System and method for positioning

Abstract

Systems and methods for carrier phase positioning are presented. A wireless communication device can receive configuration information about a reference signal for positioning from a wireless communication node. A wireless communication device can measure a reference signal for positioning. A wireless communication device can send a report to a network including a measurement result of a reference signal for positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for positioning. Background Art

[0002] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a standards organization, is currently in the process of specifying a new radio interface called 5G New Radio (5G NR) and the Next Generation Packet Core (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core (5GC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate diverse data services and requirements, the elements of the 5GC (also known as network functions) have been simplified, with some being software-based and others hardware-based, allowing for adaptation as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The example embodiments disclosed herein are intended to solve problems related to one or more of the problems raised in the prior art, as well as to provide additional features, which will become clear by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it will be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not limiting, and it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art reading this disclosure that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to the following system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A wireless communication device (e.g., a UE) may receive configuration information regarding a reference signal used for positioning (e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS)) from a wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may measure the reference signal used for positioning. The wireless communication device may send a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning to a network. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports its capability on a phase error group (PEG), the wireless communication device may be configured to report the corresponding phase error of the PEG.

[0005] In some embodiments, configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports carrier phase (CP) measurements using PEG, the wireless communication device may be configured to report a phase error of the PEG. Configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports carrier phase (CP) measurements using PEG, the wireless communication device may be configured to report a phase error of the PEG and where the phase error is estimated in the PEG. Configuration information may indicate that for signals on two adjacent symbols with different resource element (RE) offsets, subcarriers within one or more resource blocks (RBs) may overlap.

[0006] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may be configured to report the carrier phase (CP) on the nearest subcarrier using a subcarrier ID when there is no frequency center subcarrier or direct current (DC) subcarrier. When performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may assume that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device. When performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center. When performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device. When performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center.

[0007] In some embodiments, the DC position index for CP measurement on the reference signal may be configured by the network. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a reference signal resource characterized by a comb size, a comb offset, and a number of repetitions within a time slot. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a number of repetitions of the reference signal resource and a starting symbol index of the first repetition in the repetitions. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a number of repetitions of the reference signal resource time slot with different comb offsets. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a comb size of 1 (e.g., a comb size of 1; CombSize=1; all subcarriers within a symbol are allocated to PRS) with repetitions within a time slot.

[0008] In some embodiments, when performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may be configured to measure one or more hops or a combination of one or more hops of the reference signal. The report may also include an indication of the combination of one or more hops associated with the measurement result. The report may also include an indication of frequency-related information associated with the measurement result. The report may also include an indication of resource-related information associated with the measurement result. The report may also include measurement results on a combination of multiple segments of the reference signal resource. The report may also include measurement results on a combination of multiple bandwidths of the reference signal resource. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results on a combination of one or more hops. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results on an indicated frequency. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results on an indicated bandwidth.

[0009] In some embodiments, in response to identifying a conflict between an SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signals / channels, the wireless communication device may be permitted to drop one or more hops of the SRS transmission. The SRS transmission may be half-duplex frequency hopping for frequency division duplex (HD-FDD) UEs.

[0010] In response to identifying a conflict between an SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signal / channel, the wireless communication device may be allowed to continue SRS transmission even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority. The SRS transmission may have half-duplex frequency hopping for a frequency division duplex (HD-FDD) UE. If one hop of the received reference signal is outside the PPW / MG, the wireless communication device may be allowed to continue receiving one or more other hops of the reference signal. One or more reserved bits in the downlink control information (DCI) received by the wireless communication device may be configured to trigger concurrent SRS transmissions on multiple carriers. A bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI received by the wireless communication device may indicate concurrent SRS transmissions on multiple carriers.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more reserved bits in DCI received by a wireless communication device may be configured to trigger concurrent reception of reference signals on multiple positioning frequency layers.

[0012] In some embodiments, a bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI received by the wireless communication device may indicate concurrent reception of reference signals on multiple positioning frequency layers. A wireless communication device that is a RedCap UE may be allowed to request the number of hops for PRS transmission. The on-demand PRS transmission procedure may allow the LMF to control and decide whether to send PRS, as well as to change the characteristics of an ongoing PRS transmission. The on-demand PRS transmission procedure may be initiated by either the UE or the LMF. Regardless of whether the procedure is initiated by the UE or the LMF, the actual PRS change may be requested by the LMF.

[0013] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device that is a RedCap UE may be allowed to request an intra-slot repetition factor of a reference signal.A wireless communication device that is a RedCap UE may be allowed to request frequency information of a reference signal.

[0014] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node may receive configuration information regarding a reference signal used for positioning from a wireless communication device. The wireless communication node may measure the reference signal used for positioning. The wireless communication node may send a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning to the network. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using a port ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using a frequency hopping ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using a PEG ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using an SRS resource ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report SRS-related configuration information. The SRS-related configuration information may include at least one of the following: frequency band, carrier index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), carrier center frequency, hopped carrier center frequency, hop start frequency, hop end frequency, the bandwidth of the carrier, the bandwidth of the measured hop, and frequency hopping ID.

[0015] In some embodiments, within an SRS measurement window, the wireless communication node may be configured to process only SRS reception, while the wireless communication node discards all other signal(s) or channel(s). Within the SRS processing window, when the time gap between an identified SRS transmission and a PUSCH / PUCCH / PRACH transmission is less than the duration, the wireless communication node may be configured to continue processing the SRS transmission and discard other signal(s) or channel(s), even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority. When the wireless communication node performs timing-related measurements, the wireless communication node may be requested by the network to measure the CP using the PEG within the TEG. Configuration information may indicate that symbols with indices {{S, S+1, ..., S+L-1}+i*L} may be allocated to the PRS, where i is an integer in {0, 1, 2, ..., R-1}, R is the number of repetitions within the timeslot, L is the number of PRS symbols, and S is the starting symbol index. In some embodiments, the measurement may include: when the TRP measures relative time of arrival (RTOA), the RTOA reference time may include the nominal start time of system frame number 0 provided by the system frame number initialization time of the first hop. Measurements may include: TRP may be requested using PRS transmission with positioning frequency layer (PFL) aggregation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various example embodiments of the present solution will be described in detail below with reference to the following figures or drawings. The figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only example embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the figures should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated, in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of example base station and user equipment apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 An example implementation of positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described;

[0020] Figure 4 An example implementation of positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described;

[0021] Figure 5 An example implementation of radio waves having multiple wavelengths according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described;

[0022] Figure 6An example implementation of positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described;

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates example implementations of positioning according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating an example method for positioning according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 1. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0026] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network and / or system 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the techniques disclosed herein may be implemented. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network 100 may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as "network 100." Such an example network 100 includes a base station 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 102"; also referred to as a wireless communication node) and a user equipment device 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104"; also referred to as a wireless communication device), which may communicate with each other via a communication link 110 (e.g., a wireless communication channel), and cell groups 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. In Figure 1 1 , BS 102 and UE 104 are included within the respective geographic boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating within its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage for its intended users.

[0027] For example, BS 102 may operate with an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage for UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 may communicate via downlink radio frames 118 and uplink radio frames 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 may be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In the present disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes," which, in general, may practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of the present solution, these communication nodes may be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0028] Figure 2A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of the present solution is illustrated. The system 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features, which need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, the system 200 may be used to communicate with a wireless communication environment (e.g., as described above). Figure 1 Data symbols are transmitted (eg, sent and received) in a wireless communication environment 100).

[0029] System 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment device 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 220 as needed. UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 240 as needed. BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmitting data, as described herein.

[0030] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the system 200 may further include: Figure 2 Any number of modules other than the modules shown. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented with hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described by their functions. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints on the entire system. A person skilled in the art who is familiar with the concepts described herein can implement these functions in an appropriate manner for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 230, which may be referred to herein as an "uplink" transceiver 230, includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to an antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternately couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplexed manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the BS transceiver 210, which may be referred to herein as a "downlink" transceiver 210, includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each including circuitry coupled to an antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternately couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 212 in a time-duplexed manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 may be coordinated in time so that while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212, the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for receiving transmissions on the wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operations of the two transceivers 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time so that while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232, the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for receiving transmissions on the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, the time synchronization between changes in duplex direction is very close, with minimal guard times.

