Virtual multiple antennas for enhanced RF-based PNT

Abstract

A method of wireless communication at a UE is disclosed. The UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance via an antenna of the UE. The UE obtains a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance via the antenna. The UE calculates a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE calculates a DOA of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application serial number 18 / 168,484, filed on February 13, 2023, entitled “VIRTUAL MULTI-ANTENNA FORENHANCED RF-BASED PNT,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0005] These multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city, country, region, and even global level. An example telecommunication standard is 5G New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continued mobile broadband evolution promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (e.g., with the Internet of Things (IoT)) and other requirements. 5G NR includes services associated with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). Certain aspects of 5G NR may be based on the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology are needed. In addition, these improvements may also be applicable to other multiple access technologies and telecommunication standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects. This summary does not identify key or critical elements of all aspects, nor does it delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, to: obtain, via an antenna of a user equipment (UE), a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; obtain, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; calculate a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculate a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and output a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects may include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail some illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only some of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network.

[0010] Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a first frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of downlink (DL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of a second frame according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2D is a diagram illustrating an example of uplink (UL) channels within a subframe according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a base station and a user equipment (UE) in an access network.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of UE positioning based on reference signal measurement.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example positioning process.

[0018] Figure 7 FIG2 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining the direction of arrival (DoA) of a signal using multiple antennas.

[0019] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of determining the DoA of a signal using an antenna at a first time instance and a second time instance.

[0020] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an antenna to determine the DoA of a signal transmitted by a satellite at a first time instance and a second time instance.

[0021] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an antenna to determine the DoA of a signal transmitted by a terrestrial network at a first time instance and a second time instance.

[0022] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of using antennas to determine the DoA of a signal at different time instances.

[0023] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating example communications between a UE and a signal beacon.

[0024] Figure 13 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication.

[0025] Figure 14 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication.

[0026] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example apparatus.

[0027] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an example network entity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Wireless communication devices equipped with multiple antennas can utilize these multiple antennas to determine the direction of arrival (DoA) of a signal. DoA can then be utilized to improve Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) performance. For example, DoA can be used to remove multipath and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals, and / or DoA can be used for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unexpected directions. However, some wireless communication devices may not be equipped with multiple antennas.

[0029] Various techniques related to virtual multi-antennas for enhanced RF-based PNT are described herein. In an example, a UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal via an antenna of the UE at a first time instance. The UE performs a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. The UE calculates a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE calculates a direction of arrival (DOA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0030] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by using an antenna (e.g., a single omnidirectional antenna) to calculate the DoA of at least one RF signal, a UE can emulate functionality associated with multiple antennas. For example, the UE can utilize the DoA (calculated based on measurements performed via the antenna) to remove multipath signals and NLOS signals, and / or use the DoA for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unintended directions, without being equipped with multiple antennas.

[0031] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is a description of various configurations and does not represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0032] Several aspects of telecommunication systems are presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods are described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0033] As an example, an element or any part of an element or any combination of elements can be implemented as a "processing system", which includes one or more processors. The example of a processor includes a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a system on a chip (SoC), a baseband processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a state machine, a gating logic, a discrete hardware circuit and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system can execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other terms, software should be broadly interpreted as meaning an instruction, an instruction set, a code, a code segment, a program code, a program, a subroutine, a software component, an application, a software application, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a process, a function or any combination thereof.

[0034] Thus, in one or more example aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or encoded as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, such computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of these types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer.

[0035] Although various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases are described in this application by way of illustration of some examples, additional or different aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be produced in many different arrangements and scenarios. The various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases described herein may be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and packaging arrangements. For example, various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be produced via integrated chip implementations and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication equipment, computing equipment, industrial equipment, retail / purchase equipment, medical equipment, devices that enable artificial intelligence (AI), etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically for use cases or applications, the described examples may have a wide range of applicability. Various aspects, specific implementations and / or use cases may be within the scope of chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level specific implementations, and further to the scope of aggregation, distribution or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment or systems in conjunction with one or more technologies herein. In some actual settings, the equipment in conjunction with the various aspects and features described may also include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily include multiple components for both analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The techniques described herein can be practiced in a wide variety of devices of various sizes, shapes, and configurations, including chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, aggregated or disaggregated components, end-user devices, and the like.

[0036] The deployment of a communication system (such as a 5G NR system) can be arranged in a variety of ways with various components or parts. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a radio access network (RAN) node, a core network node, a network element or network equipment (such as a base station (BS)) or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functionality can be implemented in a converged or decomposed architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR BS, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a transmit receive point (TRP) or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as a converged base station (also known as a standalone BS or a monolithic BS) or a decomposed base station.

[0037] A converged base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A decomposed base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed between two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other RAN nodes. A DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU may be implemented as a virtual unit, namely a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU).

