Concurrent switching of transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). The UE may output, for transmission, signaling indicating a first time duration. The UE may concurrently switch a transmit (TX) chain between multiple frequency bands during at least the first time duration. The plurality of frequency bands may include three or more frequency bands. The value of the first time duration may be based on capabilities of the UE.

Description

background Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications, and more particularly, to techniques for determining a time duration for concurrent switching of transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, or other similar types of services. These wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communications with multiple users by sharing available wireless communication system resources with those users.

[0003] Despite the tremendous technological advancements in wireless communication systems over the years, challenges remain. For example, complex and dynamic environments can still attenuate or block signals between wireless transmitters and wireless receivers. Consequently, there is a continuing desire to improve the technical performance of wireless communication systems, including, for example, improving the speed and data carrying capacity of communications, improving the efficiency of shared communication media usage, reducing the power used by transmitters and receivers when performing communications, improving the reliability of wireless communications, avoiding redundant transmission and / or reception and related processing, improving the coverage area of ​​wireless communications, increasing the number and types of devices that can access wireless communication systems, increasing the ability of different types of devices to communicate with each other, and increasing the number and types of wireless communication media available for use. Consequently, there is a need for further improvements in wireless communication systems to overcome the aforementioned technical challenges and others. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect provides a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE). The method includes outputting signaling indicating a first time duration for transmission; and concurrently switching transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands during at least the first time duration.

[0005] Another aspect provides a method for wireless communication at a network entity. The method includes obtaining signaling from a UE indicating a first time duration for the UE to concurrently switch TX chains between multiple frequency bands; and communicating with the UE according to the signaling.

[0006] Other aspects provide: an apparatus operable to, configured to, or otherwise adapted to perform the aforementioned method and those described elsewhere herein; a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of the apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the aforementioned method and those described elsewhere herein; a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing the aforementioned method and those described elsewhere herein; and an apparatus comprising components for performing the aforementioned method and those described elsewhere herein. By way of example, an apparatus may comprise a processing system, a device having a processing system, or processing systems cooperating through one or more networks.

[0007] For purposes of illustration, the following detailed description and drawings set forth certain features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict certain features of the various aspects described herein and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 An example wireless communication network is depicted.

[0010] Figure 2 An example disaggregated base station (BS) architecture is depicted.

[0011] Figure 3 Aspects of an example BS and example user equipment (UE) are depicted.

[0012] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D Various example aspects of data structures for a wireless communication network are described.

[0013] Figure 5A A first transmit (TX) chain associated with frequency band A and a second TX chain associated with frequency band B are depicted.

[0014] Figure 5B A first TX chain associated with frequency band C and a second TX chain associated with frequency band C are depicted.

[0015] Figure 6 Depicted are example timing diagrams of different power amplifiers (PAs) associated with different frequency bands during concurrent switching of a first TX chain and a second TX chain to the same frequency band.

[0016] Figure 7Depicted are example switching time periods for concurrently switching a first TX chain and a second TX chain to the same frequency band.

[0017] Figure 8 Depicted are example switching time periods for concurrently switching a first TX chain and a second TX chain to different frequency bands.

[0018] Figure 9 Depicted are example switching time periods for non-concurrently switching a first TX chain and a second TX chain to the same frequency band.

[0019] Figure 10 Depicted are example switching time periods for non-concurrently switching a first TX chain and a second TX chain to different frequency bands.

[0020] Figure 11 Depicted are example switching time periods for switching a first TX chain and a second TX chain to the same frequency band, having different lengths and triggering times for switching the first TX chain and the second TX chain to the same frequency band.

[0021] Figure 12A A first TX chain associated with frequency band A and a second TX chain associated with frequency band B are depicted.

[0022] Figure 12B A first TX chain associated with frequency band C and a second TX chain associated with frequency band B are depicted.

[0023] Figure 13 Depicted are example timing diagrams of different PAs associated with different frequency bands during switching of a first TX chain and a second TX chain.

[0024] Figure 14 Depicted are example switching time periods for switching the first TX chain and the second TX chain.

[0025] Figure 15 Depicted is a call flow diagram illustrating example communications among a UE and network entities.

[0026] Figure 16 Methods for wireless communications at a UE are described.

[0027] Figure 17 Methods for wireless communications at a network entity are described.

[0028] Figure 18 and Figure 19 Aspects of an example communication device are depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable media for managing concurrent (or simultaneous) switching (or swapping) of transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands.

[0030] Typically, user equipment (UE) includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The RF transceiver is used to establish and maintain an active connection with a network entity. The RF transceiver, which may be embodied in an RF modem, includes one or more transmit (TX) chains and one or more receive (RX) chains to support bidirectional communication. The TX chain may include a modulator, encoder, amplifier, and other devices and circuits.

[0031] Typically, a UE is configured with two TX chains associated with two frequency bands. The UE can implement a TX chain switching scheme to switch the two TX chains between the two frequency bands during a switching time duration, which corresponds to the time interval or period for switching TX chains. Currently, the switching time duration is defined per frequency band pair, so the UE can declare to the network entity that the UE only needs to switch TX chains when two frequency bands are involved. The switching time duration value per frequency band pair can be 35 microseconds, 140 microseconds, or 210 microseconds.

[0032] In some cases, a UE may be configured to support more than two frequency bands. In such cases, the UE may also be configured with more than two TX chains. When a UE supports more than two frequency bands, the UE may need to switch TX chains between these multiple frequency bands. Because a UE is currently only able to determine (e.g., based on one of the defined values ​​per frequency band pair, such as 35 microseconds, 140 microseconds, or 210 microseconds) and declare the switching time duration required for the UE to switch TX chains between two frequency bands, a technique is needed for a UE to determine the speed at which the UE can switch TX chains between multiple frequency bands.

[0033] The techniques presented herein can be implemented to determine (and communicate to a network entity) a switching time duration (or period) for concurrent switching of a TX chain between a plurality of frequency bands. For example, when a UE determines the potential occurrence of concurrent switching of a TX chain between a plurality of frequency bands, the UE can determine that additional switching time is required (e.g., in addition to one of the defined values ​​per frequency band pair, such as 35 microseconds, 140 microseconds, or 210 microseconds) to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands. The UE can calculate the additional switching time based on one or more factors, including, but not limited to, the UE's internal configuration.

[0034] For example, in some cases, although the UE may require additional switching time to perform concurrent switching of the TX chain between numerous frequency bands, in some of these cases, the UE may actually be able to perform the switching in a shorter amount of time, depending on what UE internal changes are required based on the UE's internal configuration. Thus, the techniques presented herein enable the UE to generally take advantage of the fast switching time of the TX chain between numerous frequency bands (and thereby prevent any throughput loss or reduced capacity), while also allowing sufficient time when multiple operations may be required.

[0035] Introduction to wireless communication networks

[0036] The techniques and methods described herein can be used in various wireless communication networks. Although various aspects may be described herein using terms typically associated with 3G, 4G, and / or 5G wireless technologies, various aspects of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other communication systems and standards not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0037] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication network 100 is depicted in which various aspects described herein may be implemented.

[0038] Generally speaking, wireless communication network 100 includes various network entities (alternatively, network elements or network nodes). A network entity is typically a communication device and / or communication functions performed by a communication device (e.g., user equipment (UE), base station (BS), components of a BS, servers, etc.). For example, various network functions and various devices associated with and interacting with the network may be considered network entities. Furthermore, wireless communication network 100 includes terrestrial aspects, such as ground-based network entities (e.g., BS 102), and non-terrestrial aspects, such as satellites 140 and aircraft 145. The non-terrestrial aspects may include airborne network entities (e.g., one or more BSs) capable of communicating with other network elements (e.g., terrestrial BSs) and UEs.

[0039] In the depicted example, the wireless communication network 100 includes a BS 102, a UE 104, and one or more core networks, such as an evolved packet core (EPC) 160 and a 5G core (5GC) network 190, which interoperate to provide communication services over various communication links, including wired and wireless links.

[0040] Figure 1Various example UEs 104 are depicted, which may more generally include: a cellular phone, a smartphone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a satellite radio, a global positioning system, a multimedia device, a video device, a digital audio player, a camera, a game console, a tablet computer, a smart device, a wearable device, a vehicle, an electric meter, a gas pump, a large or small kitchen appliance, a healthcare device, an implant, a sensor / actuator, a display, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an always-on (AON) device, an edge processing device, or other similar devices. UE 104 may also be more generally referred to as a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a remote device, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, and others.