[0032] The UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with an appropriately configured RF antenna arrangement 212 / 232 that can support a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 210 and the base station transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and related protocols when applied. Instead, the UE transceiver 230 and the base station transceiver 210 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0033] According to various embodiments, for example, BS 202 may be an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. In some embodiments, UE 204 may be embodied as various types of user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, or the like. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, and may be designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0034] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, firmware, or software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236, respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 may be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 may be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230, respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234, respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0035] The network communication module 218 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic and / or other components of the base station 202, and enables two-way communication between the base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the base station 202. For example, the network communication module 218 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX services. In a typical deployment, the network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface so that the base station transceiver 210 can communicate with a traditional Ethernet-based computer network, but is not limited to this. In this manner, the network communication module 218 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). The terms "configured for," "configured to," and their conjunctions as used herein with respect to a specific operation or function refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform a specific operation or function.

[0036] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") is a concept and logical layout for defining network communications used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnection and communication with other systems. The model is divided into seven subcomponents or layers, each of which represents a conceptual set of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines logical networks and effectively describes computer packet transmission by using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as a seven-layer OSI model or a seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be a physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be a medium access control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be a radio link control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be a radio resource control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is other layers.

[0037] Various example embodiments of the present solution will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that one of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the present solution. It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications may be made to the examples described herein that depart from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged and still be within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an example order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0038] 2. Systems and methods for positioning

[0039] The demand for positioning is rising. For example, in a park (especially an underground parking lot), it may not be easy to find a car (especially during busy hours). The fifth generation mobile communication system (e.g., 5G, new radio access technology, or 5G-NR) can provide methods for positioning on the radio side (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS) from base stations (e.g., gNBs) and / or sounding reference signals (SRS) from user equipment (UEs)). However, the positioning accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may not be high enough (e.g., one meter or less). In some harsh environments (e.g., dense urban areas), the positioning accuracy of existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions may be even worse. In some business cases, a positioning accuracy of 0.2 meters may be required. In some cases, it is difficult for existing 5G-NR-based positioning solutions to achieve the goals of some business cases (e.g., 0.2 meters). The present disclosure relates to improvements in positioning accuracy for 5G-NR-based positioning.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to radio communications on how to improve positioning accuracy based on 5G-NR positioning. Figure 3 As shown, in the downlink (DL), one or more gNBs may transmit positioning reference signals (PRS). To achieve "good" positioning accuracy, multiple gNBs (e.g., three gNBs) may be involved. The UE may measure at least one PRS. The UE may report the measurement results to the network (e.g., the location management function (LMF) in the core network (CN) or 5G CN (5GC)). The network element may include at least one of the gNB, CN, or UE.

[0041] In such Figure 4In the uplink (UL) shown, a sounding reference signal (SRS) may be transmitted by the UE. One or more gNBs (e.g., multiple gNBs) may measure the SRS. One or more gNBs may report the measurement results to the network (e.g., LMF).

[0042] The transmission of PRS and / or SRS for positioning purposes is easily affected by the radio propagation environment (e.g., attenuation, distortion). Therefore, positioning accuracy may be limited. The present disclosure may provide a method for improving positioning accuracy.

[0043] exist Figure 5 In the present invention, radio waves can propagate from a transmitter to a receiver at multiple wavelengths. For a full wavelength, the corresponding carrier phase (or the carrier phase difference between the transmitter and the receiver) can be 2π (equivalent to zero phase). For a fractional portion of a wavelength, the corresponding carrier phase can be a value within (0, 2π). If the carrier phase can be measured (and there is no noise interference, and assuming line of sight (LOS) between the transmitter and the receiver), the distance (D) between the transmitter and the receiver can be D = (Φ + N) · λ = (Φ + N) · c / f. Φ can be the fractional portion of the measured carrier phase (in units of 2π, ranging from 0 to 1.0). N can be the integer portion of the measured carrier phase. λ can be the wavelength of the radio wave transmitted by the transmitter. c can be the speed of light. f can be the carrier frequency of the radio wave transmitted by the transmitter.

[0044] In some embodiments, if the UE can measure the carrier phase (e.g., Φ, N, or Φ+N, where N can be searched using a specific algorithm), the distance between the transmitter and receiver can be determined. In some embodiments, the carrier phase may only reference the fractional part (Φ) because the integer N may not be directly "measured" (e.g., it can be guessed with minimal error).

[0045] Implementation Example 1: Phase Error Group (PEG) for Carrier Phase Positioning (CPP)

[0046] In carrier phase positioning (CPP), the measured carrier phase (CP) value can differ from the true CP value. That is, there may be a (carrier) phase error in the CP measurement. If the (carrier) phase error is within a margin (e.g., 0.1%), the CP measurement is likely very reliable.

[0047] A UE (or gNB, or transmit and receive point (TRP)) may be equipped with multiple antennas (including transmit antennas and / or receive antennas). The phase error between one antenna and another may differ. One or more antennas within the phase error margin may be grouped into a phase error group (PEG, including transmit PEG (Tx PEG), receive PEG (Rx PEG), and receive and transmit PEG (Rx-Tx PEG)).

[0048] All antennas within a PEG may have phase coherence (or phase consistency). For example, the CPs measured by the antennas within the PEG may have coherent phases (e.g., the CPs are inherently correlated to some extent). Alternatively, one or more antennas with phase coherence may be grouped into the PEG. Alternatively, the frequency error of the antennas in the PEG may be within a margin (e.g., 0.01 PPM). Alternatively, the timing error of the antennas in the PEG may be within a margin (e.g., 0.1 ns). Alternatively, the frequency error of the PEG may be within a margin. Alternatively, the timing error of the PEG may be within a margin.

[0049] When the UE reports its capability on PEG (or capability on CPP, or capability on CP, or capability on CP measurement), the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the PEG (e.g., Rx PEG). Alternatively, when the UE reports its capability on PEG (or CP), the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the antenna of the PEG.

[0050] When the UE reports its capability on PEG (or capability on CPP, or capability on CP, or capability on CP measurement), the UE may report the phase error distribution (or phase error margin) of the PEG. Alternatively, when the UE reports its capability on PEG (or CP), the UE may report the phase error distribution (or phase error margin) of the antennas of the PEG.

[0051] When the UE reports its capability on PEG (or capability on CPP, or capability on CP, or capability on CP measurement), the UE may report the phase error consistency (or phase error margin) of the PEG. Alternatively, when the UE reports its capability on PEG (or CP), the UE may report the phase error consistency (or phase error margin) of the antennas of the PEG.

[0052] When the UE reports the CP measurement result using PEG, the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the PEG. Alternatively, when the UE reports the CP measurement result using PEG, the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin, or phase error margin value) of the antenna of this PEG.

[0053] When a UE reports CP measurement results using PEG, the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the PEG, where the phase error (or phase error margin) is estimated by the UE. Alternatively, when a UE reports CP measurement results using PEG, the UE may report the timing error (or timing error margin) of the PEG. Alternatively, when a UE reports CP measurement results using PEG, the UE may report the timing error (or timing error margin) of the antenna of the PEG.

[0054] When a UE reports CP measurement results using a PEG, the UE may report the phase error (or phase error margin) using the PEG ID of the PEG. When a UE reports CP measurement results using a PEG, the UE may report the phase difference of the PEG. The LMF may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report the phase error (or phase error margin) of a PEG (e.g., Tx PEG or Rx PEG). The LMF may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the antenna of the PEG.

