Group delay margin for devices with reference signal frequency hopping

Abstract

In an aspect, a user equipment (UE) may determine an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of transmitted reference signals (RSs) used in a frequency hopping positioning session. The UE may determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS. The UE may determine a first group delay margin from a set of pre-configured group delay margins as a group delay margin for the positioning session based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth. The UE may determine a second group delay margin as a group delay margin for the positioning session based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth. The UE may transmit or measure the plurality of RSs based on a first group delay margin or a second group delay margin of the positioning session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems have evolved through several generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephone service (including interim 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data, Internet-capable wireless services, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). There are many different types of wireless communication systems currently in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Examples of known cellular systems include the cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0003] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard (referred to as New Radio (NR)) enables improvements such as higher data transfer speeds, a greater number of connections, and better coverage. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance, the 5G standard is designed to provide higher data rates, more accurate positioning (e.g., based on reference signals for positioning (RS-P), such as downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals (PRS)), and other technical enhancements compared to previous standards. These enhancements, along with the use of higher frequency bands, advancements in PRS processes and technologies, and high-density deployment of 5G, enable highly accurate 5G-based positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A simplified summary related to one or more aspects disclosed herein is presented below. Accordingly, the following summary should not be considered an extensive overview related to all contemplated aspects, nor should the following summary be considered to identify key or critical elements related to all contemplated aspects or to delineate the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following summary is to present some concepts related to one or more aspects involving the mechanisms disclosed herein in a simplified form prior to the detailed description that follows.

[0005] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of reference signals (RSs) transmitted based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determining a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determining a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth; and transmitting or measuring the RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

[0006] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving multiple RSs during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of the multiple RSs transmitted on different frequency ranges, sending an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; and based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, sending a second group delay margin to the location server, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth.

[0007] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: determine an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth; and transmit or measure the plurality of RSs via the at least one transceiver based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

[0008] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over different frequency ranges, send an indication of the first group delay margin from the set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; and based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, send a second group delay margin to the location server via the at least one transceiver, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth.

[0009] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted based on hopping a reference signal (RS) to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; means for determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; means for determining, based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; means for determining, based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth; and means for transmitting or measuring the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

[0010] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on hopping the RS to different frequency ranges; means for determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; means for sending an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over different frequency ranges, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; and means for sending a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth.

[0011] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: determine an aggregated bandwidth that corresponds to a total bandwidth of reference signals (RSs) transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins that corresponds to the tuned bandwidth; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth; and transmit or measure a plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin for the positioning session.

[0012] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of RSs during a positioning session based on hopping a reference signal (RS) to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth that corresponds to a total bandwidth of a plurality of RSs transmitted over different frequency ranges, send an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins that corresponds to the tuned bandwidth; and based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, send a second group delay margin to the location server, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth.

[0013] Based on the accompanying drawings and the detailed description, other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings are presented to assist in describing various aspects of the present disclosure, and the drawings are provided only for purposes of illustration of these aspects and not limitation thereof.

[0015] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C illustrate example wireless network architectures in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C are simplified block diagrams of some sample aspects of components that can be employed and configured to support communications as taught herein in a user equipment (UE), a base station, and a network entity, respectively.

[0018] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example frame structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates an example Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP) call flow between a UE and a location server for performing a positioning operation.

[0020] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example round-trip time (RTT) procedure for determining the location of a UE in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example timing of RTT measurement signals exchanged between a base station and a UE in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example timing of RTT measurement signals exchanged between a base station and a UE in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 depicts timing errors (e.g., group delay) associated with two transmit-receive points (TRPs) receiving the same reference signal in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 shows a table that can be used to illustrate the contribution of timing errors to positioning measurement accuracy in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 shows a table illustrating group delay calibration margin candidates for UE receive-transmit (Rx-Tx) measurement accuracy with respect to RS bandwidth in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 illustrates an evaluation of phase offset for a two-hop scenario in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 illustrates an evaluation of phase offset for an eight-hop scenario in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14Depict a frequency hopping scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session.

[0029] Figure 15 Depict another frequency hopping scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session.

[0030] Figure 16 Depict another frequency hopping scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session.

[0031] Figure 17 Depict another frequency hopping scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session.

[0032] Figure 18 Depict another frequency hopping situation according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session.

[0033] Figure 19 Illustrate an example method of wireless communication that can be performed by a UE according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 20 Illustrate an example method of wireless communication that can be performed by a UE according to aspects of the present disclosure. Specific embodiments

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure are provided in the following description and associated drawings, which are used to illustrate various examples for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects can be designed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of the present disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the present disclosure.

[0036] The words "exemplary" and / or "example" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" and / or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Similarly, the term "aspects of the present disclosure" does not require that all aspects of the present disclosure include the discussed features, advantages, or modes of operation.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, depending in part on the particular application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc., the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referred to throughout the following description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In addition, many aspects are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by elements of, for example, a computing device. It will be recognized that the various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuitry (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequence(s) of actions described herein can be regarded as fully embodied within any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that, when executed, will cause or direct a relevant processor of the device to perform the functionality described herein. Accordingly, the various aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms, and all such forms are expected to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionally, for each of the aspects described herein, a corresponding form of any such aspect can be described herein as, for example, a “logic” that is “configured to” perform the described actions.

[0039] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “user equipment” (UE) and “base station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT). In general, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., a mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smart watch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary, and can communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “access terminal” or “AT,” “client device,” “wireless device,” “subscriber equipment,” “subscriber terminal,” “subscriber station,” “user terminal” or “UT,” “mobile device,” “mobile terminal,” “mobile station,” or variants thereof. In general, a UE can communicate with a core network via a RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to an external network such as the Internet and to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connection to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for a UE, such as via a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) network (e.g., based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, etc.), and so forth.

[0040] A base station can operate according to one of several RATs for communicating with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and can alternatively be referred to as an access point (AP), network node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) Node B (also referred to as gNB or gNodeB), etc. The base station can be mainly used to support the wireless access of the UE, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UE. In some systems, the base station can provide a pure edge node signaling function, while in other systems, it can provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which the UE sends signals to the base station can be referred to as an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station sends signals to the UE can be referred to as a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) can refer to an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0041] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit-receive point (TRP) or to multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, in the case where the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP can be the antenna of the base station corresponding to the cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. In the case where the term "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or in the case where the base station employs beamforming). In the case where the term "base station" refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRPs can be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, the non-co-located physical TRPs can be the serving base station that receives measurement reports from the UE and a neighbor base station whose reference radio frequency (RF) signal the UE is measuring. Since the TRP is the point from which the base station sends and receives wireless signals, as used herein, a reference to a transmission from the base station or a reception at the base station should be understood as a reference to a particular TRP of the base station.

[0042] In some embodiments that support the positioning of the UE, the base station may not support the wireless access of the UE (e.g., may not support data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the UE), but may send a reference signal to the UE for measurement by the UE, and / or may receive and measure signals sent by the UE. Such a base station can be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when sending signals to the UE) and / or a position measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0043] An “RF signal” includes an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information through the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may send a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through a multipath channel, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and the receiver may be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal. As used herein, an RF signal may also be referred to as a “wireless signal” or simply a “signal”, where it is clear from the context that the term “signal” refers to a wireless signal or an RF signal.

[0044] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 (labeled “BS”) and various UEs 104. The base stations 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macrocell base stations may include eNBs and / or ng-eNBs (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or gNBs (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and the small cell base stations may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0045] Base station 102 can jointly form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC)) via a backhaul link 122, and interface with one or more location servers 172 (e.g., location management function (LMF) or secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP)) via the core network 170. The (one or more) location servers 172 can be part of the core network 170 or can be external to the core network 170. The location server 172 can be integrated with the base station 102. The UE 104 can communicate with the location server 172 directly or indirectly. For example, the UE 104 can communicate with the location server 172 via the base station 102 that currently serves the UE 104. The UE 104 can also communicate with the location server 172 via another path (such as via an application server (not shown)), via another network (e.g., via a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) (e.g., AP 150 described below)), etc. For signaling purposes, the communication between the UE 104 and the location server 172 can be represented as an indirect connection (e.g., via the core network 170, etc.) or a direct connection (e.g., as shown via a direct connection 128), where intervening nodes (if any) are omitted from the signaling diagram for clarity.

[0046] In addition to other functions, the base station 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and device tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The base stations 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via the EPC / 5GC) via a backhaul link 134, which can be wired or wireless.

[0047] Base station 102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each of the base stations 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographical coverage area 110. In one aspect, the base stations 102 in each geographical coverage area 110 can support one or more cells. A "cell" is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., via a certain frequency resource referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.), and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCI), enhanced cell identifier (ECI), virtual cell identifier (VCI), cell global identifier (CGI), etc.), which is used to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access for different types of UEs (e.g., machine type communication (MTC), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), or others). Since a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term "cell" can refer to either the logical communication entity or the base station that supports it, or both, depending on the context. Additionally, since the TRP is typically the physical transmission point of a cell, the terms "cell" and "TRP" can be used interchangeably. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographical coverage area of a base station (e.g., a sector), as long as the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a certain part of the geographical coverage area 110.

[0048] Although the geographical coverage areas 110 of adjacent macro cell base stations 102 can partially overlap (e.g., in a handover area), some of the geographical coverage areas 110 can substantially overlap with a larger geographical coverage area 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' (labeled "SC" for "small cell") can have a geographical coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographical coverage areas 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network including both small cell base stations and macro cell base stations can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network can also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which can provide services to a restricted group called a closed subscriber group (CSG).

[0049] The communication link 120 between the base station 102 and the UE 104 can include an uplink (also called a reverse link) transmission from the UE 104 to the base station 102 and / or a downlink (DL) (also called a forward link) transmission from the base station 102 to the UE 104. The communication link 120 can use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 can pass through one or more carrier frequencies. The allocation of carriers can be asymmetric with respect to the downlink and the uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers can be allocated for the downlink than for the uplink).

[0050] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 that communicates with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in an unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or the WLAN AP 150 may perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) or Listen Before Talk (LBT) procedure before communication to determine whether the channel is available.

[0051] The small cell base station 102' may operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in the unlicensed spectrum, the small cell base station 102' may employ LTE or NR technologies and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as that used by the WLAN AP 150. The small cell base station 102' adopting LTE / 5G in the unlicensed spectrum may improve the coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network. NR in the unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in the unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed-Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0052] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a millimeter wave (mmW) base station 180 that may operate in mmW frequencies and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with a UE 182. The Extremely High Frequency (EHF) is a part of the RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. The radio waves in this band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 millimeters. The Super High Frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and is also known as centimeter waves. Communications using the mmW / near-mmW radio frequency bands have high path loss and relatively short distances. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 may utilize beamforming (transmission and / or reception) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short distances. In addition, it should be understood that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing illustrations are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0053] Transmit beamforming is a technique used to focus RF signals in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal omnidirectionally, i.e., in all directions. With transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal to the receiving device(s). To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters that are broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that creates a beam of RF waves that can be "steered" to point in different directions without physically moving the antennas. Specifically, the RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas in the correct phase relationship so that the radio waves from the individual antennas add together to increase the radiation in the desired direction while canceling to suppress the radiation in the undesired directions.

[0054] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, which means that they appear to the receiver (e.g., a UE) to have the same parameters regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network node itself are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of a second reference RF signal on a second beam can be derived from information about a source reference RF signal on a source beam. Thus, if the source reference RF signal is of QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of QCL type D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of a second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0055] In receive beamforming, the receiver uses receive beams to amplify the RF signals detected on a given channel. For example, the receiver can increase the gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when the receiver is said to perform beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is high relative to the beam gains in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gains in that direction of all other receive beams available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength for the RF signals received from that direction (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.).

[0056] Transmit and receive beams can be spatially related. Spatial relationship means that the parameters of the second beam (e.g., transmit or receive beam) of the second reference signal can be derived from the information of the first beam (e.g., receive beam or transmit beam) of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. Then, the UE can form a transmit beam for transmitting an uplink reference signal (e.g., sounding reference signal (SRS)) to that base station based on the parameters of the receive beam.

[0057] Note that a "downlink" beam can be a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if the base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to the UE, the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if the UE is forming a downlink beam, it is a receive beam for receiving the downlink reference signal. Similarly, an "uplink" beam can be a transmit beam or a receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if the base station is forming an uplink beam, it is an uplink receive beam, and if the UE is forming an uplink beam, it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0058] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range names FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a part of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes occur with respect to FR2, which is typically (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0059] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating bands for these mid-band frequencies as the frequency range name FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics and can thus effectively extend the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to the mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range names FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). Each of these higher bands falls within the EHF band.

[0060] Taking into account the above aspects, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that terms such as "sub-6 GHz" etc., if used in this document, can broadly represent frequencies that can be less than 6 GHz, can be within FR1, or can include mid-band frequencies. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that terms such as "millimeter wave" etc., if used in this document, can broadly represent frequencies that can include mid-band frequencies, can be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or can be within the EHF band.

