Techniques for signaling antenna module information for devices having adjustable form factor configuration by signaling

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for communicating antenna module information, beamforming capabilities, power control information, etc. of a computing device capable of operating in multiple form factor configurations. An example technique includes detecting that a UE is operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations, the UE being adapted to operate in the plurality of form factor configurations. The technique also includes transmitting information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration in response to the detection.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 901,350, filed on September 1, 2022, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Background Art Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly to techniques for communicating antenna module information, beamforming capabilities, power control information, etc. for computing devices capable of operating in multiple different form factor configurations.

[0004] Related technical description

[0005] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts or other similar types of services. These wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available wireless communication system resources.

[0006] Although wireless communication systems have made great technological progress over the years, challenges still exist. For example, millimeter wave (mmW) systems can allow high data rate transmission in user equipment (UE) and other types of devices. Typically, UEs have been designed to have a fixed form factor, that is, the position of the antenna modules on the UE for mmW signaling is fixed and static. Since the UE has a fixed form factor, there is no possibility of any relative displacement between the antenna modules on the UE due to movement or change of the UE position.

[0007] However, recently, many UEs have been designed with multiple degrees of freedom that allow the UE to operate in multiple different form factors. For example, such UEs may have multiple degrees of freedom that allow the UE to be folded, flipped, rolled up, etc. The operation of such UEs in mmW systems may be affected by the ability of the UE to operate in multiple different form factors. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the technical performance of wireless communication systems that include UEs that can operate in multiple different form factors. Summary of the invention

[0008] One aspect provides a method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE). The method includes detecting that the UE is operating in a first form factor configuration among a plurality of form factor configurations, the UE being adapted to operate in the plurality of form factor configurations. The method also includes sending information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration in response to the detection.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for wireless communication by a network node is provided. The method includes receiving information associated with at least one antenna module of a user equipment (UE) operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations. The method also includes determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information. The method also includes sending an indication of the reference signal configuration.

[0010] Other aspects provide: an apparatus operable to, configured to, or otherwise adapted to perform any one or more of the foregoing methods and / or those described elsewhere herein; a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the foregoing methods and those described elsewhere herein; a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising: code for performing the foregoing methods and those described elsewhere herein; and / or an apparatus comprising components for performing the foregoing methods and those described elsewhere herein. By way of example, an apparatus may include a processing system, a device having a processing system, or a processing system cooperating through one or more networks.

[0011] For purposes of illustration, the following detailed description and drawings set forth certain features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings depict certain features of the various aspects described herein and should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network is depicted.

[0014] Figure 2 An example disaggregated base station architecture is depicted.

[0015] Figure 3 Aspects of an example base station and example user equipment are depicted.

[0016] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Various example aspects of data structures for a wireless communication network are described.

[0017] Figure 5 Example user equipment suitable for operation in different form factor configurations is depicted.

[0018] Figure 6 Another example user equipment adapted to operate in a different form factor configuration is depicted.

[0019] Figure 7 Another example user equipment adapted to operate in a different form factor configuration is depicted.

[0020] Figure 8 Depicts the process flow of communicating in a network between a UE and a base station.

[0021] Fig. 9 A method for wireless communication is described.

[0022] Fig.10 A method for wireless communication is described.

[0023] Fig.11 Aspects of an example communications device are depicted.

[0024] Fig.12 Aspects of an example communications device are depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable media for communicating one or more (or a combination) different types of information associated with an antenna module of a user equipment (UE) capable of operating in different form factor configurations.

[0026] Recently, UEs (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers, e-readers, laptop computers, displays, watches, gaming devices, etc.) are increasingly designed with multiple degrees of freedom that allow the UE to operate in different form factors. For example, the UE may have degrees of freedom that allow the UE to be folded (e.g., a foldable form factor), flipped (e.g., a flippable form factor), rolled up (e.g., a rollable form factor), etc. In addition, depending on the form factor of the UE, the UE may be able to operate in different configurations (or operating modes). For example, the UE may be able to operate in one or more open configurations for a particular form factor of the UE and in a closed configuration for a particular form factor of the UE.

[0027] However, one technical challenge faced by UEs capable of operating in multiple different form factor configurations is that certain form factor configurations may affect the wireless communication performance of the UE, including, for example, high data rate transmissions of the UE in mmW systems. For example, the technical performance of wireless communications in mmW systems (e.g., speed, data carrying capacity, efficiency, reliability, power consumption, etc.) may be based on the configuration of the antenna modules of the UE (e.g., antenna module position, antenna module orientation, power control configuration of the antenna modules, beamforming configuration of the antenna modules, etc.). For UEs with fixed form factor configurations, since there is no possibility of any change in the relative position of the antenna modules of the UE during operation of the UE, the UE may be able to use the same antenna module configuration due to issues such as blocking. On the other hand, for UEs capable of operating in multiple form factor configurations, the relative position of the antenna modules of the UE may change according to the specific form factor configuration in which the UE is operating. For example, the relative position of the antenna modules may change in an "on" form factor configuration and a "off" form factor configuration.

[0028] Currently, it is not possible for a UE capable of operating in multiple form factor configurations to determine an antenna module configuration that is updated over time based on the specific form factor configuration that the UE is operating at a specific point in time. Therefore, during certain points in time of the UE's operation, when performing wireless communications (including, for example, high data rate or low latency transmission in mmW systems), the UE may have to use (or rely on) a suboptimal antenna module configuration. The use of a suboptimal antenna module configuration may adversely affect the wireless communication performance of the UE, including, for example, reducing one or more of the speed, data carrying capacity, efficiency, reliability, etc. of the wireless communications, increasing the power consumption of the UE, and the like. As used herein, a suboptimal antenna module configuration may refer to an antenna module that is optimized or configured to be a different form factor configuration than the form factor configuration in which the UE is currently operating.

[0029] To address the aforementioned technical challenges, certain aspects described herein provide techniques for communicating (or signaling) information associated with at least one antenna module of a UE based on a form factor configuration at which the UE is operating at a particular point in time. As described below, the information signaled by the UE may include at least one of (i) antenna module information (e.g., position / orientation of the antenna module), (ii) beamforming information associated with the antenna module, or (iii) power control information associated with the antenna module. The UE may signal the information to a network entity (or node) (e.g., a base station (BS), such as a gNB). The UE may receive an indication of an (updated) reference signal configuration from the network entity and may perform wireless communication using the (updated) reference signal configuration. By enabling the UE to dynamically update information associated with one or more of the antenna modules of the UE over time based on the current form factor configuration at which the UE is operating, various aspects may significantly improve the performance of wireless communications performed by the UE, including high data rate transmissions in mmW systems.

[0030] Introduction to wireless communication networks

[0031] The techniques and methods described herein can be used in various wireless communication networks. Although various aspects may be described herein using terms commonly associated with 3G, 4G and / or 5G wireless technologies, various aspects of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other communication systems and standards not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication network 100 is depicted in which various aspects described herein may be implemented.

[0033] In general, the wireless communication network 100 includes various network entities (alternatively, network elements or network nodes). A network entity is typically a communication device and / or a communication function performed by a communication device (e.g., user equipment (UE), base station (BS), component of a BS, server, etc.). For example, various functions of a network and various devices associated with and interacting with the network may be considered network entities. In addition, the wireless communication network 100 includes ground aspects, such as ground-based network entities (e.g., BS 102), and non-ground aspects, such as satellites 140 and aircraft 145, which may include airborne network entities (e.g., one or more BSs) capable of communicating with other network elements (e.g., ground BSs) and user equipment.

