Wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) and method implemented in WTRU

Abstract

A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) and a method implemented in the WTRU are disclosed. The method comprises transmitting information indicating at least one power level capability of the WTRU, each of the at least one power level capability indicating a maximum power for a frequency band or a combination of frequency bands and a duty cycle associated with the maximum power; and transmitting a power headroom report (PHR) in response to a trigger event that triggers a change in a maximum power associated with a first of the at least one power level capability, the PHR indicating the change in the maximum power associated with the first power level capability; wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power level capability indicates a maximum power change for the combination of frequency bands; and wherein the trigger event includes exceeding a duty cycle associated with a maximum power of the first power level capability.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application date of November 3, 2022 and application number 202280080150.0.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 275,188, filed on November 3, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] The specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed (eg, the absorption rate per unit mass when a human body is exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields). SAR considerations may limit the transmit power of a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU).

[0005] The transmit power of a WTRU may be described in terms of power classes (PC), and accordingly, SAR considerations may limit the power class (PC) of the WTRU. For example, 3GPP Rel-15 to Rel-17 for NR describe SAR limit compliance mechanisms.

[0006] Carrier aggregation (CA) is a technique where multiple component carriers can be assigned to the same user in order to increase the data rate of the transmission, for example. CA can be implemented for spectrum aggregation in DL (downlink) and UL (uplink) transmissions. In some scenarios where the power class (PC) of the WTRU is limited, CA may be limited due to coverage issues. Summary of the invention

[0007] Devices, methods and systems for switching between power class combinations. Transmitting indications of a plurality of aggregate power class (PC) configurations. Each of the plurality of aggregate PC configurations indicates a corresponding maximum power and duty cycle information. Transmitting a request in response to a triggering event. The request indicates a first aggregate PC configuration in the plurality of aggregate PC configurations. Responsive to the request, receiving an indication of a second aggregate PC configuration. Transmitting a transmission at a transmit power or power headroom based on the second aggregate PC configuration.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method implemented in a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: transmitting information indicating at least one power class capability of the WTRU, each of the at least one power class capability indicating a maximum power for a frequency band or a frequency band combination and a duty cycle associated with the maximum power; and transmitting a power headroom report (PHR) in response to a triggering event that triggers a change in the maximum power associated with a first power class capability of the at least one power class capability, the PHR indicating the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability; wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability indicates a change in the maximum power for a frequency band combination; and wherein the triggering event includes exceeding the duty cycle associated with the maximum power of the first power class capability.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), which includes: a circuit system configured to transmit information indicating at least one power level capability of the WTRU, each of the at least one power level capability indicating a maximum power for a frequency band or a frequency band combination and a duty cycle associated with the maximum power; and a circuit system configured to transmit a power headroom report (PHR) in response to a trigger event that triggers a change in the maximum power associated with a first power level capability of the at least one power level capability, the PHR indicating the change in the maximum power associated with the first power level capability; wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power level capability indicates a change in the maximum power for a frequency band combination; and wherein the trigger event includes exceeding the duty cycle associated with the maximum power of the first power level capability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A more detailed understanding may be obtained from the following description given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1A is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented;

[0012] Figure 1B It is shown that according to one embodiment, Figure 1A A system diagram of an exemplary wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) for use within the communication system shown;

[0013] Figure 1C It is shown that according to one embodiment, Figure 1AA system diagram of an exemplary radio access network (RAN) and an exemplary core network (CN) used within the illustrated communication system;

[0014] Figure 1D It is shown that according to one embodiment, Figure 1A A system diagram of another exemplary RAN and another exemplary CN used in the communication system shown;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary WTRU radio frequency (RF) carrier aggregation (CA) architecture; and

[0016] Figure 3 Three line graphs showing WTRU output aggregate power gain and uplink perceived throughput (UPT) versus SAR compliance are shown;

[0017] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary power level change operation; and

[0018] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary power level changing operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Some embodiments provide a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU). The WTRU includes circuitry configured to transmit an indication of a plurality of aggregate power class (PC) configurations, each of the plurality of aggregate PC configurations indicating a corresponding maximum power and duty cycle information. The WTRU includes circuitry configured to transmit a request in response to a triggering event, the request indicating a first aggregate PC configuration of the plurality of aggregate PC configurations. The WTRU includes circuitry configured to receive an indication of a second aggregate PC configuration. The WTRU includes circuitry configured to transmit a transmission at a transmit power or power headroom based on the second aggregate PC configuration.

[0020] In some implementations, the triggering event includes a signal being below a measurement threshold for at least one frequency band, or a power headroom being below a power headroom threshold for at least one frequency band. In some implementations, the indication of the second aggregated PC configuration includes an activation time and / or a validity indication. In some implementations, the WTRU is configured for inter-band UL carrier aggregation. In some implementations, the transmission includes a power headroom report (PHR). In some implementations, the WTRU includes a circuit system configured to transmit the transmission at a transmit power or power headroom based on a third aggregated PC configuration among the multiple aggregated PC configurations before transmitting the request, wherein the triggering event occurs when the third aggregated PC configuration is used. In some implementations, the WTRU includes a circuit system configured to transmit based on a third aggregated PC configuration before transmitting the request.

[0021] Some embodiments provide a method for configuring an aggregated PC of a WTRU. An indication of multiple aggregated PC configurations is transmitted. Each aggregated PC configuration in the multiple aggregated PC configurations indicates corresponding maximum power and duty cycle information. In response to a triggering event, a request is transmitted. The request indicates a first aggregated PC configuration in the multiple aggregated PC configurations. An indication of a second aggregated PC configuration is received. A transmission is transmitted at a transmit power or power headroom based on the second aggregated PC configuration. In some embodiments, the triggering event includes a signal being below a measurement threshold for at least one frequency band, or a power headroom being below a power headroom threshold for at least one frequency band.

[0022] In some implementations, the indication of the second aggregated PC configuration includes an activation time and / or a validity indication. In some implementations, the WTRU is configured for inter-band UL carrier aggregation. In some implementations, the transmission includes a PH report. In some implementations, the transmission is transmitted at a transmit power or power headroom based on a third aggregated PC configuration in the plurality of aggregated PC configurations prior to transmitting the request, wherein the triggering event occurs when the third aggregated PC configuration is used. In some implementations, the transmission is transmitted based on the third aggregated PC configuration prior to transmitting the request.

[0023] Some specific implementations include a wireless base station. The base station includes circuitry configured to receive an indication of a plurality of aggregate power class (PC) configurations from a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), each of the plurality of aggregate PC configurations indicating a corresponding maximum power and duty cycle information. The base station includes circuitry configured to receive a request from the WTRU in response to a trigger event, the request indicating a first aggregate PC configuration of the plurality of aggregate PC configurations. The base station includes circuitry configured to transmit an indication of a second aggregate PC configuration to the WTRU. The base station includes circuitry configured to receive a transmission from the WTRU at a transmit power or power headroom based on the second aggregate PC configuration.

[0024] In some implementations, the trigger event includes a signal below a measurement threshold for at least one frequency band, or a power headroom below a power headroom threshold for at least one frequency band. In some implementations, the indication of the second aggregated PC configuration includes an activation time and / or a validity indication. In some implementations, the WTRU is configured for inter-band UL carrier aggregation. In some implementations, the transmission includes a PH report. In some implementations, the base station includes a circuit system configured to receive the transmission at a transmit power or power headroom based on a third aggregated PC configuration in the multiple aggregated PC configurations before receiving the request, wherein the trigger event occurs when the third aggregated PC configuration is used.

[0025] Figure 1A 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system 100 in which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. The communication system 100 may be a multiple access system that provides content such as voice, data, video, messaging, broadcast, etc. to multiple wireless users. The communication system 100 may enable multiple wireless users to access such content through sharing of system resources (including wireless bandwidth). For example, the communication system 100 may employ one or more channel access methods such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), zero tail unique word discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (ZT-UW-DFT-S-OFDM), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), resource block filtered OFDM, filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), etc.

[0026] like Figure 1AAs shown, the communication system 100 may include wireless transmit / receive units (WTRUs) 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, a radio access network (RAN) 104, a core network (CN) 106, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 108, the Internet 110 and other networks 112, but it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments contemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, and / or network elements. Each of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. By way of example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (any of which may be referred to as a station (STA)) may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and may include user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a subscription-based unit, a pager, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a laptop, a netbook, a personal computer, a wireless sensor, a hotspot or Mi-Fi device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automated process chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. Any of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d may be interchangeably referred to as a UE.

[0027] The communication system 100 may also include a base station 114a and / or a base station 114b. Each of the base stations 114a, 114b may be any type of device that is configured to wirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to facilitate access to one or more communication networks (such as the CN 106, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112). By way of example, the base stations 114a, 114b may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a Home Node B, a Home evolved Node B, a next generation Node B such as a gNode B (gNB), a new radio (NR) Node B, a site controller, an access point (AP), a wireless router, and the like. While the base stations 114a, 114b are each depicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that the base stations 114a, 114b may include any number of interconnected base stations and / or network elements.

[0028] The base station 114a may be part of the RAN 104, which may also include other base stations and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), a relay node, etc. The base station 114a and / or the base station 114b may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals on one or more carrier frequencies, which may be referred to as a cell (not shown). These frequencies may be in a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrums. A cell may provide coverage of wireless services to a specific geographic area, which may be relatively fixed or may change over time. The cell may also be divided into cell sectors. For example, a cell associated with the base station 114a may be divided into three sectors. Therefore, in an embodiment, the base station 114a may include three transceivers, i.e., one transceiver for each sector of the cell. In an embodiment, the base station 114a may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of the cell. For example, beamforming may be used to transmit and / or receive signals in a desired spatial direction.