[0038] Base station operation or network design may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a disaggregated base station may be used in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (a network configuration such as that initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Disaggregation may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functionality of at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Various units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0039] Figure 1 FIG1 is a diagram 100 illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and access network. The illustrated wireless communication system includes a disaggregated base station architecture. The disaggregated base station architecture may include one or more CUs 110 that may communicate directly with a core network 120 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 120 through one or more disaggregated base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 125 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 115 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 105, or both. The CU 110 may communicate with one or more DUs 130 via corresponding midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU 130 may communicate with one or more RUs 140 via corresponding fronthaul links. The RU 140 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 140.

[0040] Each of the units (i.e., CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125, non-RT RIC 115, and SMO framework 105) 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 communication interfaces of these units, may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, these units may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) configured to receive and / or transmit signals to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium.

[0041] In some aspects, the CU 110 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 that is configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by the CU 110. The CU 110 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (i.e., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (i.e., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, the CU 110 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 unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, the CU 110 may be implemented to communicate with the DU 130 for network control and signaling.

[0042] The DU 130 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RUs 140. In some aspects, the DU 130 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 those defined by 3GPP. In some aspects, the DU 130 may further host one or more lower PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 130 or with control functions hosted by the CU 110.

[0043] Lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 140. In some deployments, a RU 140 controlled by a DU 130 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functionality or low PHY layer functionality (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 140 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 104. In some implementations, both real-time and non-real-time aspects of communicating with the control plane and user plane of the RU 140 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 130. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the DU 130 and the CU 110 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0044] The SMO framework 105 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 105 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 105 can be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as Open Cloud (O-Cloud) 190) 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, CU 110, DU 130, RU 140, and near-RT RIC 125. In some implementations, the SMO framework 105 can communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as Open eNB (O-eNB) 111) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 105 can communicate directly with one or more RUs 140 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 105 may also include a non-RT RIC 115 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 105 .

[0045] The non-RT RIC 115 may be configured to include logic that enables non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RT RIC 125. The non-RT RIC 115 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 125 (e.g., via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to include logic that enables near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources through data collection and actions over an interface (e.g., via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 110, one or more DUs 130, or both, and an O-eNB with the near-RT RIC 125.

[0046] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 125, the non-RT RIC 115 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 125 and may be received from non-network data sources or from network functions at the SMO framework 105 or the non-RT RIC 115. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 115 or the near-RT RIC 125 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 115 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 105 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or by creating RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0047] At least one of the CU 110, DU 130, and RU 140 may be referred to as a base station 102. Thus, the base station 102 may include one or more of the CU 110, DU 130, and RU 140 (each component is indicated by a dotted line to indicate that each component may or may not be included in the base station 102). The base station 102 provides an access point to the core network 120 for the UE 104. The base station 102 may include a macro cell (a high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (a low-power cellular base station). Small cells include femto cells, pico cells, and micro cells. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include a home evolved Node B (eNB) (HeNB), which may provide services to a restricted group called a closed subscriber group (CSG). The communication link between RU 140 and UE 104 may include uplink (UL) (also known as reverse link) transmissions from UE 104 to RU 140 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmissions from RU 140 to UE 104. The communication link may utilize multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link may be over one or more carriers. For each carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation for a total of up to Yx MHz (x component carriers) for transmission in each direction, base station 102 / UE 104 may utilize spectrum with a bandwidth of up to Y MHz (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 MHz, 400 MHz, etc.). These 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). Component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and the secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0048] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication links 158. The D2D communication links 158 may use DL / UL wireless wide area network (WWAN) spectrum. The D2D communication links 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), and a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be accomplished through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0049] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi AP 150 that communicates with a UE 104 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi station (STA)) via a communication link 154, for example, in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the UE 104 / AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine whether the channel is available before communicating.

[0050] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. A similar naming issue sometimes occurs with respect to FR2, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0051] Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating bands for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). The frequency bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, thus effectively extending the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation to more than 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR2-2 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (71 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0052] With the above in mind, unless otherwise specified, if the term "sub-6 GHz" or the like is used herein, it may broadly refer to frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, if the term "millimeter wave" or the like is used herein, it may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR2-2, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0053] Base station 102 and UE 104 may each include multiple antennas (such as antenna elements, antenna panels, and / or antenna arrays) to facilitate beamforming. Base station 102 may transmit beamformed signals 182 to UE 104 in one or more transmit directions. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from base station 102 in one or more receive directions. UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals 184 to base station 102 in one or more transmit directions. Base station 102 may receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more receive directions. Base station 102 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the optimal receive and transmit directions for each of base station 102 / UE 104. The transmit and receive directions of base station 102 may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions of UE 104 may or may not be the same.