[0041] BS 102 wirelessly communicates with (e.g., transmits signals to or receives signals from) UE 104 via communication link 120. Communication link 120 between BS 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as a reverse link) transmissions from UE 104 to BS 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as a forward link) transmissions from BS 102 to UE 104. In various aspects, communication link 120 may utilize multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity.

[0042] BS 102 may generally include: a NodeB, an enhanced NodeB (eNB), a next-generation enhanced NodeB (ng-eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB or gNodeB), an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio BS, a radio transceiver, transceiver functionality, a transmit / receive point, and / or the like. Each of BS 102 may provide communication coverage for a respective geographic coverage area 110, which may sometimes be referred to as a cell, and which may overlap in some cases (e.g., a small cell 102' may have a coverage area 110' that overlaps with the coverage area 110 of a macro cell). For example, a BS may provide communication coverage for a macro cell (covering a relatively large geographic area), a pico cell (covering a relatively small geographic area, such as a stadium), a femto cell (covering a relatively small geographic area, such as a home), and / or other types of cells.

[0043] While BS 102 is depicted in various aspects as a single communication device, BS 102 may be implemented in various configurations. For example, one or more components of BS 102 may be disaggregated, including a central unit (CU), one or more distributed units (DUs), one or more radio units (RUs), a near-real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC, to name a few. As another example, various aspects of BS 102 may be virtualized. More generally, a BS (e.g., BS 102) may include components located at a single physical location or components located at various physical locations. In examples where BS 102 includes components located at various physical locations, the various components may each perform a function such that the various components collectively achieve functionality similar to that of BS 102 located at a single physical location. In some aspects, BS 102 including components located at various physical locations may be referred to as a disaggregated radio access network (RAN) architecture, such as an open RAN (O-RAN) or virtualized RAN (VRAN) architecture. Figure 2 An example decomposed BS architecture is depicted and described.

[0044] Different BSs 102 within the wireless communication network 100 may also be configured to support different radio access technologies (such as 3G, 4G, and / or 5G). For example, a BS 102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) may interface with the EPC 160 via a first backhaul link 132 (e.g., an S1 interface). A BS 102 configured for 5G (e.g., 5G NR or Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) may interface with the 5GC 190 via a second backhaul link 184. The BSs 102 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through the EPC 160 or 5GC 190) over a third backhaul link 134 (e.g., an X2 interface), which may be wired or wireless.

[0045] The wireless communication network 100 may subdivide the electromagnetic spectrum into various categories, frequency bands, channels, or other characteristics. In some aspects, the subdivision is provided based on wavelength and frequency, where frequency may also be referred to as a carrier, subcarrier, channel, tone, or subband. For example, 3GPP currently defines Frequency Range 1 (FR1) as comprising 600 MHz to 6 GHz, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as "sub-6 GHz." Similarly, 3GPP currently defines Frequency Range 2 (FR2) as comprising 26 GHz to 41 GHz, which is sometimes (interchangeably) referred to as "millimeter wave" ("mmW" or "mmWave"). A BS configured to communicate using mmWave / near-mmWave radio frequency bands (e.g., a mmWave BS, such as BS 180) may utilize beamforming (e.g., 182) with a UE (e.g., 104) to improve path loss and range.

[0046] The communication link 120 between the BS 102 and, for example, the UE 104 may be over one or more carriers, which may have different bandwidths (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz, 400 MHz, and / or other MHz) and may be aggregated in various ways. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. The allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL ​​compared to UL).

[0047] Communications using higher frequency bands may have higher path loss and shorter range than communications using lower frequencies. Therefore, some BSs (e.g. Figure 1 180) may utilize beamforming 182 with UE 104 to improve path loss and range. For example, BS 180 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas, such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays, to facilitate beamforming. In some cases, BS 180 may transmit beamformed signals to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions 182'. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from BS 180 in one or more receive directions 182". UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to BS 180 in one or more transmit directions 182". BS 180 may also receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions 182'. BS 180 and UE 104 may then perform beam training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of BS 180 and UE 104. It is noteworthy that the transmit and receive directions of BS 180 may or may not be the same. Similarly, the transmit direction and receive direction of UE 104 may or may not be the same.

[0048] Wireless communication network 100 also includes a Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with Wi-Fi stations (STAs) 152 via communication links 154 in, for example, the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum.

[0049] Some of the UEs 104 may communicate with each other using a device-to-device (D2D) communication link 158. The D2D communication link 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as a physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), a physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and / or a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH).

[0050] The EPC 160 may include various functional components, including a mobility management entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) gateway 168, a broadcast multicast service center (BM-SC) 170, and / or a packet data network (PDN) gateway 172, such as in the depicted example. The MME 162 may communicate with a home subscriber server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. Generally, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management.

[0051] Generally, user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are delivered through the Serving Gateway 166, which is itself connected to the PDN Gateway 172. The PDN Gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN Gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to the IP services 176, which may include, for example, the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), packet-switched (PS) streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0052] BM-SC 170 can provide functionality for MBMS user service provisioning and delivery. BM-SC 170 can serve as the entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, can be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a public land mobile network (PLMN), and / or can be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. MBMS Gateway 168 can be used to distribute MBMS services to BSs 102 within a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area broadcasting a specific service, and / or can be responsible for session management (start / stop) and collecting eMBMS-related charging information.

[0053] 5GC 190 may include various functional components, including: access and mobility management function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, session management function (SMF) 194, and user plane function (UPF) 195. AMF 192 may communicate with unified data management (UDM) 196.

[0054] The AMF 192 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the 5GC 190. The AMF 192 provides, for example, Quality of Service (QoS) flow and session management.

[0055] Internet Protocol (IP) packets are passed through UPF 195, which connects to IP services 197 and provides IP address allocation for UEs and other functions for 5GC 190. IP services 197 may include, for example, the Internet, intranet, IMS, PS streaming services, and / or other IP services.

[0056] The wireless communication network 100 also includes a switching component 198 that can be configured to perform Figure 16 The wireless communication network 100 further includes a switching component 199, which may be configured to perform Figure 17 Method 1700.

[0057] In various aspects, a network entity or network node may be implemented as a converged BS, a decomposed BS, a component of a BS, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, to name a few examples.

[0058] Figure 2 An example disaggregated BS 200 architecture is depicted. The disaggregated BS 200 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 210, which may communicate directly with a core network 220 via a backhaul link, or indirectly through one or more disaggregated BS units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 225 via an E2 link, a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 215 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 205, or both. The CUs 210 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 230 via corresponding midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DUs 230 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 240 via corresponding fronthaul links. The RUs 240 may communicate with corresponding UEs 104 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 104 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 240.

[0059] Each of the units (e.g., CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, as well as near-RT RIC 225, non-RT RIC 215, and SMO framework 205) may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of the units, or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the unit's communication interface, may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via the transmission medium. For example, the units may include a wired interface configured to receive or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via the wired transmission medium. Additionally or alternatively, the units may include a wireless interface, which may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more of the other units over the wireless transmission medium, or both.

[0060] In some aspects, the CU 210 may host one or more higher-layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 210. The CU 210 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (e.g., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (e.g., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the CU 210 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, the CU 210 may be implemented to communicate with the DU 230 for network control and signaling.

[0061] The DU 230 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more BS functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 240. In some aspects, the DU 230 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more higher physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) based at least in part on a functional split, such as that defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, the DU 230 may also host one or more lower PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured for signal communication with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 230 or with control functions hosted by the CU 210.

[0062] Lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 240. In some deployments, a RU 240 controlled by a DU 230 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functionality or low-PHY layer functionality (such as performing fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), inverse FFTs (iFFTs), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 240 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of control and user plane communications with the RU 240 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 230. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the implementation of the DU 230 and CU 210 in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0063] The SMO framework 205 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via an operations and maintenance interface (such as the O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 205 can be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 290) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as the O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, the CU 210, DU 230, RU 240, and near-RT RIC 225. In some implementations, the SMO framework 205 can communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as the Open eNB (O-eNB) 211) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 205 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 240 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 205 may also include a non-RT RIC 215 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 205 .