[0029] The base stations 114a, 114b may communicate with one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d over an air interface 116, which may be any suitable wireless communication link (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, centimeter wave, micrometer wave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), visible light, etc.). The air interface 116 may be established using any suitable radio access technology (RAT).

[0030] More specifically, as noted above, the communication system 100 may be a multiple access system and may employ one or more channel access schemes such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, etc. For example, the base station 114a in the RAN 104 and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), which may use Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) to establish the air interface 116. WCDMA may include communication protocols such as High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) and / or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High Speed ​​Downlink (DL) Packet Access (HSDPA) and / or High Speed ​​Uplink (UL) Packet Access (HSUPA).

[0031] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish the air interface 116 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) and / or Advanced LTE (LTE-A) and / or Advanced LTE Pro (LTE-A Pro).

[0032] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement a radio technology such as NR radio access, which may establish the air interface 116 using NR.

[0033] In an embodiment, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement multiple radio access technologies. For example, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement LTE radio access and NR radio access together, for example using dual connectivity (DC) principles. Thus, the air interface utilized by the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be characterized by multiple types of radio access technologies and / or transmissions sent to / from multiple types of base stations (e.g., eNBs and gNBs).

[0034] In other embodiments, the base station 114a and the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (i.e., Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM Enhanced Data Rates for Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), etc.

[0035] Figure 1AThe base station 114b in the may be, for example, a wireless router, a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or an access point, and may utilize any suitable RAT to facilitate wireless connectivity in a local area, such as a business location, a home, a vehicle, a campus, an industrial facility, an air corridor (e.g., for use by drones), a road, and the like. In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 802.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN). In an embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may implement a radio technology such as IEEE 802.15 to establish a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In yet another embodiment, the base station 114b and the WTRUs 102c, 102d may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, NR, etc.) to establish a picocell or a femtocell. As Figure 1A As shown, the base station 114b may have a direct connection to the Internet 110. Thus, the base station 114b may not be required to access the Internet 110 via the CN 106.

[0036] The RAN 104 may be in communication with the CN 106, which may be any type of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. The data may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput requirements, latency requirements, error tolerance requirements, reliability requirements, data throughput requirements, mobility requirements, etc. The CN 106 may provide call control, billing services, mobile location-based services, prepaid calling, Internet connectivity, video distribution, etc., and / or perform high-level security functions, such as user authentication. Although not described in detail in the accompanying drawings, the CN 106 may be configured to provide voice, data, applications, and / or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to one or more of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d. Figure 1A Although not shown in the figure, it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 and / or the CN 106 may be in direct or indirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected to the RAN 104, which may utilize NR radio technology, the CN 106 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) that employs GSM, UMTS, CDMA 2000, WiMAX, E-UTRA, or WiFi radio technology.

[0037] The CN 106 may also act as a gateway for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to access the PSTN 108, the Internet 110, and / or other networks 112. The PSTN 108 may include a circuit-switched telephone network that provides plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 110 may include a global system of interconnected computer networks and devices that use common communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and / or the Internet Protocol (IP) in the TCP / IP Internet protocol suite. The networks 112 may include wired and / or wireless communication networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. For example, the networks 112 may include another CN connected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as the RAN 104 or a different RAT.

[0038] Some or all of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the communication system 100 may include multi-mode capabilities (e.g., the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may include multiple transceivers for communicating with different wireless networks via different wireless links). Figure 1A The illustrated WTRU 102c may be configured to communicate with the base station 114a, which may employ a cellular-based radio technology, and with the base station 114b, which may employ an IEEE 802 radio technology.

[0039] Figure 1B is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary WTRU 102. Figure 1B As shown, the WTRU 102 may include, among other things, a processor 118, a transceiver 120, a transmit / receive element 122, a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, a display / touchpad 128, non-removable memory 130, removable memory 132, a power source 134, a global positioning system (GPS) chipset 136, and / or other peripherals 138. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may include any subcombination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0040] The processor 118 may be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, etc. The processor 118 may perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, and / or any other functions that enable the WTRU 102 to operate in a wireless environment. The processor 118 may be coupled to the transceiver 120, which may be coupled to the transmit / receive element 122. Although Figure 1B The processor 118 and the transceiver 120 are depicted as separate components, but it is understood that the processor 118 and the transceiver 120 may be integrated together in an electronic package or chip.

[0041] The transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit or receive signals to or from a base station (e.g., base station 114a) via an air interface 116. For example, in one embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals. In an embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be an emitter / detector configured to transmit and / or receive, for example, IR, UV, or visible light signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive RF and light signals. It should be appreciated that the transmit / receive element 122 may be configured to transmit and / or receive any combination of wireless signals.

[0042] Although the transmit / receive element 122 is Figure 1B 1 as a single element, the WTRU 102 may include any number of transmit / receive elements 122. More specifically, the WTRU 102 may employ MIMO technology. Thus, in one embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include two or more transmit / receive elements 122 (e.g., multiple antennas) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals over the air interface 116.

[0043] The transceiver 120 may be configured to modulate signals to be transmitted by the transmit / receive element 122 and to demodulate signals received by the transmit / receive element 122. As noted above, the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities. For example, the transceiver 120 may include multiple transceivers to enable the WTRU 102 to communicate via multiple RATs, such as NR and IEEE 802.11.

[0044] The processor 118 of the WTRU 102 may be coupled to a speaker / microphone 124, a keypad 126, and / or a display / touchpad 128 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display unit) and may receive user input data therefrom. The processor 118 may also output user data to the speaker / microphone 124, the keypad 126, and / or the display / touchpad 128. In addition, the processor 118 may access information from and store data in any type of suitable memory, such as a non-removable memory 130 and / or a removable memory 132. The non-removable memory 130 may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, or any other type of memory storage device. The removable memory 132 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, a secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like. In other embodiments, the processor 118 may access information from and store data in a memory that is not physically located on the WTRU 102, such as on a server or a home computer (not shown).

[0045] The processor 118 may receive power from the power source 134, and may be configured to distribute and / or control power to other components in the WTRU 102. The power source 134 may be any suitable device for powering the WTRU 102. For example, the power source 134 may include one or more dry cell batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), etc.), solar cells, fuel cells, etc.

[0046] The processor 118 may also be coupled to the GPS chipset 136, which may be configured to provide location information (e.g., longitude and latitude) regarding the current location of the WTRU 102. In addition to or in lieu of the information from the GPS chipset 136, the WTRU 102 may receive location information from a base station (e.g., base stations 114a, 114b) over the air interface 116 and / or determine its location based on the timing of signals received from two or more nearby base stations. It will be appreciated that the WTRU 102 may acquire location information by any suitable location-determination method while remaining consistent with an embodiment.

[0047] The processor 118 may also be coupled to other peripherals 138, which may include one or more software modules and / or hardware modules that provide additional features, functionality, and / or wired or wireless connectivity. For example, the peripherals 138 may include an accelerometer, an electronic compass, a satellite transceiver, a digital camera (for photos and / or video), a universal serial bus (USB) port, a vibration device, a television transceiver, a hands-free headset, Module, FM radio unit, digital music player, media player, video game player module, Internet browser, virtual reality and / or augmented reality (VR / AR) device, activity tracker, etc. Peripheral device 138 may include one or more sensors. The sensor may be one or more of the following: gyroscope, accelerometer, Hall effect sensor, magnetometer, orientation sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, time sensor; geographic location sensor, altimeter, light sensor, touch sensor, magnetometer, barometer, gesture sensor, biometric sensor, humidity sensor, etc.

[0048] The WTRU 102 may include a full-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes used for UL (e.g., for transmission) and DL (e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous. The full-duplex radio may include an interference management unit for reducing and / or substantially eliminating self-interference via signal processing performed by hardware (e.g., a choke) or via a processor (e.g., a separate processor (not shown) or via processor 118). In an embodiment, the WTRU 102 may include a half-duplex radio for which transmission and reception of some or all signals (e.g., associated with specific subframes used for UL (e.g., for transmission) or DL ​​(e.g., for reception)) may be concurrent and / or simultaneous.

[0049] Figure 1C 1 is a system diagram showing the RAN 104 and the CN 106 in accordance with an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the CN 106.

[0050] The RAN 104 may include evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of evolved Node-Bs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may each include one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In an embodiment, the evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may implement MIMO technology. Thus, the evolved Node-B 160a, for example, may use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a.

[0051] Each of the evolved Node Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may be associated with a particular cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in the UL and / or DL, etc. Figure 1C As shown, the eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c may communicate with one another via an X2 interface.

[0052] Figure 1C The illustrated CN 106 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 162, a serving gateway (SGW) 164, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PGW) 166. Although the foregoing elements are depicted as part of the CN 106, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0053] The MME 162 may be connected to each of the evolved Node-Bs 162a, 162b, 162c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the MME 162 may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, bearer activation / deactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initial attach of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, etc. The MME 162 may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM and / or WCDMA.

[0054] The SGW 164 may be connected to each of the evolved Node-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c in the RAN 104 via an S1 interface. The SGW 164 may generally route and forward user data packets to / from the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c. The SGW 164 may perform other functions, such as anchoring the user plane during inter-evolved Node-B handovers, triggering paging when DL data is available for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, managing and storing the context of the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the like.

[0055] The SGW 164 may be connected to the PGW 166, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices.

[0056] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to circuit-switched networks, such as the PSTN 108, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and traditional land-line communications devices. For example, the CN 106 may include, or may be in communication with, an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers.

[0057] Although the WTRU Figures 1A to 1D Although described as a wireless terminal, it is contemplated that in certain representative embodiments, such a terminal may (eg, temporarily or permanently) use a wired communications interface with a communications network.

[0058] In a representative embodiment, the other network 112 may be a WLAN.