[0054] The base station 102 may include and / or be referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, an access point, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a TRP, a network node, a network entity, a network equipment, or some other suitable terminology. The base station 102 may be implemented as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a sidelink node, a converged (monolithic) base station having a baseband unit (BBU) (including a CU and a DU) and a RU, or as a disaggregated base station including one or more of a CU, a DU, and / or a RU. A collection of base stations that may include disaggregated base stations and / or converged base stations may be referred to as a next generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN).

[0055] The core network 120 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) 161, a session management function (SMF) 162, a user plane function (UPF) 163, a unified data management (UDM) 164, one or more location servers 168, and other functional entities. The AMF 161 is a control node that handles signaling between the UE 104 and the core network 120. The AMF 161 supports registration management, connection management, mobility management, and other functions. The SMF 162 supports session management and other functions. The UPF 163 supports packet routing, packet forwarding, and other functions. The UDM 164 supports the generation of authentication and key agreement (AKA) credentials, user identity handling, access authorization, and subscription management. The one or more location servers 168 are exemplified as including a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 165 and a location management function (LMF) 166. However, in general, the one or more location servers 168 may include one or more location / positioning servers, which may include one or more of the GMLC 165, LMF 166, Position Determination Entity (PDE), Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC), Mobile Positioning Center (MPC), etc. The GMLC 165 and LMF 166 support UE location services. The GMLC 165 provides an interface for clients / applications (e.g., emergency services) to access UE positioning information. The LMF 166 receives measurements and assistance information from the NG-RAN and UE 104 via the AMF 161 to calculate the position of the UE 104. The NG-RAN may utilize one or more positioning methods to determine the position of the UE 104. Positioning the UE 104 may involve signal measurements, position estimates, and optional velocity calculations based on these measurements. Signal measurements may be performed by the UE 104 and / or the base station 102 serving the UE 104. The measured signals may be based on one or more of a satellite positioning system (SPS) 170 (e.g., one or more of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), a global positioning system (GPS), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), or other satellite positioning / location systems), LTE signals, wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, Bluetooth signals, a terrestrial beacon system (TBS), sensor-based information (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor, a motion sensor), an NR enhanced cell ID (NR E-CID) method, NR signals (e.g., multi-round trip time (multi-RTT), DL angle of departure (DL-AoD), DL time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), UL time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), and UL angle of arrival (UL-AoA) positioning), and / or other systems / signals / sensors.

[0056] Examples of UE 104 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 (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, a tablet, 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, or any other similarly functional device. Some of UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (e.g., a parking meter, a gas pump, a toaster, a vehicle, a heart monitor, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, a mobile station, a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. In some scenarios, the term UE may also apply to one or more companion devices, such as in a device constellation arrangement. One or more of these devices may access the network collectively and / or individually.

[0057] Reference again Figure 1 In certain aspects, a UE 104 may include a virtual multi-antenna component 198 that may be configured to obtain, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; obtain, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; calculate a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculate a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and output a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. Although the following description may be based on a focus on 5G NR, the concepts described herein may also be applicable to other types of wireless communication systems.

[0058] Figure 2A FIG200 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2B FIG230 is a diagram illustrating an example of DL channels within a 5G NR subframe. Figure 2C FIG250 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second subframe within a 5G NR frame structure. Figure 2DFIG280 is a diagram illustrating an example of UL channels within a 5G NR subframe. The 5G NR frame structure may be frequency division duplex (FDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to either DL or UL, or time division duplex (TDD), where for a particular set of subcarriers (carrier system bandwidth), subframes within that subcarrier set are dedicated to both DL and UL. Figure 2A 、 Figure 2C In the example provided, the 5G NR frame structure is assumed to be TDD, where subframe 4 is configured with slot format 28 (most of which are DL), where D is DL, U is UL, and F is flexible between DL / UL, and subframe 3 is configured with slot format 1 (all of which are UL). Although subframes 3 and 4 are shown as having slot formats 1 and 28, respectively, any particular subframe can be configured with any of the various available slot formats 0-61. Slot formats 0 and 1 are all DL and all UL, respectively. The other slot formats 2-61 include a mix of DL, UL, and flexible symbols. The UE is configured with the slot format via the received slot format indicator (SFI) (dynamically configured via DL control information (DCI) or semi-statically / statically configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling). Note that the following description also applies to the 5G NR frame structure as TDD.

[0059] Figures 2A to 2D The frame structure is illustrated, and various aspects of the present disclosure are applicable to other wireless communication technologies that may have different frame structures and / or different channels. A frame (10ms) can be divided into 10 equally sized subframes (1ms). Each subframe may include one or more time slots. A subframe may also include a mini-time slot, which may include 7, 4, or 2 symbols. Each time slot may include 14 or 12 symbols, depending on whether the cyclic prefix (CP) is normal or extended. For a normal CP, each time slot may include 14 symbols, and for an extended CP, each time slot may include 12 symbols. The symbols on the DL may be CP orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) symbols. The symbols on the UL may be CP-OFDM symbols (for high throughput scenarios) or discrete Fourier transform (DFT) extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbols (for power-limited scenarios; limited to single-stream transmission). The number of time slots within a subframe is based on the CP and the parameter set. The parameter set defines the subcarrier spacing (SCS) (see Table 1). Symbol length / duration can be scaled with 1 / SCS.

