Apparatus and method for prioritizing between physical downlink shared channel and synchronization signal block reception

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for selecting or prioritizing between reception of at least one of a physical downlink shared channel, a channel state information-reference signal, or a synchronization signal block. A method may include selecting between PDSCH and SSB reception according to a defined rule when outside an SMTC window and when a PDSCH resource allocation overlaps an occupied SSB location.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of May 10, 2019, application number 201980046234.0, and invention name “Device and method for distinguishing priority between physical downlink shared channel and synchronization signal block reception”.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 670,087, filed on May 11, 2018. The contents of that prior-filed application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. For example, certain embodiments may relate to selecting or prioritizing between physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH or SSB) reception. Background Art

[0005] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. The fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) wireless system refers to the next generation (NG) radio system and network architecture. It is estimated that NR will provide bit rates of 10-20Gbit / s or higher and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (EMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC). NR is expected to achieve ultra-wideband and ultra-robust, low latency connections and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications become more and more common, the demand for networks that meet the requirements of low power consumption, low data rates and long battery life will grow. It should be noted that in 5G or NR, a node that can provide radio access functions to user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B in E-UTRAN or eNB in ​​LTE) can be referred to as a next generation or 5G Node B (gNB). Summary of the invention

[0006] One embodiment may involve a method which may include determining or selecting between PDSCH and SSB reception according to defined rules when outside of an SMTC window and when a PDSCH resource allocation overlaps an occupied SSB location.

[0007] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus that may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. When outside the SMTC window and when the PDSCH resource allocation overlaps with the occupied SSB position, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine or select between PDSCH and SSB reception at least according to defined rules.

[0008] In an embodiment, the defined rules may include prioritizing PDSCH reception when an SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, the PDSCH DMRS is not quasi-co-located with the SS / PBCH block, and the time until the next reporting period for L1-RSRP is greater than N SS / PBCH periods, where N may be the number of samples required for L1 measurement, or X milliseconds for the SS / PBCH block.

[0009] In an embodiment, the defined rules may include: when the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, and the L1-RSRP reporting period is before the next SSB transmission period, then the reception of SS / PBCH for L1-RSRP is prioritized.

[0010] In an embodiment, the defined rules may include: when the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting and the PDSCH DMRS is QCL with the SS / PBCH block, rate matching is performed on the PDSCH resource allocation around the SS / PBCH block transmission resources, PDSCH is received, and the L1-RSRP of the SSB block is measured.

[0011] In an embodiment, the defined rules may include prioritizing reception of PDSCH when the SS / PBCH block is not configured as a resource for L1 reporting and it is outside the SMTC window, and when the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a synchronization signal block is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 An example diagram showing how to select between PDSCH and SSB reception according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 An example diagram showing how to select between PDSCH and SSB reception according to another embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 An example flow chart showing a method according to an embodiment; and

[0017] Figure 5 An example block diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for selecting or prioritizing between physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and synchronization signal block (SSB) reception is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments, but is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0019] In one or more example embodiments, the features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, throughout this specification, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, throughout the specification, the appearance of the phrases "certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language does not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0020] In addition, if necessary, the different functions or steps discussed below can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the described functions or steps can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the following description should be considered as only an illustration of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0021] Figure 1 An example of a synchronization signal (SS) block (SSB) structure is shown. Figure 1As shown in the example of , the SSB can have four orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols and can include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) signal and channel.

[0022] Thus, an SS block (SSB) may carry synchronization signals such as PSS / SSS and PBCH (including PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS)). SS blocks may be transmitted at specific time positions specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical Specification (TS) 38.213. The total number of possible time positions (in a half-frame) may depend on the frequency band considered, so for <3 GHz, the maximum number of SSB positions (L) is 4, for 3-6 GHz L=8, and for above 6 GHz, L=64. An SSB may be represented using an SSB resource index or an SSB time position index.

[0023] Figure 1 The example shows SSB position mapping to time slots with different subcarrier spacings. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The time slot pattern (in a half frame) where the SSB may be placed is shown. The transmitted SSB may then be repeated with a given period which may be {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms.