[0061] In a multi-carrier system such as 5G, one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the "primary carrier" or "anchor carrier" or "primary serving cell" or "PCell", and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as "secondary carriers" or "secondary serving cells" or "SCells". In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is a carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by the UE 104 / 182 and the cell, where the UE 104 / 182 performs the initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment process or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment process. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels and can be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2) that can be configured once the RRC connection is established between the UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and it can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier in an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier can contain only the necessary signaling information and signals. For example, those specific to the UE may not be present in the secondary carrier because both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carriers. The network is able to change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since a "serving cell" (whether it is a PCell or an SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier on which a certain base station is communicating, the terms "cell", "serving cell", "component carrier", "carrier frequency", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0062] For example, still referring to Figure 1 , one of the frequencies utilized by the macro cell base station 102 can be the anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and the other frequencies utilized by the macro cell base station 102 and / or the mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers ("SCells"). The simultaneous transmission and / or reception of multiple carriers enables the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rate. For example, compared to the data rate achieved by a single 20 MHz carrier, two 20 MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in a two-fold increase in the data rate (i.e., 40 MHz).

[0063] The wireless communication system 100 can also include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macro cell base station 102 via the communication link 120 and / or communicate with the mmW base station 180 via the mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 can support a PCell and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 can support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0064] In some cases, UE 164 and UE 182 may be able to perform sidelink communication. A UE with sidelink capabilities (SL-UE) can communicate with base station 102 via communication link 120 using the Uu interface (i.e., the air interface between the UE and the base station). The SL-UEs (e.g., UE 164, UE 182) can also communicate directly with each other via the PC5 interface (i.e., the air interface between UEs with sidelink capabilities) over wireless sidelink 160. The wireless sidelink (or just "sidelink") is an adaptation of the core cellular (e.g., LTE, NR) standard that allows direct communication between two or more UEs without the communication having to go through a base station. Sidelink communication can be unicast or multicast and can be used for device-to-device (D2D) media sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications, etc. One or more of the SL-UEs in a group that utilizes sidelink communication can be within the geographical coverage area 110 of base station 102. Other SL-UEs in such a group can be outside the geographical coverage area 110 of base station 102 or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from base station 102. In some cases, a group of SL-UEs that communicate via sidelink communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system where each SL-UE transmits to every other SL-UE in the group. In some cases, base station 102 facilitates the scheduling of resources for sidelink communication. In other cases, sidelink communication is performed between the SL-UEs without involving base station 102.

[0065] In one aspect, sidelink 160 may operate on a wireless communication medium of interest, which may be shared with other wireless communications and other RATs between other vehicles and / or infrastructure access points. The "medium" may consist of one or more time, frequency, and / or spatial communication resources associated with wireless communication between one or more transmitter / receiver pairs (e.g., including one or more channels across one or more carriers). In one aspect, the medium of interest may correspond to at least a portion of an unlicensed band shared between various RATs. Although different licensed bands have been reserved for certain communication systems (e.g., by government entities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States), these systems (especially those employing small cell access points) have recently extended their operations to unlicensed bands, such as the unlicensed national information infrastructure (U-NII) bands used by wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies (most notably the IEEE 802.11x WLAN technologies commonly known as "Wi-Fi"). Example systems of this type include different variants of CDMA systems, TDMA systems, FDMA systems, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, etc.

[0066] Note that although Figure 1 only two of the UEs are shown as SL-UEs (i.e., UE 164 and 182), any of the UEs shown may be an SL-UE. Additionally, although only UE 182 is described as being capable of beamforming, any of the UEs shown (including UE 164) may be capable of beamforming. In cases where the SL-UEs are capable of beamforming, they may beamform towards each other (i.e., towards other SL-UEs), towards other UEs (e.g., UE 104), towards base stations (e.g., base stations 102, 180, small cell 102', access point 150), etc. Thus, in some cases, UEs 164 and 182 may utilize beamforming on sidelink 160.

[0067] In Figure 1 the example of, any of the exemplified UEs (for simplicity, in Figure 1The single UE104 shown therein can receive signals 124 from one or more space vehicles (SVs) 112 in Earth orbits (e.g., satellites). In one aspect, the SV 112 can be part of a satellite positioning system, and the UE 104 can use it as an independent source of position information. A satellite positioning system generally includes a system of transmitters (e.g., SV 112) that are positioned such that a receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine its position on or above the Earth at least in part based on positioning signals received from the transmitters (e.g., signal 124). Such transmitters typically send signals marked with a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code of a set number of chips. Although typically located in the SV 112, the transmitter can sometimes also be located on a ground-based control station, a base station 102, and / or other UE104. The UE 104 can include one or more dedicated receivers specifically designed to receive signals 124 for deriving geographical location information from the SV 112.

[0068] In a satellite positioning system, the use of signal 124 can be enhanced by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), which can be associated with or otherwise capable of being used with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, SBAS can include one or more augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential corrections, etc., such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), the Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), the Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided Geo Augmented Navigation or the GPS and Geo Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN), etc. Thus, as used herein, a satellite positioning system can include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellites associated with such one or more satellite positioning systems.

[0069] In one aspect, the SV 112 can additionally or alternatively be part of one or more non-terrestrial networks (NTN). In an NTN, the SV 112 is connected to an earth station (also referred to as a ground station, NTN gateway, or gateway), which in turn is connected to elements in a 5G network, such as a modified base station 102 (without a ground antenna) or a network node in the 5GC. This element in turn provides access to other elements in the 5G network and ultimately provides access to entities external to the 5G network, such as Internet web servers and other user devices. In this way, instead of or in addition to receiving communication signals from the ground base station 102, the UE104 can receive communication signals (e.g., signal 124) from the SV 112.

[0070] The wireless communication system 100 may also include one or more UEs (e.g., UE 190), which are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as "sidelinks"). In Figure 1 the example, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of the UEs 104 connected to one of the base stations 102 (e.g., through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity) and a D2D P2P link 194 with the WLAN STA 152 connected to the WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity). In the example, the D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can be supported by any well-known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), etc.).

[0071] Figure 2A An example wireless network structure 200 is illustrated. For example, the 5GC 210 (also referred to as the Next Generation Core (NGC)) can be functionally regarded as a control plane (C-plane) function 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and a user plane (U-plane) function 212 (e.g., UE gateway function, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), and these functions operate collaboratively to form the core network. The user plane interface (NG-U) 213 and the control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210, and specifically connect to the user plane function 212 and the control plane function 214 respectively. In an additional configuration, the ng-eNB 224 can also be connected to the 5GC 210 via the NG-C 215 to connect to the control plane function 214, and connected to the 5GC 210 via the NG-U 213 to connect to the user plane function 212. In addition, the ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with the gNB 222 via the backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) 220 can have one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more of both the ng-eNB 224 and the gNB 222. Either (or both) of the gNB 222 or the ng-eNB 224 can communicate with one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein).

[0072] Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which may communicate with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance for the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively may each correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, and the UE 204 may be connected to the location server 230 via the core network, the 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not shown). Additionally, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively may be external to the core network (e.g., a third-party server such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server or a service server).

[0073] Figure 2B Another example wireless network structure 240 is illustrated. The 5GC 260 (which may correspond to Figure 2AThe 5GC 210) can be functionally regarded as the control plane function provided by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264 and the user plane function provided by the User Plane Function (UPF) 262, and these functions operate collaboratively to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). The functions of the AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transmission of session management (SM) messages for one or more UEs 204 (e.g., any UE described herein) between the session management function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transmission of short message service (SMS) messages for the UE 204 and the short message service function (SMSF) (not shown), and the security anchor function (SEAF). The AMF 264 also interacts with the authentication server function (AUSF) (not shown) and the UE 204, and receives the intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of authentication based on a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) subscriber identity module (USIM), the AMF 264 retrieves the security material from the AUSF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include security context management (SCM). The SCM receives the key for deriving the access network specific key from the SEAF. The functions of the AMF 264 also include location service management for regulatory services, transmission of location service messages for the UE 204 and the location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as the location server 230), transmission of location service messages for the NG-RAN 220 and the LMF 270, allocation of evolved packet system (EPS) bearer identifiers for EPS interworking, and UE 204 mobility event notification. In addition, the AMF 264 also supports functions for non-3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0074] The functions of the UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (when applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point for the interconnection to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the user plane (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflected QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. The UPF 262 may also support the conveyance of location service messages on the user plane between the UE 204 and a location server such as the SLP 272.

[0075] The functions of the SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuring traffic steering at the UPF 262 to route traffic to an appropriate destination, controlling partial policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface by which the SMF 266 communicates with the AMF 264 is referred to as the N11 interface.

[0076] Another optional aspect may include an LMF 270, which may communicate with the 5GC 260 to provide location assistance for the UE 204. The LMF 270 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively may each correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, and the UE 204 may be connected to the LMF 270 via the core network 5GC 260 and / or via the Internet (not shown). The SLP 272 may support functions similar to those of the LMF 270, but whereas the LMF 270 may communicate with the AMF 264, the NG-RAN 220, and the UE 204 via the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to convey signaling messages rather than voice or data), the SLP 272 may communicate with the UE 204 and an external client (e.g., a third-party server 274) via the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to carry voice and / or data such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0077] Another optional aspect may include a third-party server 274, which may communicate with the LMF 270, SLP 272, 5GC 260 (e.g., via the AMF 264 and / or UPF 262), NG-RAN 220, and / or UE 204 to obtain location information (e.g., a location estimate) of the UE 204. Thus, in some cases, the third-party server 274 may be referred to as a location service (LCS) client or an external client. The third-party server 274 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively may each correspond to a single server.

[0078] The user plane interface 263 and the control plane interface 265 connect the 5GC 260 (and specifically the UPF 262 and AMF 264) to one or more gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 in the NG-RAN 220, respectively. The interface between the (one or more) gNBs 222 and / or (one or more) ng-eNBs 224 and the AMF 264 is referred to as the "N2" interface, and the interface between the (one or more) gNBs 222 and / or (one or more) ng-eNBs 224 and the UPF 262 is referred to as the "N3" interface. The (one or more) gNBs 222 and / or (one or more) ng-eNBs 224 of the NG-RAN 220 may communicate directly with each other via a backhaul connection 223 (referred to as the "Xn-C" interface). One or more of the gNBs 222 and / or ng-eNBs 224 may communicate with one or more UEs 204 via a radio interface referred to as the "Uu" interface.

[0079] The functions of gNB 222 can be divided among a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) 226, one or more gNB distributed units (gNB-DU) 228, and one or more gNB radio units (gNB-RU) 229. The gNB-CU 226 is a logical node that includes base station functions such as transporting user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, session management, etc., except for those functions specifically allocated to the (one or more) gNB-DU 228. More specifically, the gNB-CU 226 typically hosts the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocols of gNB 222. The gNB-DU 228 is a logical node that typically hosts the radio link control (RLC) and media access control (MAC) layers of gNB 222. Its operation is controlled by the gNB-CU 226. One gNB-DU 228 can support one or more cells, and one cell is supported by only one gNB-DU 228. The interface 232 between the gNB-CU 226 and one or more gNB-DU 228 is referred to as the "F1" interface. The physical (PHY) layer functions of gNB 222 are typically hosted by one or more independent gNB-RU 229 that perform functions such as power amplification and signal transmission / reception. The interface between the gNB-DU 228 and the gNB-RU 229 is referred to as the "Fx" interface. Thus, the UE 204 communicates with the gNB-CU 226 via the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers, communicates with the gNB-DU 228 via the RLC and MAC layers, and communicates with the gNB-RU 229 via the PHY layer.

[0080] The deployment of a communication system such as a 5G NR system can be arranged in various ways with various components or constituents. In a 5G NR system or network, network nodes, network entities, mobility elements of the network, RAN nodes, core network nodes, network elements, or network devices (such as base stations, or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functions) can be implemented in an aggregated or disaggregated architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, access point (AP), transmit receive point (TRP), or cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also referred to as a stand-alone base station or a monolithic base station) or a disaggregated base station.

[0081] Aggregated base stations can be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. Disaggregated base stations can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, the CU can be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs can be collocated with the CU, or alternatively, can be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. The DU can be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU can also be implemented as a virtual unit, i.e., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0082] Base station operation or network design can consider the aggregation characteristics of base station functions. For example, disaggregated base stations can be utilized in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN, such as a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Disaggregation can include distributing functions across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functions for at least one unit, which can achieve flexibility in network design. The various units of a disaggregated base station or a disaggregated RAN architecture can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0083] Figure 2C An example disaggregated base station architecture 250 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The disaggregated base station architecture 250 can include one or more central units (CUs) 280 (e.g., gNB-CU 226), which can communicate directly with a core network 267 (e.g., 5GC 210, 5GC 260) via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 267 through one or more disaggregated base station units (e.g., a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 259 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non RT) RIC 257 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 255, or both). The CU 280 can communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 285 (e.g., gNB-DU 228) via a respective midhaul link, such as an F1 interface. The DU 285 can communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 287 (e.g., gNB-RU 229) via a respective fronthaul link. The RU 287 can communicate with a respective UE 204 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, the UE 204 can be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 287.

