Enhanced channel estimation in telecommunication systems

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a wireless network node, a configuration that configures the apparatus to transmit an uplink transmission using at least two different sets of reference signal resources, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different sets of power control parameters; means for determining a mapping mode for transmitting an uplink transmission using at least two different sets of reference signal resources, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different sets of power control parameters, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether the joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and means for transmitting an uplink transmission using at least two different sets of reference signal resources, at least two different spatial settings or at least two different sets of power control parameters according to the determined mapping mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate generally to telecommunication systems, and more particularly to enabling joint channel estimation in such systems. Background Art

[0002] Channel estimation can be used to enhance the operation of wireless communication systems. For example, channel estimation can be used in various cellular communication networks, such as cellular communication networks operating according to 5G radio access technology. 5G radio technology may also be referred to as new radio NR access technology. The Third Generation Partnership Project 3GPP has developed the 5G / NR standard, and one of the topics under discussion in 3GPP involves joint channel estimation. Based on these discussions, it is necessary to provide enhanced methods, devices and computer programs related to joint channel estimation in cellular communication networks. This enhancement is also beneficial in other wireless communication networks (for example, in future 6G networks). Summary of the invention

[0003] According to some aspects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some exemplary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] The scope of protection sought by various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth by the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be construed as useful examples for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving from a wireless network node a configuration that configures the apparatus to use at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets to send uplink transmissions; a component for determining a mapping mode for sending uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and a component for sending uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode. The apparatus of the first aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed in the apparatus.

[0006] Example embodiments of the first aspect may include at least one feature from the following list or any combination of the following features:

[0007] · Wherein the uplink transmission comprises a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition, and the reference signal resource set comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource set.

[0008] • Wherein the uplink transmission includes a Physical Uplink Control Channel PUCCH repetition.

[0009] The apparatus further comprises a method for determining, depending at least on a duplex mode configured for the apparatus, for transmitting at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different

[0010] A component of a spatial setting or mapping pattern of at least two different power control parameter sets. Wherein the duplex mode is time division duplex TDD or frequency division duplex FDD.

[0011] The apparatus further comprises means for determining, when joint channel estimation is enabled for the apparatus, that a mapping mode comprises: using a first reference signal set or a first spatial setting or a first power control parameter set on a first group of time slots; and using a second reference signal set or a second spatial setting or a second power control parameter set on a second group of time slots, wherein the number of the first group of time slots and the number of the second group of time slots are greater than two, and the second group of time slots follows the first group of time slots.

[0012] ●Wherein, when one TDD mode is configured for the device, the number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the length of one cycle of the TDD mode; or when two TDD modes are configured for the device, the number of the first group of time slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the first TDD mode, and the number of the second group of time slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the second TDD mode.

[0013] wherein the number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the TDD mode; or when two TDD modes are configured for the device, the number of the first group of time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the first TDD mode, and the number of the second group of time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the second TDD mode.

[0014] • Wherein the number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the length of a nominal time domain window configured for the device.

[0015] • Wherein the number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is configured by the radio network node using Radio Resource Control RRC signaling.

[0016] • wherein the first group of time slots is within a first actual time domain window and the second group of time slots is within a second actual time domain window.

[0017] • Wherein the time slots in the first group of time slots and the second group of time slots are consecutive time slots.

[0018] The time slots in the first group of time slots and the second group of time slots are time slots that can be used for uplink transmission.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for sending a configuration to a user equipment UE to configure the UE to send uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets; a component for determining a mapping mode for receiving using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and a component for receiving uplink transmissions using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode. The apparatus of the second aspect may be a radio network node or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when it is installed in a radio network node.

[0020] According to a third aspect, a first method is provided, comprising: receiving, by an apparatus, from a radio network node, a configuration configuring the apparatus to send uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining, by the apparatus, a mapping pattern for sending using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping pattern depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; and sending, by the apparatus, uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping pattern. The first method may be performed by a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed in the apparatus.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, a second method is provided, comprising: sending, by the apparatus, to a user equipment UE, a configuration to configure the UE to send an uplink transmission using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining, by the apparatus, means for receiving using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; and receiving, by the apparatus, the uplink transmission using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode. The second method may be performed by a radio network node or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed in a radio network node.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, at least one memory and computer program code configured to, together with at least one processing core, enable the apparatus to at least receive from a wireless network node a configuration that configures the apparatus to use at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets to send an uplink transmission; determine a mapping mode for sending the uplink transmission using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus, and send the uplink transmission using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode. The apparatus of the fifth aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed in the apparatus.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus to at least send to a user equipment UE a configuration configuring the UE to use at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets to send uplink transmissions, determine a mapping mode for receiving using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE, and receive uplink transmissions using one of the at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode. The apparatus of the second aspect may be a radio network node or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when it is installed in a radio network node.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer-readable instruction set stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the device to at least perform a first method. According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer-readable instruction set stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the device to at least perform a second method.

