE executing method 900 may include an antenna array associated with one or more antenna ports. In an exemplary aspect, the UE may be associated with four antenna ports. In addition, the UE may be configured for MIMO operation. In one example, the UE may include 4 antenna ports and may be configured for 4x4 MIMO operation. As illustrated, method 900 includes several enumerated actions, but aspects of method 900 may include additional actions before, after, and between these enumerated actions. In some aspects, one or more of these enumerated actions may be omitted or performed in a different order.

[0119] At action 910, the UE performs a first handover from the first cell to the second cell for the first subscription. In some aspects, performing the first handover includes: obtaining cell measurements of one or more neighboring cells; and selecting one of the neighboring cells based on the cell measurements. In some aspects, obtaining cell measurements includes obtaining RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, and / or SINR measurements. In some aspects, performing the first handover includes: sending one or more measurement reports to a network device such as a BS. In some aspects, the first handover may also include: receiving an RRC reconfiguration from the network device. In some aspects, the first subscription may be a primary subscription, which may also be referred to as a default subscription and / or DDS.

[0120] At action 920, the UE performs a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription. In some aspects, performing the second handover includes: obtaining cell measurements of one or more neighboring cells; and selecting one of the neighboring cells based on the cell measurements. In some aspects, obtaining cell measurements includes obtaining RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, and / or SINR measurements. In some aspects, performing the second handover includes: sending one or more measurement reports to a network device such as a BS. In some aspects, the second handover may also include: receiving an RRC reconfiguration from the network device. In some aspects, the second subscription may be a secondary subscription, which may also be referred to as a non-default subscription and / or n-DDS.

[0121] In some aspects, at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover can be based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeding a threshold. For example, in some aspects, the threshold can be based on a signal strength increment or range associated with a first subscribed best or preferred eLNA gain state. For example, if the signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell is greater than a signal strength range or increment associated with the best eLNA gain state, the signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell can exceed the threshold. Thus, in some aspects, performing at least one of the first handover or the second handover can be based on whether the first cell and the third cell have different best or preferred eLNA gain states.

[0122] Example Aspects of the Disclosure

[0123] Other aspects of this disclosure include the following:

[0124] Aspect 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: performing a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and performing a second handover from a third cell to a fourth cell for a second subscription, wherein at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: a signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and a signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

[0125] Aspect 2. The method according to aspect 1, wherein at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on a gain state of a low noise amplifier (LNA) of the first cell being different from a gain state of the LNA of the third cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

[0126] Aspect 3. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the signal strength of the second cell is smaller than the signal strength of the first cell by at least a first amount.

[0127] Aspect 4. A method according to aspect 3, wherein the first amount is based on the first threshold, and wherein the first threshold is based on a signal strength range of an optimal gain state of a low noise amplifier of the second cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

[0128] Aspect 5. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: a conditional handover (CHO) configuration; and signal strength measurements of multiple cells indicated in the CHO configuration.

[0129] Aspect 6. According to the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the method further includes: obtaining signal strength measurements associated with multiple cells, wherein the multiple cells include at least one of the third cell or the fourth cell; and sending at least one signal strength measurement report to a network unit, wherein the at least one signal strength measurement report indicates the signal strength measurements associated with multiple cells.

[0130] Aspect 7. The method according to aspect 6, wherein sending the at least one signal strength measurement report is based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and each of the plurality of cells.

[0131] Aspect 8. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein: performing the first handover and performing the second handover include performing the first handover and performing the second handover in a dual-reception dual-card dual-standby (DR-DSDS) mode; and the method also includes: starting a dual-card dual-activity (DSDA) mode after performing the first handover and performing the second handover.

[0132] Aspect 9. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, the method further comprising: initiating a dual SIM dual activation (DSDA) mode, wherein performing the first handover and performing the second handover comprise performing the first handover and performing the second handover in response to initiating the DSDA mode.

[0133] Aspect 10. A method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein: the first subscription is associated with a first priority; the second subscription is associated with a second priority, and the second priority is lower than the first priority; performing the first handover is based on the signal strength of the first subscription exceeding a second threshold.

[0134] Aspect 11. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein: performing the first handover is based on the service type of the first subscription.

[0135] Aspect 12. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: a processor; and a transceiver, the transceiver communicating with the processor, wherein the UE is configured to perform the actions according to any one of aspects 1 to 11.

[0136] Aspect 23. A non-transitory computer readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein the program code comprises instructions executable by a processor of a user equipment (UE) to cause the UE to perform actions according to any one of aspects 1 to 11.

[0137] Aspect 30. A user equipment (UE), comprising means for performing actions according to any one of aspects 1 to 11.

[0138] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in conjunction with the disclosure herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0139] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium, or sent on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardware wiring, or any combination thereof. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at different locations, including being distributed so that the parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein (including in the claims), "or" as used in a list of items (e.g., "or" used in a list of items ending with "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of [at least one of A, B, or C] means: A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C).