[0059] A WLAN in infrastructure basic service set (BSS) mode may have an access point (AP) for a BSS and one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP. The AP may have access or an interface to a distribution system (DS) or another type of wired / wireless network that carries traffic to and / or carries traffic away from the BSS. Traffic originating from outside the BSS and leading to the STA may be reached by the AP and may be delivered to the STA. Traffic originating from the STA and leading to a destination outside the BSS may be sent to the AP to be delivered to the corresponding destination. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be sent by the AP, for example, wherein the source STA may send traffic to the AP, and the AP may deliver the traffic to the destination STA. Traffic between STAs within the BSS may be considered and / or referred to as point-to-point traffic. Point-to-point traffic may be sent between the source STA and the destination STA (e.g., directly between them) using a direct link setup (DLS). In certain representative embodiments, the DLS may use 802.11e DLS or 802.11z tunnel DLS (TDLS). A WLAN using an independent BSS (IBSS) mode may not have an AP, and STAs (eg, all STAs) within or using the IBSS may communicate directly with each other. The IBSS communication mode may sometimes be referred to herein as an "ad-hoc" communication mode.

[0060] When using the 802.11ac infrastructure operating mode or a similar operating mode, the AP may transmit a beacon on a fixed channel (such as a primary channel). The primary channel may be a fixed width (e.g., a 20 MHz wide bandwidth) or a dynamically set width. The primary channel may be an operating channel of the BSS and may be used by the STA to establish a connection with the AP. In certain representative embodiments, carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) may be implemented, for example, in an 802.11 system. For CSMA / CA, a STA (e.g., each STA) (including the AP) may sense the primary channel. If the primary channel is sensed / detected and / or determined to be busy by a particular STA, the particular STA may back off. One STA (e.g., only one station) may transmit at any given time in a given BSS.

[0061] High throughput (HT) STAs may communicate using a 40 MHz wide channel, for example, via a combination of a primary 20 MHz channel and adjacent or non-adjacent 20 MHz channels to form a 40 MHz wide channel.

[0062] Very high throughput (VHT) STA can support 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz and / or 160MHz wide channels. 40MHz and / or 80MHz channels can be formed by combining continuous 20MHz channels. A 160MHz channel can be formed by combining 8 continuous 20MHz channels, or by combining two non-continuous 80MHz channels (this can be called 80+80 configuration). For the 80+80 configuration, after channel coding, the data can pass through a segment parser that can divide the data into two streams. Each stream can be processed by inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) and time domain processing separately. These streams can be mapped to two 80MHz channels, and data can be transmitted by transmitting STA. At the receiver of the receiving STA, the above-mentioned operation for the 80+80 configuration can be reversed, and the combined data can be sent to the medium access control (MAC).

[0063] 802.11af and 802.11ah support operating modes below 1GHz. Channel operating bandwidths and carriers are reduced in 802.11af and 802.11ah relative to those used in 802.11n and 802.11ac. 802.11af supports 5MHz, 10MHz, and 20MHz bandwidths in the TV White Space (TVWS) spectrum, and 802.11ah supports 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, and 16MHz bandwidths using non-TVWS spectrum. According to a representative embodiment, 802.11ah may support meter type control / machine type communication (MTC), such as MTC devices in macro coverage areas. MTC devices may have certain capabilities, such as limited capabilities, including support for (e.g., only support for) certain bandwidths and / or limited bandwidths. MTC devices may include batteries with battery life above a threshold (e.g., to maintain very long battery life).

[0064] WLAN systems that can support multiple channels and channel bandwidths such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11af, and 802.11ah include channels that can be designated as primary channels. The primary channel may have a bandwidth equal to the maximum common operating bandwidth supported by all STAs in the BSS. The bandwidth of the primary channel may be set and / or limited by a STA (which supports the minimum bandwidth operating mode) from all STAs operating in the BSS. In the example of 802.11ah, for STAs (e.g., MTC-type devices) that support (e.g., only support) 1MHz mode, the primary channel may be 1MHz wide, even if the AP and other STAs in the BSS support 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, 16MHz, and / or other channel bandwidth operating modes. Carrier sensing and / or network allocation vector (NAV) settings may depend on the state of the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, for example, because a STA (supporting only the 1MHz operating mode) is transmitting to the AP, all available frequency bands may be considered busy even if most of the available frequency bands remain idle.

[0065] In the United States, the available frequency band for 802.11ah is 902MHz to 928MHz. In South Korea, the available frequency band is 917.5MHz to 923.5MHz. In Japan, the available frequency band is 916.5MHz to 927.5MHz. The total bandwidth available for 802.11ah is 6MHz to 26MHz, depending on the country code.

[0066] Figure 1D 1 is a system diagram showing the RAN 104 and the CN 106 in accordance with an embodiment. As noted above, the RAN 104 may employ NR radio technology to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. The RAN 104 may also be in communication with the CN 106.

[0067] The RAN 104 may include gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c, though it will be appreciated that the RAN 104 may include any number of gNBs while remaining consistent with an embodiment. The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may each include one or more transceivers to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c over the air interface 116. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement MIMO technology. For example, the gNBs 180a, 180b may utilize beamforming to transmit signals to and / or receive signals from the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c. Thus, the gNB 180a may, for example, use multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals to and / or receive wireless signals from the WTRU 102a. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement carrier aggregation technology. For example, the gNB 180a may transmit multiple component carriers to the WTRU 102a (not shown). A subset of these component carriers may be on an unlicensed spectrum, while the remaining component carriers may be on a licensed spectrum. In an embodiment, the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may implement a coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technique. For example, the WTRU 102a may receive coordinated transmissions from the gNB 180a and the gNB 180b (and / or the gNB 180c).

[0068] The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using transmissions associated with scalable parameter sets. For example, OFDM symbol spacing and / or OFDM subcarrier spacing may vary for different transmissions, different cells, and / or different portions of the wireless transmit spectrum. The WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using subframes or Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) of varying or scalable lengths (e.g., containing varying numbers of OFDM symbols and / or varying absolute time lengths over time).

[0069] The gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be configured to communicate with the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c in a standalone configuration and / or a non-standalone configuration. In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c while also not accessing other RANs (e.g., such as the eNodeBs 160a, 160b, 160c). In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may use one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c as mobility anchor points. In a standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate with the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c using signals in an unlicensed band. In a non-standalone configuration, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may communicate or be connected with the gNB 180a, 180b, 180c while also communicating or being connected with another RAN, such as the eNode-B 160a, 160b, 160c. For example, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may implement the DC principle to communicate with one or more gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c and one or more eNode-Bs 160a, 160b, 160c substantially simultaneously. In a non-standalone configuration, the eNode-B 160a, 160b, 160c may serve as a mobility anchor for the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c, and the gNB 180a, 180b, 180c may provide additional coverage and / or throughput for serving the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0070] Each of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c may be associated with a specific cell (not shown) and may be configured to handle radio resource management decisions, handover decisions, scheduling of users in UL and / or DL, support of network slicing, interworking between DC, NR, and E-UTRA, routing of user plane data towards a user plane function (UPF) 184a, 184b, routing of control plane information towards an access and mobility management function (AMF) 182a, 182b, etc. Figure 1D As shown, gNBs 180a, 180b, and 180c may communicate with each other via an Xn interface.

[0071] Figure 1DThe illustrated CN 106 may include at least one AMF 182a, 182b, at least one UPF 184a, 184b, at least one session management function (SMF) 183a, 183b, and possible data networks (DNs) 185a, 185b. Although the aforementioned elements are depicted as part of the CN 106, it should be understood that any of these elements may be owned and / or operated by an entity other than the CN operator.

[0072] The AMF 182a, 182b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 104 via the N2 interface and may serve as a control node. For example, the AMF 182a, 182b may be responsible for authenticating users of the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c, support of network slicing (e.g., handling of different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with different requirements), selecting a specific SMF 183a, 183b, management of registration areas, termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, mobility management, etc. The AMF 182a, 182b may use network slicing to customize CN support for the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c based on the type of services used by the WTRU 102a, 102b, 102c. For example, different network slices may be established for different use cases, such as services relying on ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC) access, services relying on enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) access, services for MTC access, etc. The AMF 182a, 182b may provide a control plane function for switching between the RAN 104 and other RANs (not shown) that employ other radio technologies, such as LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and / or non-3GPP access technologies, such as WiFi.

[0073] The SMF 183a, 183b may be connected to the AMF 182a, 182b in the CN 106 via the N11 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may also be connected to the UPF 184a, 184b in the CN 106 via the N4 interface. The SMF 183a, 183b may select and control the UPF 184a, 184b, and configure traffic routing through the UPF 184a, 184b. The SMF 183a, 183b may perform other functions such as managing and allocating UE IP addresses, managing PDU sessions, controlling policy enforcement and QoS, providing DL data notifications, etc. The PDU session type may be IP-based, non-IP-based, Ethernet-based, etc.

[0074] The UPF 184a, 184b may be connected to one or more of the gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c in the RAN 104 via the N3 interface, which may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet 110, to facilitate communications between the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c and IP-enabled devices. The UPF 184, 184b may perform other functions, such as routing and forwarding packets, enforcing user plane policies, supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, handling user plane QoS, buffering DL packets, providing mobility anchoring, etc.

[0075] The CN 106 may facilitate communications with other networks. For example, the CN 106 may include or may communicate with an IP gateway (e.g., an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) server) that serves as an interface between the CN 106 and the PSTN 108. In addition, the CN 106 may provide the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c with access to other networks 112, which may include other wired and / or wireless networks owned and / or operated by other service providers. In one embodiment, the WTRUs 102a, 102b, 102c may be connected to the DNs 185a, 185b via the UPFs 184a, 184b via the N3 interfaces to the UPFs 184a, 184b and the N6 interfaces between the UPFs 184a, 184b and the local DNs 185a, 185b.