[0060]

[0061] Table 1: Parameter set, SCS and CP

[0062] For normal CP (14 symbols / slot), different parameter sets μ0 to 4 allow 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. For extended CP, parameter set 2 allows 4 slots per subframe. Thus, for normal CP and parameter set μ, there are 14 symbols / slot and 2 μ time slots / subframe. The subcarrier spacing can be equal to 2 μ *15kHz, where μ is parameter set 0 to 4. Therefore, the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=0 is 15kHz, and the subcarrier spacing for parameter set μ=4 is 240kHz. Symbol length / duration is inversely related to subcarrier spacing. Figures 2A to 2D An example is provided for a normal CP with 14 symbols per slot and a parameter set μ=2 with 4 slots per subframe. The slot duration is 0.25 ms, the subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the symbol duration is approximately 16.67 μs. Within a frame set, there may be one or more different bandwidth parts (BWPs) that are frequency-division multiplexed (see Figure 2B ). Each BWP may have a specific parameter set and CP (normal or extended).

[0063] A resource grid can be used to represent the frame structure. Each slot includes a resource block (RB) (also known as a physical RB (PRB)) that extends over 12 consecutive subcarriers. The resource grid is divided into multiple resource elements (REs). The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0064] like Figure 2A As illustrated, some of the REs carry reference (pilot) signals (RS) for the UE. The RSs may include a demodulation RS (DM-RS) (indicated as R for a particular configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The RSs may also include a beam measurement RS (BRS), a beam refinement RS (BRRS), and a phase tracking RS (PT-RS).

[0065] Figure 2BExamples 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) (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs), each CCE comprising six RE groups (REGs), each REG comprising 12 consecutive REs within an OFDM symbol of a RB. The PDCCH within a BWP may be referred to as a control resource set (CORESET). During a PDCCH monitoring opportunity on the CORESET, the UE is configured to monitor PDCCH candidates in a PDCCH search space (e.g., a common search space, a UE-specific search space), where the PDCCH candidates have different DCI formats and different aggregation levels. Additional BWPs may be located at higher and / or lower frequencies across the channel bandwidth. The primary synchronization signal (PSS) may be within symbol 2 of a specific subframe of the frame. The PSS is used by UE 104 to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identification. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be within symbol 4 of a specific subframe of the frame. The SSS is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. 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 DM-RS. The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying the master information block (MIB) can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form a synchronization signal (SS) / PBCH block (also referred to as an SS block (SSB)). 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 over the PBCH (such as the system information block (SIB)), and paging messages.

[0066] like Figure 2C As illustrated, some of the REs carry DM-RS (indicated as R for a specific configuration, but other DM-RS configurations are possible) for channel estimation at the base station. The UE may transmit the DM-RS of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the DM-RS of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PUSCH DM-RS may be transmitted in the first or first two symbols of the PUSCH. Depending on whether a short PUCCH or a long PUCCH is transmitted and depending on the specific PUCCH format used, the PUCCH DM-RS may be transmitted in different configurations. The UE may transmit a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS may be transmitted in the last symbol of the subframe. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the comb structures in the comb structure. The SRS may be used by the base station for channel quality estimation to achieve frequency-dependent scheduling of the UL.

[0067] Figure 2DExamples of various UL channels within a subframe of a frame are illustrated. The PUCCH may be located at a position as indicated in one configuration. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as a scheduling request, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), a rank indicator (RI), and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) (HARQ-ACK) feedback (i.e., one or more HARQ ACK bits indicating one or more ACKs and / or negative ACKs (NACKs)). The PUSCH carries data and may additionally be used to carry a buffer status report (BSR), a power headroom report (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0068] Figure 3 3 is a block diagram of a base station 310 in an access network communicating with a UE 350. In the DL, Internet Protocol (IP) packets may be provided to a controller / processor 375. The controller / processor 375 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality. Layer 3 includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 375 provides RRC layer functionality associated with broadcasting of system information (e.g., MIB, SIB), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (ciphering, deciphering, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer packet data units (PDUs), error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0069] The transmit (TX) processor 316 and receive (RX) processor 370 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1, which includes the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on transport channels, forward error correction (FEC) coding / decoding of transport channels, interleaving, rate matching, mapping onto physical channels, modulation / demodulation of physical channels, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 316 handles the mapping onto signal constellations based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-order phase-shift keying (M-PSK), and M-order quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM). The coded and modulated symbols are then separated into parallel streams. Each stream is then mapped to an OFDM subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domain, and then combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying the time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from a channel estimator 374 may be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates may be derived from a reference signal and / or channel state feedback transmitted by the UE 350. Each spatial stream may then be provided to a different antenna 320 via a separate transmitter 318Tx. Each transmitter 318Tx may modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier using a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0070] At the UE 350, each receiver 354Rx receives a signal via its corresponding antenna 352. Each receiver 354Rx recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides the information to a receive (RX) processor 356. The TX processor 368 and the RX processor 356 implement Layer 1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 356 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 350. If multiple spatial streams are destined for the UE 350, they can be combined into a single OFDM symbol stream by the RX processor 356. The RX processor 356 then converts the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. The symbols on each subcarrier, as well as the reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation point transmitted by the base station 310. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by the channel estimator 358. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally sent on the physical channel by base station 310. The data and control signals are then provided to a controller / processor 359, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0071] The controller / processor 359 may be associated with a memory 360 that stores program codes and data. The memory 360 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 359 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 359 is also responsible for error detection using an ACK and / or NACK protocol to support HARQ operations.