[0055] The Positioning Reference Unit (PRU, similar to a UE with a known / fixed position) can transmit an SRS. Then, if the TRP (or gNB)'s receive phase is calibrated, the TRP (or gNB) can measure the PRU's Tx PEG phase error by performing a CP measurement on the SRS. Alternatively, the LMF can calculate the TRP's (or gNB's) Rx PEG phase error using the CP measurement from the TRP (or gNB). Then, the LMF can forward the TRP's (or gNB's) Rx PEG phase error to the TRP (or gNB). Alternatively, if the TRP (or gNB) knows the PRU's location, the TRP (or gNB) can calculate the (TRP's or gNB's) Rx PEG receive phase error (if the PRU's transmit phase error is calibrated). Alternatively, a CP measurement (or phase error) measured by hardware (e.g., a phase-locked loop, PLL) can be reported. Alternatively, a CP measurement (or phase error) measured by a panel (or antenna panel, or different panels) can be reported.

[0056] To support phase continuity between two (adjacent) symbols (or signals on two positioning reference signal resources with different resource element offsets or comb offsets), some resource elements (REs) or subcarriers within some resource blocks (RBs) can overlap in frequency (or have the same subcarrier or the same subcarrier index). Alternatively, muting can be applied on this / these RBs / REs / subcarriers between gNBs (or TRPs).

[0057] During UE (or gNB, or TRP) capability reporting, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report its PEG (including Tx, Rx, and Rx-Tx PEG) related information. Alternatively, the PEG related information includes the number of PEGs, the PEG configuration (e.g., the number of antennas), the phase error with a granularity (e.g., 0.1 degrees or 0.01 or 0.001 Rad of 2π), and the phase error margin with a granularity (e.g., 0.1 degrees or 0.01 or 0.001 Rad of 2π). Alternatively, the UE may report multiple CP measurements (or differential CP measurements, e.g., 8 measurements) associated with different DL PRS resources per UE Rx PEG per TRP (with PRS ID). Alternatively, the UE may use multiple different UE Rx PEGs (e.g., 8 Rx PEGs) with the same PRS reference information to measure / report CP measurements (or differential CP measurements) on PRS resources associated with a TRP (with PRS ID). Alternatively, when a UE reports CP measurements using a PEG (or PEG ID), the UE may report the relationship to a timing error group (TEG). For example, in CP measurements, PEG 1 may be mapped to TEG 2. Alternatively, the PEG may be a subset of a TEG (e.g., a TEG has two PEGs). Alternatively, the number of PEGs (e.g., 2 PEGs) may be less than or equal to the number of TEGs (e.g., 4 TEGs). Alternatively, the antenna(s) in a PEG (e.g., antenna #1, antenna #2) may be a subset of the antenna(s) in a TEG (e.g., antenna #1, antenna #2, antenna #3, antenna #4). Alternatively, the antenna port(s) in a PEG (e.g., port #0, port #1) may be a subset of the antenna port(s) in a TEG (e.g., port #0, port #1, port #2, port #3). Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may be requested by the network (e.g., LMF) to measure CP using a PEG within a TEG. Alternatively, when the UE (or gNB or TRP) performs timing-related measurements (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA), reference signal time difference (RSTD)), the UE (or gNB or TRP) may be requested by the network to measure CP using a PEG within a TEG. Alternatively, the TEG may be a subset of the PEG. Alternatively, the number of TEGs (e.g., 2 TEGs) may be less than or equal to the number of PEGs (e.g., 4 PEGs). Alternatively, the antenna(s) in a TEG (e.g., antenna #1, antenna #2) may be a subset of the antenna(s) in a PEG (e.g., antenna #1, antenna #2, antenna #3, antenna #4). Alternatively, the antenna port(s) in a TEG (e.g., port #0, port #1) may be a subset of the antenna port(s) in a PEG (e.g., port #0, port #1, port #2, port #3).

[0058] for Figure 6 Some PRS / SRS resources in the UE may not have a frequency center subcarrier or a direct current (DC) subcarrier (for example, there is no k=0 subcarrier, such as the resource with a black block ■ on symbol #1). In this case, the UE can measure / report the CP on the nearest subcarrier using the subcarrier ID. Alternatively, if PRS / SRS is not configured on the k=0 subcarrier, the UE can measure / report the CP on the nearest subcarrier using the subcarrier ID. Alternatively, the UE can measure the CP on the k≠0 subcarrier and infer / report the CP value on the k=0 subcarrier. Alternatively, on symbol ID=0, 1, 2..., CombSize-1, the UE can measure / report the CP on the subcarrier using the subcarrier index which is the symbol ID. Alternatively, the LMF can configure which (multiple) subcarriers can be measured / reported. Alternatively, the reference point for CP measurement can be the antenna connector of the UE (or TRP). Alternatively, the UE (or TRP) may infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for CP measurement is the antenna phase center (e.g., based on the distance difference between the antenna connector and the antenna phase center). Alternatively, when the reference point for CP measurement is the antenna connector of the UE (or TRP), the UE (or TRP) may infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for CP measurement is the antenna phase center of the UE (or TRP). Alternatively, when the reference point for CP measurement is the antenna phase center, the UE (or TRP) may infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for CP measurement is the antenna connector of the UE (or TRP). Alternatively, the reference point for CP measurement may be configured by the network (e.g., LMF). Alternatively, when the UE (or gNB or TRP) measures CP, the reference point for CP measurement may be the same as the reference point for timing-based positioning (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA), reference signal time difference (RSTD), or antenna connector of the UE, gNB, or TRP). Alternatively, the network (e.g., LMF) can signal the phase error to the UE (or TRP). Alternatively, the network (e.g., LMF) can configure whether to report the original CP value or the differential CP value. Alternatively, the original CP value can be reported for the reference TRP / reference PRS resource / reference (sub)carrier / reference segment. Alternatively, the differential CP value (relative to the reference TRP) can be reported for the non-reference TRP / non-reference PRS resource / non-reference (sub)carrier / non-reference segment. Alternatively, there can be a phase continuity indicator when the UE reports the CP measurement. For example, in time slots #1 and #2, the UE can measure the CP twice and may find that the phase is discontinuous, then the UE can report the CP using a phase continuity indicator (e.g., one bit "1" in this case).

[0059] For sidelink positioning, the DC position (or DC subcarrier) index for CP measurement on the sidelink PRS can be configured by the network (e.g. gNB / TRP / LMF) or another UE. Alternatively, the last RB of the sidelink resource pool used for positioning can be occupied by the sidelink PRS. Alternatively, the flexible symbol (F) on the downlink / uplink can be occupied by the sidelink PRS. Alternatively, for sidelink positioning, for a specific Comb size (e.g. 4), only Comb / 2 (e.g. 4 / 2=2) UEs can be multiplexed on the symbol (or resource). This avoids interference between subcarriers. Alternatively, for sidelink positioning, the node ID (or UE ID, e.g. 16 bits) is accompanied by the gNB ID (or TRP ID, e.g. 10 bits). This ID can be used to generate the sequence of the sidelink PRS. Alternatively, for sidelink positioning, for sidelink resource allocation scheme 2 (e.g., resource allocation by the UE), if both random resource selection and sensing-based resource allocation are configured, sensing-based resource allocation can be selected first. Alternatively, the code domain power of the sidelink PRS can be measured for sensing-based resource allocation, where the reference point for sensing is the UE's antenna connector.

[0060] Using this method, the position calculation terminal (such as LMF) can select the appropriate antenna / PEG for CP measurement / reporting. Therefore, the phase error can be minimized and the positioning performance can be improved.

[0061] Implementation Example 2: UL Positioning Using Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for Carrier Phase Positioning (CPP)

[0062] A UE (or gNB, or TRP) can be equipped with multiple antennas (including transmit antennas and receive antennas). These antennas can form a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. The UE can transmit SRS using a MIMO scheme (e.g., MIMO SRS).