[0024] As an example, a set of SS bursts may be contained in a 5 ms window. The SS Block Based RRM Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) is a set of parameters that define the measurement window period, duration and offset configuration. The UE may be indicated the occupied SS block time positions that the UE needs to monitor and measure for each frequency layer, but the UE is not required to measure SS blocks for L3 mobility (RRM) purposes outside the configured window. In connected mode, the UE may be given up to 2 SMTC configurations. When the UE is not given a used SSB time position (idle mode), it may assume that all SS block positions inside the SMTC window are to be measured.

[0025] In New Radio (NR), for L1 Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement, the UE can be configured with a set of SSB and Channel State Information - Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for reporting purposes. In practice, this means that for beam management purposes, the UE only needs to measure and report L1-RSRP on the configured signals.

[0026] As described in 3GPP TS 38.214, the time and frequency resources that the UE can use to report CSI are controlled by the gNB. CSI may include channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI), SS / PBCH block resource indicator (SSBRI), layer indicator (LI), rank indicator (RI), and / or L1-RSRP. For L1-RSRP calculation, the UE may be configured with CSI-RS resources, SS / PBCH block resources, or both CSI-RS and SS / PBCH block resources. In addition, the UE may be configured with CSI-RS resources that are configured with up to 16 CSI-RS resource sets, with up to 64 resources in each set. The total number of different CSI-RS resources across all resource sets is at most 128.

[0027] For rate matching purposes, the UE may be indicated the SS blocks actually transmitted in the cell. In frequency range 1 (FR1, i.e. below 6G), in case a PDSCH resource allocation overlaps a physical resource block (PRB) containing SS / PBCH block transmission resources, the UE behavior is that the UE may use the information of the SS block positions used in the serving cell (SSB transmission / SSB transmission SIB1, signaled by higher layers) to rate match the PDSCH resource allocation around the SS block transmission resources. If the UE is not provided with a list of the used SSB positions, e.g. via the parameter SSB transmission (dedicated list), the UE may use the list provided by common signaling (e.g. in SIB1 SSB transmission SIB1).

[0028] Radio link monitoring (RLM) and / or beam fault detection (BFD) measurements are performed on SSB and / or CSI-RS signals that can be explicitly indicated to the UE, i.e., when the network indicates (RRC or MAC CE or a combination thereof) which configured CSI-RS resource indexes or SSB indexes are used for fault detection. Alternatively, the UE can determine these signals implicitly, i.e., when the network indicates that a specific CSI-RS or SSB signal has a quasi-co-location assumption with the PDCCH DMRS (demodulation reference signal), the UE can determine to use the CSI-RS or SSB signal as a fault detection resource. In other words, the UE may include a signal set of downlink reference signals corresponding to the beam used to transmit the PDCCH to the UE as a fault detection resource (RLM-RS, BFD-RS or both). It is not excluded that the PDSCH or the corresponding downlink RS may be included in the fault detection RS set. For the purposes of both RLM and BFD, the UE may need to perform periodic measurements. Therefore, these signals may be measured simultaneously with other signals or channels (e.g., for beam management purposes or PDSCH / PDCCH reception) and need to be prioritized.

[0029] An example embodiment may provide a solution on how to determine UE PDSCH reception behavior based on the configured SS blocks for L1-RSRP reporting and the quasi co-location (QCL) assumption between PDSCH resource allocation and SSB symbols.

[0030] Another example embodiment may provide a solution on how to determine UE PDSCH reception behavior, for example, based on the configured CSI-RS for L1-RSRP reporting and the quasi co-location (QCL) assumption between PDSCH resource allocation and CSI-RS for a symbol.

[0031] In some embodiments, CSI-RS (or multiple CSI-RS resources) and SSB may be transmitted on the same symbols and may or may not share the same QCL properties. In some embodiments, when CSI-RS and SSB share a QCL assumption (e.g., space), it may be considered in a similar manner when determining UE PDSCH reception behavior.

