Apparatus and method using different optimal maximum power reduction values linearly related to different bandwidth groups

Abstract

An apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a channel bandwidth; and determining, based on the determined channel bandwidth, a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth using a value of the channel bandwidth as a value in the equation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples and non - limiting embodiments generally relate to wireless communication, and more particularly to power reduction during wireless transmission. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that due to high - order modulation and transmit bandwidth configuration, the maximum output power of a user equipment can be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following summary of the invention is only by way of example. The summary of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] According to one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a channel bandwidth; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, use the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth.

[0005] According to another aspect, an example method can be provided, the method comprising: determining a channel bandwidth; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, using the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth.

[0006] According to another aspect, an example embodiment can provide a non - transitory computer - readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: determine which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and based on the determined channel bandwidth group, select an equation from a plurality of equations.

[0007] According to another aspect, an example apparatus can be provided, the apparatus comprising: means for determining which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and means for selecting an equation from a plurality of equations based on the determined channel bandwidth group.

[0008] According to another aspect, an example apparatus can be provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: performing a first test on the performance of the apparatus using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test an allowable maximum power reduction, wherein the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the apparatus within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the apparatus.

[0009] According to another aspect, an example method can be provided, which includes: performing a first test on the performance of a device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device.

[0010] According to another aspect, an example embodiment can provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: performing a first test on the performance of the device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device.

[0011] According to another aspect, an example device can be provided, which includes: components for performing a first test on the performance of the device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device.

[0012] According to certain aspects, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some additional aspects are provided in the subject matter of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above aspects and other features are explained in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible non-limiting example system in which exemplary embodiments can be practiced;

[0015] Figure 2 is a table illustrating an example of maximum power reduction (MPR) for power class 1 for regulation;

[0016] Figure 3 is a table illustrating an example of a general NR spectrum emission mask for regulation;

[0017] Figure 4 is a graph illustrating an example test sample of the back-off of the maximum SEM limit in decibels relative to the channel bandwidth in MHz;

[0018] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 4 but includes reference lines to illustrate one aspect of how MPR is defined as a function of the channel bandwidth;

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the maximum L as a function of the channel bandwidthCRB Diagram of an example test sample;

[0020] Figure 7 Table showing an example of a test configuration table for power class 1 for band n14 (continuous allocation) for specification;

[0021] Figure 8 Table showing an example of maximum power reduction (MPR) for power class 1 for specification;

[0022] Figure 9A - Figure 9b (collectively Figure 9) is a table showing an example of a table of UE power class test requirements for bands other than band n14 for power class 1 (continuous allocation) for specification;

[0023] Figure 10 Diagram of an example method of an example embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 11 Diagram of an example method of an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0025] The following abbreviations that may appear in the specification and / or drawings are defined as follows:

[0026] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0027] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0028] 5GC: 5G Core Network

[0029] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0030] BB: Baseband

[0031] CU: Central Unit

[0032] DL: Downlink

[0033] DU: Distributed Unit

[0034] eNB (or eNodeB): Evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)

[0035] EN-DC: E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity

[0036] en-gNB or En-gNB: Node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and acts as the secondary node in EN-DC

[0037] E-UTRA: Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, i.e., LTE radio access technology

[0038] FDD: Frequency Division Duplexing

[0039] FR: Frequency Range

[0040] gNB (or gNodeB): A base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface

[0041] I / F: Interface

[0042] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0043] MAC: Media Access Control

[0044] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0045] MPR: Maximum Power Reduction

[0046] ng or NG: New Generation

[0047] ng-eNB or NG-eNB: New Generation eNB

[0048] NR: New Radio

[0049] N / W or NW: Network

[0050] PC: Power Class

[0051] PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0052] PHY: Physical Layer

[0053] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0054] RB: Resource Block

[0055] Rel: Release

[0056] RF: Radio Frequency

[0057] RLC: Radio Link Control

[0058] RRH: Remote Radio Head

[0059] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0060] RU: Radio Unit

[0061] Rx: Receiver

[0062] SDAP: Service Data Adaptation Protocol

[0063] SEM: Spectrum Emission Mask

[0064] SGW: Serving Gateway

[0065] SMF: Session Management Function

[0066] TDD: Time Division Duplexing

[0067] TS: Technical Specification

[0068] Tx: Transmitter

[0069] UE: User Equipment (e.g., a wireless device, typically a mobile device)

[0070] UL: Uplink

[0071] UPF: User Plane Function

[0072] WI: Work Item

[0073] Steering Figure 1 , which shows a block diagram of one possible non - limiting example in which the example may be practiced. A User Equipment (UE) 110, a Radio Access Network (RAN) node 170, and one or more network elements 190 are shown. In Figure 1 the example of, the User Equipment (UE) 110 communicates wirelessly with a wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected by one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic, or other optical communication devices, etc. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, which includes one or both of parts 140 - 1 and / or 140 - 2, and the module can be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140 - 1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. The module 140 - 1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 can be implemented as module 140 - 2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 can be configured to, together with one or more processors 120, cause the User Equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. The UE 110 communicates with the RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0074] In this example, the RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 for wireless devices such as the UE 110. The RAN node 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., (one or more) network elements 190) via the NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. The NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, and the multiple gNBs can also include a Central Unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and (one or more) Distributed Units (DU) (gNB-DU), where the DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU can include or be coupled to and control a Radio Unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB, or controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs and the RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB. The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also shows the link between the remote element and the centralized element of the RAN node 170, such as the link between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, for example, as part of the RU, but some examples in this regard may make the transceiver 160 part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of the DU 195 and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 can also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (Long-Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station, or node.