[0063] A channel / signal (e.g., SRS) transmission utilizing MIMO may have a port (or antenna port, with a port ID, e.g., port ID 6000) where the channel / signal may be transmitted utilizing beamforming. A MIMO port may have one or more antennas. Different MIMO SRS ports may have different (carrier) phase errors (or phase error margins). When the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port. When the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS resource port. Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port applied by the UE for MIMO SRS transmission. Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB (or TRP) may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port using the port ID. Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB (or TRP) may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port using the SRS resource (set) ID. Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB (or TRP) may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port using the hopping ID (HopID, if the SRS is transmitted in a frequency hopping manner). Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB (or TRP) may measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port using the PEG ID (including Tx PEG ID, Rx PEG ID, and Rx-Tx PEGID). Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures / reports CP measurement results, the gNB (or TRP) can use the SRS resource (set) ID to measure / report the phase error (or phase error margin) of the MIMO SRS port. Alternatively, the SRS resource can be mapped to one MIMO SRS port. Alternatively, the SRS resources in an SRS resource set can be mapped to one MIMO SRS port.

[0064] For MIMO SRS transmission with frequency hopping, the carrier center frequency of the hop (or transmission with frequency hopping) can be different from the carrier center frequency of the SRS (or SRS resource) carrier. Therefore, when the gNB (or TRP) reports the CP measurement on the MIMO SRS (resource), the gNB (or TRP) can report SRS-related (configuration) information. Alternatively, the SRS-related (configuration) information can include at least one of the following: frequency band, carrier index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), carrier center frequency, hop carrier center frequency, hop start frequency (hop / this hop) start frequency (hop / this hop) end frequency (hop / this hop) bandwidth of this carrier, bandwidth of this hop (being measured), hop ID (or HopID).

[0065] In this way, the position calculation terminal (eg, LMF) can select the appropriate antenna / MIMO SRS port for CP measurement / reporting, thereby minimizing phase error and improving positioning performance.

[0066] Implementation Example 3: Intra-slot Rx Frequency Hopping of PRS for Reduced Capability (RedCap) UEs

[0067] For a Reduced Capability (RedCap) UE, the UE can only transmit / receive a limited bandwidth (e.g., only 20 MHz in frequency range 1 (FR1). There may be no limitation on the gNB (or TRP), where the gNB (or TRP) can transmit a larger bandwidth (e.g., 100 MHz for a carrier in FR1).

[0068] The UE may be configured with PRS resources that are repeated within a time slot. Alternatively, the UE may be configured with PRS resources having a comb size, comb offset (RE offset, in symbols) and a number of repetitions within a time slot. For example, Figure 7 As shown in , the PRS resource may have a comb size of 2 and 6 repetitions within a slot (2x6=12 symbols in total, symbols #2-#13, repeated within a slot).

[0069] Alternatively, if the number of symbols of the PRS (resource) is L, the starting symbol index can be S, and the number of repetitions within a time slot (note: the repetition has L symbols) can be R. Symbols with indices {{S, S+1, ..., S+L-1}+i*L} can be allocated to the PRS. i can be an integer in {0, 1, 2, ..., R-1}. Alternatively, symbols with indices {S+i*L, S+i*L+1, ..., S+i*L+L-1} can be allocated to the PRS. For example, if S=2, L=2, and R=6, symbols with indices {{2, 3}, {4, 5}, {6, 7}, {8, 9}, {10, 11}, {12, 13}} can be allocated to the PRS (e.g., symbols #2-13). Alternatively, the number of repetitions R can be within a combination of multiple time slots. For example, if there are 12 symbols in a time slot, there can be 24 symbols in a combination of two time slots. If S=2, L=4, R=4, then symbols with indices {{2,3,4,5},{6,7,8,9},{10,11,12,13},{14,15,16,17}} may be allocated to PRS (Note: {14,15,16,17} may be on the second slot. The actual symbol ID may be {14,15,16,17}-14+S={2,3,4,5}, where "14" may be the number of symbols in the slot). Alternatively, in this case, the PRS (resource) may start in an even slot (e.g., the module 2 of the slot ID may be 0). Alternatively, in frequency, the PRS resource may be configured outside the bandwidth part (BWP) of the UE, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0070] In this example, Comb Offset 0 (i.e., RE Offset 0) on symbols #2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 can be assigned to the UE, while symbols #3, 5, 7, and 11 are used as guard symbols (or gaps, or RF retuning time) for the UE. Note that symbols #3, 5, 7, and 11 can be assigned to another UE, while symbols #2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are used as guard symbols. Furthermore, a repetition offset (from 0 to the number of repetitions minus 1) can be indicated to the UE.

[0071] In this example, the gNB (or TRP) may transmit the full bandwidth (e.g., 100 MHz) in each repetition of the PRS, but the UE may only receive a subset of the PRS repetitions (e.g., symbols #2, 4, 6, 8, 10), where the repetitions have different frequency fractions (e.g., 20 MHz each, with RB overlap between two adjacent repetitions or two adjacent hops). In this example, only one PRS repetition (or transmission or hop) is within the UE's BWP, while the other repetitions (or transmissions or hops) are outside its BWP. Alternatively, the UE may be configured with the number of repetitions of the PRS resource and the starting symbol index of the first repetition (or first transmission). Alternatively, the UE may be configured with the number of slot repetitions of the PRS resource (e.g., equal to the comb size). Alternatively, the UE may be configured with the number of slot repetitions of the PRS resource (e.g., equal to the comb size) with different comb offsets (e.g., RE offset, or symbol offset, e.g., RE offset plus slot index, then modulo the number of slot repetitions). Alternatively, the UE may be configured with a comb size of 1 (e.g., all REs / subcarriers within a symbol are occupied), with repetition within a slot (i.e., intra-slot repetition). The number of repetitions may be configured (e.g., 12 repetitions from symbols #2-#13). Alternatively, the UE may be configured with a comb size of 12 with one symbol (e.g., one RE / subcarrier within an RB is occupied), with an RE offset and repetition within a slot (e.g., intra-slot repetition, such as 12 repetitions). At the same time, the UE may be configured with the number of repetitions of a slot (e.g., 4 slot repetitions). Alternatively, the RE offset may not be configured for each repetition, but may be inferred from the symbol index and repetition number for all repetitions for intra-slot repetitions and inter-slot repetitions. For example, if the intra-slot repetition (M) is 12 and the inter-slot repetition (P) is zero, the PRS may start from symbol ID 2. For the number of symbols available for PRS (W=12), the RE offset may be (M+W*P-SymbolID)modCombSize=(12+12*0-2)mod 12=10. Alternatively, the RE offset may be fixed to a certain value (e.g., 0), which facilitates CP measurement.

[0072] In some embodiments, for each repetition with a different RE offset, some subcarriers may be received again between adjacent receptions (e.g., each reception has overlapping subcarriers). Alternatively, the UE may report its capability in terms of switching time between different hops. Alternatively, if the UE supports a short switching time (e.g., one symbol, two symbols), intra-slot frequency hopping and a smaller Comb size (e.g., Comb=2) may be configured with repetitions (e.g., 5, 6, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 repetitions). Alternatively, the UE may report its capability in terms of PRS data buffering. For example, the UE may report that it is able to buffer 100 MHz of PRS data. Alternatively, this capability in terms of PRS data buffering may be related to data channel processing. For example, if the UE supports 8 hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes, each HARQ process may have data for a 20 MHz data channel, then the UE may process 8*20 MHz=160 MHz of PRS data.

[0073] Alternatively, when the gNB (or TRP) measures the relative time of arrival (RTOA) of the SRS from the UE, the UL RTOA reference time may include T0. T0 may be the nominal start time of the System Frame Number (SFN) 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the first hop for the RedCap UE. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of the System Frame Number (SFN) 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the last hop for the RedCap UE. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of the SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the last hop for the SRS of the RedCap UE. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of the SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the last hop for the SRS resource of the RedCap UE. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of the SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the first SRS resource for the RedCap UE. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the first SRS resource of frequency hopping for RedCap UEs. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the first segment of SRS resources for RedCap UEs. Alternatively, T0 may be the nominal start time of SFN 0 provided by the SFN initialization time of the first segment of SRS resources of frequency hopping for RedCap UEs.

[0074] In this way, a RedCap UE can receive a partial bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) of repeated PRSs (e.g., 100 MHz). The UE can then concatenate each reception to form a larger bandwidth. The UE can then measure the concatenated PRSs. Utilizing a concatenated bandwidth larger than the limited bandwidth (20 MHz) can improve the positioning performance of the RedCap UE (e.g., the larger the bandwidth, the higher the positioning accuracy).