[0076] Given that Figures 1A to 1D as well as Figures 1A to 1D Corresponding to the description of the present invention, one or more or all of the functions described herein with reference to one or more of the following may be performed by one or more simulation devices (not shown): WTRU102a-d, base station 114a-b, evolved Node B 160a-c, MME 162, SGW 164, PGW 166, gNB 180a-c, AMF182a-b, UPF 184a-b, SMF 183a-b, DN 185a-b and / or any other device described herein. The simulation device may be one or more devices configured to emulate one or more or all of the functions described herein. For example, the simulation device may be used to test other devices and / or simulate network and / or WTRU functions.

[0077] The simulation device may be designed to implement one or more tests of other devices in a laboratory environment and / or an operator network environment. For example, the one or more simulation devices may perform one or more functions or all functions while being fully or partially implemented and / or deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network in order to test other devices within the communication network. The one or more simulation devices may perform one or more functions or all functions while being temporarily implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. The simulation device may be directly coupled to another device for testing purposes and / or perform testing using over-the-air wireless communications.

[0078] The one or more simulation devices may perform one or more (including all) functions without being implemented / deployed as part of a wired and / or wireless communication network. For example, the simulation device may be used in a test scenario in a test lab and / or a non-deployed (e.g., testing) wired and / or wireless communication network to implement testing of one or more components. The one or more simulation devices may be test equipment. Direct RF coupling and / or wireless communication performed via an RF circuit system (e.g., which may include one or more antennas) may be used by the simulation device to transmit and / or receive data.

[0079] Among others, the following abbreviations are used in this document:

[0080] ACK

[0081] BLER Block Error Rate

[0082] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0083] CAP Channel Access Priority

[0084] CAPC Channel Access Priority Class

[0085] CCA Clear Channel Assessment

[0086] CCE Control Channel Element

[0087] CE Control Elements

[0088] CG configuration authorization or cell group

[0089] CP Cyclic Prefix

[0090] CP-OFDM Conventional OFDM (depends on cyclic prefix)

[0091] CQI Channel Quality Indicator

[0092] CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0093] CSI Channel State Information

[0094] CW Contention Window

[0095] CWS contention window size

[0096] CO channel occupancy

[0097] DAI Downlink Assignment Index

[0098] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0099] DFI Downlink Feedback Information

[0100] DG Dynamic Authorization

[0101] DL Downlink

[0102] DM-RS Demodulation Reference Signal

[0103] DRB Data Radio Bearer

[0104] eLAA Enhanced License Assisted Access

[0105] eMMB Enhanced Massive Mobile Broadband

[0106] FeLAA further enhanced license assisted access

[0107] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0108] LAA License Assisted Access

[0109] LBT Listen before you speak

[0110] LTE Long Term Evolution, such as from 3GPP LTE Release 8 and higher

[0111] NACK Negative ACK

[0112] MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme

[0113] MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0114] MOP Maximum Output Power

[0115] NR New Radio

[0116] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0117] PA Power Amplifier

[0118] PHR Power Headroom Report

[0119] PHY Physical Layer

[0120] PID Process ID

[0121] P-MPR Power Management Maximum Power Reduction

[0122] PO Paging time

[0123] PRACH Physical Random Access Channel

[0124] PSS Primary Synchronization Signal

[0125] RA Random Access (or procedure)

[0126] RACH Random Access Channel

[0127] RAR Random Access Response

[0128] RCU Radio Access Network Central Unit

[0129] RF Radio Front End

[0130] RLF Radio Link Failure

[0131] RLM Radio Link Monitoring

[0132] RNTI Radio Network Identifier

[0133] RO RACH Timing

[0134] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0135] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0136] RS reference signal

[0137] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0138] RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator

[0139] SAR Specific Absorption Rate

[0140] SDU Service Data Unit

[0141] SR Scheduling Request

[0142] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0143] SS Sync Signal

[0144] SSS Secondary synchronization signal

[0145] SWG Switching Gap (in an independent subframe)

[0146] SPS Semi-Persistent Scheduling

[0147] SUL Supplementary Uplink

[0148] TB Transfer Block

[0149] TBS Transport Block Size

[0150] TDRA Time Domain Resource Allocation

[0151] TRP Transmit / Receive Point

[0152] TSC Time Sensitive Communications

[0153] TSN Time Sensitive Network

[0154] UL Uplink

[0155] URLLC Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications

[0156] WBWP Wide Bandwidth Part

[0157] WLAN Wireless Local Area Network and related technologies (IEEE 802.xx domain)

[0158] In an implementation where the WTRU has a defined power level in each frequency band involved in inter-band carrier aggregation, the sum of the defined power levels for each frequency band may be referred to as the aggregate power level. In some implementations, the aggregate power level also includes the associated UL duty cycle for each frequency band or each WTRU (e.g., for all ULs from the WTRU). In some implementations, the aggregate power level includes other information, such as discussed herein. Signaling of the WTRU aggregate power level and associated duty cycle information may be important in the context of SAR compliance situations, for example, where the BS scheduler uses this information as a basis for uplink scheduling of the WTRU in a CA configuration. SAR is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed (e.g., the absorption rate per unit mass of a human body when exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields).

[0159] It may be challenging to effectively signal changes in the WTRU power characteristics in both the power and time domains, since the base station scheduler may use this information to dynamically adapt the UL grant in terms of available power and time domain.

[0160] In some implementations, a new RRC event may be used to indicate a change in the WTRU aggregate power class (or power limit). The RRC event may be triggered based on an RSRP threshold. In response to receiving an RRC event from the WTRU, the network (e.g., gNB) may indicate (e.g., via a PHR) a preferred aggregate power class band combination and may include an activation time. Alternatively, the PHR may be used for a WTRU aggregate power class and / or power limit change. In response to a new RRC event or PHR, the WTRU may receive a UL transmission configuration for a specific power class combination from the network.

[0161] In some implementations, in response to receiving a PHR signaling a P-MPR reduction, the network may send a WTRU aggregate power level and / or WTRU band power level activation and applicable / WTRU declared duty cycle in its capabilities.

[0162] In some implementations, in response to a SAR event being triggered, the WTRU may send an explicit suggested new WTRU aggregate power combination and associated duty cycle along with the PHR.

[0163] Some implementations may include a virtual PHR calculation (eg, per-WTRU virtual power headroom reporting) that uses the current UL grant for one or more time slots against a network recommended and / or signaled WTRU aggregate power level or defined limit.

[0164] In some implementations, if duty cycling is active (i.e., if the effective power and time domain configuration is signaled by the WTRU, e.g., as a WTRU capability), the WTRU may calculate the power headroom using its average power over a specific period of time. The period of average power calculation may be configurable by the network along with the PHR parameters. The power headroom may be band specific or per WTRU.

[0165] Carrier aggregation (CA) is a technique that adds the spectrum channel bandwidths of two or more carriers, either within one frequency band (intra-band) or between two or more frequency bands. In some implementations, CA facilitates an increase in spectrum capacity. CA can be used to facilitate spectrum aggregation in DL (downlink) and UL (uplink). While DL CA may be widely deployed, in some cases (e.g., in eMMB scenarios), UL CA is limited to a single carrier, for example due to coverage issues. In some cases, this may occur even if the WTRU is equipped with multiple PAs (e.g., for certain frequency bands using PC3 or PC2 (which specify 26dBm MOP)), when the typical power class (PC) of each WTRU in the handset is PC3 (which specifies 23dBm MOP). For example, in such cases, when the WTRU UL aggregate power reaches 23dBm, the WTRU may start power scaling. Therefore, if UL CA is configured, there may be UL coverage limitations.

[0166] The MOP limit or PC (e.g., PC3) may be related to the SAR limit. For example, the MOP limit or PC may be based on SAR testing conducted in a specialized laboratory with dedicated equipment to demonstrate that the device complies with the SAR limit requirements of a specific jurisdiction, such as following SAR limit regulations implemented by local administrative departments. In some cases, the SAR limit is tested for a defined UL duty cycle. For example, a device equipped with a PC3 PA in an FDD band may be tested at maximum power using a 100% UL duty cycle without the P-MPR feature, and tested again using the P-MPR feature to verify SAR limit compliance in each specific FDD band. In another example, for the TDD band, in some cases, the WTRU may support a PC3 or PC2 (26dBm MOP) PA. In such cases, in some specific implementations, PC2 will fall back to PC3 under certain conditions (e.g., if the UL duty cycle exceeds 50% for a certain duration or time period). For the PC2 case in this example, a maximum UL duty cycle may be specified (eg, a default maximum of 50% duty cycle), where if the UL duty cycle exceeds the maximum value, the WTRU is configured to back off to 23 dBm.

[0167] In one example, for SAR limit compliance for PC2 case, the duty cycle may be 50%, which may result in an average output power that varies over time (e.g., 23 dBm). In some cases, SAR is an average measurement (e.g., a long-term average measurement). In such cases, peaks in the aggregate output power of each WTRU are possible and / or allowed if the average aggregate power over the SAR measurement period is met.

[0168] In some implementations, the aggregate power of each WTRU may be managed only for SAR compliance requirements, for example, where the spectrum emission limits for each CA aggregated band are adhered to according to the associated PA power level. This is valid for the inter-band case. In other words, in implementations where for each band the WTRU adheres to its emission requirements at power class levels defined in each band, the emission will not exceed the emission requirements when power is aggregated on more than one of these bands. However, in some implementations, the SAR requirements may need to be adjusted, for example in terms of duty cycle or by applying the P-MPR to one of these bands. Note that the emission requirements are based on pure radio emissions to the mask, while the SAR requirements limit emissions to human tissue. The P-MPR reduction is for SAR compliance, while the MPR and A-MPR are for coexistence with other users and systems in the radio environment.