[0034] In the depicted example, the wireless communication network 100 includes a BS 102, a UE 104, and one or more core networks (such as an evolved packet core (EPC) 160 and a 5G core (5GC) network 190) that interoperate to provide communication services over various communication links (including wired links and wireless links).

[0035] Figure 1 Various example UEs 104 are depicted, which may more generally include: cellular phones, smart phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), satellite radios, global positioning systems, multimedia devices, video devices, digital audio players, cameras, game consoles, tablet computers, smart devices, wearable devices, vehicles, electric meters, gas pumps, large or small kitchen appliances, healthcare devices, implants, sensors / actuators, displays, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, always-on (AON) devices, edge processing devices, or other similar devices. UE 104 may also be more generally referred to as mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, stations, mobile stations, subscriber stations, mobile subscriber stations, mobile units, subscriber units, wireless units, remote units, remote devices, access terminals, mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, mobile phones, and other user equipment. Some UEs 104 may have different form factors. In Figure 1 For example, UE 104A has a flippable form factor, UE 104B has a foldable form factor, UE 104C has a rollable form factor, UE 104D has a foldable form factor, etc. Note that the form factor provided Figure 1 The different UE form factors depicted in are provided as non-limiting examples of various form factors for UEs; it should be understood that UE 104 may have any form factor now known or later developed.

[0036] BS 102 wirelessly communicates with (e.g., transmits signals to or receives signals from) UE 104 via communication link 120. Communication link 120 between BS 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmissions from UE 104 to BS 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmissions from BS 102 to UE 104. In various aspects, communication link 120 may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity.

[0037] BS 102 may generally include: a Node B, an enhanced Node B (eNB), a next generation enhanced Node B (ng-eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB or gNodeB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a transmit / receive point, and / or other base stations. Each of BSs 102 may provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110, which may sometimes be referred to as a cell, and may overlap in some cases (e.g., a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with a coverage area 110 of a macro cell). For example, a BS may provide communication coverage for a macro cell (covering a relatively large geographic area), a pico cell (covering a relatively small geographic area, such as a stadium), a femto cell (a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home)), and / or other types of cells.

[0038] Although BS102 is depicted as a single communication device in various aspects, BS102 can be implemented in various configurations. For example, one or more components of the base station may be decomposed, including a central unit (CU), one or more distributed units (DU), one or more radio units (RU), a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC, to name a few examples. In another example, various aspects of the base station may be virtualized. More generally, a base station (e.g., BS102) may include components located at a single physical location or components located at various physical locations. In an example in which the base station includes components located at various physical locations, the various components may each perform a function so that the various components together implement functionality similar to that of a base station located at a single physical location. In some aspects, a base station including components located at various physical locations may be referred to as a decomposed radio access network architecture (such as an open RAN (O-RAN) or virtualized RAN (VRAN) architecture). Figure 2 An example decomposed base station architecture is depicted and described.

[0039] Different BSs 102 within the wireless communication network 100 may also be configured to support different radio access technologies (such as 3G, 4G, and / or 5G). For example, a BS 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) may interface with the EPC 160 via a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., an S1 interface). A BS 102 configured for 5G (e.g., 5G NR or Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) may interface with the 5GC 190 via a second backhaul link 184. The BSs 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via the EPC 160 or the 5GC 190) over a third backhaul link 134 (e.g., an X2 interface), which may be wired or wireless.

[0040] The wireless communication network 100 may subdivide the electromagnetic spectrum into various categories, frequency bands, channels, or other characteristics. In some aspects, the subdivision is provided based on wavelength and frequency, where frequency may also be referred to as a carrier, subcarrier, channel, tone, or subband. For example, 3GPP currently defines frequency range 1 (FR1) as including 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as "below 6 GHz". Similarly, 3GPP currently defines frequency range 2 (FR2) as including 24,250 MHz to 52,600 MHz, which is sometimes (interchangeably) referred to as "millimeter wave" ("mmW" or "mmWave"). A base station (e.g., a mmWave base station such as BS180) configured to communicate using mmWave / near mmWave radio bands may utilize beamforming (e.g., 182) with a UE (e.g., 104) to improve path loss and range.

[0041] The communication link 120 between the BS 102 and, for example, the UE 104 may be through one or more carriers, which may have different bandwidths (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz, 400 MHz, and / or other MHz) and may be aggregated in various aspects. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL ​​than for UL).

[0042] Communications using higher frequency bands may have higher path loss and shorter range than communications at lower frequencies. Figure 1 180) may utilize beamforming 182 with UE 104 to improve path loss and range. For example, BS 180 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels and / or antenna arrays, to facilitate beamforming. In some cases, BS 180 may send beamformed signals to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182'. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from BS 180 in one or more receive directions 182". UE 104 may also send beamformed signals to BS 180 in one or more transmit directions 182". BS 180 may also receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions 182'. BS 180 and UE 104 may then perform beam training to determine the best receive direction and the best transmit direction for each of BS 180 and UE 104. It is noteworthy that the transmit direction and receive direction of BS 180 may be the same or may not be the same. Similarly, the transmit direction and receive direction of UE 104 may or may not be the same.

[0043] Wireless communication network 100 also includes Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via communication link 154 in, for example, the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum.

[0044] Certain UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and / or a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH).

[0045] The EPC 160 may include various functional components, including: a mobility management entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and / or a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172, such as in the depicted example. The MME 162 may communicate with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. In general, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management.

[0046] Generally speaking, user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through the Serving Gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN Gateway 172. The PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN Gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to the IP Services 176, which may include, for example, the Internet, an Intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet Switched (PS) streaming media service, and / or other IP services.

[0047] The BM-SC 170 may provide functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. The BM-SC 170 may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS delivery, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and / or may be used to schedule MBMS delivery. The MBMS Gateway 168 may be used to distribute MBMS services to BSs 102 belonging to a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a specific service, and / or may be responsible for session management (start / stop) and for collecting eMBMS related charging information.

[0048] 5GC 190 may include various functional components, including: access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, session management function (SMF) 194, and user plane function (UPF) 195. AMF 192 may communicate with unified data management (UDM) 196.

[0049] AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between UE 104 and 5GC 190. AMF 192 provides, for example, Quality of Service (QoS) flow and session management.

[0050] Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through UPF 195, which is connected to IP Services 197 and provides IP address allocation for UEs and other functions for 5GC 190. IP Services 197 may include, for example, the Internet, Intranet, IMS, PS streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0051] In various aspects, a network entity or network node may be implemented as a converged base station, a decomposed base station, a component of a base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, to name a few examples.

[0052] Figure 2 An example disaggregated base station 200 architecture is depicted. The disaggregated base station 200 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 210 that may communicate directly with a core network 220 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 220 through one or more disaggregated base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 225 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 215 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 205, or both. The CU 210 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 230 via respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU 230 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 240 via respective fronthaul links. The RU 240 may communicate with respective UEs 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 240.

[0053] Each of the units (e.g., CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225, non-RT RIC 215, and SMO framework 205) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or send signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of these units or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interface of these units may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface configured to receive or send signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally or alternatively, these units may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive signals on a wireless transmission medium or send signals to one or more of the other units, or both.