[0032] An example embodiment may provide a solution on how to prioritize measurements of a fault detection signal according to a fault indication period, for example, when the fault detection reference signal occupies the same symbol as a PDSCH resource allocation or RS signal used for other types of measurements.

[0033] In accordance with certain example embodiments, when outside the SMTC window and when the PDSCH resource allocation overlaps with the occupied SSB positions (indicated by the network for transmission), the UE may determine or select between PDSCH and SSB reception based on certain rules, as described below.

[0034] In an embodiment, if a SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS) is configured as a resource for L1 reporting and the PDSCH DMRS is not quasi-co-located (QCL) with the SS / PBCH block (e.g., Type-D, Spatial Rx, where applicable), and if the time until the next reporting period for L1-RSRP is greater than N SS / PBCH (or CSI-RS) periods (where N can be derived from the L1 RSRP accuracy requirement, i.e., the number of samples required for L1 measurement) or X milliseconds for the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS) (where X is configured by the network), the UE is configured to prioritize PDSCH reception. More generally, according to one embodiment, if the PDSCH is not QCL (with Type-D, where applicable) with the RS configured for L1-RSRP reporting, the UE may prioritize reception of the RS configured for L1-RSRP reporting for a specific time window before the configured reporting moment. Outside the time window, the UE may prioritize the scheduled PDSCH. Examples of this are Figure 2 shown.

[0035] In another embodiment, if the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS) is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, and the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS), and the L1-RSRP reporting period is before the next SSB transmission period (or CSI-RS), the UE may prioritize the reception of SS / PBCH (or CSI-RS) for L1-RSRP. Examples of this are Figure 3 shown.

[0036] In yet another example embodiment, if a SS / PBCH (or CSI-RS) block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, and the PDSCH DMRS is QCL (with type-D where applicable) with the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS), the UE may rate match the PDSCH resource allocation around the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS) transmission resources, and receive the PDSCH and measure the L1-RSRP of the SSB block (or CSI-RS).

[0037] According to another example embodiment, if the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS) is not configured as a resource for L1 reporting (but is configured as an occupied SSB position, or CSI-RS is configured for the UE) and it is outside the SMTC window, and the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block (or CSI-RS), the UE may prioritize reception of the PDSCH.

[0038] According to yet another embodiment, as described herein as a solution for prioritizing other types of measurements, if resources are configured for RLM or for BFD, and at least one measurement can be performed before the indication period (the RLM or BFD measurement result is indicated by the PHY to higher layers), the UE may prioritize the reception of PDSCH or measurements for L1 reporting (CSI-RS, SSB) when the signal or channel is not QCL with the RLM-RS or BFD-RS. In the event that the UE cannot achieve the required amount of measurements before the next indication period, the UE may prioritize the RLM-RS and / or BFD-RS measurements over the reception of PDSCH and / or other measurements of RS for other purposes. In the event that RLM-RS and BFD-RS are transmitted simultaneously, and the signals are different and not QCL, the UE may prioritize BFD-RS. This may be beneficial because beam failure detection and recovery may affect cell-level radio link monitoring and recovery (when beam failure recovery is successful, it is generally assumed that the cell-level radio link problem is also recovered). According to yet another embodiment, when the UE has determined that a beam failure has occurred (determined based on measurements on the BFD-RS and determined, for example, at the MAC layer) or has determined that at least one beam failure instance has occurred and has been indicated within the last N indication periods, and / or at least one of the configured BFD-RS qualities is below a defined quality threshold, the UE may prioritize measurements on the beam failure detection signal over other signals when the beam failure detection signal and other signals are transmitted simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, when the UE has declared a beam failure, the UE may prioritize measurements on new candidate beams for beam failure recovery. If it cannot simultaneously receive other signals (signal types) and channels (such as RLM-RS, SS / PBCH blocks / CSI-RS for L3 measurements), these signals / channels may be prioritized. In an embodiment, the UE may also prioritize measurements on candidates that it may indicate using contention-free random access (CFRA) signaling resources. The CFRA signal may be an SSB or CSI-RS specific signal. The transmission of the (multiple) signals indicates to the network that a beam failure has occurred and that the UE has selected the signal as a new candidate signal for communication (which may then be used for further downlink (PDCCH and PDSCH) transmissions to the network, or reception of UL transmissions). Alternatively, the UE may use a contention-based random access (CBRA) signal to indicate the new candidate beam. Thus, measurements on downlink reference signals indicated using a CBRA signal / preamble may take precedence over measurements on other signals or channels after a CFRA signal, or measurements for beam failure purposes may take precedence over other purposes, such as RRM (Radio Resource Management or L3 Mobility or Cell Level Mobility) or L1-RSRP reporting.In some examples, part or all of the recovery candidate signals may be the same signals as configured for L1-RSRP reporting, and thus signals with such properties may be prioritized in the measurement.