[0084] Each of the units (i.e., CU 280, DU 285, RU 287, and the near RT RIC 259, non-RT RIC 257, and SMO framework 255) may include one or more interfaces or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively referred to as signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units or the associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interface of the unit may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, a unit may include a wired interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, a unit may include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium, or both.

[0085] In some aspects, the CU 280 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 with an interface configured to convey signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 280. The CU 280 may be configured to handle user plane functions (i.e., Central Unit - User Plane (CU-UP)), control plane functions (i.e., Central Unit - Control Plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the CU 280 may be logically partitioned into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface (such as an E1 interface). The CU 280 may be implemented to communicate with the DU 285 as needed for network control and signaling.

[0086] The DU 285 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 287. In some aspects, the DU 285 may host one or more of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media 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 depending on a functional split (such as those defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)). In some aspects, the DU 285 may also host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using interfaces configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 285 or with control functions hosted by the CU 280.

[0087] The lower layer functions may be implemented by one or more RUs 287. In some deployments, the RUs 287 controlled by the DU 285 may correspond to logical nodes that host 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 at least in part based on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the (one or more) RUs 287 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communication with one or more UEs 204. In some embodiments, the real-time and non-real-time aspects of the control and user plane communication with the (one or more) RUs 287 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 285. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the DU 285 and the CU 280 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0088] The SMO framework 255 can be configured to support the RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 255 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as the O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 255 can be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as the Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 269) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as to instantiate virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as the O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements can include, but are not limited to, the CU 280, DU 285, RU 287, and the Near RT RIC 259. In some embodiments, the SMO framework 255 can communicate with the hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as the Open eNB (O-eNB) 261) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some embodiments, the SMO framework 255 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 287 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 255 can also include a Non-RT RIC 257 that is configured to support the functions of the SMO framework 255.

[0089] The Non-RT RIC 257 can 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 updates, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the Near RT RIC 259. The Non-RT RIC 257 can be coupled to or communicate with the Near RT RIC 259 (such as via the A1 interface). The Near RT RIC 259 can be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources through data collection and actions on an interface (e.g., via the E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 280, one or more DUs 285, or both, and the O-eNB to the Near RT RIC 259.

[0090] In some implementations, to generate the AI / ML models to be deployed in the near RT RIC 259, the non-RT RIC 257 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information can be utilized by the near RT RIC 259 and can be received from non-network data sources or from network functions at the SMO framework 255 or at the non-RT RIC 257. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 257 or the near RT RIC 259 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 257 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and adopt an AI / ML model to perform corrective actions via the SMO framework 255 (such as reconfiguration via O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0091] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C illustrates several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) that may be incorporated into a UE 302 (which may correspond to any of the UEs described herein), a base station 304 (which may correspond to any of the base stations described herein), and a network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any of the network functions described herein, including the location server 230 and the LMF 270, or alternatively may be independent of Figure 2A and Figure 2B the NG-RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260 infrastructure depicted in, such as a private network), to support the operations described herein. It should be understood that these components may be implemented in different types of devices in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components may also be incorporated into other equipment in the communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to the described components to provide similar functionality. Additionally, a given device may include one or more of the components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0092] UE 302 and base station 304 each include one or more wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, respectively providing components for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, etc.) (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, components for measuring, components for tuning, components for suppressing transmission, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can each be respectively connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356 for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNBs, gNBs), etc.) via at least one specified RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) through an interested wireless communication medium (e.g., a set of time / frequency resources in a specific spectrum). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be differently configured to respectively transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) according to the specified RAT, and conversely, to respectively receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 respectively include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for respectively transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, and one or more receivers 312 and 352 for respectively receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358.

[0093] At least in some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 each further respectively include one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360. Short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be respectively connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, and provide for communicating through an interested wireless communication medium via at least one specified RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, Components for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations, etc.) using PC5, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), wireless access for vehicle environments (WAVE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), etc. (e.g., components for transmitting, receiving, measuring, tuning, suppressing transmission, etc.). The short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured differently to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) according to the specified RAT, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 respectively include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368. As a specific example, the short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360 can be WiFi transceivers, transceivers, and / or transceivers, NFC transceivers, UWB transceivers, or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) transceivers.

[0094] In at least some cases, the UE 302 and the base station 304 also include satellite signal receivers 330 and 370. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 can be respectively connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, and can respectively provide components for receiving and / or measuring satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378. In the case where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are satellite positioning system receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 can be Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, Beidou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc. In the case where the satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 are non-terrestrial network (NTN) receivers, the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378 can be communication signals (e.g., carrying control and / or user data) originating from a 5G network. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 can include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing the satellite positioning / communication signals 338 and 378. The satellite signal receivers 330 and 370 can request information and operations from other systems as appropriate, and at least in some cases, use measurements obtained through any suitable satellite positioning system algorithm to perform calculations to respectively determine the positions of the UE 302 and the base station 304.

[0095] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include one or more network transceivers 380 and 390, respectively, which provide components (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, etc.) for communicating with other network entities (e.g., other base stations 304, other network entities 306). For example, base station 304 may employ one or more network transceivers 380 to communicate with other base stations 304 or network entities 306 via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links. As another example, network entity 306 may employ one or more network transceivers 390 to communicate with one or more base stations 304 via one or more wired or wireless backhaul links, or communicate with other network entities 306 via one or more wired or wireless core network interfaces.

[0096] The transceiver may be configured to communicate via a wired or wireless link. The transceiver (whether a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver) includes a transmitter circuit (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) and a receiver circuit (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362). The transceiver may be an integrated device (e.g., embodying the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit in a single device) in some embodiments, may include separate transmitter circuits and separate receiver circuits in some embodiments, or may be embodied in other ways in other embodiments. The transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit of a wired transceiver (e.g., network transceivers 380 and 390 in some embodiments) may be coupled to one or more wired network interface ports. The wireless transmitter circuit (e.g., transmitters 314, 324, 354, 364) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which permits the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform transmission "beamforming" as described herein. Similarly, the wireless receiver circuitry (e.g., receivers 312, 322, 352, 362) may include or be coupled to a plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which permits the corresponding device (e.g., UE 302, base station 304) to perform receive beamforming as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit may share the same plurality of antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than receive and transmit simultaneously. The wireless transceiver (e.g., WWAN transceivers 310 and 350, short-range wireless transceivers 320 and 360) may also include a network listening module (NLM) for performing various measurements, etc.

[0097] As used herein, various wireless transceivers (e.g., transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, and in some embodiments network transceivers 380 and 390) and wired transceivers (e.g., in some embodiments network transceivers 380 and 390) can generally be characterized as "transceiver", "at least one transceiver", or "one or more transceivers". Thus, a particular transceiver can be inferred to be a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver from the type of communication being performed. For example, backhaul communication between network devices or servers will typically involve signaling via a wired transceiver, while wireless communication between a UE (e.g., UE 302) and a base station (e.g., base station 304) will typically involve signaling via a wireless transceiver.

[0098] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with the operations disclosed herein. UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 each include one or more processors 332, 384, and 394 for providing functions related to, for example, wireless communication, and for providing other processing functions. Thus, processors 332, 384, and 394 can provide components for processing, such as components for determining, components for calculating, components for receiving, components for transmitting, components for indicating, etc. In one aspect, processors 332, 384, and 394 can include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, central processing units (CPUs), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0099] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include memory circuits that respectively implement memories 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Thus, memories 340, 386, and 396 can provide components for storage, retrieval, maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 can respectively include positioning components 342, 388, and 398. Positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be hardware circuits that are respectively part of processors 332, 384, and 394 or coupled to processors 332, 384, and 394, and these hardware circuits, when executed, cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. In other aspects, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be external to processors 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, positioning components 342, 388, and 398 can be memory modules respectively stored in memories 340, 386, and 396, and these memory modules, when executed by processors 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Figure 3A Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 342, which can be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 310, memory 340, one or more processors 332, or any combination thereof, or can be an independent component. Figure 3B Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 388, which can be, for example, part of one or more WWAN transceivers 350, memory 386, one or more processors 384, or any combination thereof, or can be an independent component. Figure 3C Illustrates possible locations of positioning component 398, which can be, for example, part of one or more network transceivers 390, memory 396, one or more processors 394, or any combination thereof, or can be an independent component.

[0100] The UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to one or more processors 332 to provide means for sensing or detecting movement and / or orientation information that is independent of motion data derived from signals received by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320, and / or satellite signal receivers 330. By way of example, the (one or more) sensors 344 may include an accelerometer (e.g., a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device), a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor (e.g., a compass), an altimeter (e.g., a barometric altimeter), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Additionally, the (one or more) sensors 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, the (one or more) sensors 344 may use a combination of a multi-axis accelerometer and an orientation sensor to provide the ability to calculate a position in a two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system.

[0101] In addition, the UE 302 includes a user interface 346 that provides components for providing an indication to a user (e.g., an audible and / or visual indication) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when the user actuates a sensing device such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, etc.). Although not shown, the base station 304 and the network entity 306 may also include a user interface.

[0102] Referring more particularly to one or more processors 384, in the downlink, IP packets from the network entity 306 may be provided to the processor 384. The one or more processors 384 may implement the functions of the RRC layer, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The one or more processors 384 may provide RRC layer functions associated with the broadcast of system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction via Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0103] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 may implement Layer 1 (L1) functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes the Physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols may then be split into parallel streams. Each stream may then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time domain and / or frequency domain, and then combined together using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a stream of time-domain OFDM symbols. The OFDM symbol stream is space precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator may be used to determine the encoding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates may be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 302 and / or channel status feedback. Each spatial stream may then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 may modulate an RF carrier using the respective spatial stream for transmission.

[0104] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to one or more processors 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 may perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they may be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency-domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions may be based on the channel estimates computed by the channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to one or more processors 332, which implement Layer 3 (L3) and Layer 2 (L2) functions.

[0105] In the downlink, one or more processors 332 provide demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the core network. One or more processors 332 are also responsible for error detection.

[0106] Similar to the functions described in connection with the downlink transmission performed by base station 304, one or more processors 332 provide RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with the transfer of upper layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and re-ordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0107] Transmitter 314 may use channel estimates derived from reference signals or feedback transmitted by base station 304 by the channel estimator to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by transmitter 314 may be provided to different antennas 316. Transmitter 314 may modulate the RF carrier using the respective spatial streams for transmission.

[0108] Uplink transmission at base station 304 is processed in a manner similar to that described in connection with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to one or more processors 384.

[0109] In the uplink, one or more processors 384 provide demultiplexing between transport channels and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, control signal processing to recover IP packets from UE 302. The IP packets from one or more processors 384 may be provided to the core network. One or more processors 384 are also responsible for error detection.

[0110] For convenience, UE 302, base station 304, and / or network entity 306 are in Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3Cis shown as including various components that can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it should be understood that the components shown may have different functions in different designs. In particular, Figures 3A to 3C the various components in are optional in alternative configurations, and each aspect includes configurations that can vary due to design choices, cost, use of the device, or other considerations. For example, in Figure 3A the case of, a particular implementation of the UE 302 may omit one or more WWAN transceivers 310 (e.g., a wearable device or a tablet computer or a PC or a laptop computer may have Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth capabilities without having cellular capabilities), or may omit one or more short-range wireless transceivers 320 (e.g., only cellular, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal receiver 330, or may omit one or more sensors 344, etc. In another example, in Figure 3B the case of, a particular implementation of the base station 304 may omit one or more WWAN transceivers 350 (e.g., a Wi-Fi "hotspot" access point without cellular capabilities), or may omit the short-range wireless transceiver 360 (e.g., only cellular, etc.), or may omit the satellite signal receiver 370, etc. For the sake of brevity, examples of various alternative configurations are not provided herein, but those skilled in the art will readily understand.

[0111] The respective components of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 can be communicatively coupled to each other via data buses 334, 382, and 392, respectively. In one aspect, the data buses 334, 382, and 392 can respectively form the communication interfaces of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306 or be part of the communication interfaces of the UE 302, the base station 304, and the network entity 306. For example, in the case where different logical entities are embodied in the same device (e.g., the gNB and the location server functions incorporated into the same base station 304), the data buses 334, 382, and 392 can provide communication between them.

[0112] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C the components of can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CThe components can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit can use and / or incorporate at least one memory component to store information or executable code used by the circuit to provide the functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 can be implemented by the processor and (one or more) memory components of the UE 302 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 388 can be implemented by the processor and (one or more) memory components of the base station 304 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Additionally, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 398 can be implemented by the processor and (one or more) memory components of the network entity 306 (e.g., by execution of appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE", "by the base station", "by the network entity", etc. However, as will be understood, such operations, actions, and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as processors 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, memories 340, 386, and 396, positioning components 342, 388, and 398, etc.

[0113] In some designs, the network entity 306 can be implemented as a core network component. In other designs, the network entity 306 can be different from the network operator or operator of the cellular network infrastructure (e.g., NG RAN 220 and / or 5GC 210 / 260). For example, the network entity 306 can be a component of a private network that can be configured to communicate with the UE 302 via the base station 304 or independently of the base station 304 (e.g., via a non-cellular communication link such as WiFi).