[0064] The non-RT RIC 215 can be configured to include logic that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 225. The non-RT RIC 215 can be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 225 (e.g., via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 225 can be configured to include logic that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources through data collection and actions via an interface (e.g., via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 210, one or more DUs 230, or both, and the O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 225.

[0065] In some implementations, the non-RT RIC 215 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 225. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 225 and may be received from non-network data sources or from network functions at the SMO framework 205 or the non-RT RIC 215. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 215 or the near-RT RIC 225 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 215 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to execute corrective actions through the SMO framework 205 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or through the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0066] Figure 3 Aspects of an example BS 102 and UE 104 are depicted.

[0067] Generally speaking, BS 102 includes various processors (e.g., 320, 330, 338, and 340), antennas 334a-334t (collectively 334), transceivers 332a-332t (collectively 332) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable wireless transmission of data (e.g., data source 312) and wireless reception of data (e.g., data sink 339). For example, BS 102 can transmit and receive data between BS 102 and UE 104. BS 102 includes a controller / processor 340 that can be configured to implement various functions described herein related to wireless communications.

[0068] BS 102 includes a controller / processor 340 that can be configured to perform various functions related to wireless communication. In the depicted example, the controller / processor 340 includes a processor that can represent Figure 1 The switching component 341 of the switching component 199 of the BS 102. It is worth noting that, although depicted as an aspect of the controller / processor 340, in other specific implementations, the switching component 341 can additionally or alternatively be implemented in various other aspects of the BS 102.

[0069] Generally speaking, the UE 104 includes various processors (e.g., 358, 364, 366, and 380), antennas 352a-352r (collectively 352), transceivers 354a-354r (collectively 354) including modulators and demodulators, and other aspects that enable wireless transmission of data (e.g., retrieved from a data source 362) and wireless reception of data (e.g., provided to a data sink 360). The UE 104 includes a controller / processor 380 that can be configured to implement various functions described herein related to wireless communications.

[0070] UE 104 includes a controller / processor 380 that can be configured to perform various functions related to wireless communication. In the depicted example, the controller / processor 380 includes a processor that can represent Figure 1 The switching component 381 of the switching component 198 of the UE 104. It is worth noting that, although depicted as an aspect of the controller / processor 380, in other specific implementations, the switching component 381 can additionally or alternatively be implemented in various other aspects of the UE 104.

[0071] Regarding example downlink transmissions, BS 102 includes a transmit processor 320 that can receive data from a data source 312 and control information from a controller / processor 340. The control information can be for a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physical HARQ indicator channel (PHICH), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a group common PDCCH (GC PDCCH), and / or other. In some examples, the data can be for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0072] The transmit processor 320 may process (e.g., encode and symbol map) data and control information to obtain data symbols and control symbols, respectively. The transmit processor 320 may also generate reference symbols (such as for a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a PBCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS)).

[0073] The transmit (TX) multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) processor 330 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols, as applicable, and may provide an output symbol stream to a modulator (MOD) in transceivers 332a-332t. Each modulator in transceivers 332a-332t may process a corresponding output symbol stream to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and frequency upconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from the modulators in transceivers 332a-332t may be transmitted via antennas 334a-334t, respectively.

[0074] To receive downlink transmissions, UE 104 includes antennas 352a-352r that can receive downlink signals from BS 102 and provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) within transceivers 354a-354r, respectively. Each demodulator within transceivers 354a-354r can condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a corresponding received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator can further process the input samples to obtain received symbols.

[0075] A MIMO detector 356 may obtain received symbols from all demodulators in transceivers 354a-354r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 358 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 104 to a data sink 360, and provide decoded control information to a controller / processor 380.

[0076] With respect to example uplink transmissions, the UE 104 also includes a transmit processor 364 that can receive and process data from a data source 362 (e.g., for a PUSCH) and control information from the controller / processor 380 (e.g., for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). The transmit processor 364 can also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., for a sounding reference signal (SRS)). The symbols from the transmit processor 364 can be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 366, if applicable, further processed by the modulators in the transceivers 354a-354r (e.g., for SC-FDM), and transmitted to the BS 102.

[0077] At BS 102, uplink signals from UE 104 may be received by antennas 334a-t, processed by demodulators in transceivers 332a-332t, detected by MIMO detector 336 if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor 338 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 104. Receive processor 338 may provide the decoded data to a data sink 339 and the decoded control information to a controller / processor 340.

[0078] Memory 342 and memory 382 may store data and program codes for BS 102 and UE 104, respectively.

[0079] A scheduler 344 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0080] In various aspects, the BS 102 can be described as transmitting and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, "transmitting" can refer to various mechanisms for outputting data, such as from a data source 312, a scheduler 344, a memory 342, a transmit processor 320, a controller / processor 340, a TX MIMO processor 330, transceivers 332a-t, antennas 334a-t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, "receiving" can refer to various mechanisms for obtaining data, such as from antennas 334a-t, transceivers 332a-t, an RX MIMO detector 336, a controller / processor 340, a receive processor 338, a scheduler 344, a memory 342, and / or other aspects described herein.

[0081] In various aspects, the UE 104 may also be described as transmitting and receiving various types of data associated with the methods described herein. In these contexts, "transmitting" may refer to various mechanisms for outputting data, such as from a data source 362, memory 382, ​​a transmit processor 364, a controller / processor 380, a TX MIMO processor 366, transceivers 354a-t, antennas 352a-t, and / or other aspects described herein. Similarly, "receiving" may refer to various mechanisms for obtaining data, such as from antennas 352a-t, transceivers 354a-t, RX MIMO detectors 356, a controller / processor 380, a receive processor 358, memory 382, ​​and / or other aspects described herein.

[0082] In some aspects, the processor may be configured to perform various operations, such as those associated with the methods described herein, and send (output) data to or receive (obtain) data from another interface configured to send or receive data, respectively.

[0083] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D Describes a method for wireless communication networks such as Figure 1 Various aspects of the data structure of the wireless communication network 100).

[0084] Specifically, Figure 4A is a diagram 400 illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G (e.g., 5G NR) frame structure, Figure 4B is a diagram 430 illustrating an example of a DL channel within a 5G subframe, Figure 4C is a diagram 450 illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G frame structure, and Figure 4D FIG480 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G subframe.

[0085] Wireless communication systems can utilize Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with a Cyclic Prefix (CP) on both the uplink and downlink. Such systems can also support half-duplex operation using Time Division Duplex (TDD). OFDM and Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) can be used to extend the system bandwidth (e.g., Figure 4B and Figure 4D ) is divided into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Modulation symbols can be transmitted in the frequency domain using OFDM and / or in the time domain using SC-FDM.

[0086] The wireless communication frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers, subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated to either DL or UL. The wireless communication frame structure may also be time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers, subframes within the set of subcarriers are dedicated to both DL and UL.

[0087] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4C In the wireless communication frame structure, D stands for DL, U stands for UL, and X can be flexibly used between DL / UL. The UE can configure the slot format through the received slot format indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured through DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured through radio resource control (RRC) signaling). In the depicted example, the 10ms frame is divided into 10 equally sized 1ms subframes. Each subframe may include one or more slots. In some examples, each slot may include 7 or 14 symbols, depending on the slot format. The subframe may also include mini-slots, which typically have fewer symbols than a full slot. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0088] In certain aspects, the number of slots within a subframe is based on the slot configuration and parameter set. For example, for slot configuration 0, different parameter sets (µ) 0 through 5 allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 slots per subframe, respectively. For slot configuration 1, different parameter sets 0 through 2 allow for 2, 4, and 8 slots per subframe, respectively. Thus, for slot configuration 0 and parameter set µ, there are 14 symbols per slot and 2µ slots per subframe. The subcarrier spacing and symbol length / duration are a function of the parameter set. The subcarrier spacing may be equal to kHz, where µ is the parameter set 0 to 5. Therefore, the parameter set With a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz, and the parameter set With a subcarrier spacing of 480 kHz, the symbol length / duration is inversely related to the subcarrier spacing. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D Slot configuration 0 with 14 symbols per slot and parameter sets with 4 slots per subframe are provided The slot duration is 0.25ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67µs.