[0169] SAR may be defined as the average emission level over a period of time. For example, if the UL duty cycle may be 100% (23dBm) for PC3, the UL duty cycle may be 50% (26dBm) for PC2 under the same SAR requirement. In some implementations, the duty cycle depends on the antenna design and may vary. In some implementations, the duty cycle is calibrated (e.g., empirically and / or in a laboratory) prior to SAR compliance testing. In some implementations, SAR compliance may be managed using a specific duty cycle per WTRU power level statement, which is a composite or combination of the PA power levels for each band.

[0170] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary WTRU RF CA architecture 200. The architecture 200 includes 1 low-band PA; namely, PC3 PA 205 for the FR1 low band, and 2 high-band PAs; namely, PA 210 and PA 215 for the FR1 high band. In this example, PA 210 is PC3, and PA 215 can be either PC3 or PC2. These frequency, band, and MOP numbers are exemplary only, and it should be noted that these concepts also apply to other frequencies, bands, and / or MOPs.

[0171] Note that when CA is configured, the WTRU aggregate power level may take different values, for example because there are 3 different PAs. In this example, when aggregated, the MOP of each WTRU may be 26dBm or even 28dBm. In the case where the WTRU aggregates PC3 and PC3, the result is 26dBm (PC2). In the case where the WTRU aggregates PC3 and PC2, the result is 28dBm. In some implementations, such power aggregation may provide increased UL coverage.

[0172] In some implementations, power aggregation may potentially result in excessive SAR, although such problems may only be relevant within a threshold distance from a human body (eg, if the WTRU's sensors detect human proximity).

[0173] Figure 3 is a collection of line graphs illustrating exemplary WTRU PC capabilities A, B, and C in terms of output aggregate PC, duty cycle versus SAR compliance, and latency.

[0174] about Figure 2 WTRU output aggregate power gain and UPT versus SAR compliance for an exemplary TRU RF CA architecture 200 are shown and described.

[0175] In these examples, different power aggregation levels are shown to result in different delays and uplink perceived throughputs using different duty cycles depending on the UL power aggregation level for the SAR integration measurement interval.

[0176] In the case where the high band PA is PC3 and operates at 100% duty cycle, the exemplary WTRU PC capability A provides high band power 302 over a certain frequency range. In the case where the low band PA is PC3 and operates at 100% duty cycle, the exemplary WTRU PC capability A provides low band power 304 over a certain frequency range. In this case, the duty cycle in each frequency band channel may be as high as 100%, and the gain is in units of coverage (UL power gain). Therefore, the term "frequency range" in this context is the UL channel bandwidth in the frequency band or the RB allocation within the channel bandwidth.

[0177] Based on high band power 302 and low band power 304, it can be seen that WTRU PC capability A provides the total (or aggregate) power 306 of low band and high band PA operations shown by graphs 302 and 304, and shows the power gain 308 resulting from the aggregation in this case.

[0178] In the case where the high-band PA is PC2 (26 dBm) and operates at a 50% duty cycle, the exemplary WTRU PC capability B provides high-band power 312 over a period of time. In the case where the low-band PA is PC3 (23 dBm) and operates at a 50% duty cycle, the exemplary WTRU PC capability B provides low-band power 314 over a frequency range.

[0179] Based on high band power 312 and low band power 314, it can be seen that WTRU PC capability B provides a total (or aggregate) power 316 for low band and high band PA operations shown by graphs 312 and 314. During SAR integration period 318, total aggregate power 316 is actually PC2 (26 dBm).

[0180] In the case where the high band PA is PC2 (26 dBm) and operates at less than 50% duty cycle and 60% UPT, the exemplary WTRU PC capability C provides high band power 322 over a certain period of time. In the case where the low band PA is PC3 (23 dBm) and operates at less than 50% duty cycle and 60% UPT, the exemplary WTRU PC capability C provides low band power 324 over a certain frequency range. In this case, when the UPT drops to 60% and the duty cycle is 50% (to avoid SAR issues), the power at the highest level can be increased to increase coverage. In some specific implementations, for example, when latency or data throughput is not important, this may be advantageous.

[0181] Based on the high band power 322 and the low band power 324, it can be seen that the WTRU PC capability C provides a total (or aggregate) power 326 for the low band and high band PA operations shown by the line graphs 322 and 324. During the SAR integration period 328, the total aggregate power 326 is actually 28 dBm, exceeding PC2. The total aggregate power 326 can effectively be referred to as PC1.5.

[0182] In some implementations, the WTRU PC capability C may violate the SAR limit. In this case, the WTRU PC capability C may be applicable (e.g., only applicable) to the case where the WTRU is not within a threshold distance from a human body (e.g., based on the WTRU's sensing of the proximity of a human body).

[0183] While dynamic power aggregation is allowed, the MOP per WTRU (aggregate power class) may take different values ​​based on the active CA band combination. Each band combination may result in a different WTRU MOP as the WTRU aggregate power class. The power class may have an associated UL duty cycle that may be defined per WTRU (e.g., across all bands with active cells) or per band, for example, because SAR limits are frequency dependent.

[0184] In the context of dynamic power sharing, the signaling of WTRU aggregate power levels and related duty cycle information in the context of SAR compliance cases may be used by the BS scheduler as a basis for WTRU scaling in a CA configuration.

[0185] In some cases, it may be desirable to effectively signal changes in the WTRU power characteristics in both the power and time domains, as these characteristics may be used by the base station scheduler to adapt UL grant scheduling to dynamically changing conditions in both the available power and time domains.

[0186] 3GPP Rel-15 to Rel-17 for NR define a single SAR limit compliance mechanism. Power management maximum power reduction (P-MPR) is a power management term that reduces the maximum uplink power (P cmax ). When the P-MPR action is triggered, it can be signaled to the network (e.g., gNB) using MACCE signaling, for example, and its action is for each component carrier (CC).

[0187] P-MPR in P cmax is used in the equation, and when it provides the P cmaxThe P-MPR is significant when the reduction is generally higher than other spectral emission related reductions. The P-MPR is also relative to the WTRU Maximum Operating Power (MOP) in the frequency band to which it applies. The P-MPR is reported using the PHR (Power Headroom Report) and is used by the base station scheduler to adapt the UL grants to the available power after the P-MPR is reduced. In some implementations, the P-MPR must be higher than the sum of the MPR and the A-MPR to be significant and reported in the PHR as a P-MPR based on the P-MPR. cmax Reduce to report.

[0188] It may be desirable to signal the WTRU aggregate power level and per-band power level combination, as well as the applicable UL transmit duty cycle and configuration (e.g., where the applicable duty cycle is used in the context of a SAR compliance event). Such signaling may have the advantage of achieving higher UL CA coverage and using the entire WTRU UL power capability, for example, while maintaining SAR compliance.

[0189] Some implementations provide WTRU aggregate power classes, combinations, capabilities, and dynamic selection. For example, in some implementations, the WTRU may signal the WTRU aggregate power class to the network (e.g., as a WTRU capability). For example, in some implementations, the WTRU may signal the WTRU aggregate power class as a WTRU capability. In some implementations, the WTRU may signal the WTRU aggregate power class as a total power combination per band. In some implementations, the WTRU may indicate the maximum aggregate UL duty cycle for reference to the WTRU aggregate power class. In some implementations, the duty cycle is effective when a specific power class is used; therefore, the duty cycle is associated with a certain MOP. Different MOPs may have different associated duty cycles. Alternatively, in some implementations, the WTRU may signal the WTRU power class per band based on the band combination, for example, as a WTRU capability.

[0190] In one example, a WTRU equipped with three PAs with MOPX, Y, Z (e.g., indicated as indices, magnitudes (e.g., 23 dBm), or power classes (e.g., PC3)) on bands A, B, C (e.g., indicated as indices or bandwidths), respectively, may report the following power capabilities for UL CA combination as WTRU capabilities:

[0191] Frequency band (A+B+C) = X+Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N1%

[0192] Frequency band (A+B) = X+Y (dBm), global duty cycle = N2%

[0193] Frequency band (A+C) = X+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N3%

[0194] Band (B+C) = Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N4%

[0195] Here, N1, N2, N3, and N4 may be duty cycles or may indicate duty cycles in any suitable manner, such as by an index or by a percentage number in the range (1,100), and may be associated with full power PAs in the bands selected for P-MPR=0 dB (i.e., no P-MPR reduction is required to make the combination SAR compliant). In some implementations, the N1, N2, N3, and N4 values ​​may be determined or selected empirically; for example, based on WTRU SAR calibration and measurements in the laboratory. In one example, N1%=global duty cycle (per WTRU, not per band). Aggregating the power of the PAs for bands A, B, and C using N1% ensures that no P-MPR reduction is required. (P-MPR=0 dB).

[0196] Alternatively, the WTRU may signal the power level and band-dependent duty cycle for each band for P-MPR=0 dB SAR compliance requirements (e.g., as a WTRU capability). For example, using the above example for 3 bands, the following signaling scheme may be used:

[0197] Band (A) = X (dBm), Band duty cycle = M1%

[0198] Band (B) = Y (dBm), Band duty cycle = M2%

[0199] Band (C) = Z (dBm), Band duty cycle = M3%

[0200] Here, M1, M2, and M3 may be duty cycles or may indicate duty cycles in any suitable manner, such as by index or by percentage number in the range (0,100), and may relate to full power PA in the selected band for P-MPR=0 dB (no reduction in P-MPR is required to make the band compliant with independent SAR). In this context, compliant with SAR means that using Mi duty cycles in band "i" will ensure P-MPR=0, i.e., no power reduction is required. In other words, the average measured power density does not exceed the SAR limit.