[0025] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program, comprising instructions, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform a first method. According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program, comprising instructions, which, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform a second method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates examples of network scenarios according to at least some example embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 Examples of PUSCH repetition according to at least some example embodiments are shown;

[0028] Figure 3 An example of nTDW determination for joint channel estimation according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 An example of aTDW determination for joint channel estimation is shown according to at least some example embodiments;

[0030] Figure 5 An example TDD mode determination is shown according to at least some example embodiments;

[0031] Figure 6 A first example of a round-robin and sequential mapping mode is shown according to at least some example embodiments;

[0032] Figure 7 A second example of a round-robin and sequential mapping mode is shown in accordance with at least some example embodiments;

[0033] Figure 8 shows a signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments;

[0034] Fig. 9 An example apparatus capable of supporting at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0035] Fig.10 A flow chart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Channel estimation can be enhanced by the process described herein. More specifically, channel estimation can be enhanced by enabling and / or optimizing joint channel estimation. A mapping mode can be determined for mapping in at least two reference signal resource sets (such as sounding reference signal SRS resource sets), depending on whether the joint channel estimation is enabled for a device (such as a user equipment UE). For example, if the joint channel estimation is enabled for the device, the mapping mode can be determined according to a conventional process, and the conventional process can be applied to the selection between a cyclic mapping mode and a sequential mapping mode. On the other hand, if the joint channel estimation is enabled for the device, the mapping mode may include using a first reference signal set on a first group of consecutive time slots and using a second reference signal set on a second group of consecutive time slots. In this case, the mapping mode may also depend on the duplex mode configured for the device.

[0037] Figure 1 Examples of network scenarios according to at least some example embodiments are shown. Figure 1 In an example scenario, there may be a beam-based wireless communication system including a UE 110, a radio network node 120, and a core network element 130. The UE 110 may connect to the radio network node 120 via an air interface using beams 112 and 114 simultaneously or one at a time.

[0038] UE 110 may include, for example, a smartphone, a cellular phone, a machine-to-machine (M2M) node, a machine-type communication (MTC) node, a node, an Internet of Things (IoT) node, an automobile telemetry unit, a laptop, a tablet, or virtually any type of suitable wireless terminal. Figure 1In the example system of , UE 110 may wirelessly communicate with radio network node 120, for example, via beam 112 and / or beam 114. Radio network node 120 may be considered a serving node for UE 110, and one cell of radio network node 120 may be a serving cell for UE 110.

[0039] The air interface between the UE 110 and the radio network node 120 may be configured according to the radio access technology RAT that both the UE 110 and the radio network node 120 are configured to support. Examples of cellular RATs include Long Term Evolution LTE, New Radio NR, which may also be referred to as fifth generation 5G radio access technology, and MulteFire.

[0040] For example, in the context of LTE, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as an eNB, while in the context of NR, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as a gNB. In some example embodiments, the radio network node 120 may be referred to as a transmission and reception point TRP, or control multiple TRPs that may or may not be co-located. In any case, the example embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular wireless technology. Rather, the example embodiments may be utilized in any wireless communication system in which joint channel estimation is used.

[0041] The radio network node 120 may be connected to the core network 130 via an interface 125 directly or via at least one intermediate node. The core network 130 may also be connected to another network ( Figure 1 The radio network node 120 may be coupled to the core network 130 or to another core network directly or via at least one intermediate node, via which connection to a further network may be obtained, for example via a global interconnected network.

[0042] For example, in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP Release 15 / 16, uplink transport blocks may be sent in each uplink (or special) time slot via the physical uplink shared channel PUSCH. In other words, resource allocation for a single PUSCH transmission may be restricted to a time slot. Therefore, a feature called PUSCH aggregation, which may be referred to as PUSCH repetition type A to avoid confusion with the PUSCH repetition type B feature for ultra-reliable low-latency applications introduced in 3GPP Release 16, was first specified in 3GPP Release 15, and further enhanced in 3GPP Release 16 / 17.

[0043] PUSCH repetition type A can be used to allow the transmission of a transport block within a time slot to be repeated multiple times across K time slots. For example, the number of repetitions K can be configured by the radio network node 120 via radio resource control RRC signaling. According to 3GPP version 15 / 16, the K time slots must be continuous. The same resource allocation for PUSCH can be applied across the K consecutive time slots, which means that the same starting symbol S and length L should be applied to each PUSCH in the K consecutive time slots. If the number of available symbols for uplink transmission in a time slot of the K consecutive time slots is less than L, for example due to overlap with downlink symbols, PUSCH repetitions are not sent in the time slot. The repetition counter can be updated anyway, which means that the time slot will still be counted in the K PUSCH repetitions.

[0044] Figure 2 An example of PUSCH repetition is shown. More specifically, Figure 2 An example of PUSCH repetition is shown, such as type A in 3GPP Release 15 / 16, with K=4, S=5 and L=7, and DDSUU (10D:2G:2U) time division duplex TDD mode. When the indicated number of repetitions K=4, 4 consecutive time slots are counted, but the repetitions are only sent on two of the time slots due to overlap with the downlink time slots. Figure 2 In the example, the time slot type is represented by 210 and the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbol index is represented by 220.