[0072] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by the base station 310, the controller / processor 359 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with delivery of upper layer PDUs, error correction through ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction through HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0073] Channel estimates derived by the channel estimator 358 based on a reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 310 may be used by the TX processor 368 to select the appropriate coding and modulation schemes and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 368 may be provided to different antennas 352 via separate transmitters 354Tx. Each transmitter 354Tx may modulate an RF carrier with a corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0074] UL transmissions are processed at the base station 310 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver functionality at the UE 350. Each receiver 318Rx receives a signal through its corresponding antenna 320. Each receiver 318Rx recovers information modulated onto an RF carrier and provides the information to the RX processor 370.

[0075] The controller / processor 375 may be associated with a memory 376 that stores program codes and data. Memory 376 may be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 375 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets. The controller / processor 375 is also responsible for error detection using ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0076] At least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359 may be configured to perform a combined Figure 1 Aspects of the virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0077] Figure 4 FIG4 is a diagram illustrating an example of UE positioning based on reference signal measurement. UE 404 may be at time T SRS_TX UL-SRS 412 is sent and at time T PRS_RX Receive DL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) (DL-PRS) 410. TRP 406 may be at time T SRS_RX Receive UL-SRS 412 and at time T PRS_TX 410. The UE 404 may receive the DL-PRS 410 before transmitting the UL-SRS 412, or may transmit the UL-SRS 412 before receiving the DL-PRS 410. In both cases, the positioning server (e.g., the location server 168) or the UE 404 may determine the UL-SRS 412 based on the || T SRS_RX –T PRS_TX |–|T SRS_TX –T PRS_RX || to determine RTT 414. Thus, multi-RTT positioning may utilize UE Rx-Tx time difference measurements (ie, |T SRS_TX –T PRS_RX |) and DL-PRS reference signal received power (RSRP) (DL-PRS-RSRP), and the measured TRP Rx-Tx time difference measurement (ie, |T SRS_RX –T PRS_TX |) and UL-SRS-RSRP. UE 404 uses assistance data received from the positioning server to measure the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement (and optionally the DL-PRS-RSRP of the received signal), and TRP 402, 406 uses assistance data received from the positioning server to measure the gNB Rx-Tx time difference measurement (and optionally the UL-SRS-RSRP of the received signal). These measurements can be used at the positioning server or UE 404 to determine the RTT, which is used to estimate the position of UE 404. Other methods for determining RTT are possible, such as, for example, using DL-TDOA and / or UL-TDOA measurements.

[0078] DL-AoD positioning may utilize the measured DL-PRS-RSRP of downlink signals received at a UE 404 from multiple TRPs 402, 406. The UE 404 measures the DL-PRS-RSRP of the received signals using assistance data received from a positioning server, and the resulting measurements, along with the azimuth angle of departure (A-AoD), the zenith angle of departure (Z-AoD), and other configuration information, are used to position the UE 404 relative to neighboring TRPs 402, 406.

[0079] DL-TDOA positioning may utilize DL Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) (and optionally DL-PRS-RSRP) of downlink signals received at a UE 404 from multiple TRPs 402, 406. The UE 404 uses assistance data received from a positioning server to measure the DL RSTD (and optionally DL-PRS-RSRP) of the received signals, and the resulting measurements, along with other configuration information, are used to position the UE 404 relative to neighboring TRPs 402, 406.

[0080] UL-TDOA positioning may utilize the UL relative time of arrival (RTOA) (and optionally UL-SRS-RSRP) of uplink signals transmitted from a UE 404 at multiple TRPs 402, 406. The TRPs 402, 406 measure the UL-RTOA (and optionally UL-SRS-RSRP) of the received signals using assistance data received from a positioning server, and the resulting measurements, along with other configuration information, are used to estimate the position of the UE 404.