[0201] In some embodiments, based on the band-specific signaled information, the network may calculate the combined related aggregate power level and, for fully simultaneous UL transmissions, the network may scale the Mi duty cycle for each band relative to the P-MPR WTRU reporting value or other duty cycle related information dynamically signaled by the WTRU during CA operation.

[0202] Alternatively, in some implementations, the WTRU may signal a combination of global and per-band power and duty cycle characteristics, for example, as a WTRU capability. For example, this may be done with some TDD bands supporting 26dBm and a maximum UL duty cycle (e.g., a maximum UL duty cycle of 50% in this example) when combined with other TDD bands or FDD bands. For example, using the 3-band example above, the following WTRU capability scheme may be used:

[0203] Band (A) = X (dBm), Band duty cycle = M1%

[0204] Band (B) = Y (dBm), Band duty cycle = M2%

[0205] Band (C) = Z (dBm), Band duty cycle = M3%

[0206] Frequency band (A+B+C) = X+Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N1%

[0207] Frequency band (A+B) = X+Y (dBm), global duty cycle = N2%

[0208] Frequency band (A+C) = X+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N3%

[0209] Band (B+C) = Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N4%

[0210] In some implementations, the above example combinations may cover the entire set of combinations and fallback configurations that the WTRU is capable of. In some implementations, the WTRU signals what it is capable of in the context of these combinations. For example, the maximum configuration capability may be for all 3 bands, and a 2-band combination and its characteristics may fall back from three bands to two bands, and a single band configuration may fall back from two bands.

[0211] In some implementations, a fallback configuration may be used, for example, when all cells belonging to a particular frequency band are deactivated, or when they are inactive for, for example, a threshold period of time.

[0212] In some implementations, more than one power class may be specified for the same frequency band. For example, in the example below, two power classes X1 (with 23dBm MOP) and X2 (with 26dBm MOP) are defined and may be used in different ways when creating a WTRU aggregate power class for a particular frequency band combination. For this example case, the WTRU capability may take the following form, where frequency band A has two possible values:

[0213] Band (A) = X1,1 (dBm), Band duty cycle = M1,1%

[0214] Band (A) = X1,2 (dBm), Band duty cycle = M1,2%

[0215] Band (B) = Y (dBm), Band duty cycle = M2%

[0216] Band (C) = Z (dBm), Band duty cycle = M3%

[0217] Frequency band (A+B+C) = X1,1+Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N1,1%

[0218] Frequency band (A+B+C) = X1,2+Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N1,2%

[0219] Frequency band (A+B) = X1,1 + Y (dBm), global duty cycle = N2,1%

[0220] Frequency band (A+B) = X1,2 + Y (dBm), global duty cycle = N2,2%

[0221] Frequency band (A+C) = X1,1+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N3,1%

[0222] Frequency band (A+C) = X1,2+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N3,2%

[0223] Band (B+C) = Y+Z (dBm), global duty cycle = N4%

[0224] In the above, for example, X1,1 and X1,2 are two possible power levels for frequency band A, and M1,1% and M1,2% are their associated duty cycles.

[0225] Some implementations include a global duty cycle. The global duty cycle is applied to multiple bands at the same rate. For example, for two bands, a global duty cycle of 50% will limit each aggregate band to no more than 50% of the UL transmissions in a certain time period. In some implementations, the WTRU may declare an aggregate power level that is less than the sum of the power levels of each band. For example, in the case where a 23dBm power level is combined with two 26dBm power levels and it is desired to maintain the maximum WTRU aggregate power level at 28dBm, this can be achieved by a global duty cycle that will result in an average power of 28dBm, even though 29dBm is achievable as a peak level in this case. In this example, 26dBm+26dBm=29dBm, and if this aggregated 29dBm PC is combined with another 23dBm PC, the aggregated PC exceeds 29dBm. For example, in order to keep the aggregate power level below 28dBm, a global duty cycle may be applied that keeps the average power of each WTRU below 28dBm.

[0226] In such cases, in some implementations, a global duty cycle for the WTRU aggregated PC may be defined in relation to the maximum average power of the WTRU, and separate duty cycles may be defined for SAR compliance per band and / or globally. For example, depending on the antenna design and / or SAR-related calibration in each band, different duty cycles may be determined to achieve SAR compliance. In some implementations, the duty cycle is determined globally for each WTRU (i.e., for that WTRU) across all aggregated bands. In some implementations, the duty cycle is determined for each band, for example, due to the frequency dependence of SAR (e.g., where the dielectric constant of the human body is different at different frequencies). For this exemplary case, without loss of generality, the WTRU capabilities may take the following form:

[0227] Band (A) = X (dBm), Band duty cycle = M1%

[0228] Band (B) = Y (dBm), Band duty cycle = M2%

[0229] Band (C) = Z (dBm), Band duty cycle = M3%

[0230] Band (A+B+C) = Min{X+Y+Z, W1} (dBm), Global Duty Cycle = N1%, S1%

[0231] Band (A+B) = Min{X+Y, W2} (dBm), Global Duty Cycle = N2%, S2%

[0232] Band (A+C) = Min{X+Z, W3} (dBm), Global Duty Cycle = N3%, S3%

[0233] Band (B+C) = Min{Y+Z, W4} (dBm), Global Duty Cycle = N4%, S4%

[0234] The foregoing describes a combination of bands (e.g., A, B, and / or C) with an associated power level (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z) for each band, a global power level limit of Wi, and 2 duty cycles Ni% and Si%, where Ni% corresponds to the W global limit and Si% is the duty cycle for SAR compliance. For example, where Wi is the power level for a particular combination, N1 is the global duty cycle associated with SAR compliance, and S1 is the global duty cycle for the aggregate power level measured as an average over some defined period of time.

[0235] In some implementations, for example, if the WTRU must comply with Wi aggregate power classes, the WTRU may measure the output power average and may initiate a WTRU-typical CA priority-based scaling procedure to comply with each WTRU aggregate power class during the measurement period.

[0236] Some implementations include dynamic selection of a WTRU aggregate power class and / or a WTRU band power class for a specific band or per band. For example, some implementations include UL CA configuration. Using the exemplary WTRU capabilities described above, the network (e.g., gNB) may configure a CA UL configuration that indicates a specific combination of band, per-band power class, and duty cycle. In the following description, where the term WTRU aggregate power class is used, the selection or change of the WTRU aggregate power class or the WTRU band-related power class implies a change in the applicable global duty cycle, band-related duty cycle, or both. For example, for a specific UL CA combination, the WTRU may declare a duty cycle per band or a global duty cycle for a combination of bands associated with a specific aggregate power class. In this case, if the gNB changes the combination by reconfiguration, the newly selected combination will change these parameters accordingly. Therefore, if the reconfiguration results in a new combination of aggregate power parameters, this means a change according to the newly selected capability.

[0237] In some implementations, for example, in response to receiving a CA configuration, the WTRU may use the per-band power level indicated by the CA configuration (or in the WTRU capability information, or in another suitable manner) to, for example, calculate the P per CC in their band. CMAX (P cmax,c ), used to calculate the relevant PHR, and / or based on P cmax,c and the WTRU aggregate power class or P per WTRU cmax Scaling is performed in the physical layer. In some implementations, P is reported in the PHR.cmax In some embodiments, P cmax Based on the power level of each frequency band (e.g., defined by an equation that includes the power level of each frequency band). In some implementations, P is used in channel power allocation in the physical layer. cmax In some implementations, if the required power allocation exceeds P cmax If the UL power is limited, the UL power is scaled.

[0238] In some implementations, the selection of the WTRU aggregate power level and the per-band power level for network signaling may be related to the WTRU location in the cell. In some implementations, the location of the WTRU in the cell may be determined, for example, by RSRP measurements reported by the WTRU.

[0239] For example, in some implementations, a WTRU that reports a strong RSRP and is close to the cell center may not need the highest capable WTRU aggregate power level. Therefore, after receiving the UL CA configuration, the WTRU may start at a default power level, which may be a legacy or lowest aggregate power level. In some implementations, the default UL CA power level is known to the gNB (e.g., based on a standard specification). In some implementations, the aggregate UL CA power level may require a WTRU capability declaration. In some implementations, the WTRU selects an appropriate UL CA configuration based on a threshold RSRP. In some implementations, a WTRU that is closer to a cell edge (or, for example, further away from the cell center) may require a higher WTRU aggregate power level.

[0240] In some implementations, if the WTRU supports multiple WTRU aggregate power classes, a new RRC event may be created for the WTRU aggregate power class change and the new RRC event may be triggered by the RSRP threshold. In some such implementations, the network may configure the WTRU with CA and RSRP thresholds that may trigger the power class change event. In some implementations, the power class change event may be configured for each frequency band and may be configured for the case where the WTRU capability includes more than one power class for a single frequency band. For example, if two aggregate power classes are declared (e.g., PC3 with 100% duty cycle and PC2 with 50% duty cycle in one frequency band), the frequency band may be aggregated with another frequency band declared to support only PC3. In some implementations, this may provide more than one (two in this example) combination for a given aggregation. In some implementations, the power class change event may be configured with a timer or other mechanism for tracking the time of the event (e.g., as a "trigger time"), which may be reset if the measurement falls below the trigger threshold for a specified duration. In some implementations, in response to a trigger condition being reached, the WTRU may signal a power level change event (e.g., to the gNB). In the signaling message, the WTRU may include a new recommended power level for a particular frequency band or for the frequency band for which the measurement event has been triggered. Alternatively, the WTRU may index the entry from its declared aggregate power capability or any other suitable indication of the recommended power level.