[0075] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces ((multiple) N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected by one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include (multiple) processors 152, the memory 155, and the network interface 161. Note that the DU 195 may also include its own one / more memories and (multiple) processors, and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0076] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, which includes one or both of parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, and the module can be implemented in various ways. The module 150 can be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 can be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, together with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. Note that the functions of the module 150 can be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or implemented individually in the DU 195.

[0077] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate via a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 can communicate using, for example, the link 176. The link 176 can be wired or wireless or both, and can implement, for example, the Xn interface for 5G, the X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0078] One or more buses 157 may be an address, data, or control bus and may include any interconnection mechanism such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 implemented for a gNB for 5G, where other elements of the RAN node 170 may physically be located in a different location from the RRH / DU, and one or more buses 157 may be partially implemented as, for example, a fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection for connecting other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates these suitable (multiple) network links.

[0079] Note that the description herein indicates that a "cell" performs a function, but it should be clear that the devices forming the cell may perform the function. A cell forms part of a base station. That is, each base station may have multiple cells. For example, a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth may have three cells, each cell covering one third of a 360-degree area, so that the coverage area of a single base station covers an approximately elliptical or circular shape. Additionally, each cell may correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if each carrier has 3 120-degree cells and there are 2 carriers, the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0080] The wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which may include core network functions and provide connectivity to other networks (e.g., the Internet) such as telephone networks and / or data communication networks via one or more links 181. Such core network functions for 5G may include one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) and / or one or more User Plane Functions (UPF) and / or one or more Session Management Functions (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions. These are merely example functions that may be supported by the one or more network elements 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. The RAN node 170 is coupled to the network element 190 via the link 131. The link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 180 interconnected by one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, together with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0081] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity or virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is typically used in combination with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is divided into external network virtualization or internal network virtualization. External network virtualization combines many networks or network parts into virtual units, and internal network virtualization provides network-like functions for software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization still use hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171 to some extent, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0082] The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memories, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memories, and removable memories. The computer-readable memories 125, 155, and 171 can be components for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions such as control of the UE 110, the RAN node 170, and other functions described herein.

[0083] Generally, various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone with wireless communication capabilities (such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA)), a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, an image capture device with wireless communication capabilities (such as a digital camera), a gaming device with wireless communication capabilities, a music storage and playback device with wireless communication capabilities, an Internet appliance allowing wireless Internet access and browsing, a tablet computer with wireless communication capabilities, and a portable unit or terminal combining such a combination of functions.

[0084] There is a 3GPP WI in RAN4 regarding high-power UE operation for fixed wireless / vehicle use cases in LTE bands and NR bands. One of the topics under discussion is the permitted maximum power reduction (MPR) of the UE PC1 when the UL RB allocation is at or near the UL channel bandwidth edge.

[0085] Traditionally, due to high-order modulation and transmit bandwidth configuration, the UE is allowed to reduce its maximum output power. For the UE PC1, the permitted MPR is defined in Table 6.2.2-5 of TS 38.101-1, as Figure 2 shown, where the MPR for the edge RB allocation related to the features described herein is highlighted at 202 and 204. The edge RB allocation is defined as an RB allocation at (or near) either channel edge with an allocation size not exceeding a specified maximum value. Currently, the UE PC1 is only defined for band n14 in NR for public safety operations (as shown in Table 6.2.1-1 of TS 38.101-1), and the ongoing 3GPP WI aims to define the UE PC1 for other NR bands.

[0086] As already discussed in R4-2214048, and as shown by the simulation results in R4-2216044, applying the edge RB allocation and MPR in Table 6.2.2-5 of TS 38.101-1 to other NR bands of UE PC 1 is problematic. Therefore, in RAN4#104-e of R4-2214432, all parties agreed that:

[0087] · If the PC 1 MPR needs to represent the implementation of BB and RF transceivers using a smartphone platform, an edge allocation type with a minimum MPR of 8.5 dB and an edge region of 7 RBs should be considered.

[0088] · A slightly better value of 8 dB can be agreed upon, or signaling can be added to the UE to declare the need for this additional allocation type.

[0089] In addition, in RAN4#104-bis-e of R4-2217116, both parties agreed that:

[0090] · Specify an edge RB allocation set to allow RBs with SEM-limited allocations due to linear spectral regrowth from windowing effects to have a higher MPR, while the band n14 MPR remains unchanged.

[0091] · Further discuss in the next meeting whether and how to make the PC1 MPR of edge RB allocations depend on the channel bandwidth, with a maximum MPR of 8.5 dB.

[0092] · Further discuss in the next meeting whether and how to define an edge RB allocation set according to the channel bandwidth.

[0093] Therefore, there is still a need to define edge RB allocations and allowed MPR values for UE PC1 for other NR bands.

[0094] Regarding the allowed MPR, it was proposed in the email discussion of RAN4#104-bis-e (refer to R4-2217767): "It can be <50 MHz (most FDD) and >50 MHz (few TDD)". This proposal is based on the fact that different common NR spectral emission mask limits are defined for <50 MHz and >50 MHz channel bandwidths in Table 6.5.2.2-1 of TS 38.101-1, as Figure 3 shown, where the different limits are highlighted at 302 and 304, and thus it is proposed to define two sets of edge RB allocations and corresponding allowed MPR values, one for channel bandwidths less than 50 MHz (<50 MHz) and the other for channel bandwidths greater than or equal to 50 MHz (≥50 MHz).

[0095] The features described herein can be used to define the edge RB allocation and the allowed MPR value of the UE PC1 for NR bands other than n14.

[0096] Reference is also made to Figure 4 , where it has been shown that the power back - off required to meet the general NR spectrum emission mask limit varies with the channel bandwidth. For example, for a channel bandwidth of ≥50 MHz, a higher power back - off is required than for a <50 MHz channel bandwidth. As Figure 3 shown, this is because the - 24 dBm limit 308 outside the 0 - 1 MHz channel bandwidth defined in Table 6.5.2.2 - 1 of TS 38.101 - 1 is more stringent than the - 13 dBm limit 306. Figure 4 shows the SEM limit back - off value as a function of the channel bandwidth.