[0114] Various frame structures can be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs). Figure 4 FIG. 400 is a diagram illustrating an example frame structure in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The frame structure can be a downlink or uplink frame structure. Other wireless communication technologies can have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0115] LTE, and in some cases NR, utilize Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) on the downlink and Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option of using OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often also referred to as tones, bins, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, modulation symbols are transmitted using OFDM in the frequency domain and SC-FDM in the time domain. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kilohertz (kHz), and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Thus, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 megahertz (MHz), the nominal Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) size can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08 MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0116] LTE supports a single parameter set (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR can support multiple parameter sets (μ), e.g., 15 kHz (μ = 0), 30 kHz (μ = 1), 60 kHz (μ = 2), 120 kHz (μ = 3), and 240 kHz (μ = 4) or larger subcarrier spacings may be available. In each subcarrier spacing, there are 14 symbols per time slot. For 15 kHz SCS (μ = 0), there is one time slot per subframe, 10 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 1 millisecond (ms), the symbol duration is 66.7 microseconds (μs), and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 50. For 30 kHz SCS (μ = 1), there are two time slots per subframe, 20 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.5 ms, the symbol duration is 33.3 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 100. For 60 kHz SCS (μ = 2), there are four time slots per subframe, 40 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.25 ms, the symbol duration is 16.7 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 200. For 120 kHz SCS (μ = 3), there are eight time slots per subframe, 80 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.125 ms, the symbol duration is 8.33 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 400. For 240 kHz SCS (μ = 4), there are 16 time slots per subframe, 160 time slots per frame, the time slot duration is 0.0625 ms, the symbol duration is 4.17 μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) with a 4K FFT size is 800.

[0117] In Figure 4 the example of, a parameter set of 15 kHz is used. Thus, in the time domain, a 10 ms frame is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each subframe being 1 ms, and each subframe includes one time slot. In Figure 4 time is represented horizontally (on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0118] A resource grid can be used to represent a time slot, and each time slot includes one or more time-concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also called physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE can correspond to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. In Figure 4In the parameter set, for the normal cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 REs. For the extended cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0119] Some of the REs can carry reference (pilot) signals (RS). Depending on whether the illustrated frame structure is for uplink communication or downlink communication, the reference signals can include positioning reference signals (PRS), tracking reference signals (TRS), phase tracking reference signals (PTRS), cell-specific reference signals (CRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signals (DMRS), primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), synchronization signal blocks (SSB), sounding reference signals (SRS), etc. Figure 4 An example position of the REs carrying reference signals (labeled "R") is shown.

[0120] The set of resource elements (REs) used for the transmission of PRS is referred to as a "PRS resource". The set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and 'N' (such as 1 or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, the PRS resource occupies consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain.

[0121] The transmission of the PRS resource within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also referred to as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size of "N", the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of the symbol of the PRB. For example, for a comb-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the REs corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) are used to transmit the PRS of the PRS resource. Currently, comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12 are supported for DL-PRS. Figure 4 An example PRS resource configuration for a comb-4 (which spans four symbols) is illustrated. That is, the positions of the shaded REs (labeled "R") indicate the comb-4 PRS resource configuration.

[0122] Currently, DL-PRS resources can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot with a full frequency domain interleaving pattern. The DL-PRS resources can be configured in any higher layer configured downlink or flexible (FL) symbols of the time slot. For all REs of a given DL-PRS resource, there can be a constant energy per resource element (EPRE). The following are symbol-to-symbol frequency offsets of size 2, 4, 6, and 12 on 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols. 2-symbol comb - 2: {0, 1}; 4-symbol comb - 2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 6-symbol comb - 2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 12-symbol comb - 2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-symbol comb - 4: {0, 2, 1, 3} (as in the example of Figure 4 ); 12-symbol comb - 4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 6-symbol comb - 6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; 12-symbol comb - 6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; and 12-symbol comb - 12: {0, 6, 3, 9, 1, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 5, 11}.

[0123] A "PRS resource set" is a collection of PRS resources for the transmission of PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. In addition, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. The PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and is associated with a specific TRP (identified by the TRP ID). Additionally, the PRS resources in a PRS resource set have the same periodicity, common mute pattern configuration, and the same repetition factor across time slots (such as "PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor"). The periodicity is the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource of the first PRS instance to the first repetition of the same first PRS resource of the next PRS instance. The periodicity can have a length selected from 2^μ * {4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240} time slots, where μ = 0, 1, 2, 3. The repetition factor can have a length selected from {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32} time slots.

[0124] The PRS resource ID in the PRS resource set is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) sent from a single TRP (where the TRP can send one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in the PRS resource set can be sent on a different beam. Therefore, a "PRS resource" or simply a "resource" can also be referred to as a "beam". Note that this has no impact on whether the UE knows the TRP and the beam on which the PRS is sent.

[0125] A "PRS instance" or "PRS occasion" is an instance of a periodically repeating time window (such as a set of one or more consecutive time slots) in which a PRS is expected to be sent. A PRS occasion can also be referred to as a "PRS positioning occasion", "PRS positioning instance", "positioning occasion", "positioning instance", "positioning repetition", or simply an "occasion", "instance", or "repetition".

[0126] A "positioning frequency layer" (also simply referred to as a "frequency layer") is a set of one or more PRS resource sets across one or more TRPs, and these PRS resource sets have the same values for certain parameters. Specifically, the set of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning that the PRS also supports all parameter sets supported by the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth value, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter takes the value of the parameter "ARFCN-ValueNR" (where "ARFCN" stands for "Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number"), and is an identifier / code for a pair of physical radio channels specified for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of four PRBs, with a minimum value of 24 PRBs and a maximum value of 272 PRBs. Currently, up to four frequency layers have been defined, and each frequency layer can be configured with up to two PRS resource sets per TRP.

[0127] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to the concepts of a component carrier and a bandwidth part (BWP), but the difference is that a component carrier and a BWP are used by a base station (or a macrocell base station and a small cell base station) to send data channels, while a frequency layer is used by multiple (usually three or more) base stations to send PRSs. When a UE sends its positioning capabilities to the network (e.g., during an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) session), the UE can indicate the number of frequency layers it can support. For example, the UE can indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0128] Note that the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" can also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as but not limited to PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc. as defined in LTE and NR. Additionally, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" can refer to downlink, uplink, or sidelink positioning reference signals. If further differentiation of the type of PRS is needed, the downlink positioning reference signal can be referred to as "DL-PRS", the uplink positioning reference signal (e.g., SRS PTRS for positioning) can be referred to as "UL-PRS", and the sidelink positioning reference signal can be referred to as "SL-PRS". Additionally, for signals that can be transmitted in the downlink, uplink, and / or sidelink (e.g., DMRS), the signal can be prefixed with "DL", "UL", or "SL" to distinguish the direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" is different from "DL-DMRS".

[0129] NR supports multiple cellular network-based positioning techniques, including downlink-based, uplink-based, and downlink- and uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD) in NR. During the OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning process, the UE measures the difference in the time of arrival (TOA) of the received reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signal (PRS)) from the base stations, which is called the reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurement, and reports them to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives the identifiers (IDs) of the reference base station (e.g., serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in the assistance data. Then, the UE measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each of the non-reference base stations. Based on the known locations of the involved base stations and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity (e.g., the UE for UE-based positioning or the location server for UE-assisted positioning) can estimate the location of the UE.

[0130] For DL-AoD positioning, the positioning entity uses the measurement reports of the received signal strength of multiple downlink transmission beams from the UE to determine the angle(s) between the UE and the transmitting base station(s). Then, the positioning entity can estimate the location of the UE based on the determined angle(s) and the known location(s) of the transmitting base station(s).

[0131] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but is based on uplink reference signals (e.g., sounding reference signals (SRS)) transmitted by the UE to multiple base stations. Specifically, the UE transmits one or more uplink reference signals measured by a reference base station and multiple non-reference base stations. Then, each base station reports the reception time of the (one or more) reference signals (referred to as relative time of arrival (RTOA)) to a positioning entity (e.g., a location server), and the positioning entity knows the locations and relative timings of the base stations involved. Based on the received-to-received (Rx-Rx) time difference between the reported RTOA of the reference base station and the reported RTOA of each non-reference base station, the known locations of the base stations, and their known timing offsets, the positioning entity can use TDOA to estimate the location of the UE.

[0132] For UL-AoA positioning, one or more base stations measure the received signal strength of one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., SRS) received from the UE on one or more uplink reception beams. The positioning entity uses the signal strength measurements and the (one or more) angles of the (one or more) reception beams to determine the (one or more) angles between the UE and the (one or more) base stations. Based on the determined (s) angles and the (s) known locations of the (s) base stations, the positioning entity can then estimate the location of the UE.

[0133] Downlink and uplink based positioning methods include Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) positioning and Multi-Round Trip Time (RTT) positioning (also referred to as "Multi-Cell RTT" and "Multi-RTT"). During the RTT process, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) sends a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or an SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or a base station), and the second entity sends a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or a PRS) back to the first entity. Each entity measures the time difference between the arrival time (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as the Received-Transmitted (Rx-Tx) time difference. Rx-Tx time difference measurements can be made, or the Rx-Tx time difference measurements can be adjusted to include only the time difference between the closest slot boundaries of the received and transmitted signals. Then, both entities can send their Rx-Tx time difference measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 270), and the location server calculates the round-trip propagation time (i.e., the RTT) between the two entities based on the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements). Alternatively, one entity can send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, and then the other entity calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined based on the RTT and a known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi-RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or a base station) performs the RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) so that the location of the first entity can be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on the distances to the second entities and the known locations of the second entities. The RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques (e.g., UL-AoA and DL-AoD) to improve positioning accuracy.

[0134] The E-CID positioning method is based on Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, the Timing Advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timing, and signal strength of the detected neighboring base stations. Then, the location of the UE is estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base stations.

[0135] To assist in the positioning operation, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) can provide assistance data to the UE. For example, the assistance data can include identifiers of base stations (or cells / TRPs of base stations) for measuring reference signals, reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive time slots including PRS, the periodicity of consecutive time slots including PRS, silence sequences, hopping sequences, reference signal identifiers, reference signal bandwidths, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to a specific positioning method. Alternatively, the assistance data can directly originate from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighboring network nodes themselves without using assistance data.

[0136] In the case of the OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning process, the assistance data can further include an expected RSTD value and an associated uncertainty or search window around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the value range of the expected RSTD can be + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any resources used for positioning measurements are in FR1, the value range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD can be + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all resources used for (one or more) positioning measurements are in FR2, the value range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD can be + / - 8 μs.

[0137] A location estimate can be referred to by other names, such as a position estimate, location, position, position fix, fix, etc. A location estimate can be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude), or it can be civic and include a street address, postal address, or some other verbal description of the location. A location estimate can be further defined relative to some other known location or in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude). A location estimate can include an expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including a region or volume within which the location is expected to be included at a certain specified or default confidence level).

[0138] Figure 5 An example Long-Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol (LPP) procedure 500 between a UE 504 and a location server (illustrated as a Location Management Function (LMF) 570) for performing a positioning operation is illustrated. As Figure 5As illustrated, positioning of the UE 504 is supported via the exchange of LPP messages between the UE 504 and the LMF 570. The LPP messages can be exchanged between the UE 504 and the LMF 570 via the serving base station of the UE 504 (shown as serving gNB 502) and the core network (not shown). The LPP procedure 500 can be used to position the UE 504 to support various location-related services, such as navigation for the UE 504 (or the user of the UE 504), or for routing, or for providing an accurate location to a public safety answering point (PSAP) associated with an emergency call from the UE 504 to the PSAP, or for some other reason. The LPP procedure 500 can also be referred to as a positioning session, and there can be multiple positioning sessions for different types of positioning methods (e.g., downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), round-trip time (RTT), enhanced cell identification (E-CID), etc.).

[0139] Initially, at stage 510, the UE 504 can receive a request for its positioning capabilities (e.g., an LPP request capabilities message) from the LMF 570. At stage 520, the UE 504 provides its positioning capabilities with respect to the LPP protocol to the LMF 570 by sending an LPP provide capabilities message to the LMF 570, which indicates the positioning methods supported by the UE 504 using LPP and the characteristics of these positioning methods. In some aspects, the capabilities indicated in the LPP provide capabilities message can indicate the types of positioning supported by the UE 504 (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E-CID, etc.), and can indicate the capabilities of the UE 504 to support those types of positioning.

[0140] After receiving the LPP provide capabilities message, at stage 520, the LMF 570 determines to use a specific type of positioning method (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E-CID, etc.) based on the indicated type(s) of positioning supported by the UE 504, and determines a set of one or more transmit-receive points (TRPs) to which the UE 504 is to measure downlink positioning reference signals or from which the UE 504 is to send uplink positioning reference signals. At stage 530, the LMF 570 sends an LPP provide assistance data message to the UE 504 identifying the set of TRPs.