[0045] Joint channel estimation for PUSCH and physical uplink control channel PUCCH coverage enhancement may be used to allow a radio network node 120 (such as a gNB) to jointly process demodulation reference signals DM-RS from multiple PUSCH or PUCCH transmissions in order to improve uplink channel estimation performance. Joint channel estimation for PUSCH and PUCCH may also be referred to as a DM-RS bundling feature. In the case of joint channel estimation, the UE 110 should be able to ensure power consistency and phase continuity across DM-RS symbols to be used by the radio network node 120 for joint channel estimation. In order to align the understanding between the UE 110 and the radio network node 120 on which the DM-RS symbols are bundled, a time domain window TDW may be used to define the duration for which the UE 110 must maintain power consistency and phase continuity across DM-RS symbols for PUSCH or PUCCH transmissions.

[0046] TDW determination may include two steps. As a first step, one or more nominal TDWs nTDW may be determined. The nTDW may cover the entire PUSCH repetition, a transport block over multiple slots, or a PUCCH repetition. Thus, the radio network node 120 may first configure a nominal window of length L starting from the first slot of a PUSCH or PUCCH transmission, and the length L may be counted in multiple consecutive slots. The nTDW may be repeated across the entire PUSCH or PUCCH transmission.

[0047] Figure 3 An example of nTDW determination for joint channel estimation is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the determination of nTDW can be different for different counting methods. Figure 3 In the time slot type, Figure 2 In addition, the first nTDW is represented by 310 and the second nTDW is represented by 320.

[0048] The counting method for PUSCH repetition may be based on consecutive time slots, and in this case, the nTDW may always be back-to-back. On the other hand, if the counting method for PUSCH repetition is based on available time slots, if it is a transport block transmission on multiple time slots, or if it is a PUCCH repetition, which may all be counted on available time slots, the next nTDW may be determined based on available time slots. More specifically, in this case, the starting point of the next nTDW may be the first available time slot after the last time slot of the previous nTDW. The length L may be configured using RRC signaling and is not greater than a maximum value Lmax, where the value Lmax depends on the capabilities of the UE 110. If the value L is not configured, it may be calculated as the minimum of the value Lmax and the duration in consecutive time slots of the entire PUSCH or PUCCH transmission.

[0049] As a second step, one or more actual TDWs, i.e., aTDWs, may be determined in each nTDW. The rationale for this step is that, although multiple nTDWs cover the entire duration of a PUSCH transmission or PUCCH repetition, there are some events that may occur and destroy the power consistency and phase continuity within each nTDW. Therefore, if such an event occurs, the nTDW may be split into several aTDWs, and the UE 110 may only need to maintain the power consistency and phase continuity within each aTDW.

[0050] Figure 4 An example of aTDW determination for joint channel estimation is shown. More specifically, Figure 4 As shown, aTDW can be determined as follows. Figure 4 In the above example, nTDW is composed of Figure 3In addition, aTDW in units of consecutive symbols is represented by 410 , a first aTDW is represented by 420 , and a second aTDW is represented by 430 .

[0051] In the absence of events, aTDW may be almost equal to nTDW, except that aTDW may be counted in symbols instead of slots. More specifically, the start of the first aTDW may be the first symbol of the first PUSCH or PUCCH transmission within nTDW, and the end of the last aTDW may be the last symbol of the last PUSCH or PUCCH transmission within nTDW. However, if an event exists, the end of one aTDW may be the last symbol of the PUSCH or PUCCH transmission before the event, and the start of the subsequent aTDW may be the first symbol of the PUSCH or PUCCH transmission after the event.

[0052] For example, events according to which power consistency and phase continuity are interrupted may be defined in Section 6.1.7 in 3GPP TS 38.214Rel-17 and include at least:

[0053] ● For any two consecutive PUSCH transmissions of PUSCH repetition type A, or PUSCH repetition type B, and when the two SRS resource sets are configured in srs-ResourceSetToAddModList or srs-ResourceSetToAddModListDCI-0-2 with the higher layer parameter usage setting in the SRS-ResourceSet set set set to "codebook" or "non-codebook", according to section 6.1.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214, different SRS resource set associations are used for the two PUSCH transmissions of PUSCH repetition type A or PUSCH repetition type B;

[0054] For any two consecutive PUCCH transmissions of a PUCCH repetition, and when the PUCCH resources used by the UE 110 for the PUCCH transmissions of the repetitions include first and second spatial relationships or first and second sets of power control parameters, as described in 3GPP TS 38.321 and Section 7.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.213, different spatial relationships or different power control parameters may be used for the two PUCCH transmissions of the PUCCH repetitions in accordance with Section 9.2.6 of 3GPP TS 38.213.

[0055] In case of TDD configuration, such as in 5G NR, the uplink / downlink transmission mode can be configured by tdd-UL-DLConfigurationCommon, which can be broadcast as part of the system information block SIB1. The uplink / downlink can be further improved by the tdd-UL-DLConfigurationDedicated configuration. Up to two modes (Mode 1 and Mode 2) can be configured using tdd-UL-DLConfigurationCommon, each mode including, for example, parameters such as dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity in ms, which can be converted into multiple time slots using the reference subcarrier spacing nrofDownlinkSlot, nrofDownlinkSymbols, nrofDownlinkSymbols and nrofUplinkSlots.