[0054] In some aspects, CU 210 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by CU 210. CU210 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (e.g., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (e.g., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, CU 210 may be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, CU 210 may be implemented to communicate with DU 230 for network control and signaling.

[0055] DU 230 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 240. In some aspects, DU 230 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) at least in part according to a functional split such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 230 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 230 or with control functions hosted by CU 210.

[0056] The lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 240. In some deployments, a RU 240 controlled by a DU 230 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional partitioning (such as a lower layer functional partitioning). In such an architecture, the RU 240 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 240 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 230. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the implementation of the DU 230 and the CU 210 in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0057] The SMO framework 205 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized network elements and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) 290) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 205 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 211) via the O1 interface. In addition, in some specific implementations, the SMO framework 205 may communicate directly with one or more RUs 240 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 205 may also include a non-RT RIC 215 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 205 .

[0058] The non-RT RIC 215 may be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 225. The non-RT RIC 215 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 225 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions through an interface (such as via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 210, one or more DUs 230, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 225.

[0059] In some implementations, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 225, the non-RT RIC 215 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 225 and may be received from a non-network data source or from a network function at the SMO framework 205 or the non-RT RIC 215. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 215 or the near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 215 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 205 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0060] Figure 3 Aspects of an example BS 102 and UE 104 are depicted.

[0061] In general, BS 102 includes various processors (e.g., 320, 330, 338, and 340), antennas 334a to 334t (collectively 334), transceivers 332a to 332t (collectively 332) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable wireless transmission of data (e.g., data source 312) and wireless reception of data (e.g., data sink 339). For example, BS 102 can transmit and receive data between BS 102 and UE 104. BS 102 includes a controller / processor 340 that can be configured to implement various functions described herein related to wireless communication.

[0062] In general, the UE 104 includes various processors (e.g., 358, 364, 366, and 380), antennas 352a to 352r (collectively 352), transceivers 354a to 354r (collectively 354) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable wireless transmission of data (e.g., retrieved from a data source 362) and wireless reception of data (e.g., provided to a data sink 360). The UE 104 includes a controller / processor 380 that can be configured to implement various functions described herein related to wireless communications.

[0063] Regarding example downlink transmissions, BS 102 includes a transmit processor 320 that can receive data from a data source 312 and control information from a controller / processor 340. The control information can be for a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physical HARQ indicator channel (PHICH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a group common PDCCH (GC PDCCH), and / or other channels. In some examples, the data can be for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0064] The transmit processor 320 may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The transmit processor 320 may also generate reference symbols (such as for a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)).

[0065] The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 330 may perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-coding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols, where applicable, and may provide an output symbol stream to a modulator (MOD) in transceivers 332a to 332t. Each modulator in transceivers 332a to 332t may process a corresponding output symbol stream to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from the modulators in transceivers 332a to 332t may be transmitted via antennas 334a to 334t, respectively.

[0066] To receive downlink transmissions, UE 104 includes antennas 352a to 352r that can receive downlink signals from BS 102 and can provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) in transceivers 354a to 354r, respectively. Each demodulator in transceivers 354a to 354r can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a corresponding received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator can further process the input samples to obtain received symbols.

[0067] A MIMO detector 356 may obtain received symbols from all demodulators in transceivers 354a through 354r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 358 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE 104 to a data sink 360, and provide decoded control information to a controller / processor 380.

[0068] With respect to example uplink transmissions, the UE 104 also includes a transmit processor 364 that may receive and process data from a data source 362 (e.g., for a PUSCH) and control information from a controller / processor 380 (e.g., for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). The transmit processor 364 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., for a sounding reference signal (SRS)). The symbols from the transmit processor 364 may be pre-decoded by a TX MIMO processor 366, if applicable, further processed by modulators in the transceivers 354a to 354r (e.g., for SC-FDM), and transmitted to the BS 102.

[0069] At BS 102, uplink signals from UE 104 may be received by antennas 334 a through 334 t, processed by demodulators in transceivers 332 a through 332 t, detected by MIMO detector 336 if applicable, and further processed by receive processor 338 to obtain decoded data and decoded control information transmitted by UE 104. Receive processor 338 may provide decoded data to data sink 339 and decoded control information to controller / processor 340.

[0070] Memories 342 and 382 may store data and program codes for BS 102 and UE 104, respectively.

[0071] The scheduler 344 may schedule UEs to transmit data on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0072] In various aspects, BS 102 may be described as sending and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, "sending" may refer to various mechanisms for outputting data, such as outputting data from a data source 312, a scheduler 344, a memory 342, a transmit processor 320, a controller / processor 340, a TX MIMO processor 330, transceivers 332a to 332t, antennas 334a to 334t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, "receiving" may refer to various mechanisms for obtaining data, such as obtaining data from antennas 334a to 334t, transceivers 332a to 332t, RX MIMO detectors 336, controller / processor 340, receive processor 338, scheduler 344, memory 342, and / or other aspects described herein.

[0073] In various aspects, the UE 104 may also be described as sending and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, "sending" may refer to various mechanisms for outputting data, such as outputting data from a data source 362, a memory 382, ​​a transmit processor 364, a controller / processor 380, a TX MIMO processor 366, a transceiver 354a to 354t, an antenna 352a to 352t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, "receiving" may refer to various mechanisms for obtaining data, such as obtaining data from an antenna 352a to 352t, a transceiver 354a to 354t, a RX MIMO detector 356, a controller / processor 380, a receive processor 358, a memory 382, ​​and / or other aspects described herein.

[0074] In some aspects, the processor may be configured to perform various operations (such as those associated with the methods described herein) and respectively send (output) data to another interface configured to send data or receive (obtain) data from another interface configured to receive data.

[0075] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Describes a method for use in a wireless communication network such as Figure 1 Various aspects of the data structure of the wireless communication network 100).

[0076] Specifically, Figure 4A is a diagram 400 illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G (e.g., 5G NR) frame structure, Figure 4B is a diagram 430 illustrating an example of a DL channel within a 5G subframe, Figure 4C is a diagram 450 illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G frame structure, and Figure 4D FIG480 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G subframe.

[0077] Wireless communication networks can utilize orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) on both the uplink and downlink. Such systems can also support half-duplex operation using time division duplex (TDD). OFDM and single carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) will (for example, Figure 4B and Figure 4D The system bandwidth (as depicted in FIG. 1 ) is divided into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Modulation symbols can be transmitted in the frequency domain using OFDM and / or in the time domain using SC-FDM.

[0078] The wireless communication frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers, subframes within the subcarrier set are dedicated to either DL or UL. The wireless communication frame structure may also be time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers, subframes within the subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL.

[0079] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4C In the wireless communication frame structure, TDD is used, where D is DL, U is UL, and X is used flexibly between DL / UL. The UE can configure the time slot format (dynamically configured by DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured by radio resource control (RRC) signaling) through the received time slot format indicator (SFI). In the depicted example, the 10ms frame is divided into 10 equally sized 1ms subframes. Each subframe may include one or more time slots. In some examples, each time slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the time slot format. The subframe may also include micro-slots, which typically have fewer symbols than the entire time slot. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0080] In certain aspects, the number of slots within a subframe is based on the slot configuration and parameter set. For example, for slot configuration 0, different parameter sets (μ) 0 to 5 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 to 2 allow for 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Thus, for slot configuration 0 and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2μ slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are a function of the parameter set. The subcarrier spacing may be equal to 2 μ × 15kHz, where μ is parameter set 0 to 5. Thus, parameter set μ=0 has a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, and parameter set μ=5 has a subcarrier spacing of 480kHz. The symbol length / duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D An example is provided for slot configuration 0 with 14 symbols per slot and parameter set μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs.