[0141] In some embodiments, in response to an LPP request assistance data message sent by the UE 504 to the LMF 570 Figure 5(not shown in the figure), the LPP provide assistance data message at stage 530 can be sent by the LMF 570 to the UE 504. The LPP request assistance data message can include the identifier of the serving TRP of the UE 504 and a request for the positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration of an adjacent TRP.

[0142] At stage 540, the LMF 570 sends a request for location information to the UE 504. This request can be an LPP request location information message. This message typically includes information elements that define the type of location information, the desired accuracy of the location estimate, and the response time (i.e., the desired waiting time). Note that a low waiting time requirement allows for a longer response time, while a high waiting time requirement requires a shorter response time. However, a long response time is referred to as a high waiting time, and a short response time is referred to as a low waiting time.

[0143] Note that in some embodiments, if, for example, the UE 504 sends a request for assistance data to the LMF 570 after receiving the request for location information at stage 540 (e.g., in the LPP request assistance data message, Figure 5 (not shown in the figure), then the LPP provide assistance data message sent at stage 530 can be sent after the LPP request location information message at 540.

[0144] At stage 550, the UE 504 uses the assistance information received at stage 530 and any additional data received at stage 540 (e.g., the desired location accuracy or the maximum response time) to perform a positioning operation (e.g., measurement of DL-PRS, transmission of UL-PRS, etc.) for the selected positioning method.

[0145] At stage 560, the UE 504 can send an LPP provide location information message to the LMF 570. This LPP provide location information message conveys the results of any measurements obtained at stage 550 and before or at the expiration of any maximum response time (e.g., the maximum response time provided by the LMF 570 at stage 540) (e.g., time of arrival (ToA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), received transmit (Rx-Tx), etc.). The LPP provide location information message at stage 560 can also include the time (or times) at which the positioning measurements were obtained and the identity of the TRP(s) from which the positioning measurements were obtained. Note that the time between the request for location information at 540 and the response at 560 is the "response time" and indicates the waiting time of the positioning session.

[0146] The LMF 570 calculates an estimated position of the UE 504 using appropriate positioning techniques (e.g., DL-TDOA, RTT, E-CID, etc.) based at least in part on measurements received in the location information message provided by the LPP at stage 560.

[0147] In NR, there may not be precise time synchronization across the network. Instead, coarse time synchronization across base stations may be sufficient (e.g., within the cyclic prefix (CP) duration of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol). RTT-based methods typically only require coarse time synchronization and are thus preferred positioning methods in NR.

[0148] Figure 6 An example wireless communication system 600 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In Figure 6 an instance, the UE 604 (e.g., any of the UEs described herein) is attempting to calculate an estimate of its position or assisting another entity (e.g., a base station or core network component, another UE, a location server, a third-party application, etc.) in calculating an estimate of its position. The UE 604 may transmit wireless signals to and receive wireless signals from a plurality of network nodes (labeled "nodes") 602-1, 602-2, and 602-3 (collectively network nodes 602). The network nodes 602 may include one or more base stations (e.g., any of the base stations described herein), one or more reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), one or more positioning beacons, one or more UEs (e.g., connected via sidelink), etc.

[0149] In a network - centric RTT positioning process, a serving base station (e.g., one of the network nodes 602) instructs the UE 604 to measure RTT measurement signals (e.g., PRS) from two or more adjacent network nodes 602 (and typically the serving base station, since two - dimensional position estimation requires at least three network nodes 602). The involved network nodes 602 transmit RTT measurement signals on low - reuse resources allocated by the network (e.g., the resources used by the network node 602 to transmit system information, where the network node 602 is a base station). The UE 604 records the arrival time (also referred to as receive time, reception time, time of reception, or time of arrival) of each RTT measurement signal relative to the current downlink timing of the UE 604 (e.g., as derived by the UE 604 from the downlink signal received from its serving base station), and sends a common or individual RTT response signal (e.g., SRS) to the involved network nodes 602 on the resources allocated by its serving base station. If the UE 604 is not a positioning entity, the UE 604 reports the UE receive - transmit (Rx - Tx) time - difference measurement to the positioning entity. The UE Rx - Tx time - difference measurement indicates the time difference between the arrival time of each RTT measurement signal at the UE 604 and the transmit time(s) of the RTT response signal(s). Each involved network node 602 also reports a network node Rx - Tx time - difference measurement (also referred to as base station (BS) or gNB Rx - Tx time - difference measurement) to the positioning entity, which indicates the difference between the transmit time of the RTT measurement signal and the reception time of the RTT response signal.

[0150] The UE - centric RTT positioning process is similar to the network - based process, except that the UE 604 transmits one or more uplink RTT measurement signals (e.g., on the resources allocated by the serving base station). The one or more uplink RTT measurement signals are measured by multiple network nodes 602 in the vicinity of the UE 604. Each involved network node 602 responds with a downlink RTT response signal and reports a network node Rx - Tx time - difference measurement to the positioning entity. The network node Rx - Tx time - difference measurement indicates the time difference between the arrival time of the RTT measurement signal at the network node 602 and the transmit time of the RTT response signal. If the UE 604 is not a positioning entity, the UE 604 reports a UE Rx - Tx time - difference measurement for each network node 602, which indicates the difference between the transmit time of the RTT measurement signal and the reception time of the RTT response signal.

[0151] To determine the location (x,y) of the UE 604, the positioning entity needs to know the location of the network node 602, which can be represented as (x_k,y_y) in a reference coordinate system, where in Figure 6 the example of, k = 1, 2, 3. In the case where the UE 604 is the positioning entity, a location server with knowledge of the network geometry (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) can provide the location of the involved network node 602 to the UE 604.

[0152] As described further below with reference to Figure 7 the positioning entity determines each distance 610 (d_k, where k = 1, 2, 3) between the UE 604 and the corresponding network node 602 based on the UE Rx-Tx and network node Rx-Tx time difference measurements and the speed of light. Specifically, in Figure 6 the example of, the distance 610-1 between the UE 604 and the network node 602-1 is d_1, the distance 610-2 between the UE 604 and the network node 602-2 is d_2, and the distance 610-3 between the UE 604 and the network node 602-3 is d_3. Once each distance 610 is determined, the positioning entity can solve for the location (x,y) of the UE 604 by using various known geometric techniques such as trilateration. As can be seen from Figure 6 the location of the UE 604 ideally lies at the common intersection of three semi-circles, each semi-circle defined by a radius dk and a center (x_k,y_k), where k = 1,2,3.

[0153] Figure 7 FIG. 700 is a diagram showing an example timing of RTT measurement signals exchanged between a network node 702 (labeled "Node") and a UE 704 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 704 can be any of the UEs described herein. The network node 702 can be a base station (e.g., any base station described herein), a RIS, a positioning beacon, another UE (e.g., connected via sidelink), etc.

[0154] In Figure 7In the example, network node 702 (labeled "BS") sends a RTT measurement signal 710 (e.g., PRS) to UE 704 at time T_1. The RTT measurement signal 710 has a certain propagation delay T_Prop as it travels from network node 702 to UE 704. At time T_2 (the reception time of the RTT measurement signal 710 at UE 704), UE 704 measures the RTT measurement signal 710. After a certain UE processing time, UE 704 sends a RTT response signal 720 (e.g., SRS) at time T_3. After the propagation delay T_Prop, network node 702 measures the RTT response signal 720 from UE 704 at time T_4 (the reception time of the RTT response signal 720 at network node 702).

[0155] UE 704 reports the difference between time T_3 and time T_2 to the positioning entity (i.e., the Rx - Tx time difference measurement of UE 704, shown as UE_Rx - Tx 712). Similarly, network node 702 reports the difference between time T_4 and time T_1 to the positioning entity (i.e., the Rx - Tx time difference measurement of network node 702, shown as Node_Rx - Tx 722). Using these measurements and the known speed of light, the positioning entity can calculate the distance to UE 704 as d = 1 / 2 * c * (Node_Rx - Tx - UE_Rx - Tx) = 1 / 2 * c * (T_4 - T_1) - 1 / 2 * c * (T_3 - T_2), where c is the speed of light.

[0156] Based on the known position of network node 702 and the distances between UE 704 and network node 702 (and at least two other network nodes 702), the positioning entity can calculate the position of UE 704. As Figure 6 shown, the position of UE 704 is at the common intersection of three semi - circles, each semi - circle being defined by the radius of the distance between UE 704 and the corresponding network node 702.

[0157] In one aspect, the positioning entity can use a two - dimensional coordinate system to calculate the position of UE 604 / 704; however, the aspects disclosed herein are not limited to this, and can also be applied to using a three - dimensional coordinate system to determine the position if additional dimensions are needed. Additionally, although Figure 6 shows one UE 604 and three network nodes 602, and Figure 7 shows one UE 704 and one network node 702, it will be understood that there can be more UE 604 / 704 and more network nodes 602 / 702.

[0158] Figure 8FIG. 800 shows an example timing of RTT measurement signals exchanged between network node 802 and UE 804 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 800 is similar to FIG. 700, except that FIG. 800 includes processing delays that can occur at both network node 802 (labeled "Node") and UE 804 when transmitting and receiving RTT measurement and response signals. Network node 802 can be a base station (e.g., any of the base stations), a RIS (e.g., RIS 410), another UE (e.g., any of the UEs described herein), or other network nodes capable of performing an RTT positioning process. As a specific example, network node 802 and UE 804 can correspond to Figure 7 base station 702 and UE 704 in

[0159] Now referring to potential processing delays, at network node 802, there is a transmit delay 814 between time T_1 when the RTT measurement signal 810 (e.g., PRS) is generated at the baseband (labeled "BB") of network node 802 and time T_2 when the RTT measurement signal 810 is transmitted by the antenna(s) (labeled "Ant") of network node 802. At UE 804, there is a receive delay 816 between time T_3 when the RTT measurement signal 810 is received by the antenna(s) (labeled "Ant") of UE 604 and time T_4 when the RTT measurement signal 810 is processed by the baseband (labeled "BB") of UE 804.

[0160] Similarly, for the RTT response signal 820 (e.g., SRS), there is a transmit delay 826 between time T_5 when the RTT response signal 820 is generated at the baseband of UE 804 and time T_6 when the RTT response signal 820 is transmitted by the antenna(s) of UE 804. At network node 802, there is a receive delay 824 between time T_7 when the RTT response signal 820 is received by the antenna(s) of network node 802 and time T_8 when the RTT response signal 820 is processed by the baseband of network node 802.

[0161] The difference between time T_2 and T_1 (i.e., transmit delay 814) and time T_8 and T_7 (i.e., receive delay 824) is referred to as the "group delay" of network node 802. The difference between time T_4 and T_3 (i.e., receive delay 816) and time T_6 and T_5 (i.e., transmit delay 826) is referred to as the "group delay" of UE 804. The group delay includes hardware group delay, group delay attributable to software / firmware, or both. More specifically, while software and / or firmware may cause group delay, the group delay is mainly due to internal hardware delays between the baseband and the antenna(s) of network node 802 and UE 804.

[0162] As Figure 8 shown, due to receive delay 816 and transmit delay 826, the Rx-Tx time difference measurement 812 of UE 804 does not represent the difference between the actual receive time at time T_3 and the actual transmit time at time T_6. Similarly, due to transmit delay 814 and receive delay 824, the Rx-Tx time difference measurement 822 of network node 802 does not represent the difference between the actual transmit time at time T_2 and the actual receive time at time T_7. Thus, as shown, group delays (such as receive delays 816 and 824 and transmit delays 814 and 826) can cause timing errors and / or calibration errors that affect RTT measurements as well as other measurements (such as TDOA, RSTD, etc.). This in turn affects positioning performance. For example, in some designs, an error of 10 ns will introduce an error of three meters in the final position estimate.

[0163] In some cases, UE 804 can calibrate its group delay and compensate for it such that the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement 812 reflects the actual receive and transmit times from its antenna(s). Alternatively, UE 804 can report its group delay to a positioning entity (if not UE 804), and then the positioning entity can subtract the group delay from the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement 812 when determining the final distance between network node 802 and UE 804. Similarly, network node 802 can be able to compensate for its group delay in the network node Rx-Tx time difference measurement 822 or simply report the group delay to the positioning entity.

[0164] Transmit / receive timing errors have been defined for UEs in the NR standard. Such timing errors have been defined as the uncalibrated Tx / Rx group delay between the baseband and the Tx / Rx antenna (e.g., receive delay 816 and transmit delay 826), or the residual error of the Tx / Rx group delay between the baseband and the Tx / Rx antenna after calibration (if the UE implements such calibration).

[0165] A timing error group (TEG) can use differential processing to help mitigate the effects of Tx / Rx timing errors. An Rx TEG is a grouping of arrival time measurements obtained from one or more RS resources such that the difference between the Rx timing errors of any two measurements belonging to the same Rx TEG is within a specific margin. Figure 9depicts the timing error (e.g., group delay) associated with two TRPs (labeled TRP 1 and TRP 2) receiving the same reference signal according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, TRP 1 receives the reference signal at time TOA 1 (ideal time), where the associated measured TOA 1 has a timing error labeled as timing error 1, which corresponds to the timing error associated with TRP 1. Similarly, TRP 2 receives the reference signal at time TOA2 (ideal time), where the associated measured TOA 2 has a timing error labeled as timing error 1, which corresponds to the timing error associated with TRP 1. If the following equation holds, then TRP 1 and TRP 2 are within the same Rx TEG,

[0166] |timing error 1 – timing error 2| ≤ timing margin

[0167] where the timing margin is determined based on a preconfigured timing margin requirement (e.g., a standardized timing margin).