[0056] Figure 5 An example TDD mode determination is shown according to at least some example embodiments. Figure 5 In the example, nrofUplinkSymbols is represented by 510 , nrofDownlinkSlots is represented by 520 , nrofUplinkSlots is represented by 530 , nrofDownlinkSymbols is represented by 540 , and dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity is represented by 550 .

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the example of , parameters can be configured in tdd-UL-DL-ConfigurationCommon for a mode determined by TDD mode, where D, F, and U represent downlink, flexible, and uplink time slots / symbols, respectively. If two modes are configured (i.e., both mode 1 and mode 2 are included in tdd-UL-DLConfigurationCommon), the second mode can follow the first mode, and the pair of modes can be repeated with a period equal to the sum of the dl-UL-TransmissionPeriodicity parameters configured in mode 1 and mode 2.

[0058] In 3GPP Release 17, a multi-TRPm-TRP feature may be introduced to provide the possibility of sending different PUSCH repetitions to different TRPs. The transmission of different PUSCH repetitions to different TRPs is supported by configuring two SRS resource sets, where the two SRS resource sets may correspond to two TRPs, and the repetitions to each TRP may be after the SRS resource set associated with that TRP.

[0059] Currently, Section 6.1.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214 only specifies the mapping between SRS resource sets and PUSCH repetitions for Release 15 / 16 PUSCH repetition type A, where the repetitions are counted over consecutive time slots. However, this mapping does not take into account 3GPP Release 17 coverage enhancements, which include at least the joint channel estimation feature, which also applies to Release 15 / 16 PUSCH repetition type A.

[0060] For example, if the SRS resource set indicator field in the downlink control information DCI indicates code point "10" or "11", that is, when two SRS resource sets are used for mapping, cyclic mapping or sequential mapping of the SRS resource sets can be applied to K consecutive time slots, where K is the number of repetitions. Although mapping can be performed for all K consecutive time slots, only uplink (or special) time slots with sufficient and valid uplink symbols can be used for PUSCH repetition. In addition, the use of different SRS resource sets between two consecutive PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions can also be considered as an event that interrupts the power consistency and phase continuity used for joint channel estimation between two PUSCH / PUCCH transmissions. Therefore, traditional cyclic mapping and sequential mapping of SRS resource sets are not optimal for joint channel estimation. When available, both the m-TRP and joint channel estimation features for PUSCH repetition type A will help to extend coverage, especially when used together.

[0061] Figure 6 Examples of cyclic mapping and sequential mapping are shown according to at least some example embodiments. Figure 6 In the time slot type / format, Figure 2 210 indicates that the SRS resource set index is indicated by 610.

[0062] Figure 6 An example of conventional cyclic mapping and sequential mapping using SRS resource sets for 3GPP Release 15 / 16 PUSCH repetition type A, assuming K=16, S=5, L=7, and DDSUU (10D:2G:2U) TDD mode is shown. As shown, for both cyclic mapping and sequential mapping, there may be situations where back-to-back uplink time slots may be mapped with different SRS resource sets, and in this case, joint channel estimation cannot be applied to PUSCH transmissions on these time slots.

[0063] Figure 7 A second example of a cyclic mapping and a sequential mapping according to at least some example embodiments is shown. Figure 7 In the time slot type / format, Figure 2 The 210 in the table indicates that the SRS resource set index is Figure 6 The 610 in it indicates.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown in , the traditional cyclic and sequential mapping of SRS resource sets may also be problematic if used with joint channel estimation in frequency division duplex FDD. In FDD, assuming that consecutive uplink time slots are not interrupted by downlink time slots, downlink transmissions, or monitoring, the chance that aTDW is equal to nTDW may be high. However, as Figure 7 As shown, in the case of cyclic mapping in FDD, joint channel estimation may not be applied across any pair of consecutive PUSCHs, since consecutive PUSCHs may be mapped using different SRS resource sets. In addition, in the case of sequential mapping in FDD, the maximum aTDW length will be 2, regardless of the nTDW length (which may be configured to be equal to the maximum capability of slot bundling reported by UE 110).

[0065] The above challenges also apply to PUCCH repetitions, where the mapping of PUCCH repetitions to m-TRPs can be implemented in the form of mapping different spatial settings or different power control parameter sets on different PUCCH repetitions. For example, in 3GPP Release 17, cyclic mapping and sequential mapping can also be applied to PUCCH repetitions. However, unlike the mapping for PUSCH repetitions, which can be done on consecutive time slots, the mapping for PUCCH repetitions can be done on time slots used for uplink transmission.