[0081] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4DAs depicted in , a resource grid can be used to represent a frame structure. Each time slot includes a resource block (RB) (also referred to as a physical RB (PRB)) extending, for example, 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into a plurality of resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0082] like Figure 4A As illustrated in FIG. , some of the REs carry data for UEs (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 3 The RS may include a demodulation RS (DMRS) and / or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RS may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and / or a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0083] Figure 4B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated.The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising, for example, nine RE Groups (REGs), each REG comprising, for example, four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol.

[0084] The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be in symbol 2 of a particular subframe of a frame. The PSS is transmitted by a UE (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 104) is used to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification.

[0085] A Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a particular subframe of a frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing.

[0086] Based on the physical layer identifier and the physical layer cell identifier group number, the UE can determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DMRS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the system frame number (SFN) and the number of RBs in the system bandwidth. The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as system information blocks (SIBs)) that is not sent via the PBCH, and / or paging messages.

[0087] like Figure 4CAs illustrated in , some of the REs carry DMRS for channel estimation at the base station (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DMRS configurations are possible). The UE may send a DMRS for the PUCCH and a DMRS for the PUSCH. The PUSCH DMRS may be sent, for example, in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DMRS may be sent in different configurations depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is sent and depending on the specific PUCCH format used. UE104 may send a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be sent, for example, in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may send the SRS on one of the teeth of the comb. The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to achieve frequency-dependent scheduling of the UL.

[0088] Figure 4D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH may be located at a position as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0089] Related to signaling antenna module information for a device having an adaptable form factor configuration All aspects

[0090] As noted, certain UEs may have a form factor that allows the UE to operate in different form factor configurations (e.g., a reversible form factor, a foldable form factor, a rollable form factor, etc.). For a given form factor, the various form factor configurations may include one or more open configurations of the UE in the form factor, a closed configuration of the UE in the form factor, etc. However, as noted, one technical challenge faced by UEs that can operate in different form factor configurations is that when the UE changes form factor configurations (e.g., from an open configuration to a closed configuration, from a closed configuration to an open configuration, from a first open configuration to a second different open configuration, etc.), the wireless communication performance of the UE may be adversely affected. For example, the wireless communication performance of the UE may be based in part on whether the relative positions of the antenna modules of the UE change under different form factor configurations.

[0091] In some cases, the UE may be designed so that the relative positions of the antenna modules of the UE do not change under different form factor configurations. When the relative positions of the antenna modules of the UE do not change under different form factor configurations, the wireless communication performance of the UE may not be affected. Figure 5A reference example of such a UE having antenna modules whose relative positions do not change between different form factor configurations is depicted in FIG. As shown, a UE 104 (e.g., similar to Figure 1 UE 104B) depicted in FIG. 1 includes a first portion 502-1 and a second portion 502-2 attached together via a mechanical hinge 504. Hinge 504 allows the first portion 502-1 to change position relative to the second portion 502-2, and vice versa. For example, when UE 104 is in an "open" position, the screen of UE 104 may extend across the plane of the first portion 502-1 and the second portion 502-2. When UE 104 is in a "closed" position, the first portion 502-1 is folded onto the second portion 502-2.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , UE 104 includes antenna module 506-1 and antenna module 506-2 located on second portion 502-2 of UE 104. Specifically, antenna module 506-1 is located on the back side of second portion 502-2 and antenna module 506-2 is located on a (long) edge of second portion 502-2. Note, however, that the antenna module 506-1 is located on the back side of second portion 502-2. Figure 5 , are used as reference examples, and antenna modules may be deployed in other locations of UE 104. Here, since antenna modules 506-1 and 506-2 are located on the same portion of UE 104 (e.g., second portion 502-2), the relative position between antenna module 506-1 and antenna module 506-2 does not change when the UE changes between the "open" form factor configuration and the "closed" form factor configuration. Antenna modules 506-1 and 506-2 may be located on the same portion (or half) to manage limitations due to cables / routing flex cables across the hinge. Note that while Figure 5 Two possible UE form factor configurations are depicted (eg, an "open" form factor configuration and a "closed" form factor configuration), but a UE may have more than two UE form factor configurations. For example, a UE may have one or more partially open form factor configurations.

[0093] In some cases, the UE may be designed such that the relative positions of the antenna modules of the UE may change under different form factor configurations. When the relative positions of the antenna modules of the UE change under different form factor configurations, the wireless communication performance of the UE may be affected. Figure 6 A reference example of such a UE having antenna modules whose relative positions change between different form factor configurations is depicted in FIG. As shown, a UE 104 (e.g., similar to Figure 1UE 104B) depicted in FIG. 1 includes a first portion 602-1 and a second portion 602-2 attached together via a hinge 604. Similar to hinge 504, hinge 604 allows first portion 602-1 to change position relative to second portion 602-2, and vice versa. For example, when UE 104 is in an "open" position, the screen of UE 104 may extend across the plane of first portion 602-1 and second portion 602-2. When UE 104 is in a "closed" position, first portion 602-1 is folded onto second portion 602-2.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , UE 104 includes an antenna module 606-1 located on a first portion 602-1 of UE 104 and an antenna module 606-2 located on a second portion 602-2. Specifically, antenna module 606-1 is located on the back side of first portion 602-1 and antenna module 606-2 is located on a (long) edge of second portion 602-2. Note, however, that the antenna module 606-1 is located on a back side of first portion 602-1 and antenna module 606-2 is located on a (long) edge of second portion 602-2. Figure 6 The antenna module positions depicted in FIG. 1 are used as reference examples, and the antenna modules may be deployed in other locations of the UE 104.

[0095] Here, because antenna modules 606-1 and 606-2 are located on different portions of UE 104, the relative position between antenna module 606-1 and antenna module 606-2 changes when UE 104 changes between the "open" form factor configuration and the "closed" form factor configuration. For example, the relative displacement between antenna module 606-1 and antenna module 606-2 may decrease when UE 104 changes from the "open" form factor configuration to the "closed" form factor configuration, and may increase when UE 104 changes from the "closed" form factor configuration to the "open" form factor configuration. Note that although Figure 6 Two possible UE form factor configurations are depicted (eg, an "open" form factor configuration and a "closed" form factor configuration), but a UE may have more than two UE form factor configurations. For example, a UE may have one or more partially open form factor configurations.

[0096] Figure 7 Another reference example of a UE having antenna modules whose relative positions change between different form factor configurations is depicted in FIG. As shown, a UE 104 (e.g., similar to Figure 1UE 104B) depicted in FIG. 1 includes a first portion 702-1 and a second portion 702-2 attached together via a hinge 704. Similar to hinge 504, hinge 704 allows first portion 702-1 to change position relative to second portion 702-2, and vice versa. For example, when UE 104 is in an "open" position, the screen of UE 104 may extend across the plane of first portion 702-1 and second portion 702-2. When UE 104 is in a "closed" position, first portion 702-1 is folded onto second portion 702-2.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , UE 104 includes an antenna module 706-1 located on a first portion 702-1 of UE 104 and an antenna module 706-2 located on a second portion 702-2. Specifically, antenna module 706-1 is located on a long edge of first portion 702-1 and antenna module 706-2 is located on a (long) edge of second portion 702-2. Note, however, that the antenna module 706-1 is located on a long edge of first portion 702-1 and antenna module 706-2 is located on a (long) edge of second portion 702-2. Figure 7 The antenna module positions depicted in FIG. 1 are used as reference examples, and the antenna modules may be deployed in other locations of the UE 104.