[0039] In some example embodiments, prioritization of certain signals may mean, for example, stopping all measurements on signals with lower priority, or applying different measurement and / or evaluation periods for the signals.

[0040] In one embodiment, when a CSI-RS set is configured for beam management (e.g., for L1-RSRP reporting or beam refinement), the gNB's TX beam scanning or UE RX beam scanning may be supported by the value of the repetition information element (i.e., OFF / ON) for the CSI-RS resources within the set. When the repetition value is set to 'OFF', the UE may receive PDSCH and CSI-RS simultaneously in the same symbol if the DMRS resources for PDSCH are spatially QCL with each CSI-RS resource in the CSI-RS set. If the repetition value is set to 'ON', UE RX beam scanning is performed (because the gNB TX beam is the same for each repeated CSI-RS transmission), and it may not be possible to receive PDSCH and CSI-RS simultaneously on the same symbol. In one example, for beam management outside the SMTC window, the UE may prioritize PDSCH reception over CSI-RS (with the repetition value set to OFF) and / or SSB-based measurements (such as L1-RSRP for beam management). In another example, if the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to ON, the UE may prioritize SSB and CSI-RS measurements for beam management (such as beam refinement) over PDSCH.

[0041] Figure 4 An example flow chart of a method for determining or selecting between PDSCH and SSB reception when outside the SMTC window and when a PDSCH resource allocation overlaps an occupied SSB position according to an embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, for example, Figure 4 The method can be executed by UE, mobile station, mobile device, Internet of Things device, etc.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown in the example of , the method may include: at 410, when outside the SMTC window and when the PDSCH resource allocation overlaps with the occupied SSB position (indicated by the network for transmission), determining whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, whether the PDSCH DMR is not quasi-co-located (QCL) with the SS / PBCH block (e.g., Type D, Spatial Rx, where applicable), and whether the time until the next reporting period for L1-RSRP is greater than N SS / PBCH cycles (where N can be derived from the L1 RSRP accuracy requirement (i.e., the number of samples required for L1 measurement)) or X milliseconds for the SS / PBCH block (where X is configured by the network). When the result of determining step 410 is affirmative, the method may include, at 415, prioritizing PDSCH reception. In other words, according to this example embodiment, if the PDSCH is not QCL (with type-D where applicable) with the RS configured for L1-RSRP reporting, the reception of the RS configured for L1-RSRP reporting is prioritized for a specific time window before the configured reporting time. Outside of this time window, the scheduled PDSCH reception may be prioritized. As an example, when the signals share the same QCL assumption with each other, they share the same indication properties, such as delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average delay and / or spatial reception parameters. Also as an example, when the signals have a spatial RX QCL assumption, this would mean that the UE may assume the same RX beam (rx spatial filter configuration) when receiving the signals.

[0043] In an example embodiment, when the result of determining step 410 is negative, the method may include, at 420, determining whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, whether the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, and whether the L1-RSRP reporting period is before the next SSB transmission period. When the result of determining step 420 is positive, the method may include, at 425, prioritizing reception of the SS / PBCH for L1-RSRP.