[0089] like Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D As depicted in [1], a resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also called a physical RB (PRB)) that extends over, for example, 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into a number of resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0090] like Figure 4A As illustrated, some of the REs carry data for UEs (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 3 The RS may include a demodulation RS (DMRS) and / or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RS may also include a beamforming RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and / or a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0091] Figure 4B Examples of various DL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries DCI within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs), each CCE comprising, for example, nine RE Groups (REGs), each REG comprising, for example, four consecutive REs in an OFDM symbol.

[0092] The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) may be in symbol 2 of a specific subframe of a frame. The PSS is transmitted by the UE (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 3 104) is used to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification.

[0093] The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of a frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing.

[0094] Based on the physical layer identity and the physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the physical cell identifier (PCI). Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DMRS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH), which carries the master information block (MIB), can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block. The MIB provides the system frame number (SFN) and the number of RBs in the system bandwidth. The physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not sent via the PBCH (such as the system information block (SIB)), and / or paging messages.

[0095] like Figure 4C As illustrated, some of the REs carry DMRS (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DMRS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the BS. The UE may transmit DMRS for the PUCCH and DMRS for the PUSCH. The PUSCH DMRS may be transmitted, for example, in the first one or two symbols of the PUSCH. The PUCCH DMRS may be transmitted in different configurations depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is transmitted and on the specific PUCCH format used. The UE 104 may transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be transmitted, for example, in the last symbol of a subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the comb structures. The SRS may be used by the BS for channel quality estimation to enable frequency-dependent scheduling on the UL.

[0096] Figure 4D Examples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH may be located as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry buffer status reports (BSRs), power headroom reports (PHRs), and / or UCI.

[0097] Introduction to mmWave Wireless Communications

[0098] In wireless communications, the electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, or other characteristics. The subdivision is typically provided based on wavelength and frequency, where frequency may also be referred to as a carrier, subcarrier, channel, tone, or subband.

[0099] Fifth-generation (5G) networks can utilize several frequency ranges, which in some cases are defined by standards, such as those of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, while 3GPP technical standard TS 38.101 currently defines Frequency Range 1 (FR1) as encompassing 600 MHz-6 GHz, specific uplink and downlink allocations may fall outside this general range. Consequently, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6 GHz" band.

[0100] Similarly, while TS 38.101 currently defines Frequency Range 2 (FR2) as including 26 GHz-41 GHz, again, specific uplink and downlink allocations may fall outside this general range. FR2 is sometimes referred to (interchangeably) as the "millimeter wave" ("mmW" or "mmWave") band, although it is distinct from the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz), which is identified as a "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) because the wavelengths at these frequencies are between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0101] Communications using mmWave / near-mmWave radio frequency bands (e.g., 3 GHz-300 GHz) may have higher path loss and shorter range than lower frequency communications. Figure 1 As described, a base station (BS) (eg, 180 ) configured to communicate using mmWave / near-mmWave radio frequency bands may utilize beamforming (eg, 182 ) with a user equipment (UE) (eg, 104 ) to improve path loss and range.

[0102] Overview of the transmit (TX) chain switching between frequency bands

[0103] User equipment (UE) includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The RF transceiver can operate independently and is used to establish and maintain an active connection with a network entity. The RF transceiver may be embodied in an RF modem and include at least one transmit (TX) chain and at least one receive (RX) chain to support bidirectional communication. The RF modem may assign an RX chain and a TX chain to each RF transceiver. The TX chain may include a modulator, encoder, amplifier, and other devices and circuits. The RX chain may include an amplifier, demodulator, decoder, and other devices and circuits.

[0104] The TX chain can also be called a baseband chain or an RF TX chain. The TX chain enables active and multiple transmissions. For example, when a UE has two TX chains, it enables the UE to have two transmissions at the same time.

[0105] In current systems, a UE is configured with two TX chains associated with two frequency bands. For example, the UE's first TX chain is associated with a first frequency band, and the UE's second TX chain is associated with a second frequency band. The UE implements a TX chain switching scheme to switch the two TX chains between the two frequency bands (e.g., this may be based on Supplementary Uplink (SUL) and / or New Radio (NR) inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) band combinations). In some cases, the TX chain switching scheme may enable switching between different transmission modes, such as two-layer transmission and single-layer transmission.

[0106] The switching time duration corresponds to the time interval or period it takes for the UE to switch TX chains. Currently, the switching time duration is defined per band pair. In one example, the switching time duration for the TX chains per band pair is 35 microseconds (usec). In another example, the switching time duration for the TX chains per band pair is 140 usec. In yet another example, the switching time duration for the TX chains per band pair is 210 usec.

[0107] The UE determines a value for the switching time duration required for the UE to switch TX chains and communicates it to the network entity. However, the UE's ability to determine and communicate this value to the network entity is limited. For example, when the TX chain switches only between two frequency bands, the UE can determine (e.g., based on one of the defined values ​​per frequency band pair described above) a determined value for the switching time duration required for the UE to switch TX chains and communicate it to the network entity. In other words, the UE can declare the switching time duration required for the UE to switch TX chains between two frequency bands only when two frequency bands are involved, and thus the switching is always between the same frequency bands.

[0108] A UE can be configured to support more than two frequency bands. To support more than two frequency bands, the UE can also be configured with more than two TX chains. When a UE supports more than two frequency bands, it may be necessary to switch TX chains between these multiple frequency bands. Since the UE is currently only able to determine (e.g., based on one of the defined values ​​per frequency band pair described above) and declare the switching time required for the UE to switch TX chains between two frequency bands, a technique is needed for the UE to determine (and communicate to network entities) the speed at which the UE can switch TX chains between multiple frequency bands. This determination is necessary because when the UE switches TX chains between any two or more frequency bands, the UE cannot also transmit in any other frequency bands. Therefore, uplink transmission is not possible during the switching time duration. Therefore, it is crucial for the UE to optimize the switching time duration for switching TX chains between multiple frequency bands to minimize the impact on network capacity.

[0109] Overview of concurrent and non-concurrent switching of the transmit (TX) chain between numerous frequency bands

[0110] A user equipment (UE) can be configured to support multiple frequency bands. The UE can implement a transmit (TX) chain switching scheme to switch TX chains between the multiple frequency bands. In one example, when more than two frequency bands are present, two different independent or dependent TX chain switching instances can occur that overlap in time, depending on the specific implementation of the TX chain switching scheme. In another example, when TX chain switching occurs between certain frequency bands, depending on the specific implementation of the TX chain switching scheme, the UE can utilize other frequency bands for transmission because these other frequency bands are not part of the switching process.

[0111] Figure 5A A first TX chain (TX1) of a UE associated with Band A in the band set and a second TX chain (TX2) of a UE associated with Band B in the band set are depicted. The band set may also include Band C and Band D.

[0112] like Figure 5A As further depicted in FIG, a first TX chain is associated with a first power amplifier (PA) associated with frequency band A (e.g., PA1.A) via a first switch. The first switch and the first PA associated with frequency band A may be connected via a bus, such as a serial bus. A second TX chain is associated with a first PA associated with frequency band B (e.g., PA1.B) via a second switch. The second switch and the first PA associated with frequency band B may be connected via a serial bus.

[0113] The UE may implement a TX chain switching scheme to switch a first TX chain and a second TX chain between a set of frequency bands. For example, the UE may switch the first TX chain from its association with frequency band A to frequency band C (e.g., via a first switch). The UE may also switch the second TX chain from its association with frequency band B to frequency band C (e.g., via a second switch).

[0114] When the switching operation is completed after a specific switching time duration, the first TX chain is associated with frequency band C, and the second TX chain is also associated with frequency band C. Figure 5B As illustrated, a first TX chain is associated with a first PA (e.g., PA1.C) associated with frequency band C via a first switch. The first switch and the first PA associated with frequency band C may be connected via a serial bus. A second TX chain is associated with a second PA (PA2.C) associated with frequency band C via a second switch. The second switch and the second PA associated with frequency band C may be connected via a serial bus.

[0115] Figure 6 The method of concurrently switching the first TX chain and the second TX chain of the UE to the same frequency band C (eg, Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 and 2. Example timing diagram of different PAs associated with different frequency bands during a period (shown in FIG).