[0098] Similar to Figure 6 UE 104 depicted in FIG. Figure 7 , when UE 104 changes between the “open” form factor configuration and the “closed” form factor configuration, the relative position between antenna module 706-1 and antenna module 706-2 changes. For example, when UE 104 changes from the “open” form factor configuration to the “closed” form factor configuration, the relative displacement between antenna module 706-1 and antenna module 706-2 can decrease; and when UE 104 changes from the “closed” form factor configuration to the “open” form factor configuration, the relative displacement can increase.

[0099] In addition, compared to Figure 6 UE 104 depicted in FIG. Figure 7 , when UE 104 changes between an “open” form factor configuration and a “closed” form factor configuration, the effective number of antenna modules may change (e.g., increase or decrease). For example, when UE 104 changes from an “open” form factor configuration to a “closed” form factor configuration, the disengaged antenna modules 706-1 and 706-2 may collapse (or decrease) into a single effective antenna module (shown as antenna module 706-3). Additionally, when UE 104 changes from a “closed” form factor configuration to an “open” form factor configuration, the single effective antenna module (e.g., antenna module 706-3) may increase to two disengaged antenna modules 706-1 and 706-2.

[0100] Note that although Figure 7 Two possible UE form factor configurations are depicted (eg, an "open" form factor configuration and a "closed" form factor configuration), but a UE may have more than two UE form factor configurations. For example, a UE may have one or more partially open form factor configurations.

[0101] As noted, in some cases, it may not be possible for a UE capable of operating in multiple form factor configurations to determine an antenna module configuration that is updated over time based on the particular form factor configuration that the UE is operating at a particular point in time. As a result, during certain points in time of the UE's operation, when performing wireless communications (including, for example, high data rate or low latency transmissions in mmW systems), the UE may have to use (or rely on) a suboptimal antenna module configuration. Using a suboptimal antenna module configuration may adversely affect the wireless communication performance of the UE, including, for example, reducing one or more of the speed, data carrying capacity, efficiency, reliability, etc. of the wireless communications, increasing the power consumption of the UE, and the like.

[0102] To address these aforementioned technical challenges, various aspects described herein provide techniques for communicating (or signaling) information associated with at least one antenna module of a UE based on a form factor configuration at which the UE is operating at a particular point in time. As noted, the information signaled by the UE may include at least one of (i) antenna module information (e.g., location / orientation of the antenna module), (ii) beamforming information associated with the antenna module, or (iii) power control information associated with the antenna module.

[0103] The UE may signal this information to a network entity (or node) (e.g., a base station (BS), such as a gNB). The UE may receive an indication of the (updated) reference signal configuration from the network entity and may perform wireless communication using the (updated) reference signal configuration. By enabling the UE to dynamically update information associated with one or more of the antenna modules of the UE over time based on the current form factor configuration when the UE is operating, various aspects may significantly improve the performance of wireless communications performed by the UE, including high data rate transmissions in mmW systems.

[0104] Example Operations of Entities in a Communication Network

[0105] Diagram 800 depicts a process flow 800 for communicating in a network between a network entity 802 and a UE 804. In some aspects, the network entity 802 may be a Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS102 depicting and describing or relating to Figure 2 An example of a decomposed base station is depicted and described. Similarly, UE 804 may be related to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 Examples of UE 104 are depicted and described (e.g., UE 104A, UE 104B, UE 104C, UE 104D, etc.) However, in other aspects, UE 104 may be another type of wireless communication device and BS 102 may be another type of network entity or network node, such as those described herein.

[0106] At 810, the network entity 802 may signal an indication of the form factor configuration to the UE 804. The form factor configuration may include an indication of the number of form factor configurations supported by the network entity 802. For example, in some cases, the number of form factor configurations that the UE is capable of operating may be significantly large (e.g., greater than a predetermined threshold). In such cases, the network entity 802 may limit (optimize) the beam characterization / beamforming capabilities to a smaller set of form factor configurations.

[0107] At 820, UE 804 determines a current form factor configuration in which the UE is operating (e.g., at a particular point in time). In some aspects, determining the current form factor configuration may include detecting that the UE has changed from operating in one form factor configuration (e.g., at a first point in time) to operating in the current form factor configuration (e.g., at a second point in time after the first point in time). In one aspect, the current form factor configuration may be (i) one of the one or more open configurations or (ii) a closed configuration.

[0108] In some aspects, the UE 804 may determine the current form factor configuration based on one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometer sensors, proximity sensors, gyroscope sensors, magnetic sensors, light or LIDAR sensors, radar sensors, etc.) of the UE 804. For example, one or more sensors of the UE 804 (and / or at least one UE processor / module configured to process data from the one or more sensors) may provide an indication of the current form factor configuration. The one or more sensors of the UE 804 may also allow the antenna module of the UE 804 to be configured. In some aspects, the intra-UE signaling between the sensor, processor (or module), and RF / communication controller may be performed via an application programming interface (API).

[0109] At 830, the UE 804 signals an indication of information associated with the antenna modules to the network entity 802. In some aspects, the information includes location information of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in the current form factor. For example, the location information of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in the current form factor may be different from the location information of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in another form factor. The network entity may use the location information to determine the impact of one antenna module on another antenna module in a beamforming operation (e.g., E-field distortion, whether a condition for codebook modification is met, whether a condition for loading and using a new codebook is met, etc.).

[0110] In one aspect, the position information may include at least one of (i) a center position of the antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the antenna module. In the reference example, the position information may include (x, y, z) coordinates of the antenna module and an orientation of the antenna module (e.g., linear along the Z axis, planar along the XY plane, etc. in a global coordinate system (GCS) or a local coordinate system (LCS).

[0111] In one aspect, the location information may include an indication of a distance between a first antenna module of the UE 804 and a second antenna module of the UE 804. For example, the UE may provide an indication of a relative distance measure between the antenna modules (in terms of different sizes). In some cases, one of the antenna modules of the UE 804 may be a reference antenna module. In such cases, the indication of the relative distance measure between the antenna modules may be paired with respect to the reference antenna module. The reference antenna module may be configured by the UE 804 or the network entity 802.

[0112] In some aspects, the information signaled at 830 includes an indication of the beamforming capabilities of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in the current form factor. For example, the beamforming capabilities of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in the current form factor may be different from the beamforming capabilities of the antenna modules of the UE 804 configured in another form factor (e.g., in part due to a change in the array size of the antenna modules configured in different form factors). In one aspect, the beamforming capabilities may be provided in the form of (n) (updated) beamforming reports. The beamforming reports may include at least one of (i) array gain information (e.g., maximum possible array gain), (ii) beamwidth information (e.g., minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used on the antenna module), (iii) reference signal information (e.g., number of sounding reference signals (SRS) supported by the antenna module), etc.

[0113] In some aspects, the information signaled at 830 includes power control information associated with the antenna module in the current form factor configuration. Figure 7 As noted, certain form factor configurations may result in a reduction in the number of active (or effective) antenna modules of a UE. However, currently, the UE is unable to provide updated information about the number of antenna modules, antenna module configurations available at the UE, etc. as the UE changes among different form factor configurations.