[0097] If a proposal is adopted where only one allowed MPR value is defined for the <50 MHz channel bandwidth group and only one allowed MPR value is defined for the ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth group, then for the <50 MHz and ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth groups, the allowed MPR should be 6.5 dB and 8.5 dB respectively to cover all channel bandwidths within the corresponding (<50 MHz and ≥50 MHz) groups.

[0098] However, as can be seen from Figure 4 , the power back - off required to meet the general NR spectrum emission mask limit also varies with the channel bandwidth within each of the (<50 MHz and ≥50 MHz) groups. Intermediate channel bandwidths require a lower power back - off than the lower channel bandwidths within the <50 MHz group. Within the ≥50 MHz group, intermediate channel bandwidths require a lower power back - off than the higher channel bandwidths. For example, a 45 MHz channel bandwidth requires 2 dB less power back - off than a 5 MHz channel bandwidth, and a 50 MHz channel bandwidth requires 2 dB less power back - off than a 100 MHz channel bandwidth. This can be explained by the protection - to - SCS ratio (the ratio of the minimum protection bandwidth to the sub - carrier spacing). Below 50 MHz channel bandwidth, this protection - to - SCS ratio mainly increases with the increase of the channel bandwidth. However, above 50 MHz, the protection - to - SCS ratio decreases with the increase of the channel bandwidth. Due to windowing, the width of the linear spectrum regrowth is proportional to the sub - carrier spacing (SCS). Therefore, a larger protection - to - SCS ratio results in a lower required MPR. The minimum protection bandwidth for each combination of channel bandwidth and SCS is defined in Table 5.3.3 - 1 of TS 38.101 - 1. Therefore, adopting a proposal to define the allowed MPR value where all channel bandwidths in the <50 group have a common value and all channel bandwidths in the ≥50 group have a common value will result in a 2 dB power back - off more than necessary, and thus a 2 dB UL coverage loss.

[0099] Reference is also made to Figure 5 where “O” represents a plurality of samples collected at a frequency <50 MHz at each of the frequencies 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 25 MHz, 30 MHz, 40 MHz, and 45 MHz. “*” represents a plurality of samples collected at a frequency ≥50 MHz at each of the frequencies 50 MHz, 60 MHz, 70 MHz, 80 MHz, 90 MHz, and 100 MHz. It can be seen that regression lines 502, 504 can be plotted for each group (<50 MHz and ≥50 MHz), where the required power back-off varies according to the channel bandwidth. As shown by line 502, for the <50 MHz group, the power back-off can decrease linearly. For example, the power back-off can decrease when the channel bandwidth is 45 and when the channel bandwidth is 10. As shown by line 504, for the ≥50 MHz group, the power back-off can increase linearly. For example, the power back-off can increase when the channel bandwidth is 90 and when the channel bandwidth is 60. Thus, in one example, to avoid allowing more MPR than necessary, it is proposed that the channel bandwidth can be divided into channel bandwidth groups (such as two groups of <50 MHz and ≥50 MHz), and the allowed MPR values within each channel bandwidth group can be defined by an equation. Thus, each group can have a different equation. The following are examples of two equations; one equation for each of the above two example groups.

[0100] 1. Within the first group (<50 MHz channel bandwidth group):

[0101]

[0102] 2. Within the second group (≥50 MHz channel bandwidth group):

[0103]

[0104] In the above equations, CBW is the channel bandwidth, such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 30 MHz, etc. Note that the specific dB values (7.2, 6, 5.35, 3.15) in the equations are only examples, and other values can also be used. Through these types of equations, the allowed MRP value can be defined as a linear function of the channel bandwidth. Based on the above example equations, the following are some example results:

[0105] · When CBW = 10, the allowed MPR will change to:

[0106] = 7.2 dB - 6 dB(10 / 100)

[0107] = 7.2 - 0.6

[0108] = 6.6 dB

[0109] · When CBW = 30, the allowed MPR will change to:

[0110] = 7.2 dB - 6 dB(30 / 100)

[0111] = 7.2 - 1.8

[0112] = 5.4 dB

[0113] · When CBW = 60, the allowed MPR will change to:

[0114] = 5.35 dB + 3.15 dB(60 / 100)

[0115] = 5.35 + 1.89

[0116] = 7.24 dB

[0117] · When CBW = 100, the allowed MPR will change to:

[0118] = 5.35 dB + 3.15 dB(100 / 100)

[0119] = 5.35 + 3.15

[0120] = 8.5 dB

[0121] Similarly, these are just examples and should not be considered as limitations. Line 502 can be determined by comparing the highest values of samples for each CBW (corresponding to different waveforms and modulations) and selecting two CBWs, where the line 502 between these two CBWs is higher than the highest value of other CBWs in the group. In Figure 5 the example shown, the two selected CBWs are 10 MHz and 45 MHz. Then the slope of line 502 can be determined. Then, this slope is used to determine the values "7.2" and "6" in the above samples. So, in other words,

[0122] The first equation is:

[0123] Applicable to < 50

[0124] where A and B are determined based on the selected points and the slope of line 502, and

[0125] The second equation is:

[0126] Applicable to ≥ 50 where X and Y are determined based on the selected points and the slope of another line 504.

[0127] For the first equation, this is a straight-line equation, where A is a selected point on line 502 and B is the slope. Thus, only B is determined based on the slope, while A is determined based on the highest point at 0 MHz CBW. For the second equation, this is also a straight-line equation, where Y is the slope of line 504 and X is determined based on the highest point at 100 MHz CBW and the slope of the line (if line 504 extended there, X would be the value at 0 MHz CBW).