[0066] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure address the above challenges and provide a mapping scheme for mapping a reference signal resource set (such as an SRS resource set) or a spatial setting or a power control parameter set to an uplink (such as a PUSCH repetition or a PUCCH repetition or a time slot). Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be utilized, for example, for m-TRP PUSCH repetition type A or m-TRP PUCCH repetition to achieve and / or optimize joint channel estimation across PUSCH repetitions or PUCCH repetitions corresponding to each TRP.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, UE 110 may determine a mapping method, i.e., a mapping mode, for mapping between at least two reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets) and K consecutive time slots, where K is the number of uplink transmissions, such as for PUSCH repetition type A, or for mapping between K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in at least two spatial settings or at least two power control parameter sets, where K is the number of uplink transmissions, such as for PUCCH repetition repetitions. The determination of the mapping mode may be based on one of the following factors:

[0068] Enable / disable joint channel estimation feature;

[0069] ·Duplex mode (TDD or FDD); and

[0070] ·RRC parameters (this factor can be added for integrity).

[0071] When determining to enable the joint channel estimation feature for UE 110, the mapping pattern between at least two reference signal resource sets or at least two spatial settings or at least two power control parameter sets and K time slots can be one of the following options:

[0072] ·Option 1 (mapping pattern associated with the TDD mode): The first and second reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets) can be applied to the first set of N1 consecutive time slots and the second set of N2 consecutive time slots in K consecutive time slots, respectively. That is, when enabling joint channel estimation for UE 110, UE 110 can determine the mapping pattern, including:

[0073] In K consecutive time slots or K time slots available for uplink transmission, use the first reference signal set on the first set of consecutive time slots and the second reference signal set on the second set of consecutive time slots. Generally, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots and the number of the second set of consecutive time slots are greater than two, and the second set of consecutive time slots is after the first set of consecutive time slots. Then, the remaining time slots of the K consecutive time slots can continue the same reference signal resource set mapping pattern, where N1 = N2 < K can be the length of a period of the TDD mode (for example, for DDSUU, N = 5). Therefore, when configuring a TDD mode for UE 110, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots can be the same as the number of the second set of consecutive time slots and equal to the length of a period of the TDD mode. Alternatively, if two modes are configured, N1 < K and N2 < K can be the length of the first period of the TDD mode and the length of the second period of the TDD mode, respectively. In this case, when configuring two TDD modes for UE 110, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots is equal to the length of the first period of the TDD mode, and the number of the second set of consecutive time slots is equal to the length of the second period of the TDD mode.

[0074] Option 1a (mapping mode associated with the TDD mode in the case of the available time slot count for PUCCH or PUSCH repetition): The first and second reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets), or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets can be respectively applied to the first set of N1 consecutive time slots and the second set of N2 consecutive time slots among the K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission. That is, when joint channel estimation is enabled for UE 110, UE 110 can determine the mapping mode, including: using the first reference signal set or the first spatial setting or the first power control parameter set on the first set of consecutive time slots among the K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission, and using the second reference signal set or the second spatial setting or the second power control parameter set on the second set of consecutive time slots among the K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission. Generally, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots and the second set of consecutive time slots that can be used for uplink transmission among the K time slots is greater than two, and the second set of consecutive time slots is after the first set of consecutive time slots. Then, the remaining time slots among the K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission can continue the same mapping mode of the reference signal resource set or the spatial setting or the power control parameter set, where N1 = N2 < K can be the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of a TDD mode (for example, for DSUUU, N = 3, or if S time slots can also be used for uplink transmission, then for DDSUU, N = 3). Therefore, when a TDD mode is configured for UE 110, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots can be the same as the number of the second set of consecutive time slots and equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of the TDD mode. Alternatively, if two modes are configured, then N1 < K and N2 < K can be respectively the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of the first TDD mode and the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of the second TDD mode. In this case, when two TDD modes are configured for UE 110, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of the first TDD mode, and the number of the second set of consecutive time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission within one period of the second TDD mode.

[0075] Option 2 (mapping pattern associated with the length of nTDW, applicable to both TDD and FDD): The first and second reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets), or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets can be respectively applied to the first set of N consecutive time slots and the subsequent second set of N consecutive time slots among K consecutive time slots or K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission. The same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern can continue to the remaining time slots among K consecutive time slots or K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission, where N < K is the length of nTDW. Therefore, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots can be the same as the number of the second set of consecutive time slots and equal to the length of nTDW configured for UE 110. Option 3 (mapping pattern associated with the sequential mapping window configured by RRC, applicable to both TDD and FDD): The first and second reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets), or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets can be respectively applied to the first set of N consecutive time slots and the second set of N consecutive time slots among K consecutive time slots or K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission. The same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern can continue to the remaining time slots among K consecutive time slots or K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission, where N < K can be configured by RRC signaling. Therefore, the number of the first set of consecutive time slots can be the same as the number of the second set of consecutive time slots and is configured by the radio network node 120 using RRC signaling.

[0076] · Option 4 (mapping pattern associated with the length of aTDW, applicable to both TDD and FDD), the first and second reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets), or the first and second spatial settings, or the first and second power control parameter sets can be respectively applied to the consecutive time slots within the first aTDW or the time slots that can be used for uplink transmission, and can be used for the consecutive time slots within the second aTDW or the time slots that can be used for uplink transmission. That is to say, the first set of consecutive time slots or the time slots that can be used for uplink transmission can be within the first aTDW, and the second set of consecutive time slots or the time slots that can be used for uplink transmission can be within the second aTDW. The same reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set mapping pattern can continue to the remaining aTDW within K consecutive time slots or K time slots that can be used for uplink transmission, where the aTDW can be determined without considering the mapping of the reference signal resource set or spatial setting or power control parameter set. In other words, through this option, UE 110 can apply different reference signal resource sets or spatial settings or power control parameter sets after each event in the nTDW.