[0116] The UE can execute one switching command at a time (e.g., via a TX chain switching scheme). For example, to switch a first TX chain and a second TX chain to the same frequency band C, the UE may initially execute a first command to switch the first TX chain associated with frequency band A to frequency band C. The UE may then execute a second command to switch the second TX chain associated with frequency band B to frequency band C.

[0117] like Figure 6 As depicted in FIG, after the first command, there is a ramp-down of the first PA associated with band A (e.g., PA1.A), followed by a ramp-up of the first PA associated with band C (e.g., PA1.C). The time duration of the ramp-down and ramp-up operations (or the switching time duration from band A to band C) is 35 usec (e.g., which is one of the defined values ​​per band pair).

[0118] After the second command (which is executed after the first command), there is a ramp-down of the first PA associated with Band B (e.g., PA1.B), followed by a ramp-up of the second PA associated with Band C (e.g., PA2.C). The time duration of the ramp-down and ramp-up operations (or the switching time duration from Band B to Band C) is 70 usec (which is not one of the defined values ​​per band pair).

[0119] Figure 7 Depicted is a method for concurrently switching a first TX chain of UEs associated with frequency band A and a second TX chain of UEs associated with frequency band B to the same frequency band C (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) as shown in the example switching time period. Figure 7 As depicted in FIG, since the switching between the first TX chain associated with band A and the second TX chain associated with band B and the same band C occurs simultaneously, additional or more time (e.g., more than the defined time duration per band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) is required to complete the switching process before uplink transmission can begin. The additional time is required because Figure 6 As depicted in , since the switching processes of different TX chains start at different times, concurrent switching processes cannot be completed during one of the defined time durations per band pair.

[0120] Figure 8 An example switching time period is depicted for concurrently switching a first TX chain of UEs associated with Band A and a second TX chain of UEs associated with Band B to different frequency bands, such as Band C and Band D. Figure 8As depicted in FIG, since switching between a first TX chain associated with band A and band C and a second TX chain associated with band B and band D occurs simultaneously, additional or more time (e.g., more than a defined time duration per band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) is required to complete the switching process before uplink transmission can begin. The additional time is required because, since the switching processes for different TX chains begin at different times, the concurrent switching processes cannot be completed during one of the defined time durations per band pair.

[0121] Figure 9 An example switching time period is depicted for non-concurrently switching a first TX chain of UEs associated with frequency band A and a second TX chain of UEs associated with frequency band B to the same frequency band C. Figure 9 As depicted in FIG, since the switching between the first TX chain associated with frequency band A and the second TX chain associated with frequency band B and the same frequency band C occurs at different times, no additional or more time (e.g., exceeding the defined time duration per frequency band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) is required to complete the switching process and start uplink transmission. This is because, since no concurrent switching occurs and the switching occurs at different times for different TX chains, uplink transmission can also be initiated after the switching process is completed for one TX chain (e.g., switching of the first TX chain associated with frequency band A to frequency band C, or switching of the first TX chain associated with frequency band B to frequency band C).

[0122] Figure 10 Depicted is an example switching time period for non-concurrently switching a first TX chain of UEs associated with Band A and a second TX chain of UEs associated with Band C to different frequency bands, such as Band B and Band D. Figure 10 As depicted in FIG, since the switching of the first TX chain associated with band A to band B and the switching of the second TX chain associated with band C to band D occur at different times, no additional or more time (e.g., exceeding the defined time duration per band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) is required to complete the switching process and start uplink transmission. This is because, since no concurrent switching occurs and the switching occurs at different times for different TX chains, uplink transmission can also be initiated after the switching process is completed for one TX chain (e.g., the switching of the first TX chain associated with band A to band B, or the switching of the first TX chain associated with band C to band D).

[0123] Figure 11An example switching time period is depicted for switching a first TX chain of a UE associated with Band A and a second TX chain of a UE associated with Band B to the same Band C, having different lengths and trigger times for the switching. In this example scenario, due to the different lengths and trigger times for switching the first TX chain associated with Band A to Band C (e.g., at a first trigger time) and switching the second TX chain associated with Band B to Band C (e.g., at a second trigger time), the first TX chain is switched (e.g., from Band A to Band C) and the second TX chain is switched (e.g., from Band B to Band C) at different time durations, and thus, may require more or additional time (e.g., exceeding a defined time duration per band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) to complete the switching process and begin uplink transmission. In the current example, the first TX chain switches from Band A to Band C within 35 usec, and the second TX chain switches from Band B to Band C within 140 usec (i.e., more time than the defined time duration of 35 usec per band pair to complete the switching process).

[0124] Figure 12A A first TX chain (TX1) of a UE associated with Band A in the band set and a second TX chain (TX2) of a UE associated with Band B in the band set are depicted. The band set may also include Band C and Band D.

[0125] like Figure 12A As further depicted in FIG, a first TX chain is associated with a first PA (e.g., PA1.A) associated with frequency band A via a first switch. The first switch and the first PA associated with frequency band A may be connected via a bus, such as a serial bus. A second TX chain is associated with a second PA (e.g., PA2.B) associated with frequency band B via a second switch. The second switch and the second PA associated with frequency band B may be connected via a serial bus.

[0126] The UE implements a TX chain switching scheme to switch the TX chain between the frequency band sets. For example, the UE implements a TX chain switching scheme to switch the TX chain from its current association with frequency band A and frequency band B to frequency band C and frequency band B.

[0127] When the switching operation is completed after a specific switching time duration, the first TX chain is associated with frequency band B, and the second TX chain is associated with frequency band C. For example, Figure 12B As illustrated, a first TX chain is associated with a first PA (e.g., PA1.B) associated with frequency band B via a first switch. The first switch and the first PA associated with frequency band B may be connected via a serial bus. A second TX chain is associated with a first PA (PA1.C) associated with frequency band C via a second switch. The second switch and the first PA associated with frequency band C may be connected via a serial bus.

[0128] Figure 13 Depicts different PAs associated with different frequency bands (e.g., as Figure 12A and Figure 12B ) as shown in the example timing diagram.

[0129] When the UE implements the TX chain switching scheme to switch the first TX chain and the second TX chain from their current association with Band A and Band B to Band C and Band B, although it seems that the UE only needs to switch one TX chain from Band A to Band C and Band B is an unaffected band, due to Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown in the configuration or arrangement of different PAs associated with different frequency bands, frequency band B also needs to be switched.

[0130] To switch the first TX chain and the second TX chain, the UE may initially execute a first command to switch the first TX chain associated with band A to band B. The UE may then execute a second command to switch the second TX chain associated with band B to band C.

[0131] like Figure 13 As depicted in FIG, after the first command, there is a ramp-down of the first PA associated with band A (e.g., PA1.A), followed by a ramp-up of the first PA associated with band B (e.g., PA1.B). The time duration of the ramp-down and ramp-up operations (or the switching time duration from band A to band B) is 35 usec (e.g., which is one of the defined values ​​per band pair).

[0132] After the second command (which is executed after the first command), there is a ramp-down of the second PA associated with Band B (e.g., PA2.B), followed by a ramp-up of the first PA associated with Band C (e.g., PA1.C). The time duration of the ramp-down and ramp-up operations (or the switching time duration from Band B to Band C) is 70 usec (which is not one of the defined values ​​per band pair).

[0133] Figure 14 Depicted is a diagram for switching a first TX chain of UEs associated with band A to band B and a second TX chain of UEs associated with band B to band C (e.g., Figure 12A and Figure 12B ) as shown in the example switching time period. Figure 14 As shown, since the switching between the first TX chain associated with Band A and Band B and the second TX chain associated with Band B and Band C occurs simultaneously, additional or more time (e.g., more than the defined time duration per band pair (e.g., 35 usec)) is required to complete the switching process before uplink transmission can begin. The additional time is required because Figure 14 As depicted in , since the switching processes of different TX chains start at different times, concurrent switching processes cannot be completed during one of the defined time durations per band pair.

[0134] Aspects related to concurrent switching of the transmit (TX) chain between multiple frequency bands

[0135] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable media for determining a switching time duration (or period) for concurrent switching of transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands.