[0075] Implementation Example 4: (Redcap UE) Frequency Hopping in RRC_INACTIVE

[0076] For RedCap UEs, before entering the radio resource control (RRC) inactive state (RRC_Inactive) from the RRC_Connected state, the UE may have configured PRS / SRS frequency hopping related information (eg, via RRC release signaling, system information broadcast (SIB)).

[0077] Alternatively, the frequency hopping order (or frequency hopping sequence, for example, which frequency can be performed for frequency hopping, which hopping ID / HopID can be indicated in order) can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, frequency resource related information (e.g., starting RB number, for example, the starting RB number can be mod(#RB, 4) == 0, where mod() is a modular operation, the length of the RB, the end of the RB, the RB allocation granularity, for example, a granularity of 4RBs, the number of overlapping RBs) can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, frequency resource related information for each hop can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, time resource related information for each hop (e.g., period, time slot, time slot offset and / or repetition) can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, PRS / SRS resource (set) related information for each hop can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, PRS / SRS power control (or power allocation) related information for each hop can be included in the RRC signaling / SIB. Alternatively, a constant energy per RE (EPRE) may be allocated for PRS / SRS on each hop in RRC signaling / SIB.

[0078] Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may measure one or more hops, or a combination of hops, or a combination of hops for the PRS (or SRS). For example, the UE may measure the combination of hops {{1}, {1,2}, {1,2,3}, {1,2,3,4}, {1,2,3,4,5}}, where the numbers in brackets may be hop IDs (e.g., two numbers (e.g., {1,2}) are used to indicate a combination of two hops, and three numbers (e.g., {1,2,3}) are used to indicate a combination of three hops). Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report measurement results using an indication of the hop combination. For example, the UE may report measurement results for the combination of hops {{1}, {1,2}, {1,2,3}, {1,2,3,4}, {1,2,3,4,5}}, where {1} may indicate that the measurement result is for hop ID #1, and {1,2} may indicate that the measurement result is for the combination of hop IDs #1 and #2. Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report measurement results using an indication of frequency-related information (e.g., the measurement start frequency, end frequency, and / or measurement bandwidth). Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report measurement results using an indication of resource-related information (e.g., PRS / SRS resource, PRS / SRS resource set). For example, the UE may report measurement results for the combination of PRS resource 1, PRS resource 2, and PRS resource 3. Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report measurement results for the combination of multiple segments (or multiple hops) of the PRS / SRS resource (e.g., the combination of segments {1, 2, 3} of a large bandwidth, such as 100 MHz). Alternatively, the UE (or gNB, or TRP) may report measurement results for the combination of multiple bandwidths of the PRS / SRS resource (e.g., the combination of bandwidths of 20 MHz, 20 MHz, 20 MHz, equivalent to 60 MHz). Alternatively, the location calculation end (e.g., LMF) may request the UE (or gNB or TRP) to report measurement results on which hop combinations. For example, the LMF may request the UE to report measurement results on the combination of hops {1, 2, 3}.

[0079] In some embodiments, the location calculation terminal (e.g., LMF) may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report measurement results for a specified frequency (e.g., from a starting frequency to an ending frequency, e.g., 2000 MHz to 2100 MHz, which may be expressed as ARFCN). Alternatively, the location calculation terminal (e.g., LMF) may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report measurement results for a specified bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz, 20 MHz, 20 MHz). Alternatively, the location calculation terminal (e.g., LMF) may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report measurement results for a specified total bandwidth (e.g., 100 MHz, which may be expressed as a number of RBs in terms of subcarrier spacing (SCS)). Alternatively, the location calculation terminal (e.g., LMF) may request the UE (or gNB, or TRP) to report measurement results for a combination of PRS / SRS resources (e.g., a combination of SRS resource 1, SRS resource 2, and SRS resource 3).

[0080] A RedCap UE may receive / transmit PRS / SRS outside of its supported / configured BWP (e.g., outside of 20 MHz of the BWP). For example, for SCS=30 kHz, there may be a total of 51 RBs, but a RedCap UE may receive PRS for 52 (or 56) RBs for one hop (overlapping RBs for inter-hop phase tracking). For another example, a RedCap UE may send SRS for 52 (or 56) RBs for one hop (overlapping RBs for inter-hop phase tracking, for gNB / TRP). Alternatively, a PRS / SRS-specific BWP may be configured for the UE, which includes only PRS / SRS and no other signals / channels. Alternatively, the signal in the PRS / SRS-specific BWP may be a quasi-co-located (QCL) with a synchronization signal block (SSB). Alternatively, the number of PRS / SRS-specific BWPs (e.g., 20 BWPs, 32 BWPs) may be configured by the network (e.g., LMF). Alternatively, there may be multiple activated PRS / SRS-specific BWPs (e.g., 5 active BWPs). Alternatively, the switching order of the PRS / SRS-specific BWPs may be configured by the network (e.g., LMF). Alternatively, the PRS / SRS-specific BWPs may be configured within the PRS / SRS resource (including the starting frequency and / or ending frequency).

[0081] Alternatively, a virtual wideband can be provided, comprising multiple RB sets. Alternatively, hopping can be performed between two frequency-adjacent RB sets. Alternatively, PRS / SRS resources can be allocated across RB sets. Alternatively, PRS / SRS resources can be allocated across all RB sets. Alternatively, the number of hops can be configured by the network (e.g., LMF), while the virtual wideband is equally divided across the hops / RB sets. Alternatively, the RB sets can be configured by the network (e.g., LMF).

[0082] Using this method, a RedCap UE can receive a portion of the bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) where the PRS is repeated (e.g., 100 MHz). The UE can then concatenate each reception to form a larger bandwidth. The UE can then measure the concatenated PRS. Using a concatenated bandwidth larger than the limited bandwidth (20 MHz) can improve the positioning performance of the RedCap UE (e.g., a larger bandwidth can improve positioning accuracy).

[0083] Implementation Example 5: RedCap UE Frequency Hopping Priority Process

[0084] For PRS measurement, the UE may be configured with a measurement gap (MG, eg, a period of time) or a PRS processing window (PPW, eg, a period of time).

[0085] For RedCap UEs with PRS reception frequency hopping, if the duration of all hops is short (e.g., two time slots), one MG instance (or PPW instance) is sufficient. If the duration of all hops is long (e.g., ten time slots), multiple MG instances (or PPW instances) can be configured (but the number of instances can be limited to a maximum of two to reduce signaling overhead). Alternatively, there can be temporal overlap between two MG / PPW instances.

[0086] When receiving PRSs, some PRS receptions may collide with other higher-priority signals / channels. For example, when receiving PRSs with PPW, the PRSs may collide with a higher-priority synchronization signal block (SSB). In this case, one or more hops of the PRS reception may be discarded (e.g., the last two hops of five hops may be discarded).

[0087] For SRS transmissions by half-duplex frequency division duplex (HD-FDD) frequency hopping UEs, the SRS transmission may collide with the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) / physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) / other downlink signals / channels. For this situation, one or more hops of the SRS transmission may be discarded (e.g., the last three hops of 5 hops are discarded), even if the SRS transmission has a higher priority. Alternatively, for SRS transmissions from HD-FDD UEs (e.g., periodic, semi-periodic, or aperiodic transmissions), at least N (e.g., N=6) symbols are required between the PDCCH scheduling the PDSCH and the SRS transmission. If not (e.g., a smaller N, e.g., N<6), then the SRS transmission may continue, even if the SRS has a lower priority. Alternatively, if not (e.g., a smaller N, e.g., N<6), then the SRS transmission may continue, and the PDSCH is discarded, even if the PDSCH has a higher priority.

[0088] Alternatively, if a collision occurs between an SRS transmission and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) / physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), the SRS transmission may be discarded if the SRS transmission has a lower priority. Alternatively, if a collision occurs between an SRS transmission and a PUSCH / PUCCH, the SRS transmission may be discarded even if the SRS transmission has a higher priority. Alternatively, if the PRS reception (one hop) is outside the PPW / MG, the UE may continue to receive the PRS (one hop). Alternatively, if the last hop of PRS reception is outside the PPW / MG, the UE may receive the PRS for that hop.