[0241] In some implementations, in response to receiving a signaled event, the network (e.g., gNB) may send an acknowledgement (e.g., in a message) to the WTRU. In the message, the network (e.g., gNB) may indicate a preferred aggregate power class band combination (e.g., from a list provided in the WTRU capability information). In some implementations, the indication is a command to the WTRU to use the aggregate power class combination. In some implementations, the acknowledgement, and in some implementations, may include an activation time for the aggregate power class combination. In some implementations, the activation time may be indicated in any suitable manner, such as a frame number, a timeslot number, or an indication that may be interpreted as a "next UL grant." In some implementations, the network may reconfigure the power class change event based on the WTRU power capabilities.

[0242] In some implementations, in response to receiving a message from the network specifying a new aggregate power level, the WTRU may apply the new received configuration, for example, according to the indicated activation timing or at the next UL grant.

[0243] Figure 44 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary power class change operation. Note that any step or portion of the steps may be omitted or rearranged. In step 410, the WTRU enters connected mode. In step 420, the network (e.g., gNB) configures UL CA for the WTRU, for example, using one of the declared WTRU aggregate power classes (i.e., one of the WTRU aggregate power classes in the WTRU capability list) or a default WTRU aggregate power class. In step 430, the WTRU is configured with measurement events for power class changes. In step 440, the WTRU operates in UL CA mode and measures RSRP based on the measurement events. Under condition 450 that the power class change event is not triggered, the WTRU continues to measure RSRP at step 440.

[0244] Under condition 450 that triggers a power class change event, the WTRU sends a message to the network indicating the power class change event, and the network sends a message to the WTRU indicating the new WTRU aggregate power class combination, in step 460, the network reconfigures the power class change event, in step 470, and the WTRU applies the new configuration, in step 480. The flow then returns to step 440, where the WTRU operates in UL CA and measures RSRP.

[0245] Alternatively, in some implementations, the network may dynamically change the WTRU aggregate power level, for example, in response to receiving a PHR signaling 0 dB power or a negative headroom. In some such implementations, in response to receiving a PHR indicating 0 dB or a negative headroom, the network may signal the WTRU aggregate power level change.

[0246] The power level change may be signaled by the network in any suitable manner, such as a physical layer flag or indication along a DCI UL grant, a MAC CE based command for the WTRU aggregate power level, and / or RRC signaling as a new aggregate power level combination.

[0247] In some implementations, in response to receiving a WTRU aggregate power level change command (e.g., a message from the gNB in ​​RRC or PDCCH), the WTRU may send an acknowledgment (ACK) to the network and the change may be implemented, for example, starting from the next valid UL grant or starting at the next repeated grant (if the command is received in the middle of a repeated bundle). Alternatively, in some implementations, the activation time of the new aggregate power level combination may be signaled as a frame number, a timeslot number.

[0248] In some implementations, the aggregate power class change may be triggered by the WTRU; for example, as a PHR, for example, where the threshold may be a headroom level that may be configurable by the network. Such a PHR may be referred to as an enhanced PHR. In some implementations, in the enhanced PHR, the WTRU may include a pointer to the desired WTRU aggregate power class combination from its declared capabilities, or it may explicitly indicate a band specific power class change. In some implementations, the triggered enhanced PHR may indicate the current headroom for the active power class per band or globally, and / or a virtual headroom for a new combination that the WTRU desires to signal.

[0249] Some implementations include uplink transmission configurations for power class combinations. In some implementations, the WTRU may receive an associated transmission configuration, for example, for each power class combination or aggregate power class. In some implementations, the transmission configuration associated with the power class combination may be configured for each serving cell, UL carrier, and / or UL bandwidth, and in some implementations may include one or more of the following parameters: a time pattern or mask indicating when UL transmissions are allowed; a time pattern or mask indicating when DL transmissions are allowed; a TDD UL / DL timeslot configuration; an uplink resource set; a power control configuration associated with at least one of the uplink resources; and / or a downlink resource set. In some implementations where the transmission configuration associated with the power class combination includes an uplink resource set, such uplink resources may include or indicate one or more of the following: a configuration grant configuration, a PUSCH configuration including a TDRA table, a CSI reporting configuration, an SRS resource, a PUCCH resource for SR, CSI, or HARQ-ACK, and / or a PRACH resource. In some embodiments in which the transmission configuration associated with the power class combination includes a set of downlink resources, such downlink resources may include or indicate one or more of: -RS for CSI reporting, beam failure detection or recovery, radio link monitoring and measurement, PRS, PDCCH and / or associated Coreset and / or PDSCH (e.g., for semi-persistent scheduling).

[0250] In response to switching power class combinations (or aggregated power classes), the WTRU may apply the transmission configuration associated with the new (i.e., switched to) power class. For example, if the transmission configuration indicates when UL transmissions are allowed (e.g., includes a time pattern indicating when UL transmissions are allowed), the WTRU may only consider uplink resources that overlap with the time pattern as available for transmission. In some implementations, the WTRU may also apply the power control configuration included in the transmission configuration associated with the new power class and other parameters (such as a TDRA table).

[0251] Some implementations include UL CA-CC activation and / or deactivation. In some implementations, if the network signals CC activation and / or deactivation, the WTRU may fall back to a new WTRU aggregate power level or WTRU band power level in some cases.

[0252] For example, in some implementations, if the WTRU has a dual-band UL CA configuration and a CC in one band is deactivated, the WTRU may fall back (e.g., automatically fall back) to the remaining active band effective power level with its associated duty cycle (if declared).

[0253] Alternatively, the network may signal the WTRU aggregate power class and / or one or more frequency bands associated with the WTRU power class usage along with CC activation and / or deactivation. In response to receiving the signal, the WTRU may apply the WTRU aggregate power class and / or one or more frequency bands associated with the WTRU power class usage after sending an acknowledgement to the network (e.g., to the gNB).

[0254] In some implementations, if CC activation / deactivation triggers a PHR, new WTRU aggregate power level and WTRU per-band power level assumptions may be used to calculate the per-CC PHR.

[0255] For UL CA, some implementations include automatic fallback to default power level and other special cases. For example, in some implementations, if some or all CCs in the CA configuration CC have P cmax If the WTRU is restricted, for example, due to coexistence issues or other regulatory restrictions (e.g., hospitals in certain countries or other restricted areas with reduced per WTRU capacity), the WTRU may fall back to normal operation at the default band power level and WTRU band-dependent power based on the cell-indicated power limit. In some implementations, this may occur in response to switching to a target cell configuration with per-WTRU power limits, where resources are operating under UL CA with enhanced WTRU aggregate power levels.

[0256] In some implementations, if P cmax,c,h If the limit results in a power reduction, the WTRU may continue to operate the other UL unaffected bands to their band-related power levels and duty cycles according to the aggregate power level of the active WTRUs in operation, unless the network signals a change. cmax,c,h Indicator P cmax,c upper limit.

[0257] In some implementations, the WTRU may dynamically use the remaining headroom of the restricted band power for other bands / cells.

[0258] Some implementations include selection of WTRU aggregate power level and SAR compliant duty cycle. For example, some implementations include activation of SAR duty cycle. In some implementations, the network may select WTRU aggregate power level based on UL CA efficiency when more power is available. For example, in some such cases, if the WTRU is not SAR constrained (i.e., where the proximity of a human body is not detected), the WTRU may use a higher modulation order and a shorter transmission period (lower latency).

[0259] In some implementations, in response to a SAR event (i.e., in the case where the WTRU detects proximity to a human body), the WTRU may include a flag (e.g., in a PHR) and a PHR of the affected CC or CCs. cmax For example, in some implementations, in case the WTRU operates under normal UL CA parameters (i.e., meaning there is no operational SAR-related duty cycle), the WTRU may send a PHR indicating the actual applied P-MPR for each CC in response to a SAR-related triggering event. In some implementations, in response to receiving a PHR signaling P-MPR, the network may send a WTRU aggregate power level and / or WTRU band power level activation and may also include the applicable and / or WTRU declared duty cycle in its capabilities to the WTRU (e.g., in a reconfiguration or MAC CE activation).

[0260] In some implementations, the activation command for the new power and / or time configuration may be a MAC CE activation command, which may include a pointer to an indication of the duty cycle configuration, or an explicit duty cycle value. In some implementations, in response to receiving the WTRU aggregate power level and duty cycle activation, the WTRU may acknowledge the activation command (e.g., acknowledge the MAC CE command) and may begin applying the new power level aggregation parameters at the first UL grant received after the acknowledgement. Alternatively, in some implementations, the network (e.g., gNB) may indicate (e.g., in the activation command (e.g., MAC CE activation command)) the activation time as a frame number or timeslot number offset calculated from the timeslot at which the activation command was received.

[0261] Alternatively, in some implementations, the network (e.g., gNB) may send a physical layer command (e.g., DCI in a PDCCH command) for WTRU aggregate power level and duty cycle activation. In some implementations, the physical layer command may be sent as or via a DCI command that may carry a bit combination pointing to the WTRU aggregate power level and associated duty cycle. Upon acknowledging the command, the WTRU may start applying the new power level aggregation parameters at the first UL grant received after the acknowledgment. Alternatively, there may be an activation time as a specification defined as a slot offset, or an explicit activation time as a frame number or a slot offset.

[0262] In some implementations, in response to activation or a new power and duty cycle configuration, the WTRU may be configured with a different set of conditions, time periods, and / or timers, or may switch the PHR trigger to a different set of conditions, time periods, and / or timers that may better reflect the new power configuration versus SAR condition control. In some implementations, the PHR parameter configuration may be linked to a list of available power configurations from the WTRU's declared aggregate power capability list.