[0140] As those skilled in the art will understand by now and depending on the specific application at hand, many modifications, substitutions and changes may be made to the materials, devices, configurations and methods of use of the apparatus of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In view of this, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific aspects illustrated and described herein (as they are only some examples of the present disclosure), but should be fully equivalent to the attached claims and their functional equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: performing a first handover from the first cell to the second cell for the first subscription; as well as performing a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription, At least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: The signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and A signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on a gain state of a low noise amplifier (LNA) of the first cell being different from a gain state of the LNA of the third cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the signal strength of the second cell is less than the signal strength of the first cell by at least a first amount.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first amount is based on the first threshold, and wherein the first threshold is based on a signal strength range of an optimal gain state of a low noise amplifier of the second cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on: Conditional Handover (CHO) configuration; and Signal strength measurements of multiple cells indicated in the CHO configuration.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: obtaining signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of cells include at least one of the third cell or the fourth cell; as well as At least one signal strength measurement report is sent to a network element, the at least one signal strength measurement report indicating the signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells. 7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein sending the at least one signal strength measurement report is based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and each of the plurality of cells.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Executing the first handover and executing the second handover include executing the first handover and executing the second handover in a dual-reception dual-SIM dual-standby (DR-DSDS) mode; and The method further includes initiating a dual SIM dual access (DSDA) mode after performing the first handover and performing the second handover.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Activate Dual SIM Dual Access (DSDA) mode. The performing of the first handover and the performing of the second handover include performing the first handover and the performing of the second handover in response to initiating the DSDA mode.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein: The first subscription is associated with a first priority; The second subscription is associated with a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority; Performing the first handover is based on a signal strength of the first subscription exceeding a second threshold.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Performing the first handover is based on a service type of the first subscription.

12. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: processor; and a transceiver in communication with the processor, wherein the UE is configured to: performing a first handover from the first cell to the second cell for the first subscription; as well as performing a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription, The UE is configured to perform at least one of the first handover or the second handover based on: The signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and A signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

13. The UE of claim 12, wherein the at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on a gain state of a low noise amplifier (LNA) of the first cell being different from a gain state of the LNA of the third cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

14. The UE of claim 12, wherein a signal strength of the second cell is less than a signal strength of the first cell by at least a first amount.

15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the first amount is based on the first threshold, and wherein the first threshold is based on a signal strength range of an optimal gain state of a low noise amplifier of the second cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

16. The UE of claim 12, wherein the UE is configured to perform at least one of the first handover or the second handover further based on: Conditional Handover (CHO) configuration; and Signal strength measurements of multiple cells indicated in the CHO configuration.

17. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the UE is further configured to: obtaining signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of cells include at least one of the third cell or the fourth cell; and At least one signal strength measurement report is sent to a network element, the at least one signal strength measurement report indicating the signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells.

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the UE is configured to send the at least one signal strength measurement report based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and each of the plurality of cells.

19. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The UE is configured to perform the first handover in a dual-reception dual-SIM dual-standby (DR-DSDS) mode; and The UE is further configured to activate a dual SIM dual activation (DSDA) mode after performing the first handover and performing the second handover.

20. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the UE is further configured to: Activate Dual SIM Dual Access (DSDA) mode. The UE is configured to perform the first handover and the second handover in response to initiating the DSDA mode.

21. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The first subscription is associated with a first priority; The second subscription is associated with a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority; The UE is configured to perform the first handover based on a signal strength of the first subscription exceeding a second threshold.

22. The UE according to claim 12, wherein: The UE is configured to perform the first handover based on the first subscribed service type.

23. A non-transitory computer readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein the program code comprises instructions executable by a processor of a user equipment (UE) to cause the UE to: performing a first handover from the first cell to the second cell for the first subscription; and performing a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription, The instructions configured to cause the UE to perform at least one of the first handover or the second handover are based on: The signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and A signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 23, wherein the at least one of performing the first handover or performing the second handover is based on a gain state of a low noise amplifier (LNA) of the first cell being different than a gain state of the LNA of the third cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein: The signal strength of the second cell is less than the signal strength of the first cell by at least a first amount; The first amount is based on the first threshold; and The first threshold is based on a signal strength range of an optimal gain state of a low noise amplifier of the second cell, wherein the LNA is shared between the first subscription and the second subscription.

26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein the program code further comprises instructions configured to cause the UE to: obtaining signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of cells include at least one of the third cell or the fourth cell; and and sending at least one signal strength measurement report to a network element, the at least one signal strength measurement report indicating the signal strength measurements associated with a plurality of cells, wherein the instructions configured to cause the UE to send the at least one signal strength measurement report are based on a signal strength difference between the first cell and each of the plurality of cells.

27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein: The instruction configured to cause the UE to perform the first handover includes an instruction configured to cause the UE to perform the first handover in a dual-reception dual-SIM dual-standby (DR-DSDS) mode; and The program code also includes instructions configured to cause the UE to initiate a dual SIM dual activation (DSDA) mode after performing the first handover and performing the second handover.

28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein the program code further comprises instructions configured to cause the UE to: Activate Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) mode; and The first handover and the second handover are performed in response to initiating the DSDA mode.

29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein: The first subscription is associated with a first priority; The second subscription is associated with a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority; The UE is configured to perform the first handover based on at least one of: The signal strength of the first subscription exceeds a second threshold; or The service type of the first subscription.

30. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: means for performing a first handover from a first cell to a second cell for a first subscription; and means for performing a second handover from the third cell to the fourth cell for the second subscription, wherein at least one of the means for performing the first handover or the means for performing the second handover is based on: The signal strength difference between the first cell and the third cell exceeds a first threshold; and A signal strength difference between the second cell and the fourth cell is equal to or less than the first threshold.

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