[0089] Alternatively, in the uplink (or downlink) or sidelink, an SRS transmission window (e.g., 10 time slots) may be configured, during which only SRS transmission occurs without any other signals / channels. Alternatively, in the uplink, the network (e.g., LMF) may configure an SRS measurement window (i.e., a period of time) for the gNB (or TRP). Within this window, the gNB (or TRP) may only process SRS reception. Alternatively, within this window, the gNB (or TRP) may only process SRS for positioning, while discarding all other signal(s) / channel(s). Alternatively, in the uplink, an SRS processing window (i.e., a period of time) may be configured for the gNB (or TRP) with signal / channel prioritization. Within this window, the gNB (or TRP) may process SRS reception based on the signal / channel priority. For example, if the SRS has a higher priority than other signal(s) / channel(s), then the SRS reception may be processed. For another example, if the SRS has a lower priority than a signal / channel, then the SRS reception may be discarded. Alternatively, if the time gap between the SRS transmission and the scheduled (or configured) PUSCH / PUCCH / Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission is less than some time (e.g., one time slot, e.g., 7 symbols), the SRS transmission may be processed. Alternatively, if the time gap between the SRS transmission and the scheduled (or configured) PUSCH / PUCCH / PRACH transmission is less than some time (e.g., one symbol), the SRS transmission may be processed, while other (multiple) signals / (multiple) channels may be discarded. Alternatively, if the time gap between the SRS transmission and the scheduled (or configured) PUSCH / PUCCH / PRACH transmission is less than some time (e.g., two symbols), the SRS transmission may be processed, while other (multiple) signals / (multiple) channels may be discarded, even if the SRS has a lower priority than the other (multiple) signals / (multiple) channels.

[0090] By using this method, PRS / SRS transmission can be ensured, thereby maintaining or improving positioning performance.

[0091] Implementation Example 6: Positioning under Carrier Aggregation (CA)

[0092] The downlink control information (DCI) in the PDCCH can be used to trigger an SRS transmission for uplink channel estimation. Alternatively, the DCI can be used to trigger an SRS transmission to perform positioning measurements on multiple cells (or carriers, or frequency layers). Alternatively, one or more reserved bits in the DCI can be used to trigger concurrent SRS transmissions (e.g., carrier aggregation, CA) to perform positioning measurements on multiple carriers. For example, the (first or last) three reserved bits can be used to indicate which carrier can have a (concurrent) SRS transmission (e.g., the value "1" represents an SRS transmission, e.g., the first, second, and third bits are used for the first, second, and third carriers). For another example, the first two reserved bits are used to indicate which carrier cab has SRS transmission (e.g., a code point, such as a decimal value of a bit, such as "00" for no triggering, "01" for the first and second carriers can have concurrent SRS transmission / CA, "10" for the second and third carriers can have concurrent SRS transmission / CA, and "11" for the first, second and third carriers can have concurrent SRS transmission / CA. The decimal values of "00", "01", "10", and "11" can be 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively).

[0093] Alternatively, a bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI can indicate (concurrent) SRS transmission. For example, for the Frequency Domain Resource Allocation (FDRA) field, if the FDRA field is all zero bits, SRS transmission on all carriers can be concurrent (e.g., CA). For another example, if the FDRA field is all zero bits, the first three bits of the Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) field can indicate which SRS transmission on the carrier will be concurrent (or which SRS resource / SRS resource set on the carrier will be sent concurrently).

[0094] Alternatively, one or more reserved bits in the DCI may be used to trigger concurrent PRS transmission on multiple carriers (e.g., CA of PRS or bandwidth aggregation of positioning frequency layers) from the gNB (or TRP). Alternatively, one or more reserved bits in the DCI may be used to trigger concurrent PRS reception on multiple carriers for the UE. Alternatively, one or more reserved bits in the DCI may be used to trigger concurrent PRS reception on multiple positioning frequency layers for the UE. Alternatively, a bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI may indicate (concurrent) PRS transmission from the gNB (or TRP). Alternatively, a bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI may indicate (concurrent) PRS reception on multiple carriers for the UE. Alternatively, a bit combination of one or more fields in the DCI may indicate (concurrent) PRS reception on multiple positioning frequency layers for the UE.

[0095] The PDCCH carrying the above DCI may occupy 4, 8, 16, or 32 control channel elements (CCEs), which have 4, 2, 1, or 1 candidates, respectively. Alternatively, the PDCCH carrying the above DCI may occupy 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, or 28 CCEs, all of which have one candidate (or candidate position).

[0096] Alternatively, the transmission power of the PRS / SRS may be equally distributed among multiple carriers. Alternatively, the transmission power per RE (e.g., EPRE) of the PRS / SRS may be equally distributed among multiple carriers. Alternatively, before transmission, if the total transmission power of the SRS exceeds the allowed transmission power for the UE, the transmission power of the SRS may be equally scaled and distributed. Alternatively, before transmission, if the transmission power of the SRS per carrier exceeds the allowed transmission power for the carrier for the UE, the transmission power of the SRS may be equally scaled and distributed, as determined by the carrier with the lowest allowed EPRE.

[0097] By using this method, carrier aggregation of PRS / SRS can be ensured, which can provide more precise positioning accuracy (for example, a larger bandwidth means higher positioning accuracy). Therefore, positioning performance can be improved.

[0098] Implementation Example 7: On-demand PRS / SRS for RedCap UE

[0099] The UE (or gNB, or TRP) can request the network (e.g., LMF) to configure an appropriate configuration for it to perform PRS reception (or SRS transmission, i.e., on-demand transmission). After receiving the request, the network (e.g., LMF) can configure a better configuration for the UE (or gNB, or TRP).

[0100] A RedCap UE may request PRS resource bandwidth for a single hop (or per hop). A RedCap UE may request the total PRS resource bandwidth for all hops. Alternatively, after concatenating all hops, a RedCap UE may request the total PRS resource bandwidth for all hops. Alternatively, after concatenating all hops and removing overlapping bandwidth, a RedCap UE may request the total PRS resource bandwidth for all hops. Alternatively, after concatenating all hops without overlapping resources (or resource blocks (RBs)), the RedCap UE may request the total PRS resource bandwidth for all hops. For example, if the bandwidth is 20 MHz with 48 RBs @ SCS = 30 kHz PRS per hop, with one RB overlapping, there may be 6 hops, and the total requested bandwidth may be (48-1)*(6-1)+48=283 RBs. Since 283 is greater than the bandwidth of 100 MHz with 272 RBs for PRS, the final total requested bandwidth may be 272 RBs. Alternatively, the RedCap UE may request the number of hops for PRS frequency hopping. Alternatively, the RedCap UE may request the number of hops for PRS transmission frequency hopping. Alternatively, the RedCap UE may request the number of hops for PRS frequency hopping and the bandwidth for each hop. This facilitates positioning in the 700 MHz band.

[0101] For RedCap UEs, a normal cyclic prefix for PRS / SRS may be configured (or fixed). Requests for a PRS cyclic prefix may be invalid (e.g., not applicable or not present). For RedCap UEs, a comb size of N=2 (or N=1) for PRS / SRS may be configured (or fixed). Requests for a comb size for PRS may be invalid.

[0102] For RedCap UEs, a short period of PRS / SRS (e.g., one slot, two slots) can be requested. This can reduce the overall delay of the measurement. Alternatively, for RedCap UEs, a period and offset of PRS / SRS can be requested (e.g., a period of 2^u slots, u=0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 for SCS=15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 960 kHz, respectively, with a slot offset of 0, 1, ..., 2^u-1, e.g., 2*2^u slots, e.g., 3*2^u slots).