[0044] In an example embodiment, when the result of determining step 420 is negative, the method may include, at 430, determining whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting and whether the PDSCH DMRS is QCL (of type-D where applicable) with the SS / PBCH block. When the result of determining step 430 is positive, the method may include, at 435, rate matching the PDSCH resource allocation around the SS / PBCH block transmission resources, and receiving the PDSCH and measuring the L1-RSRP of the SSB block.

[0045] According to another example embodiment, when the result of determining step 430 is negative, the method may include, at 440, determining whether the SS / PBCH block is not configured as a resource for L1 reporting (but is configured as an occupied SSB position) and whether it is outside the SMTC window, and whether the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block. When the result of determining step 440 is positive, the method may include, at 445, then the method may include prioritizing reception of the PDSCH. When the result of determining step 440 is negative, the method may return to step 410.

[0046] Figure 5 An example of an apparatus 20 according to another embodiment is shown. In an embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a node or element in a communication network, or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a mobile equipment (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, a mobile equipment, a mobile unit, a mobile device, a user equipment, a subscriber station, a wireless terminal, a tablet computer, a smart phone, an IoT device, or a NB-IoT device, etc. As an example, the apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more wireless access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 5 Components or features not shown.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, the processor 22 may include one or more of the following: for example, a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 5A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in which case the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor), which may support multiprocessing. In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0049] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including processes associated with management of communication resources.

[0050] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of the following: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic disks or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program codes that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0051] In an embodiment, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the device 20.

[0052] In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from the device 20 via an uplink. The device 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of the following: GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0053] For example, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25, and demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the device 20. In other embodiments, the transceiver 28 is capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0054] In an embodiment, the memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link according to any radio access technology (such as 5G or NR), and the device 10 may represent one or more access nodes or base stations, such as eNBs or gNBs.

[0055] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in processing circuitry or control circuitry, or may form part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in transceiver circuitry or may form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0056] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including a digital signal processor) that work together to enable a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), or portions thereof, that operate using software but that may not be present when the software is not needed for their operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor only (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0057] As described above, according to some embodiments, for example, the apparatus 20 may be a UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, a ME, an IoT device, and / or a NB-IoT device. According to some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with the example embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to execute the flowcharts or signaling diagrams described herein (e.g., Figure 4 One or more processes shown in any of the flowcharts shown in ).

[0058] According to some embodiments, when outside the SMTC window and when the PDSCH resource allocation overlaps with the occupied SSB position, according to an embodiment, the device 20 can be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine or select between PDSCH and SSB reception.

[0059] In one embodiment, when outside the SMTC window and when the PDSCH resource allocation overlaps with the occupied SSB position (indicated by the network for transmission), the device 20 can be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, whether the PDSCH DMR is not quasi-co-located (QCL) with the SS / PBCH block (e.g., type D, spatial Rx, where applicable), and whether the time until the next reporting period of L1-RSRP is greater than N SS / PBCH cycles (where N can be derived from the L1 RSRP accuracy requirement (i.e., the number of samples required for L1 measurements (separate measurement opportunities on the same signal))) or X milliseconds for the SS / PBCH block (where X is configured by the network). When the device 20 determines that the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, and the time until the next reporting period for L1-RSRP is greater than N SS / PBCH periods or X milliseconds for the SS / PBCH block, the device 20 can be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to prioritize PDSCH reception.

[0060] In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, whether the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, and whether the L1-RSRP reporting period is before the next SSB transmission period. When the apparatus 20 determines that the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting, the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, and the L1-RSRP reporting period is before the next SSB transmission period, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to prioritize the reception of the SS / PBCH for the L1-RSRP.

[0061] In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine whether the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting and whether the PDSCH DMRS is QCL with the SS / PBCH block. When the apparatus 20 determines that the SS / PBCH block is configured as a resource for L1 reporting and the PDSCH DMRS is QCL with the SS / PBCH block, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to rate match the PDSCH resource allocation around the SS / PBCH block transmission resource, and receive the PDSCH and measure the L1-RSRP of the SSB block.