[0114] In some systems (eg, supporting Rel 17 specifications under 3GPP), the UE may be able to communicate the number of antenna modules supported and the number of SRS ports supported under different antenna module configurations. Figure 7 In the example UE depicted in FIG, the UE may communicate that 2 antenna modules and 2 SRS ports are supported in the "on" form factor configuration and 1 antenna module and 2 SRS ports are supported in the "off" form factor configuration. However, sending information about the number of antenna modules and the number of SRS ports supported in different antenna module configurations may not be sufficient for uplink (UL) power control.

[0115] Consider the following reference example of a power control loop for PUSCH:

[0116] P PUSCH (i) = min{P CMAX ,10log 10 (M PUSCH (i))+P O_PUSCH (j)+α(j)·PL+Δ TF (i)+f(i)}[dBm] (1)where P CMAX is the maximum UE power, 10log 10 (M PUSCH (i)) indicates the number of resource blocks, P O_pUSCH (j) indicates the target BS receiver power, α(j)·PL indicates the path loss compensation factor between UE and BS, Δ TF (i) indicates the transmit format (e.g., modulation and coding scheme (MCS)), and f(i) is a closed loop power control parameter. For a UE with multiple antenna modules, the UE may be able to operate multiple power control loops (each according to equation (1)) across the multiple antenna modules based on multiple transmit configuration indicator (TCI) states. Consider again Figure 7, the UE may operate two power control loops based on two independent TCI states across two antenna modules. The two antenna modules may be antenna modules 706-1 and 706-2 along the long edge of the UE 104 in the "on" form factor configuration. When the UE moves to the "off" form factor configuration (at a subsequent point in time) (e.g. Figure 7 ), the two power control loops may become redundant. However, an indication of the number of antenna panels supported and the number of SRS ports supported in the "off" form factor configuration would not be sufficient to convey the associated updated power control loop information.

[0117] Thus, in one aspect, the power control information (signaled at 830) may include an indication of the number of active power control loops to be monitored in the current form factor configuration. Figure 7 , when the UE changes from an "on" form factor configuration to an "off" form factor configuration, the UE may indicate a change from 2 active power control loops to be monitored to 1 active power control loop. Similarly, when the UE changes from an "off" form factor configuration to an "on" form factor configuration, the UE may indicate a change from 1 active power control loop to be monitored to 2 active power control loops.

[0118] In one aspect, the power control information (signaled at 830) may include an indication of the output transmit power configured for the UE in the current form factor configuration. The output transmit power when the UE is in the current form factor configuration may be different from the output transmit power when the UE is in another form factor configuration. For example, consider Figure 7 , the antenna modules of the UE configured in the "off" form factor (e.g., antenna module 706-3) may be larger than each of the antenna modules of the UE configured in the "on" form factor (e.g., 6 dB larger in EIRP may be equivalent to a 3 dB increase in array gain and a 3 dB increase in power amplifier (PA) power). In one aspect, the output transmit power may include the maximum output transmit power configuration of the UE (e.g., P in equation (3)). CMAX ).

[0119] In one aspect, the power control information (signaled in 830) may include an indication of updated beamforming capabilities of the UE in the current form factor configuration. For example, the UE may provide updated beamforming capabilities in the form of an updated beamforming report (when the UE's form factor configuration changes). The updated beamforming report may include at least one of (i) the number of SRS supported in the panel, (ii) the maximum array gain, or (iii) the beamwidth of the narrowest beam. The UE may also dynamically update the beamforming report over time (with or without changes to the UE's form factor configuration).

[0120] Example Operation of User Equipment

[0121] Fig. 9 The method for use by a UE such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 A method 900 for performing wireless communications with UE 104 (e.g., UE 104A, UE 104B, UE 104C, UE 104D, etc.) is disclosed.

[0122] Method 900 begins at 910, where the UE detects that the UE is operating in a (first) form factor configuration among a plurality of form factor configurations in which the UE is adapted to operate (e.g., Figure 8 820 of process flow 800 depicted in ). In one aspect, detecting that the UE is operating in a (first) form factor configuration includes detecting a change from the UE operating in another (second) form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations to operating in the (first) form factor configuration. In another aspect, detecting that the UE is operating in the (first) form factor configuration includes receiving information from at least one sensor of the UE indicating that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration.

[0123] Method 900 then proceeds to step 920, where the UE transmits information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE configured in the form factor in response to the detection (eg, Figure 8 830 of process flow 800 depicted in FIG.

[0124] In one aspect, method 900 also includes the UE receiving a configuration indicating a number of the plurality of form factor configurations (e.g., Figure 8 810 of process flow 800 depicted in FIG. 8A ).

[0125] In one aspect, the information in step 920 includes the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE configured in the (first) form factor.

[0126] In one aspect, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (first) form factor may be less than the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (second) form factor in a plurality of form factor configurations. For example, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (first) form factor may be less than the number of at least one antenna modules of the UE. In another example, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (second) form factor may be equal to the number of at least one antenna modules of the UE.

[0127] In one aspect, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE in a (first) form factor configuration may be greater than the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE in a (second) form factor configuration in the plurality of form factor configurations.

[0128] In one aspect, the information in step 920 may include an indication of a maximum output transmit power configured for the UE.

[0129] In one aspect, the information in step 920 may include an indication of the beamforming capability of at least one antenna module of the UE configured in the (first) shape. The indication of the beamforming capability may include at least one of (i) a maximum possible array gain, a number of SRS signals supported by the at least one antenna module, or a minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used on the at least one antenna module.

[0130] In one aspect, the information in step 920 includes a location of at least one antenna module of the UE configured in a (first) or (second) form factor.

[0131] In one aspect, the location of the at least one antenna module may include at least one of (i) a central location of the at least one antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the at least one antenna module.

[0132] In one aspect, a location of at least one antenna module of a UE in a (first) form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations is different than a location of at least one antenna module of the UE in a (second) form factor configuration.

[0133] In one aspect, the at least one antenna module includes a plurality of antenna modules, and the position of the at least one antenna module includes an indication of a distance between (i) a first antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules and (ii) a second antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules.

[0134] In one aspect, method 900 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Fig.12The method 900 is performed by a communication device 1200 that includes various components operable to, configured to, or adapted to perform the method 900. The communication device 1200 is described in more detail below.

[0135] Notice, Fig. 9 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are also possible consistent with the present disclosure.

[0136] Example Operations of Network Entities

[0137] Fig.10 shows a method for use by a network entity such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS102 or about Figure 2 A method 1000 for performing wireless communications using a decomposed base station) as discussed above.

[0138] Method 1000 begins at 1010, where a network entity receives information associated with at least one antenna module of a UE operating in a first form factor configuration among a plurality of form factor configurations (eg, Figure 8 830 of process flow 800 depicted in FIG.

[0139] Method 1000 then proceeds to step 1020, where the network entity determines a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information. At step 1030, the network entity sends an indication of the reference signal configuration (e.g., Figure 8 840 of process flow 800 depicted in FIG.

[0140] In one aspect, the method 1000 further includes configuring, by the network entity, a number of the plurality of form factor configurations for the UE; and sending an indication of the number of the plurality of form factor configurations to the UE.

[0141] In one aspect, method 1000 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Fig.11 The method 1000 is performed by a communication device 1100 that includes various components operable to, configured to, or adapted to perform the method 1000. The communication device 1100 is described in more detail below.