[0128] Note that these equations are only examples. Any suitable equations can apply as long as the correct equations are selected for the corresponding groups and the selected equations change or vary the allowed MPR according to or based on the CBW. In alternative examples, more or fewer than two groups can be provided. For example, <20 MHz can belong to one group while another group can include ≥20 MHz to <50 MHz. In one type of alternative example, one group can include only one CBW, such as only 10 MHz. In one example, a single equation is used for only one group. In another example, a single equation is used for more than one group. Thus, two groups can use the same equation. In alternative examples, the line does not need to have a straight and uniform slope; the line can be curved. In this alternative example, the equation can be based on the curvature of the line with respect to the CBW.

[0129] Regarding the definition of the edge RB allocation, as described in R4-2216044, as Figure 6 shown, the maximum edge RB allocation that requires a higher power back-off to meet the general NR spectrum emission mask limit also varies with the channel bandwidth, and the edge RB allocation required for a ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth is greater than that for a <50 MHz channel bandwidth, which is also due to the more stringent -24 dBm (compared to -13 dBm) limit for 0-1 MHz outside the channel bandwidth defined in Table 6.5.2.2-1 of TS 38.101-1. As shown in the power back-off graph above, there is no regression line here. Thus, the proposal discussed in RAN4#104-bis-e to define two edge RB allocation sizes (one for <50 MHz channel bandwidth and one for ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth) seems reasonable. Also refer to Figure 7, for UE PC 1 of band n14 in NR, the minimum and maximum channel bandwidths supported by the UE required in Table 6.2.2.4.1-2a of TS 38.521-1 and the test channel bandwidth 702 associated with the features described herein can be used to test the allowed MPR. For UE PC 1 of other NR bands, in order to test the UE performance within each (<50MHz and ≥50MHz) channel bandwidth group, in addition to the currently required minimum and maximum channel bandwidths supported by the UE, the test can also include testing the allowed MPR supported by the UE for the maximum channel bandwidth <50MHz and the minimum channel bandwidth ≥50MHz. This can help ensure that the UE can provide adequate performance in all supported channel bandwidths within the two channel bandwidth groups.

[0130] Therefore, the test can include 1. In addition to 2, the current minimum and maximum bandwidths supported by the UE are included. A new test for the allowed MPR for the maximum channel bandwidth <50MHz and the minimum channel bandwidth ≥50MHz supported by the UE. Therefore, two more test points can be provided, namely mid-low <50MHz and mid-high ≥50MHz. However, it should be noted that some operating bands only have channel bandwidths <50MHz defined for them. Therefore, the test can be only for this group.

[0131] The features described herein can be implemented in TS 38.101-1, but with the following changes as examples. Figure 8 As shown, a note applicable to n14 can be added to Table 6.2.2-5 and the following text can be included in 6.2.2UE maximum output power reduction:

[0132] The following parameters are defined to specify the effective RB allocation for external and internal RB allocation:

[0133] Matching range:

[0134] ·N RB is the maximum number of RBs for a given channel bandwidth and subcarrier spacing as defined in Table 5.3.2-1. Start，Low =max(1, floor(L CRB / 2))

[0135] Where max() represents the maximum value of all parameters, and floor(x) is the largest integer less than or equal to x.

[0136] RB Start，High =N RB -RB Start，Low -L CRB

[0137] If the following conditions are met, the RB allocation is an internal RB allocation

[0138] RB Start，Low ≤RB Start ≤RB Start，High and

[0139] L CRB ≤ceil(N RB / 2)

[0140] where ceil(x) is the smallest integer greater than or equal to x.

[0141] Edge RB allocation means allocating (multiple) RBs at the lowest or highest edge of the channel L CRB ≤ 2 RBs.

[0142] For a PC1 UE supporting other frequency bands than n14, for two different channel bandwidth groups, the MPR for edge RB allocation is defined as follows:

[0143] Within the <50 MHz channel bandwidth group:

[0144]

[0145] Within the ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth group:

[0146]

[0147] where CEIL(x, 0.5dB) means rounding x up to the nearest multiple of 0.5dB.

[0148] And, for a PC1 UE supporting other frequency bands than n14, if the following conditions are met, the RB allocation is an edge RB allocation

[0149]

[0150] where

[0151]

[0152] For CBW ≥ 70 MHz, using the DFT-S-OFDM waveform and pi / 2-BPSK, QPSK or 16-QAM modulation, RB start，edge = 1. Otherwise, RB start，edge = 0. The RB allocation is an external RB allocation for all other allocations that are not internal RB allocations or edge RB allocations.

[0153] If the CP-OFDM allocation meets the following conditions, it is considered an almost continuous allocation

[0154] N RB_gap / (N RB_alloc +N RB_gap ) ≤ 0.25

[0155] And for SCS of 15 kHz, 30 kHz or 60 kHz, N RB_alloc +N RB_gap is greater than 106, 51 or 24 RBs respectively, where N RB_gap is the total number of unallocated RBs between allocated RBs, and N RB_alloc is the total number of allocated RBs. The size and location of allocated and unallocated RBs are restricted by the RBG parameters specified in clause 6.1.2.2 of TS 38.214

[10] . For these almost continuous signals with power levels 2 and 3, the allowed maximum power reduction defined in Table 6.2.2-2 and Table 6.2.2-1 increases by

[0156] CEIL{10log 10 (1 + N RB_gap / N RB_alloc ), 0.5} dB,

[0157] where CEIL{x, 0.5} means rounding x up to the nearest 0.5 dB. The parameters RB Start，Low and R BSTart，High used to specify the effective RB allocation range for external and internal RB allocation are defined as follows:

[0158] RB Start，Low = max(1, floor((N RB_alloc +N RB_gap ) / 2))

[0159] RB Start，High = N RB - RB Start，Low - N RB_alloc - N RB_gap

[0160] For the maximum output power of the UE modified by MPR, the power limitations specified in clause 6.2.4 apply.