[0077] When the joint channel estimation feature is disabled for UE 110, the mapping pattern between at least two reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets) and K consecutive time slots can consider the traditional sequential or cyclic mapping patterns configured by RRC signaling. That is, when the joint channel estimation is disabled for UE 110, UE 110 can determine whether the mapping pattern is a cyclic mapping pattern or a sequential mapping pattern.

[0078] Figure 8 A signaling diagram according to at least some exemplary embodiments is shown. UE110 and radio network node 120 are placed from left to right on the vertical axis. Time advances from top to bottom.

[0079] At step 810, the radio network node 120 (such as a gNB) can configure a duplex mode (such as TDD or FDD) for UE 110 and enable or disable joint channel estimation for UE 110. At step 820, the radio network node 120 can schedule uplink transmissions with different reference signal resource sets (such as SRS resource sets), such as PUSCH repetition type A transmissions. That is, at step 820, the radio network node can send a configuration that configures UE 110 to use at least two different reference signal resource sets to send the uplink transmission.

[0080] At step 830, UE 110 can determine a mapping pattern for use in sending with at least two different reference signal resource sets, where the mapping pattern can depend at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for UE 110. For example, UE 110 can determine a mapping pattern for mapping between at least two SRS resource sets and K consecutive time slots, where K is the number of repetitions for PUSCH repetition type A.

[0081] At step 830, the determination can be performed by UE 110 as follows. If joint channel estimation is disabled for UE 110, then UE 110 can determine to apply a traditional process for selecting between traditional cyclic and sequential mappings.

[0082] On the other hand, if joint channel estimation is enabled for UE 110 and if the configured duplex mode for UE 110 is TDD, then option 1 can be selected. For example, the first and second SRS resource sets can be applied to the first set of N1 consecutive time slots and the subsequent second set of N2 consecutive time slots of K consecutive consecutive time slots, respectively. The same SRS resource set mapping pattern can continue to the remaining time slots of K consecutive time slots, where, if one pattern is configured, then N1 = N2 < K can be the length of one period of the TDD mode, and if two patterns are configured, N1 < K and N2 < K can be the lengths of the first period and the second period of the TDD mode, respectively.

[0083] Otherwise, if joint channel estimation is enabled for UE 110 and if the FDD duplex mode is configured for UE 110, then Option 2 can be selected. For example, the first and second SRS resource sets can be applied to the first set of N consecutive time slots and the second set of N consecutive time slots in K consecutive time slots, respectively. The same SRS resource set mapping pattern can continue to the remaining time slots of the K consecutive time slots, where N < K can be the length of nTDW or can be configured / indicated individually using RRC signaling. The radio network node 120 can similarly determine the mapping pattern for reception on at least two SRS resource sets.

[0084] At step 840, UE 110 can apply the determined mapping pattern and transmit accordingly. That is, at step 840, UE 110 can use at least two different reference signal resource sets to transmit an uplink transmission according to the determined mapping pattern. For example, when joint channel estimation is enabled, UE 110 can transmit PUSCH repetition type A, where the determined mapping pattern is one of Option 1 to Option 4.

[0085] Fig. 9 An example apparatus capable of supporting at least some exemplary embodiments is shown. Shown is device 900, which may include, for example, UE 110 or radio network node 120, or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed therein. Device 900 includes a processor 910, which may include, for example, a single-core or multi-core processor, where a single-core processor includes one processing core and a multi-core processor includes more than one processing core. Processor 910 generally may include a control device. Processor 910 may include more than one processor. Processor 910 may be a control device. The processing core may include, for example, a Cortex-A8 processing core manufactured by ARM Holdings or a Steamroller processing core manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices. Processor 910 may include at least one Qualcomm Snapdragon and / or Intel Atom processor. Processor 910 may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit ASIC. Processor 910 may include at least one field-programmable gate array FPGA. Processor 910 may be the component for performing method steps in device 900. Processor 910 may be configured at least in part by computer instructions to perform actions.

[0086] A processor may include, or be configured as, a circuit system, which is configured to perform stages of a method according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems, and (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors (including digital signal processors) with software, software and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion of (multiple) microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when the software is not needed.

[0087] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0088] The device 900 may include a memory 920. The memory 920 may include a random access memory RAM and / or a permanent memory PM. The memory 920 may include at least one RAM chip. For example, the memory 920 may include a solid-state memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, and / or a holographic memory. The memory 920 may be at least partially accessible by the processor 910. The memory 920 may be at least partially included in the processor 910. The memory 920 may be a component for storing information. The memory 920 may include computer instructions that the processor 910 is configured to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause the processor 910 to perform certain actions are stored in the memory 920, and the device 900 as a whole is configured to run under the instruction of the processor 910 using the computer instructions from the memory 920, the processor 910 and / or at least one of its processing cores may be configured to perform certain actions by the task. The memory 920 may be at least partially included in the processor 910. The memory 920 may be at least partially external to the device 900, but accessible by the device 900.