[0081] UL-AoA positioning may utilize the measured azimuth angle of arrival (A-AoA) and zenith angle of arrival (Z-AoA) of uplink signals sent from a UE 404 at multiple TRPs 402, 406. The TRPs 402, 406 measure the A-AoA and Z-AoA of the received signals using assistance data received from a positioning server, and the resulting measurements, along with other configuration information, are used to estimate the position of the UE 404.

[0082] Additional positioning methods may be used to estimate the position of the UE 404, such as, for example, UE-side UL-AoD and / or DL-AoA. It should be noted that data / measurements from various techniques may be combined in various ways to increase accuracy, determine and / or enhance certainty, supplement / refine measurements, and / or replace / provide missing information.

[0083] Figure 55 is a diagram illustrating an example of estimating the positioning of a UE based on multi-RTT measurements from multiple TRPs according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 502 may be configured by a serving base station to decode DL-PRS resources 512 corresponding to and transmitted from a first TRP 504 (TRP-1), a second TRP 506 (TRP-2), a third TRP 508 (TRP-3), and a fourth TRP 510 (TRP-4). The UE 502 may also be configured to transmit a UL-SRS on a UL-SRS resource set, which may include a first SRS resource 514, a second SRS resource 516, a third SRS resource 518, and a fourth SRS resource 520, so that a serving cell (e.g., a first TRP 504, a second TRP 506, a third TRP 508, and a fourth TRP 510) and other neighboring cells may be able to measure the UL-SRS resource set transmitted from the UE 502. For multi-RTT measurements based on DL-PRS and UL-SRS, since there may be a correlation between the UE's measurement of the DL-PRS and the TRP's measurement of the UL-SRS, the smaller the gap between the UE's DL-PRS measurement and the UE's UL-SRS transmission, the better the accuracy of estimating the UE's positioning and / or the UE's distance for each TRP may be.

[0084] In some aspects of wireless communications, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" may generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" may also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as, but not limited to, PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, and the like, as defined in LTE and NR. Furthermore, the terms "positioning reference signal" and "PRS" may refer to either downlink or uplink positioning reference signals, unless otherwise indicated by the context. In some aspects, downlink positioning reference signals may be referred to as "DL-PRS," while uplink positioning reference signals (e.g., positioning SRS, PTRS) may be referred to as "UL-PRS." Furthermore, for signals that can be transmitted in both the uplink and downlink (e.g., DMRS, PTRS), these signals may be prepended with "UL" or "DL" to distinguish their direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" may be distinguished from "DL-DMRS."

[0085] Figure 66 is a communication flow 600 illustrating an example multi-RTT positioning process according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The numbers associated with the communication flow 600 do not specify a particular time order and are merely used as a reference for the communication flow 600. In addition, DL-only and / or UL-only positioning may use one or more subsets of the multi-RTT positioning process.

[0086] At 610, the LMF 606 may request one or more positioning capabilities from the UE 602 (e.g., from the target device). In some examples, the request for one or more positioning capabilities from the UE 602 may be associated with the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). For example, the LMF 606 may use the LPP capability transfer procedure to request the positioning capabilities of the UE 602. At 612, the LMF 606 may request UL SRS configuration information for the UE 602. The LMF 606 may also provide assistance data specified by the serving base station 604 (e.g., path loss reference, spatial relationship and / or SSB configuration, etc.). For example, the LMF 606 may transmit an NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) Positioning Information Request message to the serving base station 604 to request UL information for the UE 602.

[0087] At 614, the serving base station 604 may determine the resources available for the UL SRS, and at 616, the serving base station 604 may configure one or more UL SRS resource sets for the UE 602 based on the available resources. At 618, the serving base station 604 may provide the UL SRS configuration information to the LMF 606, such as via an NRPPa Positioning Information Response message. At 620, the LMF 606 may select one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608, and the LMF 606 may provide the UL SRS configuration to the one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608 and / or the serving base station 604, such as via an NRPPa Measurement Request message. The message may include information for enabling the one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608 and / or the serving base station to perform UL measurements.

[0088] At 622, LMF 606 may transmit an LPP Provide Assistance Data message to UE 602. The message may include specified assistance data for UE 602 to perform DL measurements. At 624, LMF 606 may transmit an LPP Request Location Information message to UE 602 to request multi-RTT measurement. At 626, for semi-persistent or aperiodic UL SRS, LMF 606 may request serving base station 604 to activate / trigger UL SRS in UE 602. For example, LMF 606 may request activation of UE SRS transmission by transmitting an NRPPa Positioning Activation Request message to serving base station 604.