[0161] The following features can be implemented in TS 38.508-1:

[0162] 4.3.1 Test frequency

[0163] Editor's Note: Since the test frequencies have not been defined yet, n7 (Medium: 25 MHz, High: 50 MHz), n8 (High: 35 MHz), n25 (High: 45 MHz), n40 (High: 100 MHz), n65 (High: 50 MHz), n66 (High: 45 MHz), n71 (High: 35 MHz), n75 (High: 50 MHz), n79 (Low: 10 MHz, RedCap: 20 MHz, 10 MHz) and n80 (High: 40 MHz) are not currently included in the test channel bandwidth table.

[0164] And

[0165] 4.3.1.0F Medium and Low Test Channel Bandwidth

[0166] The medium and low test channel bandwidth definitions for RF are given in Table 4.3.1.0F-1 for FR1.

[0167] Table 4.3.1.0F-1: Medium and Low Test Channel Bandwidth for Each NR Band FR1

[0168]

[0169]

[0170]

[0171] 4.3.1.0G Medium and High Test Channel Bandwidth

[0172] The high test channel bandwidth definitions for RF are given in Table 4.3.1.0G-1 for FR1.

[0173] Table 4.3.1.0G-1: Medium and High Test Channel Bandwidth for Each NR Band FR1

[0174]

[0175]

[0176]

[0177]

[0178] Note 1 (Informative): If the values listed in the table above are higher than the values signaled by the UE in supportedBandwidthDL / supportedBandwidthUL, some flexibility can be provided for the Rel-15 and Rel-16 ecosystems. Therefore, the values signaled by the UE in supportedBandwidthDL / supportedBandwidthUL are used for single-carrier operation instead of the values described in Table 4.3.1.0C-1.

[0179] The following features can be implemented in TS 38.521-1:

[0180] 6.2.2 UE Maximum Output Power Reduction

[0181] 6.2.2.1 Test Purpose

[0182] The number of RBs identified in Table 6.2.2.3-1 is based on meeting the requirements for the maximum power reduction (MPR) due to the cubic metric (CM) and the adjacent channel leakage ratio.

[0183] 6.2.2.2 Test Applicability

[0184] The requirements of this test apply to: All types of NR power class 3 UEs from version 15 and later, and NR power class 1 UEs from version 15 and later.

[0185] The requirements of this test apply to all types of NR power class 2 UEs from version 15 and later that do not support txDiversity-r16.

[0186] Note: If TS 38.521-1 6.5.2.4.1 is executed, the test does not need to be executed.

[0187] 6.2.2.3 Minimum Compliance Requirements Due to higher-order modulation and transmission bandwidth configuration, the UE is allowed to reduce its maximum output power. For UE power classes 2 and 3 and UE power class 1, when the channel bandwidth ≤ 100 MHz, the allowed maximum power reduction (MPR) is defined in Table 6.2.2.3-2, Table 6.2.2.3-1, and Table 6.2.2.3-5 respectively and Table 6.2.2.3-5a as defined in.

[0188] If the relative channel bandwidth for the TDD band ≤ 4% or the relative channel bandwidth for the FDD band ≤ 3%, then ΔMPR is set to zero.

[0189] If the relative channel bandwidth for the TDD band is greater than 4% or the relative channel bandwidth for the FDD band is greater than 3%, then ΔMPR is defined in Table 6.2.2.3-3.

[0190] where the relative channel bandwidth = 2 * BW Channel / (F UL_low + F UL_high ).

[0191] The allowed MPR for SRS, PUCCH formats 0, 1, 3, and 4, and PRACH shall comply with the provisions of QPSK - modulated DFT - s - OFDM for the equivalent RB allocation. The allowed MPR for PUCCH format 2 shall comply with the provisions of QPSK - modulated CP - OFDM for the equivalent RB allocation.

[0192] and

[0193] Table 6.2.2.3 - 5a: Maximum Power Reduction (MPR) for Power Class 1 for bands other than band n14

[0194]

[0195]

[0196] where the following parameters are defined to specify the effective RB allocation range for external and internal RB allocations:

[0197] N RB is the maximum number of RBs for a given channel bandwidth and sub - carrier spacing defined in Table 5.3.2 - 1.

[0198] RB Start，Low = max(1, floor(L CRB / 2))

[0199] where max() represents the maximum value of all parameters and floor(x) is the largest integer less than or equal to x.

[0200] RB Start，High = N RB - RB Start，Low - L CRB

[0201] If the following conditions are met, the RB allocation is an internal RB allocation:

[0202] RB Start，Low ≤ RB Sart ≤ RB Start，High , and

[0203] L CRB ≤ ceil(N RB / 2)

[0204] where ceil(x) is the smallest integer greater than or equal to x.

[0205] Edge RB allocation means allocating RBs at the lowest or highest edge of a channel with CRB ≤ 2 RBs.

[0206] RB allocation is an external RB allocation for all other allocations that are not internal RB allocations or edge RB allocations.