[0062] According to another example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine whether the SS / PBCH block is not configured as a resource for L1 reporting (but is configured as an occupied SSB position) and it is outside the SMTC window, and whether the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block. When the apparatus 20 determines that the SS / PBCH block is not configured as a resource for L1 reporting (but is configured as an occupied SSB position) and it is outside the SMTC window, and the PDSCH DMRS is not QCL with the SS / PBCH block, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to prioritize the reception of the PDSCH.

[0063] Therefore, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. Various example embodiments may, for example, provide defined rules that allow the UE to receive data when the PDSCH and SSB occur on the same PRB and do not have a QCL assumption (space), and when the UE cannot receive both the PDSCH and SSB (multi-TRP case). Therefore, certain embodiments may achieve increased throughput, such as when the UE is able to prioritize data reception over measurements. Therefore, certain example embodiments may reduce overhead and improve the reliability and speed of the network. Therefore, example embodiments may improve the performance, latency and / or throughput of networks and network nodes, including, for example, access points, base stations / eNBs / gNBs, and mobile devices or UEs. Therefore, the use of certain example embodiments may achieve improved functionality of communication networks and their nodes. In the event of a beam failure, prioritizing new candidate measurements may reduce link recovery latency, thereby improving communication quality.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any method, process, signaling diagram, algorithm, or flow chart described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or portion of code stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium, and executed by a processor.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the device may be included in or associated with at least one software application, module, unit or entity configured as arithmetic operation(s) performed by at least one operation processor, or as a program or part thereof (including added or updated software routines). A program (also referred to as a program product or computer program, including software routines, applets and macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and includes program instructions to perform specific tasks.

[0066] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of the example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines that may be implemented as (multiple) software routines that are added or updated. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0067] As an example, the software or computer program code or part thereof may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrying signals, telecommunication signals and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0068] In other example embodiments, the function may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the function may be implemented as a signal, i.e., a non-tangible means that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0069] According to example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor, such as a single-chip computer element, or as a chipset including at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments discussed above may be implemented with steps in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. An apparatus for selecting or prioritizing between reception of at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), or a synchronization signal block (SSB), the apparatus comprising means for performing the following operations: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to ON, SSB and CSI-RS measurements are prioritized for beam management over PDSCH reception.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the component is further configured to perform: When the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to OFF and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) resource of the PDSCH is quasi-co-located with the CSI-RS resource in space, the PDSCH and the CSI-RS are received in the same symbol.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the component is further configured to perform: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to OFF, priority is given to PDSCH reception for beam management outside the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window compared to CSI-RS and / or SSB based measurements.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component is further configured to perform: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to ON, reception beam scanning is performed, in which it is impossible to simultaneously receive the PDSCH and the CSI-RS on the same symbol.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is configured with a set of CSI-RS resources for measurement for beam management purposes.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is configured with a set of SSB resources for measurement for beam management purposes.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the measurements for beam management include: L1 Reference Signal Received Power (L1-RSRP) measurement.

8. A method for a user equipment for selecting or prioritizing between reception of at least one of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), or a synchronization signal block (SSB), the method comprising: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to ON, SSB and CSI-RS measurements are prioritized for beam management over PDSCH reception.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises: When the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to OFF and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) resource of the PDSCH is quasi-co-located with the CSI-RS resource in space, the PDSCH and the CSI-RS are received in the same symbol.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to OFF, priority is given to PDSCH reception for beam management outside the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window compared to CSI-RS and / or SSB based measurements.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the method comprises: If the repetition value associated with the CSI-RS resource is set to ON, reception beam scanning is performed, in which it is impossible to simultaneously receive the PDSCH and the CSI-RS on the same symbol.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the user equipment is configured with a set of CSI-RS resources to measure for beam management purposes.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the user equipment is configured with a set of SSB resources for measurement for beam management purposes.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the measurements for beam management comprise: L1 Reference Signal Received Power (L1-RSRP) measurement.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to at least execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. An apparatus for communication, comprising: Means for performing at least the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. An apparatus for communication, comprising: A circuit system configured to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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