[0103] For RedCap UEs, a slot repetition factor of PRS / SRS may be requested (e.g., 6 repetitions within one slot, or 6 repetitions within 12 symbols, with two consecutive symbols per repetition). With this approach, better channel estimation may be achieved and measurement delay may be reduced. For RedCap UEs, a certain number of PRS / SRS symbols may be requested (e.g., 12 symbols). Alternatively, it may be a multiple of the comb size (e.g., twice the comb size of 2, e.g., 2x2=4). Alternatively, it may be a multiple of 2, 3, 4, or 6 within one slot. Alternatively, for PRS / SRS in the case of two (or more) consecutive slots, it may be a multiple of 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8.

[0104] For RedCap UEs, the QCL information for PRS / SRS can be configured (or fixed, such as QCL with Class C SSB). Requests for QCL information for PRS may be ineffective. Alternatively, for RedCap UEs, QCL with Tracking Reference Signal (TRS) or Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or TRS for UEs in RRC_Inactive / RRC_Idle can be requested.

[0105] For RedCap UEs, PRS / SRS frequency information can be requested. For example, the ARFCN of one hop (or the ARFCN of all hops) can be requested. Alternatively, frequency information (e.g., ARFCN) can be provided for each hop. For RedCap UEs, the PRS / SRS duration can be requested for each hop (or all hops).

[0106] The network (e.g., LMF) or the UE (via the LMF) may request the gNB (or TRP) to perform PRS transmission with frequency hopping. For example, after receiving a request for PRS transmission with frequency hopping from the UE, the network (e.g., LMF) may forward the request to the gNB (or TRP). For another example, after receiving a request for PRS transmission with frequency hopping from the UE, the network (e.g., LMF) may request the gNB (or TRP) to perform PRS transmission with frequency hopping based on the request from the UE.

[0107] Alternatively, the request from the UE (or gNB, or TRP) can be UE-specific (or TRP-specific), PRS / SRS resource-specific, FR-specific, frequency band-specific, or carrier-specific. Alternatively, the UE (or LMF) can request the gNB (or TRP) for PRS transmission with a larger bandwidth. Alternatively, the UE (or LMF) can request the gNB (or TRP) for PRS transmission with positioning frequency layer (PFL) aggregation (e.g., 3 PFL aggregation, 3x100MHz=300MHz). This larger bandwidth can improve positioning accuracy. Alternatively, the LMF (or UE) can request the gNB (or TRP) for SRS transmission with SRS carrier aggregation (e.g., 2 carrier aggregation, 2x100MHz=200MHz). In some embodiments, SRS can be controlled by the gNB. The gNB can be requested.

[0108] By using this method, better configuration (e.g. wider bandwidth) can be achieved for RedCap UEs, thereby improving positioning performance.

[0109] It should be understood that one or more features in the above implementation examples are not exclusive to a particular implementation example, but can be combined in any manner (e.g., in any priority and / or order, concurrently or otherwise).

[0110] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method 800 for carrier phase positioning is shown. The method 800 may be used in conjunction with the present invention. Figures 1 to 2 The method 800 may be implemented by any one or more components and devices described in detail herein. In summary, in some embodiments, the method 800 may be performed by a wireless communication device or a wireless communication node. Depending on the embodiment, more operations, fewer operations, or different operations may be performed in the method 800. At least one aspect of the operations is directed to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium.

[0111] A wireless communication device (e.g., a UE) may receive configuration information regarding a reference signal used for positioning (e.g., a positioning reference signal (PRS)) from a wireless communication node. The wireless communication device may measure the reference signal used for positioning. The wireless communication device may send a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning to the network. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports its capability on a phase error group (PEG), the wireless communication device may be configured to report the corresponding phase error of the PEG.

[0112] In some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports carrier phase (CP) measurements using PEG, the wireless communication device may be configured to report a phase error of the PEG. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication device reports carrier phase (CP) measurements using PEG, the wireless communication device may be configured to report a phase error of the PEG and where the phase error is estimated in the PEG. The configuration information may indicate that for signals on two adjacent symbols with different resource element (RE) offsets, subcarriers within one or more resource blocks (RBs) may overlap.

[0113] In some embodiments, when there is no frequency center subcarrier or direct current (DC) subcarrier, the wireless communication device may be configured to report the carrier phase (CP) on the nearest subcarrier using a subcarrier ID. When performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may assume that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device. When performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center. When performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device. When performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna connector of the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device may be configured to infer the CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is the antenna phase center.

[0114] In some embodiments, the DC position index for CP measurement on the reference signal may be configured by the network. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a reference signal resource, and the reference signal resource may be characterized by a comb size, a comb offset, and a number of repetitions within a time slot. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with the number of repetitions of the reference signal resource and the starting symbol index of the first repetition therein. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with the number of repetitions of the time slot of the reference signal resource with different comb offsets. The configuration information may indicate that the wireless communication device may be configured with a comb size of 1 (e.g., a comb size of 1; CombSize=1; all subcarriers within a symbol are allocated to PRS) with repetitions within a time slot.

[0115] In some embodiments, when performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device may be configured to measure one or more hops or a combination of one or more hops of the reference signal. The report may also include an indication of the combination of one or more hops associated with the measurement result. The report may also include an indication of frequency-related information associated with the measurement result. The report may also include an indication of resource-related information associated with the measurement result. The report may also include measurement results for a combination of multiple segments of the reference signal resource. The report may also include measurement results for a combination of multiple bandwidths of the reference signal resource. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results for a combination of one or more hops. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results for an indicated frequency. The wireless communication device may be requested to report measurement results for an indicated bandwidth.

[0116] In some embodiments, in response to identifying a conflict between an SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signal / channel, a wireless communication device may be allowed to discard one or more hops of SRS transmission. In response to identifying a conflict between an SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signal / channel, a wireless communication device may be allowed to continue SRS transmission even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority. If one hop for receiving a reference signal is outside the PPW / MG, the wireless communication device may be allowed to continue receiving one or more other hops of the reference signal. One or more reserved bits in downlink control information (DCI) received by the wireless communication device may be configured to trigger concurrent SRS transmission on multiple carriers. A bit combination in one or more fields in the DCI received by the wireless communication device may indicate concurrent SRS transmission on multiple carriers.

[0117] In some embodiments, one or more reserved bits in DCI received by a wireless communication device may be configured to trigger concurrent reception of reference signals on multiple positioning frequency layers.

[0118] In some embodiments, a bit combination in one or more fields in the DCI received by a wireless communication device may indicate concurrent reception of reference signals on multiple positioning frequency layers. A wireless communication device acting as a RedCap UE may be permitted to request the number of hops for PRS transmission. The on-demand PRS transmission process may allow the LMF to control and decide whether to transmit PRS, as well as to change the characteristics of an ongoing PRS transmission. The on-demand PRS transmission process may be initiated by either the UE or the LMF. Regardless of whether the process is initiated by the UE or the LMF, the actual PRS change may be requested by the LMF.

[0119] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device that may be allowed to act as a RedCap UE may request an intra-slot repetition factor of a reference signal. A wireless communication device that may be allowed to act as a RedCap UE may request frequency information of a reference signal.

[0120] In some embodiments, a wireless communication node may receive configuration information regarding a reference signal used for positioning from a wireless communication device. The wireless communication node may measure the reference signal used for positioning. The wireless communication node may send a report including measurement results of the reference signal used for positioning to the network. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port using a port ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port using a frequency hopping ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port using a PEG ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report the phase error of a MIMO SRS port using an SRS resource ID. The configuration information may indicate that when the wireless communication node reports CP measurement results, the wireless communication node may be configured to report SRS-related configuration information. The SRS-related configuration information may include at least one of the following: frequency band, carrier index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), carrier center frequency, hopped carrier center frequency, hop start frequency, hop end frequency, the bandwidth of the carrier, the bandwidth of the measured hop, and frequency hopping ID.