[0207] If a CP - OFDM allocation satisfies the following conditions, it is considered an almost - continuous allocation

[0208] N RB_gap / (N RB_alloc + N RB_gap ) ≤ 0.25

[0209] and for SCS of 15 kHz, 30 kHz or 60 kHz, N RB_alloc + N RB_gap is greater than 106, 51 or 24 RBs respectively, where N RB_gap is the total number of unallocated RBs between the allocated RBs, and N RB_alloc is the total number of allocated RBs. The size and position of the allocated and unallocated RBs are restricted by the RBG parameters specified in Sub - clause 6.1.2.2 of TS 38.214

[12] . For these almost - continuous signals with power levels 2 and 3, the allowed maximum power reduction defined in Table 6.2.2.3 - 2 and Table 6.2.2.3 - 1 increases by

[0210] CEIL{10log 10 (1 + N RB_gap / N RB_alloc ),0.5} dB,

[0211] where CEIL{x, 0.5} means rounding x up to the nearest 0.5 dB. The parameters RB Start，Low and RB Start，High defining the effective RB allocation range for external and internal RB allocations are defined as follows:

[0212] RB Start，Low = max(1, floor((N RB_alloc + N RB_gap ) / 2))

[0213] RB Start，High = N RB - RB Start，Low - N RB_alloc - N RB_gap

[0214] For the UE maximum output power modified by MPR, the power limits specified in clause 6.2.4 apply.

[0215] The normative reference for this requirement is clause 6.2.2 of TS 38.101-1 [2].

[0216] 6.2.2.4 Test description

[0217] 6.2.2.4.1 Initial conditions

[0218] The initial conditions are a set of test configurations that the UE needs to be tested with, and the steps for the SS and the UE to reach the correct measurement state together.

[0219] The initial test configurations include environmental conditions, test frequencies, channel bandwidths, and subcarrier spacings based on the NR operating bands specified in Table 5.3.5-1. All these configurations shall be tested using test parameters applicable to each combination of test channel bandwidth and subcarrier spacing, as shown in Table 6.2.2.4.1-1, Table 6.2.2.4.1-2, Table 6.2.2.4.1-2a, Table 6.2.2.4.1-2c and Table 6.2.2.4.1-3. The details of the uplink reference measurement channel (RMC) are specified in Annex A.2. The configurations of PDSCH and PDCCH before measurement are specified in Annex C.2.

[0220] and

[0221] Table 6.2.2.4.1-2c: Test configuration table for power class 1 for bands other than band n14 (continuous allocation)

[0222]

[0223]

[0224] and

[0225] 6.2.2.4.2 Test procedure

[0226] 1. The SS sends the uplink scheduling information for each UL HARQ process for C_RNTI via PDCCH DCI format 0_1 to schedule the UL RMC according to Table 6.2.2.4.1-1, Table 6.2.2.4.1-2, Table 6.2.2.4.1-2a, and Table 6.2.2.4.1-3. Since the UE has no payload and loopback data to send, the UE sends uplink MAC padding bits on the UL RMC.

[0227] 2. Continuously send an uplink power control "up" command to the UE in each uplink scheduling information; allow at least 200 ms for the UE to reach the P UMAX level.

[0228] 3. Measure the average power of the UE in the channel bandwidth of the radio access mode. The measurement period shall be at least a continuous duration of 1 ms on consecutive active uplink time slots. For TDD, only the time slots consisting of UL symbols are being tested.

[0229] 4. For UEs supporting power class 1 and power class 2, repeat steps 1 to 3 for test IDs 22 and 36 in Table 6.2.2.4.1-1 on the applicable frequency band, except for the message of P-Max defined in Table 6.2.2.4.3-2.

[0230] Note 1: When switching to the DFT-s-OFDM waveform, as described in test configuration Tables 6.2.2.4.1-1 and 6.2.2.4.1-2, send the NR RRCReconfiguration message under the TRANSFORM_PRECODER_ENABLED condition according to Table 4.6.3-118 PUSCH-Config in clause 4.6.3 of TS 38.508-1 [5].

[0231] and

[0232] 6.2.2.4.2 Test procedure

[0233] 1. The SS sends the uplink scheduling information for each UL HARQ process for the C_RNTI via PDCCH DCI format 0_1 to schedule the UL RMC according to Tables 6.2.2.4.1-1, 6.2.2.4.1-2, 6.2.2.4.1-2a, and 6.2.2.4.1-3. Since the UE has no payload and loopback data to send, the UE sends uplink MAC padding bits on the UL RMC.

[0234] 2. Continuously send an uplink power control "up" command to the UE in each uplink scheduling information; allow at least 200 ms for the UE to reach the P UMAX level.

[0235] 3. Measure the average power of the UE in the channel bandwidth of the radio access mode. The measurement period shall be at least a continuous duration of 1 ms on consecutive active uplink time slots. For TDD, only the time slots consisting of UL symbols are being tested.

[0236] 4. For UEs supporting power level 1 and power level 2 repeat steps 1 to 3 for test IDs 22 and 36 in Table 6.2.2.4.1-1 on the applicable frequency bands, except for the message of P-Max defined in Table 6.2.2.4.3-2.

[0237] Note 1: When switching to the DFT-s-OFDM waveform, as described in Test Configuration Tables 6.2.2.4.1-1 and 6.2.2.4.1-2, according to Table 4.6.3-118 in clause 4.6.3 of TS 38.508-1 [5],

[0238] PUSCH-Config, send the NR RRC Reconfiguration message under the TRANSFORM_PRECODER_ENABLED condition.

[0239] And

[0240] 6.2.2.5 Test Requirements

[0241] The maximum output power obtained in step 3 shall be within the range specified by the nominal maximum output power and tolerance in Tables 6.2.2.5-1 to 6.2.2.5-9a.

[0242] The maximum output power obtained in step 4 shall be within the range specified by the nominal maximum output power and tolerance in Tables 6.2.2.5-1 and Tables 6.2.2.5-3.

[0243] And the new Table 6.2.2.5-4c: UE power level test requirements for frequency bands other than band n14 for power level 1 (continuous allocation) shown in Figure 9. and 6.2.2.5.4 For the features described in this document, 0.5 dB rounding of (multiple) equations can be used in the specification; considering that it may be difficult to achieve an accuracy less than 0.5 dB in actual device testing.