[0142] In one aspect, the information in step 1010 includes the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE configured in the (first) form factor.

[0143] In one aspect, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (first) form factor may be less than the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (second) form factor in a plurality of form factor configurations. For example, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (first) form factor may be less than the number of at least one antenna modules of the UE. In another example, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE configured in a (second) form factor may be equal to the number of at least one antenna modules of the UE.

[0144] In one aspect, the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE in a (first) form factor configuration may be greater than the number of active power control loops being monitored by a UE in a (second) form factor configuration in the plurality of form factor configurations.

[0145] In one aspect, the information in step 1010 may include an indication of a maximum output transmit power configured for the UE.

[0146] In one aspect, the information in step 1010 may include an indication of beamforming capabilities of at least one antenna module of the UE configured in the (first) form factor. The indication of beamforming capabilities may include at least one of (i) a maximum possible array gain, a number of SRS signals supported by the at least one antenna module, or a minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used on the at least one antenna module.

[0147] In one aspect, the information in step 1010 comprises a location of at least one antenna module of the UE configured in a (first) or (second) form factor.

[0148] In one aspect, the location of the at least one antenna module may include at least one of (i) a central location of the at least one antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the at least one antenna module.

[0149] In one aspect, a location of at least one antenna module of a UE in a (first) form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations is different than a location of at least one antenna module of the UE in a (second) form factor configuration.

[0150] In one aspect, the at least one antenna module includes a plurality of antenna modules, and the position of the at least one antenna module includes an indication of a distance between (i) a first antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules and (ii) a second antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules.

[0151] Notice, Fig.10 This is merely one example of a method, and other methods including fewer, additional, or alternative steps are also possible consistent with the present disclosure.

[0152] Example Communication Device

[0153] Fig.11 Depicted are aspects of an example communication device 1100. In some aspects, the communication device 1100 is a user equipment, such as described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 3 UE 104 is described.

[0154] The communication device 1100 includes a processing system 1102 coupled to a transceiver 1108 (e.g., a transmitter and / or a receiver). The transceiver 1108 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1100, such as the various signals described herein, via an antenna 1110. The processing system 1102 may be configured to perform processing functions for the communication device 1100, including processing signals received and / or to be transmitted by the communication device 1100.

[0155] The processing system 1102 includes one or more processors 1120. In various aspects, such as with respect to Figure 3 As described, the one or more processors 1120 may represent one or more of the receive processor 358, the transmit processor 364, the TX MIMO processor 366, and / or the controller / processor 380. The one or more processors 1120 are coupled to the computer-readable medium / memory 1130 via the bus 1106. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 1130 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that, when executed by the one or more processors 1120, cause the one or more processors 1120 to perform operations related to the processing of the data transmission. Fig. 9 The described method 900 or any aspect related thereto. It should be noted that reference to a processor performing a function of the communication device 1100 may include one or more processors performing that function of the communication device 1100.

[0156] In the depicted example, the computer-readable medium / memory 1130 stores code 1131 (e.g., executable instructions) for detecting that the UE is operating in a form factor configuration, code 1132 for sending information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE in a form factor configuration, and code 1133 for receiving information and / or configuration. Processing of the codes 1131 to 1133 may cause the communication device 1100 to perform operations related to Fig. 9 The described method 900 or any aspect related thereto.

[0157] The one or more processors 1120 include circuits configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 1130, including circuits 1121 for detecting that the UE is operating in a form factor configuration, circuits 1122 for sending information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE in a form factor configuration, and circuits 1123 for receiving information and / or configurations. Processing performed by circuits 1121 to 1123 may cause the communication device 1100 to perform operations related to the communication of the UE. Fig. 9 The described method 900 or any aspect related thereto.

[0158] The various components of the communication device 1100 may be provided for performing Fig. 9 The components of the described method 900 or any aspect related thereto. For example, components for sending, transmitting, or outputting for sending may include Figure 3 The transceiver 354 and / or antenna 352 and / or Fig.11 The transceiver 1108 and antenna 1110 of the communication device 1100 in FIG. 1 may include Figure 3 The illustrated transceiver 354 and / or antenna 352 and / or Fig.11 The transceiver 1108 and antenna 1110 of the communication device 1100.

[0159] Fig.12 Depicted are aspects of an example communication device. In some aspects, the communication device 1200 is a network entity such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS102 or about Figure 2 The decomposed base station in question.

[0160] The communication device 1200 includes a processing system 1202 coupled to a transceiver 1208 (e.g., a transmitter and / or a receiver) and / or a network interface 1212. The transceiver 1208 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1200 via an antenna 1210, such as the various signals described herein. The network interface 1212 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1200 via a communication link (such as those described herein). Figure 2 The processing system 1202 may be configured to perform processing functions of the communication device 1200, including processing signals received and / or to be transmitted by the communication device 1200.

[0161] The processing system 1202 includes one or more processors 1220. In various aspects, such as with respect to Figure 3As described, the one or more processors 1220 may represent one or more of the receive processor 338, the transmit processor 320, the TX MIMO processor 330, and / or the controller / processor 340. The one or more processors 1220 are coupled to the computer-readable medium / memory 1230 via the bus 1206. In some aspects, the computer-readable medium / memory 1230 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer-executable code) that, when executed by the one or more processors 1220, cause the one or more processors 1220 to perform operations related to the processing of the data transmission. Fig.10 The described method 1000 or any aspect related thereto. Note that reference to a processor of the communication device 1200 performing a function may include one or more processors of the communication device 1200 performing the function.

[0162] In the depicted example, the computer-readable medium / memory 1230 stores code 1231 (e.g., executable instructions) for receiving information associated with at least one antenna module of a UE operating in a form factor configuration, code 1232 for determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information, and code 1233 for sending an indication of the reference signal configuration. Processing of the codes 1231 to 1233 may cause the communication device 1200 to perform operations related to Fig.10 The described method 1000 or any aspect related thereto.

[0163] The one or more processors 1220 include circuits configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in a computer-readable medium / memory 1230, including circuits 1221 for receiving information associated with at least one antenna module of a UE operating in a form factor configuration, circuits 1222 for determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information, and circuits 1223 for sending an indication of the reference signal configuration. Processing performed by circuits 1221 to 1223 may cause the communication device 1200 to perform operations related to Fig.10 The described method 1000 or any aspect related thereto.

[0164] The various components of the communication device 1200 may be provided for performing Fig.10 The components of the described method 1000 or any aspect related thereto. The components for sending, transmitting or outputting for sending may include Figure 3 The illustrated transceiver 332 and / or antenna 334 and / or Fig.12 The transceiver 1208 and antenna 1210 of the communication device 1200 in FIG. 1 may include Figure 3 The illustrated transceiver 332 and / or antenna 334 and / or Fig.12The transceiver 1208 and antenna 1210 of the communication device 1200 in FIG.

[0165] Sample Clauses

[0166] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0167] Clause 1: A method for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: detecting that the UE is operating in a first form factor configuration among a plurality of form factor configurations, the UE being adapted to operate in the plurality of form factor configurations; and sending information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration in response to the detection.

[0168] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein the information comprises a number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration.

[0169] Clause 3: The method of clause 2, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is less than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in a second form factor configuration of the multiple form factor configurations.

[0170] Clause 4: The method of clause 3, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is less than the number of the at least one antenna module of the UE.