[0089] The device 900 may include a transmitter 930. The device 900 may include a receiver 940. The transmitter 930 and the receiver 940 may be configured to transmit and receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard, respectively. The transmitter 930 may include multiple transmitters. The receiver 940 may include multiple receivers. For example, the transmitter 930 and / or the receiver 940 may be configured to operate according to the Global System for Mobile Communications GSM, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access WCDMA, Long Term Evolution LTE and / or 5G / NR standards.

[0090] The device 900 may include a near field communication NFC transceiver 950. The NFC transceiver 950 may support at least one NFC technology, such as Bluetooth, Wibree, or similar technology.

[0091] The device 900 may include a user interface UI 960. The UI 960 may include at least one of a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a vibrator arranged to send a signal to the user by vibrating the device 900, a speaker, and a microphone. The user may be able to operate the device 900 via the UI 960, for example to accept an incoming phone call, initiate a phone call or a video call, browse the Internet, manage digital files stored in the memory 920 or accessible via the transmitter 930 and the receiver 940, or on the cloud via the NFC transceiver 950, and / or play games.

[0092] The device 900 may include or be arranged to accept a user identity module 970. For example, the user identity module 970 may include a subscriber identity module SIM card installable in the device 900. The user identity module 970 may include information identifying a subscription of a user of the device 900. The user identity module 970 may include cryptographic information that can be used to verify the identity of the user of the device 900 and / or facilitate encryption of transmitted information and billing of the user of the device 900 for communications achieved via the device 900.

[0093] The processor 910 may be equipped with a transmitter that is arranged to output information from the processor 910 to other devices included in the device 900 via electrical leads inside the device 900. Such a transmitter may include a serial bus transmitter, for example, the transmitter is arranged to output information to the memory 920 via at least one wire for storage therein. Instead of a serial bus, the transmitter may include a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, the processor 910 may include a receiver that is arranged to receive information in the processor 910 from other devices included in the device 900 via wires inside the device 900. Such a receiver may include a serial bus receiver, for example, the receiver is arranged to receive information from the receiver 940 via at least one wire for processing in the processor 910. Instead of a serial bus, the receiver may include a parallel bus receiver.

[0094] The device 900 may include Fig. 9 Other devices not shown in the figure. For example, in the case where the device 900 includes a smart phone, it may include at least one digital camera. Some devices 900 may include a rear-facing camera and a front-facing camera, wherein the rear-facing camera can be used for digital photography, and the front-facing camera can be used for video calls. The device 900 may include a fingerprint sensor, which is arranged to at least partially authenticate the user of the device 900. In some example embodiments, the device 900 lacks at least one of the above devices. For example, some devices 900 may lack an NFC transceiver 950 and / or a user identity module 970.

[0095] The processor 910, the memory 920, the transmitter 930, the receiver 940, the NFC transceiver 950, the UI 960 and / or the user identity module 970 may be interconnected in a variety of different ways via wires inside the device 900. For example, each of the above devices may be individually connected to a main bus inside the device 900 to allow the devices to exchange information. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is only one example and depending on the example embodiment, various ways of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices may be selected without departing from the scope of the example embodiment.

[0096] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments. The apparatus of the first method may be a UE 110 or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed therein. That is, the steps of the first method may be performed by a UE 110 or a control device configured to control its functions, possibly when installed therein.

[0097] At step 1010, the first method may include: receiving, by the device, from a wireless network node, a configuration that configures the device to use at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets to send uplink transmissions. At step 1020, the first method may also include: determining, by the device, a mapping mode for sending using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets, wherein the mapping mode depends at least on whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the device; finally, at step 1030, the first method may also include: sending, by the device, the uplink transmission using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets according to the determined mapping mode.

[0098] It should be understood that the disclosed example embodiments are not limited to the specific structures, process steps or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is only used for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[0099] References to an exemplary embodiment or to an exemplary embodiment throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in an exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same exemplary embodiment. When a value is referred to using terms such as about or substantially, the exact value is also disclosed.

[0100] As used herein, for convenience, multiple projects, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials can be listed in a common list. However, these lists should be understood as each member in the list being identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, in the absence of contrary instructions, it should not be interpreted as the equivalent of any other member in the list in fact based only on the representative of any other member in the list in the common group. In addition, various exemplary embodiments and examples can be mentioned in this article together with the alternatives for its various components. It should be understood that such exemplary embodiments, examples and alternatives should not be interpreted as actual equivalents of each other, but should be considered as separate and autonomous representatives.