[0244] According to an example embodiment, an example apparatus may be provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a channel bandwidth; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, use the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth.

[0245] For frequency bands other than band n14 for power level 1 (continuous allocation) shown in Figure 9.

[0246] For the features described in this document, 0.5 dB rounding of (multiple) equations can be used in the specification; considering that it may be difficult to achieve an accuracy less than 0.5 dB in actual device testing.

[0247] According to an example embodiment, an example apparatus may be provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a channel bandwidth; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, use the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth.

[0248] The formula may include selecting an equation from a plurality of equations and then using the selected equation to determine the MPR. The equation may be determined according to at least two corresponding values of the power back-off for the channel bandwidth. The equation may include a line equation that is determined based on at least two highest back-off values of at least two spaced-apart corresponding channel bandwidths in the same channel bandwidth group. The equation may include multiplying the value of the channel bandwidth by a first power value to produce a product, where the product is subtracted from a second power value. The equation may include multiplying the value of the channel bandwidth by a first power value to produce a product, where the product is added to a second power value. The instruction may also cause: determining which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and selecting an equation from the plurality of equations based on the determined channel bandwidth group. The first equation among the plurality of equations may be based on a line equation with a negative slope, and the second equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a positive slope. The first group in the group may include channel bandwidths below 50 MHz. The second group in the group may include channel bandwidths equal to or higher than 50 MHz.

[0249] Reference is also made to Figure 10 , according to another example embodiment, an example method may be provided, the method including: determining a channel bandwidth, as shown in block 1002; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, using the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth, as shown in block 1004.

[0250] The formula may include selecting an equation from a plurality of equations and then using the selected equation to determine the MPR. The equation may be determined according to at least two corresponding values of the power back-off for the channel bandwidth. The equation may include a line equation that is determined based on at least two highest back-off values of at least two spaced-apart corresponding channel bandwidths in the same channel bandwidth group. The equation may include multiplying the value of the channel bandwidth by a first power value to produce a product, where the product is subtracted from a second power value. The equation may include multiplying the value of the channel bandwidth by a first power value to produce a product, where the product is added to a second power value. The method may also include: determining which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and selecting an equation from the plurality of equations based on the determined channel bandwidth group. The first equation among the plurality of equations may be based on a line equation with a negative slope, and the second equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a positive slope. The first group in the group may include channel bandwidths below 50 MHz. The second group in the group may include channel bandwidths equal to or higher than 50 MHz.

[0251] According to another example embodiment, an example can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: determine which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and select an equation from a plurality of equations based on the determined channel bandwidth group.

[0252] According to another example embodiment, an example device can be provided that includes: means for determining which channel bandwidth group among at least two channel bandwidth groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and means for selecting an equation from a plurality of equations based on the determined channel bandwidth group.

[0253] According to another example embodiment, an example device can be provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: perform a first test on the performance of the device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device.

[0254] In fact, the first test can be a third channel bandwidth to be tested other than the lowest and highest channel bandwidths. The highest supported channel bandwidth within the first channel bandwidth group can be selected for testing, and not all channel bandwidths within the first channel bandwidth group need to be tested.

[0255] The first channel bandwidth group can include the minimum channel bandwidth supported by the device, and the device is further configured to perform: perform a second test on the performance of the device using a second channel bandwidth within a second channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the second channel bandwidth is the lowest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the second channel bandwidth group. The first channel bandwidth group can include channel bandwidths below 50 MHz. The second channel bandwidth group can include channel bandwidths greater than or equal to 50 MHz. The allowed maximum power reduction can include the determined value rounded up. The determined value can be rounded up to the nearest multiple of approximately 0.5 dB. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, can cause the device to perform a further test that includes: testing the lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the device.

[0256] The second test can actually be a fourth channel bandwidth to be tested, such as whether the device supports any channel bandwidth within the second channel bandwidth group. The highest supported channel bandwidth within the second channel bandwidth group can be selected for testing, and not all channel bandwidths within the second channel bandwidth group need to be tested.

[0257] Also refer to Figure 11, according to another example embodiment, an example method includes: performing a first test on the performance of a device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device, as shown in block 1102.

[0258] The method may further include: performing a second test on the performance of the device using a second channel bandwidth within a second channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the second channel bandwidth is the lowest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the second channel bandwidth group, as shown in block 1104. The first channel bandwidth group may include channel bandwidths below 50 MHz. The second channel bandwidth group may include channel bandwidths greater than or equal to 50 MHz. The allowed maximum power reduction may include a rounded-up determined value. The determined value may be rounded up to the nearest multiple of approximately 0.5 dB. The method may further include testing the lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the device, as shown in block 1106.

[0259] According to another example embodiment, an example may provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: performing a first test on the performance of the device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device. The program instructions, when executed by the device, cause the device to at least perform the following: performing a second test on the performance of the device using a second channel bandwidth within a second channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the second channel bandwidth is the lowest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the second channel bandwidth group. The program instructions, when executed by the device, cause the device to at least perform the following: further testing the lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the device.

[0260] According to another example embodiment, an example device may be provided that includes: components for performing a first test on the performance of the device using a first channel bandwidth within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth is the highest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the first channel bandwidth group supported by the device. The device may further include components for performing a second test on the performance of the device using a second channel bandwidth within a second channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the second channel bandwidth is the lowest channel bandwidth supported by the device within the second channel bandwidth group. The device may further include components for performing further testing of the lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the device.

[0261] According to another example embodiment, an example apparatus may be provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a channel bandwidth; and based on the determined channel bandwidth, use the value of the channel bandwidth as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction for the channel bandwidth. Regarding the "value of the channel bandwidth" being the "value in the equation", for example, the "value in the equation" may be "CBW" in the first equation above. The "value of the channel bandwidth" may be one of the channel bandwidth values, for example, in MHz, such as Figure 5 the X-axis in. For example, the "value of the channel bandwidth" for the "value in the equation" may be 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 30 MHz, etc.