[0136] For example, according to the techniques presented herein, when a user equipment (UE) determines the potential occurrence of concurrent switching of TX chains between multiple frequency bands, the UE may determine that more switching time is required (e.g., in addition to one of the defined values ​​per frequency band pair, such as 35 microseconds, 140 microseconds, or 210 microseconds) to concurrently switch the TX chains between the multiple frequency bands. The UE may calculate the additional switching time based on one or more factors, including, but not limited to, the UE's internal configuration.

[0137] For example, in some cases, while the UE may require additional switching time to perform concurrent switching of the TX chain between numerous frequency bands, in some of these cases, the UE may actually be able to perform the switching in a shorter amount of time, depending on what UE internal changes are required based on the UE's internal configuration. Thus, the techniques presented herein enable the UE to generally take advantage of the fast switching time of the TX chain between multiple frequency bands (and thereby prevent any throughput loss or reduced capacity), while also allowing sufficient time when multiple operations may be required.

[0138] The technology proposed in this paper can be referred to Figure 15 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 17 、 Figure 18 and Figure 19 Understand.

[0139] like Figure 15 As illustrated, at 1505, a network entity (e.g., such as Figure 1 A gNodeB (gNB) / base station (BS) 102 in a wireless communication network 100 outputs signaling indicating a switching time duration (e.g., a second time duration) for switching a TX chain (e.g., two or more TX chains, such as a first TX chain and a second TX chain) between two frequency bands (e.g., a first frequency band and a second frequency band) for transmission. A UE (e.g., such as Figure 1 A UE 104 in the wireless communication network 100 of the embodiment of the present invention obtains signaling from a network entity. In some cases, the UE may switch the TX chain between the two frequency bands during the second time duration.

[0140] In some aspects, the value of the second duration corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with the two frequency bands. The plurality of values ​​includes at least a first value, a second value, and a third value. The first value corresponds to 35 microseconds. The second value corresponds to 140 microseconds. The third value corresponds to 210 microseconds. For example, the value of the second duration can be 35 microseconds, 140 microseconds, or 210 microseconds.

[0141] At 1510, the network entity outputs signaling to the UE indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of TX chains between multiple frequency bands for transmission. The multiple frequency bands include three or more frequency bands (eg, at least a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band).

[0142] At 1515 , in response to the obtained signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of TX chains between the multiple frequency bands, the UE determines (or calculates) a first time duration for concurrently switching the TX chains between the multiple frequency bands.

[0143] For example, when the UE may determine that concurrent switching of TX chains between multiple frequency bands may occur, the UE may then further determine whether additional time is required together with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chains between the multiple frequency bands. When the UE determines that additional time is required together with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chains between the multiple frequency bands, the UE defines a new UE capability field to indicate the additional time.

[0144] In certain aspects, the first duration of time may correspond to additional time required along with the second duration of time to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0145] In certain aspects, the UE determines a value for the first time duration based on the UE's capabilities. For example, the UE may first determine the UE's capabilities (e.g., number of antennas, whether carrier aggregation (CA) is supported, etc.) and then calculate the value for the first time duration based on the determined UE's capabilities.

[0146] In certain aspects, the UE determines a value for the first time duration based on one or more of a plurality of values. In one example, the UE may determine a value for the first time duration based on a first value and a second value. In another example, the UE may determine a value for the first time duration based on a first value and a third value. In another example, the UE may determine a value for the first time duration based on a second value and a third value. In another example, the UE may determine a value for the first time duration based on the first value, the second value, and the third value.

[0147] In certain aspects, the first time duration has a fixed (or constant) value. For example, the UE may receive an indication of the fixed value from a network entity.

[0148] In certain aspects, the first time duration may correspond to the total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.For example, the total time duration may be equal to the second time duration and the additional time.

[0149] At 1520, the UE outputs signaling indicating the first time duration to the network entity for transmission.In some cases, the network entity may transmit an acknowledgment signal to the UE in response to successfully obtaining the signaling indicating the first time duration.

[0150] At 1525, the UE concurrently switches TX chains between the multiple frequency bands during a first time duration.

[0151] In certain aspects, when a UE may concurrently switch TX chains between some of a plurality of frequency bands (e.g., a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band), one or more of the plurality of frequency bands may be unaffected. For example, a fourth frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands may be unaffected by concurrent switching associated with other frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands (e.g., the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band). In such cases, the UE outputs one or more uplink transmissions for transmission via the unaffected fourth frequency band during concurrent switching of TX chains between other frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands.

[0152] In certain aspects, when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands) and the unaffected frequency band is configured for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE transmits signaling indicating a first time duration to a network entity. For example, when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on a frequency band pair within a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, and the unaffected fourth frequency band is configured for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE may require additional time (e.g., together with the second time duration) to switch the TX chain between the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0153] In certain aspects, when the UE supports dual uplink on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands) and the unaffected frequency band is configured for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE transmits signaling indicating a first time duration. For example, when the UE supports dual uplink on a frequency band pair within a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, and an unaffected fourth frequency band is configured for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE may require additional time (e.g., along with the second time duration) to switch the TX chain between the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0154] In certain aspects, when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands) and an unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE transmits signaling indicating a first time duration to a network entity. For example, when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on a frequency band pair within a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, and an unaffected fourth frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE may require additional time (e.g., along with the second time duration) to switch the TX chain between the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0155] In certain aspects, when the UE supports dual uplink on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands) and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE transmits signaling indicating a first time duration. For example, when the UE supports dual uplink on a frequency band pair within a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, and an unaffected fourth frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions, the UE may require additional time (e.g., along with the second time duration) to switch the TX chain between the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0156] In certain aspects, the UE transmits signaling indicating a first time duration when: the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., which may be within other frequency bands), the UE supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands (e.g., which may be within other frequency bands), the unaffected frequency band supports two layers of uplink transmissions, and the unaffected frequency band is configured or scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions. For example, when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on a frequency band pair within the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band; the UE supports dual uplink on a frequency band pair within the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band; the unaffected fourth frequency band supports two layers of uplink transmissions; and the unaffected fourth frequency band is configured or scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions; the UE may require additional time (e.g., along with the second time duration) to switch the TX chain between the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0157] Example Operation of User Equipment (UE)

[0158] Figure 16 shows a method for using a UE (such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 An example of a method 1600 for performing wireless communications at a UE 104).

[0159] Method 1600 begins at step 1605, where signaling indicating a first duration of time is output for transmission. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the process described in reference to FIG. Figure 18The described circuit for outputting and / or code for outputting may be performed by the circuit and / or code.

[0160] Then, the method 1600 proceeds to step 1610, where the TX chains are concurrently switched between the plurality of frequency bands during at least the first duration of time. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the operation of Figure 18 The described circuits for switching and / or codes for switching may be performed by or may be executed by the circuits and / or codes.

[0161] In certain aspects, the method 1600 further includes obtaining signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0162] In certain aspects, the plurality of frequency bands includes three or more frequency bands.

[0163] In certain aspects, the method 1600 further includes obtaining signaling indicating a second time duration, and switching the TX chain between the two frequency bands during at least the second time duration.

[0164] In certain aspects, the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with two frequency bands.

[0165] In certain aspects, the first duration of time corresponds to additional time required along with the second duration of time to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0166] In certain aspects, the value of the first time duration is based on the capabilities of the UE.

[0167] In certain aspects, the value of the first duration of time is determined based on one or more of a plurality of values.

[0168] In some aspects, the first duration of time has a fixed value.

[0169] In certain aspects, the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0170] In certain aspects, a frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands is not affected by concurrent switching associated with other frequency bands in the plurality of frequency bands.

[0171] In certain aspects, the method 1600 further includes outputting one or more uplink transmissions for transmission via an unaffected frequency band during concurrent switching of the TX chain between other frequency bands in the plurality of frequency bands.

[0172] In certain aspects, signaling is output when the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (eg, possibly within other frequency bands) and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions.

[0173] In certain aspects, signaling is output when the UE supports dual uplink on at least one pair of frequency bands (eg, possibly within other frequency bands) and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions.

[0174] In certain aspects, signaling is output when: the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands), the UE supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands), or the unaffected frequency band supports two-layer uplink transmission.

[0175] In certain aspects, signaling is output in at least one of the following situations: the UE supports inter-band uplink CA on at least one pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands), the UE supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands (e.g., possibly within other frequency bands), or the unaffected frequency band supports two layers of uplink transmission; and the UE is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions on the unaffected frequency band during the first time duration.