[0171] Clause 5: The method of clause 3, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the second form factor configuration is equal to the number of the at least one antenna module of the UE.

[0172] Clause 6: The method of clause 2, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is greater than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in a second form factor configuration of the multiple form factor configurations.

[0173] Clause 7: A method as described in clause 1, wherein the information includes an indication of a maximum output transmit power configured for the UE.

[0174] Clause 8: The method of clause 1, wherein the information comprises an indication of beamforming capabilities of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration.

[0175] Clause 9: A method according to clause 8, wherein the indication of the beamforming capability includes at least one of a maximum possible array gain, a number of sounding reference signals (SRS) supported by the at least one antenna module, or a minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used on the at least one antenna module.

[0176] Clause 10: The method of clause 1, wherein detecting that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises receiving information from at least one sensor of the UE indicating that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration.

[0177] Clause 11: The method of clause 1, further comprising receiving a configuration indicating a number of the plurality of form factor configurations.

[0178] Clause 12: The method of clause 1, wherein detecting that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises detecting a change from the UE operating in a second form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations to operating in the first form factor configuration.

[0179] Clause 13: The method of clause 1, wherein the information comprises a location of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration or the second form factor configuration.

[0180] Clause 14: The method of clause 13, wherein the position of the at least one antenna module comprises at least one of (i) a center position of the at least one antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the at least one antenna module.

[0181] Clause 15: The method of clause 13, wherein the position of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first of the plurality of form factor configurations is different than the position of the at least one antenna module of the UE in a second form factor configuration.

[0182] Clause 16: A method according to clause 13, wherein: the at least one antenna module includes a plurality of antenna modules; and the position of the at least one antenna module includes an indication of a distance between (i) a first antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules and (ii) a second antenna module among the plurality of antenna modules.

[0183] Clause 17: A method for wireless communications by a network node, the method comprising: receiving information associated with at least one antenna module of a user equipment (UE) operating in a first form factor configuration among a plurality of form factor configurations; determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information; and sending an indication of the reference signal configuration.

[0184] Clause 18: A method as described in clause 17, the method further comprising: configuring a number of the multiple form factor configurations for the UE; and sending an indication of the number of the multiple form factor configurations to the UE.

[0185] Clause 19: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising a memory including executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 16.

[0186] Clause 20: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: means for performing the method of any of clauses 1 to 16.

[0187] Clause 21: A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 16.

[0188] Clause 22: A computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium comprising code for performing the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 16.

[0189] Clause 23: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising a memory including executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 17 to 18.

[0190] Clause 24: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of clauses 17-18.

[0191] Clause 25: A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of clauses 17-18.

[0192] Clause 26: A computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium comprising code for performing the method according to any of clauses 17-18.

[0193] Additional considerations

[0194] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The examples discussed herein are not limited to the scope, applicability or aspects set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed. Various examples may omit, replace or add various processes or components as appropriate. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order from the described order, and various actions may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement a device or practice method. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods practiced using other structures, functionality or structures and functionality other than the various aspects of the present disclosure set forth herein or different from the various aspects of the present disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0195] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. Although a general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, in an alternative, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, a system on a chip (SoC), or any other such configuration.

[0196] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items (including single members). As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiples of the same element (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0197] As used herein, the term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" may include computing, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Additionally, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Additionally, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0198] The method disclosed herein includes one or more actions for implementing the method. The method actions may be interchangeable with each other without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specified order of actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition, the various operations of the above-mentioned method may be performed by any suitable component capable of performing the corresponding function. The component may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules, including but not limited to circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or processors.

[0199] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the various aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular form is not intended to mean "one and only one", but "one or more". Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Any claim element is not interpreted according to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "parts for...". All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or will be known later to a person of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: detecting that the UE is operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations, the UE being adapted to operate in the plurality of form factor configurations; as well as Information associated with at least one antenna module of the UE configured in the first form factor is sent in response to the detecting. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the information comprises a number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is less than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in a second form factor configuration in the plurality of form factor configurations. 4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is less than the number of the at least one antenna module of the UE.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the second form factor configuration is equal to the number of the at least one antenna module of the UE.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in the first form factor configuration is greater than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the UE in a second form factor configuration in the plurality of form factor configurations.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises an indication of a maximum output transmit power configured for the UE.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises an indication of beamforming capabilities of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the indication of the beamforming capability comprises at least one of a maximum possible array gain, a number of sounding reference signals (SRS) supported by the at least one antenna module, or a minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used over the at least one antenna module.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises receiving information from at least one sensor of the UE indicating that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a configuration indicating a number of the plurality of form factor configurations.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting that the UE is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises detecting a change from the UE operating in a second form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations to operating in the first form factor configuration.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the information comprises a location of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first form factor configuration or the second form factor configuration.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the position of the at least one antenna module comprises at least one of (i) a center position of the at least one antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the at least one antenna module.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the position of the at least one antenna module of the UE in the first of the plurality of form factor configurations is different from a position of the at least one antenna module of the UE in a second form factor configuration.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein: The at least one antenna module comprises a plurality of antenna modules; and The position of the at least one antenna module includes an indication of a distance between (i) a first antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules and (ii) a second antenna module of the plurality of antenna modules.

17. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor configured to detect that the apparatus is operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations in which the apparatus is adapted to operate; a transmitter configured to transmit, in response to the detecting, information associated with at least one antenna module of the apparatus in the first form factor configuration; and A memory is coupled to the at least one processor.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the information includes a number of active power control loops being monitored by the device in the first form factor configuration.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the apparatus in the first form factor configuration is less than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the apparatus in a second form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the number of active power control loops being monitored by the apparatus in the first form factor configuration is greater than the number of active power control loops being monitored by the apparatus in a second form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the information comprises an indication of a maximum output transmit power configured for the apparatus.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the information comprises an indication of beamforming capabilities of the at least one antenna module of the apparatus in the first form factor configuration.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the indication of the beamforming capability comprises at least one of a maximum possible array gain, a number of sounding reference signals (SRS) supported by the at least one antenna module, or a minimum beamwidth supported by any beam used over the at least one antenna module.

24. The device of claim 17, wherein detecting that the device is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises receiving information from at least one sensor of the device indicating that the device is operating in the first form factor configuration.

25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein detecting that the apparatus is operating in the first form factor configuration comprises detecting a change from the apparatus operating in a second form factor configuration of the plurality of form factor configurations to operating in the first form factor configuration.

26. The device of claim 17, wherein the information comprises a location of the at least one antenna module of the device in the first form factor configuration or the second form factor configuration.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the position of the at least one antenna module comprises at least one of (i) a center position of the at least one antenna module or (ii) an orientation of the at least one antenna module.

28. A method for wireless communication by a network node, the method comprising: receiving information associated with at least one antenna module of a user equipment (UE) operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations; determining a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information; as well as An indication of the reference signal configuration is sent.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising: configuring a number of the plurality of form factor configurations for the UE; as well as An indication of the number of the plurality of form factor configurations is sent to the UE.

30. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: a receiver configured to receive information associated with at least one antenna module of a user equipment (UE) operating in a first form factor configuration of a plurality of form factor configurations; at least one processor configured to determine a reference signal configuration based at least in part on the information; a transmitter configured to transmit an indication of the reference signal configuration; and A memory is coupled to the at least one processor.

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