[0121] In some embodiments, within an SRS measurement window, a wireless communication node may be configured to process only SRS reception, while the wireless communication node discards all other signals or channels. Within the SRS processing window, when the time gap between an identified SRS transmission and a PUSCH / PUCCH / PRACH transmission is less than the duration, the wireless communication node may be configured to continue processing the SRS transmission and discard other (multiple) signals or (multiple) channels, even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority. When the wireless communication node performs timing-related measurements, the wireless communication node may be requested by the network to measure the CP using the PEG within the TEG. Configuration information may indicate that symbols with indices {{S, S+1, ..., S+L-1}+i*L} may be allocated to the PRS, where i is an integer in {0, 1, 2, ..., R-1}, R is the number of repetitions within the timeslot, L is the number of PRS symbols, and S is the starting symbol index. In some embodiments, the measurement may include: when the TRP measures the relative time of arrival (RTOA), the RTOA reference time may include the nominal start time of system frame number 0 provided by the system frame number initialization time of the first hop. The measurements may include requesting PRS transmission with positioning frequency layer (PFL) aggregation from the TRP.

[0122] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and not limitation. Similarly, various schematic diagrams may describe example architectures or configurations, and these schematic diagrams are provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functionality of the present solution. However, such persons should understand that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations described, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0123] It should also be understood that any reference to an element herein using names such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally limit the number or order of those elements. Rather, these names can be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, referring to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, nor does it mean that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0124] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols mentioned in the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0125] Those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, components, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of programs or design code including instructions (which, for convenience, may be referred to herein as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, the functions of various illustrative components, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above. Whether these functions are implemented in the form of hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. A skilled artisan may implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions do not result in a departure from the scope of this disclosure.

[0126] In addition, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented in or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include 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, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include an antenna and / or a transceiver to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0127] If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium capable of transferring a computer program or code from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0128] Throughout this document, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements, used to perform the relevant functions described herein. Furthermore, for ease of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module to perform the relevant functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0129] In addition, in embodiments of the present solution, memory or other storage and communication components may be used. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description describes embodiments of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it is clear that any suitable distribution of functionality may be used between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains without affecting the present solution. For example, functions described as being performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units refer only to suitable ways of providing the described functionality, rather than to a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0130] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: Receiving, by a wireless communication device, configuration information about a reference signal used for positioning from a wireless communication node; measuring, by the wireless communication device, the reference signal for positioning; as well as A report including a measurement result of the reference signal used for positioning is sent by the wireless communication device to a network.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication device reports its capability on a phase error group (PEG), the wireless communication device is configured to report the corresponding phase error of the PEG.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication device reports a carrier phase (CP) measurement result using PEG, the wireless communication device is configured to report a phase error of the PEG.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication device reports carrier phase (CP) measurement results using PEG, the wireless communication device is configured to report a phase error of the PEG, and wherein the phase error is estimated in the PEG.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that subcarriers within one or more resource blocks (RBs) can be overlapped for signals on two adjacent symbols with different resource element (RE) offsets.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein when there is no frequency center subcarrier or direct current (DC) subcarrier, the wireless communication device is configured to report a carrier phase (CP) on a nearest subcarrier using a subcarrier ID. 7 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein when performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device assumes that a reference point for CP measurement is an antenna connector of the wireless communication device. 8 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein when performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device is configured to infer a CP value by assuming that a reference point for CP measurement is an antenna phase center.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein when performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that a reference point for CP measurement is an antenna phase center, the wireless communication device is configured to infer a CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is an antenna connector of the wireless communication device.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein when performing the measuring step, in response to identifying that a reference point for CP measurement is an antenna connector of the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device is configured to infer a CP value by assuming that the reference point for the CP measurement is an antenna phase center. 11 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein a DC position index for CP measurement on the reference signal is configured by the network.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that the wireless communication device can be configured with a reference signal resource, wherein the reference signal resource is characterized by a comb size, a comb offset, and a number of repetitions within a time slot. 13 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration information indicates that the wireless communication device can be configured with a number of repetitions of a reference signal resource and a starting symbol index of a first repetition in the repetitions. 14 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration information indicates the number of repetitions of time slots in which the wireless communication device can be configured with reference signal resources having different comb offsets.

15. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information indicates that the wireless communication device can be configured with a comb size of 1, with repetition within a time slot. 16 . The wireless communication method according to claim 1 , wherein when performing the measuring step, the wireless communication device is configured to measure one or more hops or a combination of one or more hops of the reference signal.

17. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report further comprises an indication of a combination of one or more hops associated with the measurement result.

18. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report further comprises an indication of frequency-related information associated with the measurement result.

19. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report further comprises an indication of resource-related information associated with the measurement result.

20. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the report further includes measurement results on a combination of multiple segments of reference signal resources.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the report further includes measurement results on a combination of multiple bandwidths of reference signal resources.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is requested to report measurement results on a combination of one or more hops.

23. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is requested to report a measurement result on an indicated frequency.

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is requested to report a measurement result on an indicated bandwidth.

25. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication device is permitted to drop one or more hops of the SRS transmission in response to identifying a conflict between the SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signals / channels.

26. The wireless communication method of claim 1 , wherein, in response to identifying a conflict between an SRS transmission and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or other downlink signal / channel, the wireless communication device is allowed to continue the SRS transmission even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority.

27. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein if a hop at which the reference signal is received is outside a PPW / MG, the wireless communication device is allowed to continue receiving one or more other hops of the reference signal.

28. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein one or more reserved bits in downlink control information (DCI) received by the wireless communication device are configured to trigger concurrent SRS transmission for multiple carriers.

29. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein a bit combination in one or more fields in the DCI received by the wireless communication device indicates concurrent SRS transmissions on multiple carriers.

30. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein one or more reserved bits in the DCI received by the wireless communication device are configured to trigger concurrent reception of the reference signal on multiple positioning frequency layers.

31. The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein a bit combination in one or more fields in the DCI received by the wireless communication device indicates concurrent reception of the reference signal on multiple positioning frequency layers.

32. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device as a RedCap UE is allowed to request a hop count for PRS transmission.

33. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device as a RedCap UE is allowed to request an intra-slot repetition factor of the reference signal.

34. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device as a RedCap UE is allowed to request frequency information of the reference signal.

35. A wireless communication method, comprising: Receiving, by a wireless communication node, configuration information about a reference signal used for positioning from a wireless communication device; measuring, by the wireless communication node, the reference signal for positioning; as well as The wireless communication node sends a report including a measurement result of the reference signal used for positioning to a network. 36 . The wireless communication method according to claim 35 , wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port.

37. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using the port ID.

38. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using the frequency hopping ID.

39. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using PEGID.

40. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report the phase error of the MIMO SRS port using the SRS resource ID.

41. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that when the wireless communication node reports the CP measurement result, the wireless communication node is configured to report SRS-related configuration information.

42. The wireless communication method according to claim 41, wherein the SRS-related configuration information includes at least one of the following: frequency band, carrier index, absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), carrier center frequency, hopped carrier center frequency, hop start frequency, hop end frequency, the bandwidth of the carrier, the bandwidth of the measured hop, and frequency hopping ID.

43. The wireless communication method of claim 35, wherein within an SRS measurement window, the wireless communication node is configured to process only SRS reception while the wireless communication node discards all other signal(s) or channel(s).

44. A wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein within the SRS processing window, when the time gap between the identification SRS transmission and the PUSCH / PUCCH / PRACH transmission is less than the duration, the wireless communication node is configured to continue processing the SRS transmission and discard other (multiple) signals or (multiple) channels, even if the corresponding SRS has a lower priority.

45. The wireless communication method of claim 35, wherein when the wireless communication node performs timing related measurements, the wireless communication node is requested by the network to measure CP using a PEG within a TEG.

46. The wireless communication method according to claim 35, wherein the configuration information indicates that symbols with indices {{S, S+1, ..., S+L-1}+i*L} can be allocated to PRS, where i is an integer in {0, 1, 2, ..., R-1}, R is the number of repetitions within a time slot, L is the number of symbols of the PRS, and S is a starting symbol index.

47. The wireless communication method of claim 35, wherein the measuring comprises: When the TRP measures the relative time of arrival (RTOA), the RTOA reference time includes the nominal start time of system frame number 0 provided by the system frame number initialization time of the first hop.

48. The wireless communication method of claim 35, wherein the measuring comprises: TRP is requested using PRS transmission with positioning frequency layer (PFL) aggregation.

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