[0089] At 628, the serving base station 604 may activate UE SRS transmission and transmit an NRPPa Positioning Activation Response message. In response, the UE 602 may begin UL-SRS transmission according to the time domain behavior of the UL SRS resource configuration. At 630, the UE 602 may perform DL measurements from one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608 and / or serving base stations 604 provided in the assistance data. At 632, each of the configured one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608 and / or serving base stations 604 may perform UL measurements. At 634, the UE 602 may report the DL measurements to the LMF 606, such as via an LPP Provide Location Information message. At 636, each of the one or more candidate neighboring BSs / TRPs 608 and / or serving base stations 604 may report the UL measurements to the LMF 606, such as via an NRPPa Measurement Response message. At 638, the LMF 606 may determine the RTT from the UE 602 and the BS / TRP Rx-Tx time difference measurements for each of the one or more candidate neighboring BS / TRPs 608 and / or serving base stations 604 for which corresponding UL and DL measurements were provided at 634 and 636, and the LMF 606 may calculate the positioning of the UE 602.

[0090] Some aspects of wireless communications may utilize different types of positioning reference signals (PRS), such as downlink (DL) PRS. PRS are utilized by different wireless communications (e.g., New Radio (NR)) and positioning methods to enable devices (e.g., UEs) to detect and measure different objects. For example, PRS may enable a UE to detect and measure the addition of neighboring TRPs or base stations. Several different types of positioning configurations are supported in wireless communications to enable a variety of deployments or environments for devices or UEs (e.g., indoor environments, outdoor environments, sub-6 environments, mmW environments). Different types of wireless communications (e.g., NR) support both UE-assisted positioning methods (e.g., computational) and UE-based positioning methods. In addition, certain types of wireless communications (e.g., NR) may support certain types of positioning methods. For example, NR positioning methods may support at least one of the following: NR multi-round trip time (multi-RTT) positioning, NR downlink (DL) time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) positioning, or NR DL angle of departure (DL-AoD) positioning.

[0091] In some aspects, different types of reference signals (e.g., downlink (DL) or uplink (UL) reference signals) and UE measurements can be utilized to facilitate support for different positioning techniques. For example, DL PRS and DL reference signal time difference (RSTD) UE measurements can facilitate support for DL-TDOA positioning. Additionally, DL PRS and DL PRS reference signal received power (RSRP) UE measurements can facilitate support for DL-TDOA positioning, DL-AoD positioning, and / or multi-RTT positioning. Furthermore, DL PRS and sounding reference signal (SRS) used for positioning and UE receive (Rx)-transmit (Tx) time difference UE measurements can facilitate support for multi-RTT positioning. In addition, synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and channel state information (CSI)-reference signals (CSI-RS) for radio resource management (RRM), as well as synchronization signal (SS)-RSRP (e.g., RSRP for RRM), SS-reference signal received quality (SS-RSRQ) (e.g., for RRM), CSI-RSRP (e.g., for RRM), and CSI-RSRP (e.g., for RRM) can facilitate support for enhanced cell identifier (ID) (E-CID) positioning.

[0092] Different aspects of positioning may also utilize preconfigured DL PRS assistance data (AD). Preconfigured DL PRS AD may refer to DL-PRS assistance data (with associated validity criteria) that may be provided to a UE (e.g., before or during an ongoing LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) positioning session) and then used at a later time for potential positioning measurements (e.g., for a deferred mobile terminated location request (MT-LR)). In some aspects, the preconfigured DL-PRS assistance data may include multiple instances, each of which may be applicable to a different region within the network. Additionally, each DL-PRS assistance data instance may be associated with an area ID. In some instances, the area ID may include a list of cells to which the UE may camp / connect. Furthermore, the applicable area ID at the UE's location may be selected based on the cell to which the UE is camped / connected. If the UE is camped / connected to one of the cells indicated in the cell list in the area ID, the instance of the assistance data may be valid / selected.

[0093] Figure 7700 is a diagram illustrating an example of using multiple antennas to determine the direction of arrival (DoA) of a signal. A UE may be configured with multiple antennas to facilitate wireless communication. Multiple antennas may also be used to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) functionality associated with / provided by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) by determining the DoA of a signal (e.g., a reference signal). In one example, multiple antennas may facilitate the removal of multipath signals and / or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) signals that may interfere with PNT functionality. Multipath may refer to a propagation phenomenon that causes a radio signal to reach a receiving antenna via two or more paths. NLOS may refer to a form of radio propagation that occurs outside of line-of-sight (LOS) between a transmitter and a receiver, such as due to ground reflections. Multipath may refer to a combination of LOS and NLOS signals. In another example, multiple antennas may provide anti-spoofing functionality by mitigating signals from unexpected directions. Spoofing may refer to a technique in which interference is transmitted to cause a receiver (e.g., a receiver at a UE) to determine that the receiver is in the wrong location. During a spoofing attack, a radio transmitter located near a target receiver may transmit a fake RF signal (e.g., mimicking a GNSS, LEO, or terrestrial beacon signal) into the target receiver.