[0168] There are also other TEGs that can be used to mitigate the impact of Tx / Rx timing errors using differential processing. The RxTx TEG is a grouping of RxTx measurements obtained from one or more RS resources such that the difference between the RxTx timing errors of any two measurements belonging to the same RxTx TEG is within a specific margin. The Tx TEG is a grouping of RS resource transmissions such that the difference between the Tx timing errors of any two transmitted Tx timing errors belonging to the same Tx TEG is within a specific margin.

[0169] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the association of measurements / transmissions with TEGs is based on the UE / TRP implementation. Even if the UE supports this feature, the reporting of TEGs by the UE is optional. In one aspect, the UE Rx TEG and UE Rx-Tx TEG associations can be reported for UE-assisted DL-TDOA and RTT positioning. In one aspect, the association with the Rx / Rx-Tx TEG ID is valid within one measurement report and can only be applied to measurements labeled with the corresponding TEG ID. In one aspect, the UE Tx TEG association can be reported for UL-TDOA and RTT positioning. In one aspect, the association with the Tx TEG ID can be valid for a period of time reported to the LMF (or gNB) using timestamps.

[0170] Figure 10 shows a table according to aspects of the present invention that can be used to illustrate the contribution of timing error to the accuracy of positioning measurements. In this example, the contribution of timing error to measurement accuracy is shown in the context of RSTD positioning in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) in FR1. The RSTD accuracy can be expressed as:

[0171] RSTD accuracy = Analog accuracy + Group delay margin + Frequency drift margin

[0172] Wherein

[0173] Select the analog accuracy from the conditions shown in Table 1002,

[0174] Select the group delay margin based on the conditions shown in Table 1004, and

[0175] Select the frequency drift margin based on the conditions shown in Table 1006.

[0176] Tables 1002, 1004, and 1006 represent timing in normalized timing units Tc (currently normalized to Tc = 0.509 ns). Based on a PRS with a 100 MHz bandwidth and assuming a time interval of ≤ 160 milliseconds:

[0177] RSTD accuracy = 10Tc + 12Tc + 32Tc = 54Tc = 27.486 ns

[0178] The timing error margin can be determined according to the candidate values defined in the NR specification. The candidate values are selected to cover different measurement configurations (e.g., RS bandwidth (BW)) and to accommodate different implementations. For Tx TEG and Rx TEG, the candidates for NR Release 17 are 0Tc, 2Tc, 4Tc, 6Tc, 8Tc, 12Tc, 16Tc, 20Tc, 24Tc, 32Tc, 40Tc, 48Tc, 56Tc, 64Tc, 72Tc, 80Tc, but are not yet defined for RxTx TEG. For each type of TEG, the UE / TRP selects one of these values based on its implementation. In the measurement report, all Rx TEGs have the same timing error margin, and all RxTx TEGs have the same timing error margin. All Tx TEGs defined in the same time period have the same timing error margin. One or more timing error margins are included in the measurement report or Tx TEG report. For different measurement or Tx TEG report instances, the timing error margin can be different.

[0179] Figure 11 A table showing candidate group delay calibration margins for UE Rx - Tx measurement accuracy relative to RS bandwidth according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, Table 1102 shows candidate group delay calibration margins for FR1, while Table 1104 shows candidate group delay calibration margins for FR2. Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, it will be recognized that the foregoing candidate values constitute non - limiting examples. Additional and / or different candidate values / bandwidths can be adopted and standardized for pre - configured group delay calibration margins.

[0180] Some aspects of the present disclosure recognize that a UE may not have the ability to measure or transmit RS over a wide bandwidth. However, some UEs (such as Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices) are expected to be able to tune to different frequencies in a frequency band and tune to different portions of the RS bandwidth at different times (e.g., time slots). In this way, the UE can capture a larger aggregated bandwidth of the RS to provide a more accurate positioning estimate. To this end, positioning sessions employing such devices can be based on "frequency hopping". For example, in each time instance (e.g., time slot), a signal (e.g., PRS) can be transmitted across the full bandwidth (e.g., 272 PRBs for PRS). Then, the UE can measure different portions (e.g., different symbols) of the PRS resources in different subsets of 272 PRBs over the span of multiple time slots. A subset of consecutive PRBs in the frequency domain is referred to as a "hop", and the UE "stitches" together the measurements of the PRS resources in each subset of PRBs (i.e., each hop) to determine the final measurement of the PRS resources.

[0181] In the case where the UE supports frequency hopping, the measurement period (e.g., for RSTD measurement) can be updated to account for the longer time required to measure the nominal bandwidth. Additionally, the expected / required positioning accuracy may need to be updated to account for the accuracy loss due to realistic stitching and UE capabilities. Overlapping hops may also be required to enable the estimation of phase offsets due to handovers.

[0182] Although it is assumed that the symbols transmitted in the same time slot are coherent (i.e., have phase coherence), the measurements of different portions of the bandwidth may be incoherent with each other due to the UE re-tuning its radio to receive different hops. Figure 12 Illustrates an evaluation of phase offset for a two-hop scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1200 shows two 24-PRB PRS hops in the frequency domain. Each PRS hop can span one or two symbols in the same time slot in the time domain. Since the UE re-tunes its radio to measure different hops, there is some phase offset between the two PRS hops.

[0183] FIG. 1250 shows the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the error distance across all initializations for an outdoor UE with an SCS of 30 kHz and without performing random sample consensus (RANSAC) outlier rejection. In the scenario shown in FIG. 1250, for each additional hop, a random sample is drawn from a uniform distribution of θ = 2π·[-α, α], where θ is the phase and α is the range for plotting purposes, such as [-0.5, 0.5]. A phase offset is applied to the recorded channel frequency response (CFR) of the hop. Two CFRs are concatenated at the same IFFT, and then the ToA is estimated. As shown, phase uncertainties up to approximately one octave do not have a meaningful impact on the positioning performance.

[0184] Figure 13 Illustrates the evaluation of the phase offset for an eight-hop scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1300 illustrates eight 24-PRB PRS hops in the frequency domain. Each PRS hop can span one or two symbols in the time domain. Since the UE retunes its radio to measure different hops, there are some phase offsets between the eight PRS hops. FIG. 1350 shows the CDF of the error distance across all initializations for a UE with an SCS of 30 kHz.

[0185] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the UE may perform frequency hopping during the transmission of UL-RS (e.g., SRS). In such instances, the UE can be tuned to different bandwidths to send RS at different times during a positioning session. Frequency hopping characteristics similar to those shown in FIGS. 1200 Figure 12 and FIG. 1300 Figure 13 can be utilized to send UL-RS.

[0186] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the UE may also receive frequency-hopping RS (e.g., sidelink (SL) RS) from another UE. In this case, the RS is sent by the SL UE at different times on different bandwidths and is likewise measured by the UE on different bandwidths and at different times. Frequency hopping characteristics similar to those shown in FIGS. 1200 Figure 12 and FIG. 1300 Figure 13 can be utilized to receive SL-RS.

[0187] Certain aspects of the present disclosure recognize that there are difficulties in determining the group delay margin to be used for a positioning session involving frequency hopping. Such difficulties arise because the UE may have limited bandwidth capabilities and, in some scenarios, needs to retune to multiple frequency bandwidths to send or measure all RSs during frequency hopping. However, it may also be the case that the UE can have sufficient bandwidth capabilities such that retuning of the UE is unnecessary for sending or receiving RSs during frequency hopping.

[0188] In various aspects of the present invention, the group delay margin of a UE participating in a positioning session involving frequency hopping can be based on whether the UE needs to retune to transmit or measure all RSs on the frequency hop during the positioning session. In one aspect, an operation can be performed to determine an aggregated bandwidth that corresponds to the total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges. In one aspect, a tuned bandwidth of a UE for transmitting or receiving RSs can be determined. Based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins (e.g., a normalized value of the group delay margin) is used as the group delay margin. In such an instance, the first group delay margin can be based on a preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins that corresponds to the tuned bandwidth (e.g., a normalized group delay margin corresponding to a bandwidth range that includes the tuned bandwidth). If the aggregated bandwidth is greater than the tuned bandwidth, a second group delay margin is used as the group delay margin. In one aspect, the second group delay margin can be based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive RSs on the aggregated bandwidth. Once the group delay margin has been determined, a plurality of RSs can be transmitted or received during the positioning session based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

[0189] Figure 14 A frequency hopping scenario 1400 according to an aspect of the present disclosure is depicted and can be analyzed to determine a group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session. In this example, the RSs hop at times t1 and t2 over two different frequency spans X1 and X2 having equal bandwidths (e.g., 20 MHz each). The UE has a tuned bandwidth Xc (e.g., bandwidth capability) that is sufficient to cover the aggregated bandwidth (X1 + X2) (e.g., 40 MHz) of the RSs without the need to retune. Thus, the group delay margin can be determined based on the group delay margin corresponding to the bandwidth Xi in a set of preconfigured (e.g., normalized) group delay margins. Referring to Figure 11 the set of preconfigured group delay margins set forth in Table 1104 of, the tuned bandwidth of 40 MHz is greater than the 20 MHz bandwidth associated with the group delay margin 76 Tc, but less than the 50 MHz associated with the group delay margin 32 Tc. Thus, the group delay margin for the positioning session should be 76 Tc.

[0190] Figure 15Depict another frequency hopping scenario 1500 according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine the group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session. In this example, the RS hops on three different frequency spans X1, X2, and X3 at times t1, t2, and t3 respectively, and these frequency spans cover three bandwidths of equal size (e.g., 20 MHz each). The UE only supports a tuned bandwidth Xc (e.g., 20 MHz), which is not sufficient to cover the aggregated bandwidth of the RS (X1 + X2 + X3) (e.g., 60 MHz) without retuning. Thus, the UE: 1) is tuned to the frequency span X1 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t1 to transmit or receive the first RS 1502, 2) is tuned to the frequency span X2 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t2 to transmit or receive the second RS 1504, and 3) is tuned to the frequency span X3 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t3 to transmit or receive the third RS 1506. Since the UE has been tuned multiple times (the first tuning at t1, followed by subsequent retuning at t2 and t3), the group delay margin does not directly correspond to the tuned bandwidth Xc as in Figure 14 the frequency hopping scenario 1400. Instead, because the UE has used separate Rx chains (for RS reception) or separate Tx chains (for RS transmission), the group delay margin error is independent between each measurement of each RS 1502, 1504, and 1506.

[0191] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the group delay margin of the frequency hopping scenario 1500 can be determined as the sum GD1 + GD2 + GD3 of the group delay margins, where GDi corresponds to the group delay margin for the bandwidth used to measure the frequency span Xi. In this example, the bandwidth used to measure each frequency span Xi is 20 MHz. Referring to Figure 11 the set of preconfigured group delay margins set forth in Table 1104 of

[0192] a tuned bandwidth of 20 MHz is associated with a group delay margin of 76Tc. Thus, the group delay margin for the positioning session should be GD1 + GD2 + GD3 = 228Tc. Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that GD1, GD2, and GD3 can have different values, where different bandwidths are associated with the transmission or reception of RSs with different frequency hops.

[0193] Figure 16Depict another frequency hopping scenario 1600 according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine the group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session. In this example, the RS hops on four different frequency spans X1, X2, X3, and X4 at times t1, t2, t3, and t4 respectively, and these frequency spans cover four bandwidths of equal size (e.g., 50 MHz each). The UE only supports a tuned bandwidth Xc (e.g., 100 MHz), which is not sufficient to cover the aggregated bandwidth of the RS (X1 + X2 + X3 + X4) (e.g., 200 MHz) without retuning. Therefore, the UE is first tuned to frequency spans X1 and X2 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t1 to transmit or receive the first RS 1602 and the second RS 1604. Next, the UE is tuned to frequency spans X3 and X4 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t3 to transmit or receive the third RS 1606 and the fourth RS 1608. Since the UE has been tuned multiple times (the first tuning at t1, followed by a subsequent retuning at t3), the group delay margin does not directly correspond to the tuned bandwidth Xc as in Figure 14 the frequency hopping scenario 1400. Instead, because the UE has used separate Rx chains (for received RS) or separate Tx chains (for RS transmission), the group delay margin error is independent between each measurement for each of the first set of RS (RS 1602 and 1604) and the second set of RS (RS 1606 and 1608).