[0263] In some implementations, in response to a SAR event being triggered, the WTRU may send (e.g., in a PHR) an indication of an explicitly suggested new WTRU aggregate power combination, and possibly an indication of an associated duty cycle. In some implementations, the duty cycle may be WTRU global, per WTRU duty cycle (i.e., the duty cycle applied to each WTRU aggregate power declared in the WTRU capabilities), or per active band power and preferred duty cycle (i.e., the per band duty cycle applied to cells with UL transmissions in a particular band). Alternatively, in some implementations, the WTRU may signal a new suggested power and / or duty cycle combination using an indication and / or pointer to a list of WTRU aggregate power capabilities.

[0264] In some implementations, in response to receiving the enhanced PHR, the network may confirm the PHR / MAC CE or may indicate a different power and / or duty cycle configuration and may indicate an activation time which may be implicit (e.g., as a slot number or frame number based on the specification) or explicit (e.g., as a frame number or slot). In some implementations, the WTRU may apply the new configuration at the appropriate time (i.e., the activation time indicated by the network) and may start using the new power assumptions for UL CA operation. Alternatively, in some implementations, the activation time may be the next available UL grant (e.g., implicitly).

[0265] Some implementations include power control for dynamic WTRU aggregate power changes. For example, some implementations include physical layer scaling rules. For example, in some implementations, the WTRU typically evaluates the P in each UL transmission slot. cmax In some implementations, the P of each carrier is evaluated for the WTRU power level. cmax,c Therefore, in some implementations, the P of the CA situation is evaluated. cmax CA, and the WTRU complies with the corresponding upper and lower power limits. In some implementations, the WTRU performs scaling operations in the physical layer and calculates the power headroom for each carrier based on these per CC and CA related limits.

[0266] In some implementations, for example, for coexistence reasons, the MOP for each band may remain the same, since all parameters such as MPR, A-MPR are defined for the MOP / band. This may be referred to as the WTRU band power class. In some implementations, under these conditions, the P per carrier is cmax,c May not be changed. In some implementations, 26dBm (PC2) and 23dBm (PC3) are as specified in the standard specification.

[0267] In some implementations, the global WTRU power level operation is modified. This may be referred to as the WTRU aggregate power level. cmax The upper limit (i.e., P cmax,H ) where the sum or weighted sum of the MOPS per band may be a limit within a certain tolerance.

[0268] In some implementations, if the WTRU operates at a new WTRU aggregate power level or a newly defined WTRU aggregate power limit, the UL CA P cmax,H may be changed accordingly and all current UL CA scaling rules may be applied to this new P for each WTRU. cmax To apply, where P cmax,c,h Indicator P cmax,c upper limit.

[0269] Some implementations include PHR report calculations. For example, when operating at a higher maximum WTRU aggregate power under UL CA, the WTRU may use the current PHR,c calculation rule for each CC, e.g., because P cmax,c Definitions are not expected to change.

[0270] Some implementations include actual power headroom calculation. In some implementations, due to the new UL CA WTRU aggregate power and related SAR duty cycle behavior, the WTRU may calculate a per-WTRU power headroom report that takes into account all active UL transmissions in a timeslot or overlapping timeslots for the WTRU aggregate power level or specification defined limits. In such cases, the report may be referred to as a per-WTRU actual power headroom report.

[0271] Some implementations include virtual power headroom calculation. In some implementations, since the WTRU and / or the network (e.g., gNB) may dynamically signal a new per-WTRU aggregate power combination, the WTRU may calculate a per-WTRU virtual power headroom report that may use the current UL grant for one or more time slots using a recommended WTRU aggregate power level or a defined limit.

[0272]

[00136] Some implementations include a new power headroom calculation with average power. In some implementations, assuming that the duty cycle may be active, the WTRU may calculate the power headroom using the average power over a specific period of time. The period of average power calculation may be configurable by the network along with the PHR parameters. The power headroom may be band specific or per WTRU.

[0273] In some implementations, for example, when a SAR event is triggered, a SAR indicator and / or flag may be added to the PHR. In some implementations, a P-MPR value, a recommended WTRU aggregate power level and / or limit combination, and / or one or more duty cycles are added to the PHR. Alternatively, in some implementations, when a SAR event is triggered, a virtual power headroom for each WTRU using a recommended duty cycle is indicated in the report.

[0274] The following example shows dynamic switching between power level combinations.

[0275] First, the WTRU may determine at least one possible "power level combination". The power level combination may include, for example, applicable frequency bands and / or carrier sets; maximum transmit power; and / or maximum duty cycle and applicable time period. For example, the WTRU may report a first power level combination of 23dBm with a 100% duty cycle and a second power level combination of 26dBm with a 50% duty cycle for a given frequency band.

[0276] Next, the WTRU may report at least one possible power class combination. In some implementations, the power class combination is reported as a WTRU capability.

[0277] Next, the WTRU may receive (e.g., in response to a report) a configuration for at least one uplink transmission configuration. The configuration may include, for example: an associated power level combination; a time pattern or mask indicating when UL transmission is allowed; an uplink resource set (e.g., including configuration grant configuration, CSI report configuration, TDRA table, SRS resources, SR resources, etc.); and / or at least one uplink transmission configuration may be configured by serving cell, UL carrier, and / or UL bandwidth portion.

[0278] Next, the WTRU determines an initial power class combination (eg, a default power class combination indicated by the configuration). For example, the WTRU may determine the initial power class combination to be 23 dBm with 100% duty cycle.

[0279] Next, the WTRU triggers and transmits a PHR. For example, the trigger may be based on an existing or new PHR trigger (eg, where the PHR is below a threshold).

[0280] Next, the WTRU receives an indication of a change in the power level combination. In some implementations, the indication may be received as a MAC CE. For example, the indication may indicate a new power level combination of 26 dBm and 50% duty cycle.

[0281] Next, the WTRU may switch to an uplink transmission configuration associated with the indicated, changed power level combination. For example, the WTRU may apply the configured time mask to all UL transmissions of the serving cell based on the symbol-wise bitmap. The configured time mask may be applicable, for example, to at least one serving cell.

[0282] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary power level change operation. Figure 5 All of the various operations described may include operations as previously discussed, for example, with respect to SAR event triggering. In this example, the WTRU transmits an indication of multiple aggregated PC configurations to the network (e.g., to the gNB). Under condition 520 that a triggering event (e.g., a SAR trigger) occurs, in step 530, the WTRU transmits a request to the network indicating a first aggregated PC configuration among multiple aggregated PC configurations. In response to the request, the WTRU may receive an indication of the first aggregated PC configuration (e.g., as a confirmation) or may receive an indication of a different aggregated PC configuration. In this example, in step 540, the WTRU receives an indication of a second aggregated PC configuration in response to the request, and in some embodiments the WTRU confirms the indication. In step 550, the WTRU transmits a transmission based on the indicated aggregated PC configuration (in this example, the second aggregated PC configuration).

[0283] In some implementations, the request indicating a first aggregated PC configuration from among a plurality of aggregated PC configurations is a suggestion to the network. In some implementations, the network selects an aggregated PC configuration for the WTRU. In some implementations, the network selects an aggregated PC configuration for the WTRU based on the suggestion. In some implementations, the network selects an aggregated PC configuration for the WTRU from among a plurality of aggregated PC configurations transmitted by the WTRU.

[0284] Although features and elements are described above in specific combinations, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. In addition, the methods described herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic signals (transmitted via a wired or wireless connection) and computer-readable storage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media (such as built-in hard disks and removable disks), magneto-optical media, and optical media (such as CD-ROM disks and digital versatile disks (DVDs)). A processor associated with the software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for a WTRU, UE, terminal, base station, RNC, or any host computer.

Claims

1. A method implemented in a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the method comprising: transmitting information indicating at least one power class capability of the WTRU, each of the at least one power class capability indicating a maximum power for a frequency band or a combination of frequency bands and a duty cycle associated with the maximum power; as well as transmitting a power headroom report (PHR) in response to a triggering event triggering a change in the maximum power associated with a first power class capability of the at least one power class capability, the PHR indicating the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability; wherein said indication of said change in said maximum power associated with said first power class capability indicates a maximum power change for a frequency band combination; and Wherein the triggering event comprises exceeding the duty cycle associated with the maximum power of the first power level capability. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the change in the maximum power associated with the first power level capability is 3 db.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the PHR indicates the maximum power of the serving cell (P cmax,c ).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the indicated P cmax,c Based on the power level of each frequency band.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the indicated P cmax,c Based on the changing of the maximum power associated with the first power class capability. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the PHR indicates a power headroom value. 7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the power headroom value is based on the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability indicates an aggregate power class.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability indicates a power limit.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the PHR indicates a duty cycle.

11. A wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), the WTRU comprising: circuitry configured to transmit information indicating at least one power class capability of the WTRU, each of the at least one power class capability indicating a maximum power for a frequency band or combination of frequency bands and a duty cycle associated with the maximum power; and circuitry configured to transmit a power headroom report (PHR) in response to a triggering event triggering a change in the maximum power associated with a first power class capability of the at least one power class capability, the PHR indicating the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability; wherein said indication of said change in said maximum power associated with said first power class capability indicates a maximum power change for a frequency band combination; and Wherein the triggering event comprises exceeding the duty cycle associated with the maximum power of the first power level capability.

12. The WTRU of claim 11, wherein the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability is 3 dB.

13. The WTRU of claim 11 or 12, wherein the PHR indicates a serving cell maximum power (P cmax,c ).

14. The WTRU of claim 13, wherein the indicated P cmax,c Based on the power level of each frequency band.

15. The WTRU of claim 13, wherein the indicated P cmax,c Based on the changing of the maximum power associated with the first power class capability.

16. The WTRU of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the PHR indicates a power headroom value.

17. The WTRU of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the power headroom value is based on the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability.

18. The WTRU of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability indicates an aggregate power class.

19. The WTRU of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the indication of the change in the maximum power associated with the first power class capability indicates a power limit.

20. The WTRU of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the PHR indicates a duty cycle.

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