[0262] According to another example embodiment, an example apparatus may be provided that includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: a first test of the lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the apparatus; and a second test of the performance of the apparatus within a first channel bandwidth group to test the allowed maximum power reduction, where the first channel bandwidth group includes the minimum channel bandwidth supported by the apparatus or the maximum channel bandwidth supported by the apparatus.

[0263] As can be seen from the above description, the current standardization proposal will result in a greater maximum power reduction than is required around resource blocks at the edges of the channel bandwidth. Therefore, for the features described herein, an equation or algorithm that provides a better reduction may be used.

[0264] The features described herein may be used with 5G / NR and may consider the maximum power reduction (MPR) allowed by the UE; such as when the UL RB (resource block) allocation is at or near the edge of the UL channel bandwidth. Due to higher-order modulation and transmit bandwidth configuration, the UE may be allowed to reduce its maximum output power. Edge RB allocation is defined as an RB allocation at (or near) either channel edge, with an allocation size not exceeding a specified maximum. Edge RB allocations and the corresponding allowed MPR values may be defined for <50 MHz channel bandwidth and ≥50 MHz channel bandwidth. However, if the proposal discussed in RAN4#104-bis-e is accepted, due to the channel bandwidth variation within each frequency group, there will be a 2 dB UL coverage loss; an excessive MRP value will be applied. To ensure that the applied MPR does not exceed the required MPR, the channel bandwidth may be divided into two or more groups (e.g., <50 MHz and ≥50 MHz), and then the allowed MPR values may be defined within each group according to the corresponding equation.

[0265] In addition, to test the UE performance within each group (such as <50 MHz and ≥50 MHz), the allowed MPR for the maximum channel bandwidth <50 MHz and the minimum channel bandwidth ≥50 MHz supported by the UE can also be tested. This can be complementary to the tests for the currently required lowest and highest channel bandwidths supported by the UE. Thus, this can be used to ensure that the UE can provide sufficient performance within all the supported channel bandwidths in the two channel bandwidth groups.

[0266] The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0267] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0268] (a) only hardware circuit implementations (such as implementations only in analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0269] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (where applicable):

[0270] (i) combinations of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and

[0271] (ii) any portions of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories that work together to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions), and

[0272] (iii) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware)

[0273] to operate, but the software can be absent when it is not required to operate.

[0274] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As other examples, as used in this application, the term circuitry also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuits or processors (or multiple processors) or portions of hardware circuits or processing along with their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network devices.

[0275] It should be understood that the above description is illustrative only. Those skilled in the art can design various alternative and modification schemes. For example, the features described in various dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). In addition, the features from the above different embodiments can be selectively combined into new embodiments. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: determine a channel bandwidth CBW; and based on the determined CBW, use the value of the CBW as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction MPR for the CBW.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the equation is determined based on at least two corresponding values of power back-off for the CBW.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the equation includes a line equation which is determined based on at least two highest back-off values of at least two spaced-apart corresponding CBWs in the same CBW group.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the equation comprises: multiplying the value of the CBW by a first power value to produce a product, wherein the product is subtracted from a second power value.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the equation comprises: multiplying the value of the CBW by a first power value to produce a product, wherein the product is added to a second power value.

6. The device according to the claim, wherein the device is further caused to: determine which CBW group among at least two CBW groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and based on the determined CBW group, select the equation from a plurality of equations.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein a first equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a negative slope, and a second equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a positive slope.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first group in the group includes CBWs below 50 MHz; and wherein the second group in the group includes CBWs equal to or higher than 50 MHz.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein for a CBW group less than 50 MHz, the equation is: for a CBW group equal to or greater than 50 MHz, the equation is: and where CEIL(x, 0.5dB) represents rounding x up to the nearest multiple of 0.5 dB.

10. A method, comprising: determining a channel bandwidth CBW; and based on the determined CBW, using the value of the CBW as a value in an equation to determine a maximum power reduction MPR for the channel bandwidth.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the equation is determined based on at least two corresponding values of power back-off for the CBW.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the equation includes a line equation which is determined based on at least two highest back-off values of at least two spaced-apart corresponding CBWs in the same CBW group.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the equation comprises: multiplying the value of the CBW by a first power value to produce a product, wherein the product is subtracted from a second power value.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the equation comprises: multiplying the value of the CBW by a first power value to produce a product, wherein the product is added to a second power value.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: determining which CBW group among at least two CBW groups the channel bandwidth is associated with; and selecting the equation from a plurality of equations based on the determined CBW group.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein a first equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a negative slope, and a second equation among the plurality of equations is based on a line equation with a positive slope.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein a first group of the groups includes CBWs below 50 MHz; and wherein a second group of the groups includes CBWs equal to or higher than 50 MHz.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein for a CBW group less than 50 MHz, the equation is: wherein for a CBW group equal to or greater than 50 MHz, the equation is: And wherein CEIL(x, 0.5dB) represents rounding x up to the nearest multiple of 0.5 dB.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: determining which CBW group among at least two CBW groups the channel bandwidth CBW is associated with; and selecting, based on the determined CBW group, an equation from a plurality of equations for determining the maximum power reduction MPR for the CBW.

20. The computer-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the CBW group comprises: a CBW group less than 50 MHz and a CBW group equal to or greater than 50 MHz; and wherein selecting the equation comprises: for a CBW group less than 50 MHz, selecting: and for CBW groups equal to or greater than 50 MHz, select: and wherein CEIL(x, 0.5dB) represents rounding x up to the nearest multiple of 0.5 dB.

Images