[0194] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the group delay margin of the frequency hopping scenario 1600 can be determined as the sum of the group delay margins for each tuning of the UE with the bandwidth Xc to measure the RS on the aggregated bandwidth of all RS in a frequency hopping positioning session. In this example, the bandwidth that the UE uses to transmit or measure the frequency span covered by X1 and X2 (e.g., 100 MHz) is Xc (100 MHz). Similarly, the bandwidth that the UE uses to transmit or measure the frequency span covered by X3 and X4 (e.g., 100 MHz) is also Xc (e.g., 100 MHz). Referring to Figure 11 the set of preconfigured group delay margins set forth in table 1104 of, a tuned bandwidth of 100 MHz is associated with a group delay margin of 24Tc. Since the UE is tuned twice with a bandwidth of Xc = 100 MHz, the group delay margin for the positioning session should be 48Tc (e.g., 2 × 24Tc).

[0195] Figure 17Depict another frequency hopping scenario 1700 according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine the group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session. In this example, RSs 1702, 1704, and 1706 hop on three different frequency spans X1, X2, and X3 of equal bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz each) at times t1, t2, and t3, respectively. However, in this case, the span of X1 overlaps with the frequency span X2, and the frequency span X2 overlaps with the frequency span X3. Thus, the aggregated bandwidth of the RSs is not simply the sum of the frequency spans X1 + X2 + X3. Instead, the aggregated bandwidth should account for the bandwidths of the overlapping frequency ranges labeled Xol1,2 and Xol2,3. In this way, the aggregated bandwidth can be determined as the sum of the frequency spans X1 + X2 + X3 minus the total bandwidth of the overlapping frequency ranges Xol1,2 and Xol2,3. For example, assuming the total bandwidth of the overlapping frequency ranges Xol1,2 and Xol2,3 is 10 MHz, the aggregated bandwidth is 50 MHz ((20 MHz + 20 MHz + 20 MHz) - 10 MHz).

[0196] In this example, the UE has a tuned bandwidth Xc of 50 MHz (e.g., bandwidth capability) that is sufficient to cover the aggregated bandwidth (e.g., 50 MHz) without the need for retuning. Thus, the group delay margin can be determined based on the group delay margin of the bandwidth Xc corresponding to a set of preconfigured (e.g., standardized) group delay margins. Referring Figure 11 to the set of preconfigured group delay margins set forth in Table 1104 of, a tuned bandwidth of 50 MHz is associated with a group delay margin of 32Tc, where 32 is the group delay margin to be used for the positioning session and Tc is

[0197] Figure 18 Depict another frequency hopping scenario 1800 according to aspects of the present disclosure that can be analyzed to determine the group delay margin for a corresponding positioning session. In this example, the RSs hop on three different frequency spans X1, X2, and X3 at times t1, t2, and t3, respectively, which have equal bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz each). However, in this case, the span of X1 overlaps with the frequency span X2, and the frequency span X2 overlaps with the frequency span X3. Thus, the aggregated bandwidth of the RSs is not simply the sum of the frequency spans X1 + X2 + X3. Instead, the aggregated bandwidth should account for the bandwidths of the overlapping frequency ranges labeled Xol1,2 and Xol2,3. In this way, the aggregated bandwidth can be determined as the sum of the frequency spans X1 + X2 + X3 minus the total bandwidth of the overlapping frequency ranges Xol1,2 and Xol2,3. For example, assuming the total bandwidth of the overlapping frequency ranges Xol1,2 and Xol2,3 is 10 MHz, the aggregated bandwidth is 50 MHz ((20 MHz + 20 MHz + 20 MHz) - 10 MHz).

[0198] The UE in this example only supports a tuned bandwidth Xc (e.g., 20 MHz), which is not sufficient to cover the aggregated bandwidth of the RS (50 MHz) without retuning. Thus, the UE: 1) is tuned to a frequency span X1 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t1 to transmit or receive the first RS 1802, 2) is tuned to a frequency span X2 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t2 to transmit or receive the second RS 1804, and 3) is tuned to a frequency span X3 with a bandwidth of Xc at time t3 to transmit or receive the third RS 1806. Since the UE has been tuned multiple times (the first tuning at t1, followed by subsequent retuning at t3), the group delay margin does not directly correspond to the tuned bandwidth Xc as in Figure 17 the hopping scenario 1700. Instead, since the UE has used separate Rx chains (for RS reception) or separate Tx chains (for RS transmission), the group delay margin error is independent between each RS transmission or measurement.

[0199] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the group delay margin of the hopping scenario 1800 can be determined as the sum of the group delay margins GD1 + GD2 + GD3, where GDi corresponds to the group delay margin for the bandwidth used to measure the frequency span Xi. In this example, the bandwidth used to measure each frequency span Xi is Xc (e.g., 20 MHz). Referring to Figure 11 the set of preconfigured group delay margins set forth in Table 1104 of, a tuned bandwidth of 20 MHz is associated with a group delay margin of 76Tc. Thus, the group delay margin for the positioning session should be GD1 + GD2 + GD3 = 228Tc. Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that GD1, GD2, and GD3 can have different values, where different bandwidths are associated with the transmission or reception of RSs with different hopping frequencies. Similarly, in some scenarios, this determination can be simplified. If the UE performs N hops, the group delay margin will correspond to N * max(GDi), where GDi is the preconfigured group delay margin for the bandwidth transmitted or measured in the i-th hop (e.g., Tc).

[0200] The set of predetermined group delay margins for a frequency hopping positioning session can be simplified in various ways. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of predetermined group delay margins only includes the specified group delay margins for the UE to perform equal bandwidth measurements in each frequency hop (e.g., 20 + 20 MHz). According to this aspect, no group delay margin requirement is specified unless each frequency hop has the same BW. For example, a group delay margin requirement can be specified for 20 MHz, but not for a 20 + 40 MHz frequency hop. Additionally or alternatively, the set of predetermined group delay margins can be specified for the peak bandwidth supported by the UE (e.g., the maximum tuned bandwidth Xc). For example, if the UE supports a maximum bandwidth of 20 MHz, there will be group delay margins specified for the 20 + 20 MHz scenario, but no group delay margins specified for the 5 + 5 MHz scenario. In this regard, if the maximum bandwidth of the UE is 20 MHz, the group delay margins will be specified for each 20 MHz frequency hop rather than for smaller bandwidths. Thus, if the UE is ultimately configured to perform 5 MHz frequency hopping, there will be no separate group delay margins specified for the 5 MHz frequency hop.

[0201] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the UE can have the ability to measure its own group delay margin (e.g., determine the actual group delay margin). This ability can be signaled by the UE to a network node and can be used to report the measured group delay, which is less than the group delay determined according to a pre-configured set of group delays. In one aspect, the UE can report a reduced group delay margin based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the determined group delay margin.

[0202] As mentioned, the foregoing group delay determination applies to both DL-RS and UL-RS frequency hopping scenarios. For UE Rx-Tx, if the UE performs SRS frequency hopping, the group delay margin for the hopping measurement can be derived by using a conventional group delay margin table and using the "SRS BW" as the "aggregated SRS BW", which hops based on the same concept associated with PRS aggregation discussed herein. In another aspect, the group delay margin for the hopping measurement can be derived by using a conventional group delay margin table and used as a group delay margin that is N times the group delay margin corresponding to "SRS BW" = "SRS BW per hop" or "SRS BW" = "minimum SRS BW across all hops".

[0203] Figure 19Illustrates example method 1900 of wireless communication that can be performed by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. At operation 1902, the UE determines an aggregated bandwidth that corresponds to the total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges. In one aspect, operation 1902 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0204] At operation 1904, the UE determines a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving an RS. In one aspect, operation 1904 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a unit for performing this operation.

[0205] At operation 1906, the UE determines a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, where the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins. In one aspect, operation 1906 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0206] At operation 1908, the UE determines a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive an RS on the aggregated bandwidth. In one aspect, operation 1908 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0207] At operation 1910, the UE transmits or measures a plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session. In one aspect, operation 1910 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0208] As will be appreciated, the technical advantage of method 1900 is that it can be used to determine the group delay margin of a UE used in a frequency hopping positioning session. This method is particularly applicable to UEs with limited bandwidth capabilities.

[0209] Figure 20 An example method 2000 of wireless communication that can be performed by a UE in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. At operation 2002, the UE receives a configuration for transmitting or receiving multiple reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on frequency hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges. In one aspect, operation 2002 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0210] At operation 2004, the UE determines the tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs. In one aspect, operation 2004 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0211] At operation 2006, the UE sends an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of multiple RSs transmitted over different frequency ranges, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins. In one aspect, operation 2006 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a unit for performing this operation.

[0212] At operation 2008, the UE sends a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs over the aggregated bandwidth. In one aspect, operation 2008 can be performed by one or more WWAN transceivers 310, one or more processors 332, memory 340, and / or positioning component 342, any one or all of which can be considered a component for performing this operation.

[0213] As will be appreciated, the technical advantage of method 2000 is that it allows the UE to determine and report the group delay margin used by the UE in a frequency hopping positioning session. This method is particularly applicable to UEs with limited bandwidth capabilities.

[0214] In the above detailed description, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention that the example clauses have more features than those expressly recited in each clause. On the contrary, various aspects of the present disclosure may include less than all of the features of the individual example clauses disclosed. Accordingly, the following clauses are to be considered incorporated into this specification, where each clause by itself may serve as a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in the clause to a particular combination with one of the other clauses, the (one or more) aspects of that dependent clause are not limited to the particular combination. It should be understood that other example clauses may also include combinations of the (one or more) aspects of the dependent clauses with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature with other dependent and independent clauses. The various aspects disclosed herein expressly include such combinations, unless it is expressly stated or can be readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., conflicting aspects such as defining an element as both an electrical insulator and an electrical conductor). Additionally, it is also intended that the aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause does not directly depend on that independent clause.

[0215] Example embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0216] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment UE, comprising: determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals RS transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the reference signal RS to different frequency ranges; determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determining a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determining a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth; and transmitting or measuring the plurality of RS based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin for the positioning session.

[0217] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

[0218] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 2, wherein: the first group delay margin is a pre-configured group delay margin associated with a bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0219] Clause 4. The method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with a bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0220] Clause 5. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein: the set of pre-configured group delay margins is specified for the peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

[0221] Clause 6. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein: the set of pre-configured group delay margins includes one or more pre-configured group delay margins, each pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to a pre-configured bandwidth range, and the pre-configured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RS at each frequency hopping.

[0222] Clause 7. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein: the UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

[0223] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the pre-configured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0224] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein: when transmitted on each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

[0225] Clause 10. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein: one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions on the different frequency ranges, and the sum reduces the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0226] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being subtracted by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

[0227] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, a group delay margin to a location server.

[0228] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, a reduced group delay margin based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

[0229] Clause 14. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, an indication that the second group delay margin exceeds a maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session.

[0230] Clause 15. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; sending, to a location server, an indication of a first group delay margin from a preconfigured set of group delay margins based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over the different frequency ranges, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin in the preconfigured set of group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth; and sending, to the location server, a second group delay margin based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs over the aggregated bandwidth.

[0231] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 15, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the preconfigured set of group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

[0232] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with a bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0233] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0234] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) transmitted by the UE.

[0235] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) measured at the UE.

[0236] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0237] Clause 22. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 21, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth when transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

[0238] Clause 23. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 22, wherein: one or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in a bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, the sum being reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0239] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 23, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in a bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being subtracted by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops in the positioning session.

[0240] Clause 25. A user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: determine an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs on the aggregated bandwidth; and via the at least one transceiver, transmit or measure the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin for the positioning session.

[0241] Clause 26. The UE according to Clause 25, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

[0242] Clause 27. The UE according to Clause 26, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with a bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0243] Clause 28. The UE according to any one of Clauses 26 to 27, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined as N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with a bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to a maximum bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to receive the RSs during the positioning session.

[0244] Clause 29. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 28, wherein: the set of preconfigured group delay margins is specified for a peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

[0245] Clause 30. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 29, wherein: the set of preconfigured group delay margins includes one or more preconfigured group delay margins, each preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to a preconfigured bandwidth range, wherein the preconfigured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RSs at each frequency hop.

[0246] Clause 31. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 30, wherein: the UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

[0247] Clause 32. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 31, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0248] Clause 33. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 32, wherein: when transmitted on each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions of the positioning session.

[0249] Clause 34. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 33, wherein: one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions on the different frequency ranges, the sum being reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0250] Clause 35. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 34, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

[0251] Clause 36. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 35, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: report the group delay margin to a location server via the at least one transceiver.

[0252] Clause 37. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 36, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: report a reduced group delay margin via the at least one transceiver based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

[0253] Clause 38. The UE according to any one of Clauses 25 to 37, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: report an indication that the second group delay margin exceeds a maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session via the at least one transceiver.

[0254] Clause 39. A user equipment (UE) includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; send, via the at least one transceiver, an indication of a first group delay margin from a preconfigured set of group delay margins to a location server based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over the different frequency ranges, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin in the preconfigured set of group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth; and send, via the at least one transceiver, a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs over the aggregated bandwidth.

[0255] Clause 40. The UE according to Clause 39, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the preconfigured set of group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

[0256] Clause 41. The UE according to Clause 40, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0257] Clause 42. The UE according to any one of Clauses 40 to 41, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to receive the RSs during a positioning session.

[0258] Clause 43. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 42, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals (SRSs) transmitted by the UE.