[0176] In one aspect, method 1600 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Figure 18 The method 1600 is performed by a communication device 1800 comprising various components operable, configured, or adapted to perform the method 1600. The communication device 1800 is described in more detail below.

[0177] Please note that Figure 16 This is merely one example of one method, and other methods are possible that are consistent with the present disclosure and that include fewer, additional, or alternative steps.

[0178] Example Operations of Network Entities

[0179] Figure 17 shows a method for connecting a network entity such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS 102 or as relative to Figure 2 An example of a method 1700 for conducting wireless communications at a decomposed BS) as discussed.

[0180] Method 1700 begins at step 1705, where signaling is obtained from the UE indicating a first time duration for the UE to concurrently switch TX chains between multiple frequency bands. In some cases, the operation of this step refers to the following steps: Figure 19 The described circuit for obtaining and / or code for obtaining may be performed by the circuit and / or code.

[0181] Method 1700 then proceeds to step 1710, where communication is performed with the UE in accordance with the instructions. In some cases, the operation of this step involves the following steps: Figure 19 The described circuits for communication and / or codes for communication may be or may be executed by them.

[0182] In certain aspects, the method 1700 further includes outputting, for transmission, signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0183] In certain aspects, the plurality of frequency bands includes three or more frequency bands.

[0184] In certain aspects, the method 1700 also includes outputting, for transmission, signaling indicating a second time duration for switching the TX chain between the two frequency bands.

[0185] In certain aspects, the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with two frequency bands.

[0186] In certain aspects, the first duration of time corresponds to additional time required along with the second duration of time to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0187] In certain aspects, the value of the first time duration is based on the capabilities of the UE.

[0188] In certain aspects, the value of the first duration of time is determined based on one or more of a plurality of values.

[0189] In some aspects, the first duration of time has a fixed value.

[0190] In certain aspects, the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the multiple frequency bands.

[0191] In one aspect, method 1700 or any aspect related thereto may be performed by an apparatus such as Figure 19 The method 1700 is performed by a communication device 1900 comprising various components operable, configured, or adapted to perform the method 1700. The communication device 1900 is described in more detail below.

[0192] Please note that Figure 17 This is merely one example of one method, and other methods are possible that are consistent with the present disclosure and that include fewer, additional, or alternative steps.

[0193] Example Communication Device

[0194] Figure 18 Aspects of an example communications device 1800 are depicted. In some aspects, the communications device 1800 is a user equipment (UE), such as described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 3 UE 104 is described.

[0195] The communication device 1800 includes a processing system 1805 coupled to a transceiver 1845 (e.g., a transmitter and / or receiver). The transceiver 1845 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1800, such as the various signals described herein, via an antenna 1850. The processing system 1805 may be configured to perform processing functions for the communication device 1800, including processing signals received by the communication device 1800 and / or to be transmitted by the communication device.

[0196] The processing system 1805 includes one or more processors 1810. In various aspects, the one or more processors 1810 may represent one or more of the receive processor 358, the transmit processor 364, the TX MIMO processor 366, and / or the controller / processor 380, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 3 The one or more processors 1810 are coupled to the computer readable medium / memory 1825 via the bus 1840. In some aspects, the computer readable medium / memory 1825 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer executable code) that, when executed by the one or more processors 1810, cause the one or more processors 1810 to perform operations related to Figure 16 Note that references to a processor performing a function of the communication device 1800 may include one or more processors 1810 performing that function of the communication device 1800.

[0197] In the depicted example, the computer readable medium / memory 1825 stores code (e.g., executable instructions) such as code for outputting 1830 and code for switching 1835. Processing of the code for outputting 1830 and code for switching 1835 may cause the communication device 1800 to perform operations relative to the communication device 1800. Figure 16 The described method 1600 or any aspect related thereto.

[0198] The one or more processors 1810 include circuits configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 1825, including circuits such as circuitry for output 1815 and circuitry for switching 1820. Processing by the circuitry for output 1815 and circuitry for switching 1820 may cause the communication device 1800 to perform operations relative to Figure 16 The described method 1600 or any aspect related thereto.

[0199] The various components of the communication device 1800 may provide for performing Figure 16Components of the method 1600 or any aspect thereof described herein. For example, components for sending, transmitting, or outputting for sending may include Figure 3 The transceiver 354 and / or antenna 352 of the UE 104 illustrated in FIG. Figure 18 The circuit for outputting 1815, the code for outputting 1830, the transceiver 1845 and the antenna 1850 of the communication device 1800 in FIG. Figure 3 The transceiver 354 and / or antenna 352 and / or Figure 18 The transceiver 1845 and antenna 1850 of the communication device 1800 in FIG. Components for switching may include Figure 3 The receive processor 358, controller / processor 380 and / or transmit processor 364 of the UE 104 illustrated in FIG. Figure 18 The circuit 1820 for switching, the code 1835 for switching, the processing system 1805 and the transceiver 1845 of the communication device 1800 in FIG.

[0200] In some cases, a device may not actually transmit, for example, signals and / or data, but may have an interface (means for outputting) for outputting signals and / or data for transmission. For example, a processor may output signals and / or data to a radio frequency (RF) front end via a bus interface for transmission. In various aspects, the RF front end may include various components, including, for example, Figure 3 The transmit and receive processors, transmit and receive MIMO processors, modulators, demodulators, etc. depicted in the examples in FIG. Figure 18 are examples, and many other examples and configurations of communications device 1800 are possible.

[0201] Figure 19 Aspects of an example communications device 1900 are depicted. In some aspects, communications device 1900 is a network entity such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 BS 102 or as relative to Figure 2 The decomposed base station in question.

[0202] The communication device 1900 includes a processing system 1905 coupled to a transceiver 1955 (e.g., a transmitter and / or receiver) and / or a network interface 1965. The transceiver 1955 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1900, such as the various signals described herein, via an antenna 1960. The network interface 1965 is configured to transmit and receive signals for the communication device 1900, such as the various signals described herein, via a communication link (e.g., such as the various signals described herein). Figure 2The processing system 1905 may be configured to perform processing functions for the communication device 1900, including processing signals received by the communication device 1900 and / or to be transmitted by the communication device 1900.

[0203] The processing system 1905 includes one or more processors 1910. In various aspects, the one or more processors 1910 may represent one or more of the receive processor 338, the transmit processor 320, the TX MIMO processor 330, and / or the controller / processor 340, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 3 The one or more processors 1910 are coupled to the computer readable medium / memory 1930 via a bus 1950. In some aspects, the computer readable medium / memory 1930 is configured to store instructions (e.g., computer executable code) that, when executed by the one or more processors 1910, cause the one or more processors 1910 to perform operations related to Figure 17 Note that references to a processor of the communication device 1900 performing a function may include one or more processors 1910 of the communication device 1900 performing that function.

[0204] In the depicted example, computer readable medium / memory 1930 stores code (e.g., executable instructions) such as code for obtaining 1935 and code for communicating 1940. Processing of code for obtaining 1935 and code for communicating 1940 may cause communication device 1900 to perform operations with respect to Figure 17 Method 1700 or any aspect related thereto is described.

[0205] The one or more processors 1910 include circuits configured to implement (e.g., execute) code stored in the computer-readable medium / memory 1930, including circuits such as circuitry for obtaining 1915 and circuitry for communicating 1920. Processing by circuitry for obtaining 1915 and circuitry for communicating 1920 may cause the communication device 1900 to perform operations such as those described with respect to Figure 17 The described method 1700 or any aspect related thereto.

[0206] The various components of the communication device 1900 may be provided for performing Figure 17 Means for sending, transmitting, or outputting for sending may include: Figure 3 The transceiver 332 and / or antenna 334 and / or Figure 19The transceiver 1955 and antenna 1960 of the communication device 1900 in FIG. Components for receiving or obtaining may include Figure 3 The transceiver 332 and / or antenna 334 of the BS 102 illustrated in FIG. Figure 19 The communication device 1900 of FIG. 1 includes a circuit 1915 for obtaining, a code 1935 for obtaining, a transceiver 1955, and an antenna 1960. The components for communication may include Figure 3 The receive processor 338, controller / processor 340 and / or transmit processor 320 of the BS 102 illustrated in FIG. Figure 19 The communication device 1900 includes a circuit 1920 for communication, a code 1940 for communication, a processing system 1905, and a transceiver 1955.