[0101] In an example embodiment, an apparatus, such as, for example, UE 110 or radio network node 120, may include means for performing the above-described example embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0102] In an example embodiment, the computer program may be configured to cause the method according to the above-described example embodiments and any combination thereof. In an example embodiment, a computer program product implemented on a non-transitory computer readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform a process including the above-described example embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0103] In an example embodiment, an apparatus (e.g., UE 110 or radio network node 120) may include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the example embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0104] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more exemplary embodiments in any appropriate manner. In the foregoing description, many specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present disclosure may also be practiced by other methods, components, materials, etc. without one or more specific details. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations will not be shown or described in detail to avoid confusing aspects of the present disclosure.

[0105] Although the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the exemplary embodiments in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage, and implementation details may be made without exercising creative ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited thereto except as set forth above in the claims.

[0106] The verbs "comprise" and "include" are used in this document as open limitations, which neither exclude nor require the existence of unrecited features. The features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. the singular, throughout this document does not exclude the plural.

[0107] Industrial Applicability

[0108] At least some example embodiments find industrial application in cellular communication networks, such as in 3GPP networks, where channel estimation is used.

[0109] List of acronyms

[0110] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0111] aTDW Actual TDW DCI Downlink Control Information

[0112] DM-RS Demodulation Reference Signal

[0113] FDD Frequency Division Duplex

[0114] GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

[0115] IoT

[0116] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0117] M2M Machine to Machine

[0118] m-TRP Multi-TRP

[0119] NFC Near Field Communication

[0120] NLOS Non Line of Sight

[0121] nTDW Nominal TDW

[0122] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0123] PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0124] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0125] RAN Radio Access Network

[0126] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0127] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0128] SIB System Information Block SRS Sounding Reference Signal TDD Time Division Duplex TDW Time Domain Window TRP Transmit Receive Point UE User Equipment UI User Interface WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

[0129] Reference numerals list

[0130]

[0131]

Claims

1. A device comprising: means for receiving, from a radio network node, a configuration configuring the apparatus to transmit uplink transmissions using at least two different sets of reference signal resources, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different sets of power control parameters; means for determining a mapping pattern for transmitting the uplink transmission using the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters, wherein the mapping pattern depends on at least whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; as well as Means for sending the uplink transmission using the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters according to the determined mapping pattern.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the uplink transmission comprises a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition, and the reference signal resource set comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource set.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the uplink transmission comprises a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) repetition.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Means for determining the mapping pattern for transmitting the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial arrangements, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters depending at least on a duplex mode configured for the apparatus. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the duplex mode is time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A component for determining that the mapping mode includes the following items when the joint channel estimation is enabled for the device: using a first reference signal set or a first spatial setting or a first power control parameter set on a first group of time slots; and using a second reference signal set or a second spatial setting or a second power control parameter set on a second group of time slots, wherein the number of the first group of time slots and the number of the second group of time slots are greater than two, and the second group of time slots is after the first group of time slots.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein When a TDD mode is configured for the apparatus, the number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the length of one cycle of the TDD mode; or When two TDD modes are configured for the apparatus, the number of the first group of time slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the first TDD mode, and the number of the second group of time slots is equal to the length of one cycle of the second TDD mode.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein The number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the TDD mode; or When two TDD modes are configured for the device, the number of the first group of time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the first TDD mode, and the number of the second group of time slots is equal to the number of time slots that can be used for uplink transmission in one cycle of the second TDD mode.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein The number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is equal to the length of a nominal time domain window configured for the apparatus.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein The number of the first group of time slots is the same as the number of the second group of time slots and is configured by the radio network node using radio resource control RRC signaling.

11. The device according to claim 6, wherein The first group of time slots is within a first actual time domain window, and the second group of time slots is within a second actual time domain window.

12. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein The time slots in the first group of time slots and the second group of time slots are consecutive time slots.

13. The device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein The time slots in the first group of time slots and the second group of time slots are time slots that can be used for uplink transmission.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is a User Equipment (UE), or a control device configured to control functions of the UE.

15. An apparatus comprising: means for sending a configuration to a user equipment (UE) to configure the UE to send uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets; means for determining a mapping pattern for receiving using one of the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters, wherein the mapping pattern depends on at least whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; as well as Means for receiving the uplink transmission using the one of the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters according to the determined mapping pattern.

16. A method comprising: receiving, by an apparatus from a radio network node, a configuration configuring the apparatus to send uplink transmissions using at least two different sets of reference signal resources, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different sets of power control parameters; determining, by the apparatus, a mapping pattern for transmitting using the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters, wherein the mapping pattern depends on at least whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the apparatus; as well as The uplink transmission is sent by the apparatus using the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters according to the determined mapping pattern.

17. A method comprising: Sending, by the apparatus, to a user equipment UE, a configuration to configure the UE to send uplink transmissions using at least two different reference signal resource sets, at least two different spatial settings, or at least two different power control parameter sets; determining, by the apparatus, a mapping pattern for receiving using one of the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters, wherein the mapping pattern depends on at least whether joint channel estimation is enabled or disabled for the UE; as well as The uplink transmission is received by the apparatus using the one of the at least two different sets of reference signal resources, the at least two different spatial settings, or the at least two different sets of power control parameters according to the determined mapping pattern.

18. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to claim 16 or 17.

Images