[0259] Clause 44. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 42, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals (PRSs) measured at the UE.

[0260] Clause 45. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 44, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0261] Clause 46. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 45, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth when transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

[0262] Clause 47. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 46, wherein: one or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, the sum being reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0263] Clause 48. The UE according to any one of Clauses 39 to 47, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops in the positioning session.

[0264] Clause 49. A user equipment (UE) comprising: means for determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted during a positioning session based on frequency hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; means for determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; means for determining, based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth; means for determining, based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on the sum of the preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidths to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RSs over the aggregated bandwidth; and means for transmitting or measuring the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin for the positioning session.

[0265] Clause 50. The UE according to Clause 49, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the pre-configured set of group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

[0266] Clause 51. The UE according to Clause 50, wherein: the first group delay margin is a pre-configured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0267] Clause 52. The UE according to any one of Clauses 50 to 51, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) of the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0268] Clause 53. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 52, wherein: the pre-configured set of group delay margins is specified for the peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

[0269] Clause 54. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 53, wherein: the pre-configured set of group delay margins includes one or more pre-configured group delay margins, each pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to a pre-configured bandwidth range, and the pre-configured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RS at each frequency hopping.

[0270] Clause 55. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 54, wherein: the UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

[0271] Clause 56. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 55, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the pre-configured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, and N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0272] Clause 57. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 56, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth when transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

[0273] Clause 58. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 57, wherein: one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions on the different frequency ranges, and the sum reduces the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0274] Clause 59. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 58, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, and the common bandwidth is subtracted by the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

[0275] Clause 60. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 59, further comprising: a component for reporting the group delay margin to a location server.

[0276] Clause 61. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 60, further comprising: a component for reporting a reduced group delay margin based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

[0277] Clause 62. The UE according to any one of Clauses 49 to 61, further comprising: a component for reporting an indication that the second group delay margin exceeds the maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session.

[0278] Clause 63. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a component for receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving the RS during a positioning session based on hopping a plurality of reference signals (RS) to different frequency ranges; a component for determining the tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; a component for sending an indication of a first group delay margin from a preconfigured set of group delay margins to a location server based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RS transmitted on the different frequency ranges, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of group delay margins; and a component for sending a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth.

[0279] Clause 64. The UE according to Clause 63, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

[0280] Clause 65. The UE according to Clause 64, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0281] Clause 66. The UE according to any one of Clauses 64 to 65, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0282] Clause 67. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 66, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) transmitted by the UE.

[0283] Clause 68. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 66, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) measured at the UE.

[0284] Clause 69. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 68, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0285] Clause 70. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 69, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth when transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

[0286] Clause 71. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 70, wherein: one or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, and the sum reduces the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0287] Clause 72. The UE according to any one of Clauses 63 to 71, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more frequency hops of the RS result in a bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being subtracted by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

[0288] Clause 73. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: determine an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of reference signals (RSs) transmitted based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin as the group delay margin of the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin of the positioning session, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth; and transmit or measure the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

[0289] Clause 74. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Clause 73, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

[0290] Clause 75. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Clause 74, wherein: the first group delay margin is the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0291] Clause 76. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 74 to 75, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined as N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0292] Clause 77. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 76, wherein: the set of the preconfigured group delay margins is specified for the peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

[0293] Clause 78. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 77, wherein: the set of the preconfigured group delay margins includes one or more preconfigured group delay margins, and each preconfigured group delay margin corresponds to a preconfigured bandwidth range, wherein the preconfigured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RS at each frequency hopping.

[0294] Clause 79. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 78, wherein: the UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

[0295] Clause 80. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 79, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0296] Clause 81. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 80, wherein: when transmitted on each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions of the positioning session.

[0297] Clause 82. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 81, wherein: one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions on the different frequency ranges, and the sum is reduced by the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

[0298] Clause 83. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 82, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, and the common bandwidth is subtracted by the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

[0299] Clause 84. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 83 further includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to perform the following operations: report the group delay margin to a location server.

[0300] Clause 85. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 84 further includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to perform the following operations: report a reduced group delay margin based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

[0301] Clause 86. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 73 to 85 further includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to perform the following operations: report an indication that the second group delay margin exceeds the maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session.

[0302] Clause 87. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RSs) during a positioning session based on hopping the RSs to different frequency ranges; determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RSs; based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over the different frequency ranges, send an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins to a location server, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth; and based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, send a second group delay margin to the location server, wherein the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive RSs over the aggregated bandwidth.

[0303] Clause 88. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Clause 87, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

[0304] Clause 89. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to Clause 88, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

[0305] Clause 90. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 88 to 89, wherein: the second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

[0306] Clause 91. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 90, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) transmitted by the UE.

[0307] Clause 92. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 90, wherein: the plurality of reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) measured at the UE.

[0308] Clause 93. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 92, wherein: the second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of hops of the RS during the positioning session.

[0309] Clause 94. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 93, wherein: when transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions of the positioning session.

[0310] Clause 95. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 94, wherein: one or more of the hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, the sum being reduced by the amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions.

[0311] Clause 96. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of Clauses 87 to 95, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; one or more of the hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth being subtracted by the amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS hops for the positioning session.

[0312] Those skilled in the art will understand that any of a variety of different techniques and arts can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0313] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described generally in terms of their functionality above. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0314] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0315] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0316] In one or more example aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Further, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0317] While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects of the present disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or acts of the method claims according to aspects of the present disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Further, although elements of the present invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural form is included unless expressly stated to be limited to the singular form.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment UE, comprising: Determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of a plurality of RSs transmitted based on hopping a reference signal RS to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; Determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; Based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determining a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; Based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determining a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth; And Transmitting or measuring the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin for the positioning session.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with a bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The second group delay margin is determined as N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with a bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to receive the RS during the positioning session.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The set of preconfigured group delay margins is specified for a peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The set of preconfigured group delay margins includes one or more preconfigured group delay margins, each preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to a preconfigured bandwidth range, wherein the preconfigured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RS at each frequency hopping.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When transmitted on each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, the sum reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and one or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and the aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops for the positioning session.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, the group delay margin to a location server.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, a reduced group delay margin based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: reporting, by the UE, an indication that the second group delay margin exceeds a maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session.

15. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment UE, comprising: receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals RS during a positioning session based on frequency hopping the RS to different frequency ranges; determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; sending, to a location server, an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of preconfigured group delay margins based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to a total bandwidth of the plurality of RS transmitted over the different frequency ranges, wherein the first group delay margin is based on a preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; and sending, to the location server, a second group delay margin based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on a sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with a bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS over the aggregated bandwidth.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of preconfigured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: the first group delay margin is a preconfigured group delay margin associated with a bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals SRS transmitted by the UE.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals PRS measured at the UE.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein: When transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein: One or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, and the sum reduces the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and One or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, and the common bandwidth is subtracted by the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops in the positioning session.

25. A user equipment (UE) comprising: A memory; At least one transceiver; And At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Determine an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of a plurality of RSs transmitted based on hopping the reference signal RS to different frequency ranges during a positioning session; Determine a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; Based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of preconfigured group delay margins; Based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, where the second group delay margin is based on a sum of pre-configured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the bandwidth to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth; and Via the at least one transceiver, transmit or measure the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

26. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: Each group delay margin GD(i) in the set of pre-configured group delay margins is associated with a corresponding RS bandwidth range BW(i).

27. The UE according to claim 26, wherein: The first group delay margin is a pre-configured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

28. The UE according to claim 26, wherein: The second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the maximum bandwidth to receive the RS during the positioning session.

29. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The set of pre-configured group delay margins is specified for the peak bandwidth supported by the UE.

30. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The set of pre-configured group delay margins includes one or more pre-configured group delay margins, each pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to a pre-configured bandwidth range, where the pre-configured bandwidth range corresponds to the bandwidth of the RS at each frequency hopping.

31. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The UE is configured to be tuned multiple times during the positioning session to receive the RS.

32. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: The second group delay margin is based on N times the pre-configured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

33. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: When transmitted on each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions of the positioning session.

34. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: One or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions on the different frequency ranges, and the sum reduces the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

35. The UE according to claim 25, wherein: Each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; One or more frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where the common bandwidth is subtracted by the bandwidth amount corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, and M is the number of RS frequency hops of the positioning session.

36. The UE according to claim 25, wherein The at least one processor is further configured to: Report the group delay margin to a location server via the at least one transceiver.

37. The UE according to claim 25, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Report a reduced group delay margin via the at least one transceiver based on the actual group delay margin at the UE being less than the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin.

38. The UE according to claim 25, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: Report an indication via the at least one transceiver that the second group delay margin exceeds the maximum group delay margin tolerance for the positioning session.

39. A user equipment (UE) comprising: A memory; At least one transceiver; And At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Receive, via the at least one transceiver, a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of reference signals (RS) during a positioning session based on hopping the RS to different frequency ranges. Determine the tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS. Send, via the at least one transceiver, an indication of a first group delay margin from a preconfigured set of group delay margins to a location server based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RS transmitted over the different frequency ranges, where the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin in the preconfigured set of group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth. And Send, via the at least one transceiver, a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS over the aggregated bandwidth.

40. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: Each group delay margin GD(i) in the preconfigured set of group delay margins is associated with a corresponding bandwidth range BW(i).

41. The UE according to claim 40, wherein: The first group delay margin is the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the bandwidth range corresponding to the tuned bandwidth.

42. The UE according to claim 40, wherein: The second group delay margin is determined to be N times the group delay margin GD(max) associated with the bandwidth range BW(max) corresponding to the maximum bandwidth, to which the UE is tuned to receive the RS during a positioning session.

43. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: The plurality of reference signals are uplink sounding reference signals (SRS) transmitted by the UE.

44. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: Multiple reference signals are downlink positioning reference signals (PRS) measured at the UE.

45. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: The second group delay margin is based on N times the preconfigured group delay margin associated with the tuned bandwidth, where N corresponds to the number of frequency hops of the RS during the positioning session.

46. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: When transmitted over each of the different frequency ranges, each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, where M is the number of RS transmissions in the positioning session.

47. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: One or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on the sum of the bandwidths of the RS transmissions over the different frequency ranges, the sum reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions.

48. The UE according to claim 39, wherein: Each RS transmission has a common bandwidth; One or more of the frequency hops of the RS result in bandwidth overlap between two or more RS transmissions; and The aggregated bandwidth is based on M times the common bandwidth, the common bandwidth reduced by an amount of bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth overlap between the two or more RS transmissions, where M is the number of RS frequency hops in the positioning session.

49. A user equipment (UE) comprising: Means for determining an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of a plurality of RSs transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the reference signal (RS) to different frequency ranges; Means for determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; Means for determining a first group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session from a set of preconfigured group delay margins based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, wherein the first group delay margin is based on the preconfigured group delay margin in the set of preconfigured group delay margins corresponding to the tuned bandwidth; Means for determining a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, wherein the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS over the aggregated bandwidth; And Means for transmitting or measuring the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

50. A user equipment (UE) comprising: Means for receiving a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of RSs during a positioning session based on hopping a reference signal (RS) to different frequency ranges; Means for determining a tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; A component for sending an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of pre-configured group delay margins to a location server based on an aggregated bandwidth that is less than or equal to the total bandwidth corresponding to the plurality of RSs transmitted over the different frequency ranges, where the first group delay margin is based on the pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to the aggregated bandwidth in the set of pre-configured group delay margins; And A component for sending a second group delay margin to the location server based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of the pre-configured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS over the aggregated bandwidth.

51. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment UE, cause the UE to: Determine an aggregated bandwidth that corresponds to the total bandwidth of a plurality of RSs transmitted during a positioning session based on hopping the reference signal RS over different frequency ranges; Determine the tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; Based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to the aggregated bandwidth, determine a first group delay margin from a set of pre-configured group delay margins as the group delay margin for the positioning session, where the first group delay margin is based on the pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of pre-configured group delay margins; Based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, determine a second group delay margin as the group delay margin for the positioning session, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of the pre-configured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth to which the UE is tuned to transmit or receive the RS over the aggregated bandwidth; And Transmit or measure the plurality of RSs based on the first group delay margin or the second group delay margin of the positioning session.

52. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment UE, cause the UE to: Receive a configuration for transmitting or receiving a plurality of RSs during a positioning session based on hopping the reference signal RS over different frequency ranges; Determine the tuned bandwidth of the UE for transmitting or receiving the RS; Based on the tuned bandwidth being less than or equal to an aggregated bandwidth corresponding to the total bandwidth of the plurality of RSs transmitted over the different frequency ranges, send an indication of a first group delay margin from a set of pre-configured group delay margins to a location server, where the first group delay margin is based on the pre-configured group delay margin corresponding to the tuned bandwidth in the set of pre-configured group delay margins; And Based on the aggregated bandwidth being greater than the tuned bandwidth, send a second group delay margin to the location server, where the second group delay margin is based on the sum of preconfigured group delay margins associated with the bandwidth, and the UE is tuned to the bandwidth to transmit or receive the RS on the aggregated bandwidth.

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