[0207] In some cases, a device may not actually receive signals and / or data, but may have an interface (a component for obtaining) for obtaining signals and / or data received from another device. For example, a processor may obtain (or receive) signals and / or data from an RF front end via a bus interface for reception. In various aspects, the RF front end may include various components, including, for example, Figure 3 The transmit and receive processors, transmit and receive MIMO processors, modulators, demodulators, etc. depicted in the examples in FIG. Figure 19 are examples, and many other examples and configurations of communication device 1900 are possible.

[0208] Sample Clauses

[0209] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0210] Clause 1: A method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: outputting signaling indicating a first time duration for transmission; and concurrently switching transmit (TX) chains between a plurality of frequency bands during at least the first time duration.

[0211] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, further comprising obtaining signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0212] Clause 3: The method of clause 1, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises three or more frequency bands.

[0213] Clause 4: The method of clause 1, further comprising: obtaining signaling indicative of a second time duration; and switching the TX chain between two frequency bands during at least the second time duration.

[0214] Clause 5: The method of clause 4, wherein the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with the two frequency bands.

[0215] Clause 6: The method of clause 4, wherein the first time duration corresponds to additional time required along with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0216] Clause 7: The method of clause 1, wherein the value of the first time duration is based on the capabilities of the UE.

[0217] Clause 8: The method of clause 5, wherein the value of the first duration of time is based on one or more of the plurality of values.

[0218] Clause 9: The method of clause 1, wherein the first duration of time has a fixed value.

[0219] Clause 10: The method of clause 1, wherein the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0220] Clause 11: The method of clause 1, wherein a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands is not affected by concurrent switching associated with other frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands.

[0221] Clause 12: The method of clause 11, further comprising outputting one or more uplink transmissions for transmission via the unaffected frequency band during the concurrent switching of the TX chain between the other frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands.

[0222] Clause 13: The method of clause 11, wherein the signaling is output when the UE supports inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least one pair of frequency bands and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions.

[0223] Clause 14: The method of clause 11, wherein the signaling is output when the UE supports dual uplink on at least one pair of frequency bands and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions.

[0224] Clause 15: A method according to clause 11, wherein the signaling is output in the following circumstances: the UE supports inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least one pair of frequency bands, the UE supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands, or the unaffected frequency band supports two-layer uplink transmission.

[0225] Clause 16: A method according to clause 11, wherein the signaling is output in the following circumstances: the device supports inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least one pair of frequency bands, the device supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands, or the unaffected frequency band supports at least one of two layers of uplink transmission; and the UE is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions on the unaffected frequency band during the first time duration.

[0226] Clause 17: A method for wireless communications at a network entity, the method comprising: obtaining signaling from a user equipment (UE) indicating a first time duration for the UE to concurrently switch transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands; and communicating with the UE in accordance with the indication.

[0227] Clause 18: The method of clause 17, further comprising outputting for transmission signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0228] Clause 19: The method of clause 17, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises three or more frequency bands.

[0229] Clause 20: The method of clause 17, further comprising outputting, for transmission, signaling indicating a second time duration for switching the TX chain between two frequency bands.

[0230] Clause 21: The method of clause 20, wherein the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with the two frequency bands.

[0231] Clause 22: The method of clause 20, wherein the first time duration corresponds to additional time required along with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0232] Clause 23: The method of clause 17, wherein the value of the first time duration is based on the capabilities of the UE.

[0233] Clause 24: The method of clause 21, wherein the value of the first duration of time is based on one or more of the plurality of values.

[0234] Clause 25: The method of clause 17, wherein the first duration of time has a fixed value.

[0235] Clause 26: The method of clause 17, wherein the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

[0236] Clause 27: An apparatus comprising: a memory comprising executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 26.

[0237] Clause 28: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any one of clauses 1 to 26.

[0238] Clause 29: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of clauses 1 to 26.

[0239] Clause 30: A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising code for performing the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 26.

[0240] Clause 31: A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one transceiver; a memory comprising executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the UE to perform a method according to any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to send signaling indicating a first time duration.

[0241] Clause 32: A network entity comprising: at least one transceiver; a memory comprising executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the executable instructions and cause the network entity to perform the method according to any of clauses 17 to 26, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to receive signaling from a user equipment (UE) indicating a first time duration for the UE to concurrently switch transmit (TX) chains between multiple frequency bands, and to communicate with the UE in accordance with the indication.

[0242] Additional Notes

[0243] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The examples discussed herein do not limit the scope, applicability, or aspects set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. For example, the functions and arrangements of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Various examples may omit, replace, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various actions may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, the features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, a device or method of practice may be implemented using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods practiced using other structures, functionalities, or structures and functionalities that supplement or replace the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the present claims.

[0244] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with this disclosure may be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. While a general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, in an alternative embodiment, the processor may be any commercially available processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, a system on a chip (SoC), or any other such configuration.

[0245] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items (including single members). For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0246] As used herein, the term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. Furthermore, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information) and accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0247] The methods disclosed herein include one or more actions for implementing the methods. Method actions may be interchangeable with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the various operations of the methods described above may be performed by any suitable component capable of performing the corresponding functions. Such components may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules, including but not limited to circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or processors.

[0248] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. No claim element is to be interpreted under the provisions of 35 USC §112(f) unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "means for..." All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or will later be known to one of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for wireless communication, the device comprising: a memory comprising computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to: outputting signaling indicating the first time duration for transmission; as well as Transmit (TX) chains are concurrently switched between a plurality of frequency bands during at least the first duration of time.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to obtain signaling indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises three or more frequency bands.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to: obtaining signaling indicating a second duration of time; and The TX chain is switched between two frequency bands during at least the second duration of time.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with the two frequency bands. 6 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first time duration corresponds to additional time required along with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands. The device of claim 1 , wherein the value of the first duration of time is based on capabilities of the device.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the value of the first duration of time is based on one or more of the plurality of values.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first duration of time has a fixed value.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands is not affected by concurrent switching associated with other frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to output one or more uplink transmissions for transmission via the unaffected frequency band during the concurrent switching of the TX chain between the other frequency bands in the plurality of frequency bands. 13 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the signaling is output when the apparatus supports inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least one pair of frequency bands and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions. 14 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the signaling is output when the apparatus supports dual uplink on at least one pair of frequency bands and the unaffected frequency band is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signaling is output in the following cases: The apparatus supports inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least one pair of frequency bands, The apparatus supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands, or The unaffected frequency band supports two-layer uplink transmission.

16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signaling is output in the following cases: The apparatus supports at least one of inter-band uplink carrier aggregation (CA) on at least a pair of frequency bands, the apparatus supports dual uplink on at least the pair of frequency bands, or the unaffected frequency band supports two layers of uplink transmission; and The UE is scheduled for one or more uplink transmissions on the unaffected frequency band during the first time duration.

17. A user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one transceiver; a memory comprising computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the UE to: sending, via the at least one transceiver, signaling indicating a first duration of time; as well as Transmit (TX) chains are concurrently switched between a plurality of frequency bands during at least the first duration of time.

18. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: a memory comprising computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to: Obtaining signaling from a user equipment (UE) indicating a first time duration for the UE to concurrently switch a transmit (TX) chain between a plurality of frequency bands; as well as Communicate with the UE according to the instruction.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to output signaling for transmission indicating potential occurrence of concurrent switching of the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises three or more frequency bands.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the apparatus to output signaling indicating a second time duration for switching the TX chain between two frequency bands for transmission.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the value of the second duration of time corresponds to one of a plurality of values ​​associated with the two frequency bands.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first time duration corresponds to additional time required along with the second time duration to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a value of the first duration of time is based on capabilities of the UE.

25. The device of claim 22, wherein a value of the first duration of time is based on one or more of the plurality of values.

26. The device of claim 18, wherein the first duration of time has a fixed value.

27. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first time duration corresponds to a total time duration required to concurrently switch the TX chain between the plurality of frequency bands.

28. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising at least one transceiver configured to receive the signaling indicating the first duration of time, wherein the apparatus is configured as a network entity.

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