[0094] For example, the first antenna 702 and the second antenna 704 may be separated by a distance 706 (in Figure 7 d). Satellite 708 (which may also be referred to as a space vehicle (SV)) may transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal (i.e., a GNSS signal) that may be received by first antenna 702 and second antenna 704. The SV may include a GNSS satellite or a LEO satellite. In an example, a first range 710 between the first antenna 702 and the satellite 708 and a second range 712 between the second antenna 704 and the satellite 708 may be determined via measurements performed on the RF signal. Using a known altitude 714 (at Figure 7 The relationship between θ and the accurate LOS ranging information can be established according to the following formula (I).

[0095] (I) Distance 1 - Distance 2 = d·cosθ

[0096] In formula (1), "range 1" may be first range measurement 710, "range 2" may be second range measurement 712, "d" may be distance 706, and "θ" may be known altitude 714. Formula (1) may assume that the signal propagated from satellite 708 is received by first antenna 702 and second antenna 704 in LOS. If first antenna 702 and / or second antenna 704 receives the signal in NLOS, formula (1) may not be valid. Thus, a multi-antenna GNSS system may be able to verify the DoA of the signal and may be robust against spoofing (i.e., transmitting from a different location than the spoofed SV) and / or multipath transmissions.

[0097] Wireless communication devices equipped with multiple antennas can utilize these multiple antennas to determine the DoA of a signal. The DoA can then be used to improve GNSS PNT performance. For example, the DoA can be used to remove multipath and NLOS signals, and / or can be used for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unexpected directions. However, some wireless communication devices may not be equipped with multiple antennas.

[0098] Various techniques related to virtual multiple antennas for enhanced RF-based PNT are described herein. In an example, a UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal via an antenna of the UE at a first time instance. The UE obtains a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. The UE calculates a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE calculates a Direction of Attention (DOA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. With respect to calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal using an antenna (e.g., a single omnidirectional antenna), the UE may emulate functionality associated with multiple antennas. For example, the UE may utilize the DoA (calculated based on measurements performed via the antenna) to remove multipath signals and NLOS signals, and / or use the DoA for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unexpected directions, without being equipped with multiple antennas.

[0099] Figure 8800 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an antenna to determine the DoA of a signal at a first time instance and a second time instance. As used herein, the term antenna may refer to a device designed to receive and amplify radio signals transmitted by a GNSS satellite (or other transmitting device) at a specific frequency and designed to convert the radio signals into electronic signals for use by a GNSS receiver, a GPS receiver, or another type of receiver. UE 802 may be equipped with antenna 804 (i.e., a single mounted antenna, such as a single mounted omnidirectional antenna). A single mounted omnidirectional antenna may refer to a single antenna with an omnidirectional antenna pattern, in which RF waves radiate equal power in directions perpendicular to the axis. Antenna 804 may be associated with an RF-based positioning receiver (e.g., GNSS, low-Earth orbit (LEO) non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc.). As will be described in more detail below, UE 802 may use antenna 804 to emulate a multi-antenna system, i.e., antenna 804 may function as a virtual multi-antenna.

[0100] For example, transmitter 808 (i.e., a signal beacon) may transmit an RF signal (e.g., a reference signal). In one aspect, transmitter 808 may be part of a terrestrial network (TN). For example, transmitter 808 may be a base station, a network node, a network entity, etc. In another aspect, transmitter 808 may be part of a non-terrestrial network (NTN). For example, transmitter 808 may be part of a GNSS, a LEO satellite, an SV, etc.

[0101] When the UE 802 moves with the antenna 804, the measurements at different epochs (ie, time instances) may be considered as signals received by multiple antennas. Figure 8 At a first time instance 810 (referred to as "antenna at t1"), UE 802 may measure the RF signal transmitted by transmitter 808 via antenna 804 to determine a first range 812 between antenna 804 and transmitter 808. Additionally, at a second time instance 814 (referred to as "antenna at t1"), UE 802 may measure the RF signal transmitted by transmitter 808 via antenna 804 to determine a first range 812 between antenna 804 and transmitter 808 at a first time instance 810. Figure 8 t2), UE 802 may measure the RF signal transmitted by transmitter 808 via antenna 804 to determine a second ranging 816 between antenna 804 and transmitter 808 at a second time instance 814. As used herein, the term "measurement of RF signals" may include pseudorange measurements, carrier phase measurements, Doppler measurements, etc. for GNSS or LEO satellites. Pseudorange measurements and carrier phase measurements may refer to ranging measurements, and Doppler measurements may refer to ranging rate measurements.

[0102] The UE 802 may determine the distance 818 (in seconds) traveled by the UE 802 between the first time instance 810 and the second time instance 814 via a dead reckoning process and / or an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 806 of the UE 802. Figure 8 (referred to as "d" in the figure). Dead reckoning may refer to the process of calculating the location of UE 802 using a previously determined position or orientation in combination with estimates of velocity, heading (or direction or course), and elapsed time. IMU 806 may be an electronic device that uses a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or magnetometers to measure and report specific forces, angular rates, and / or orientations of UE 802. Distance 818 may also be referred to as "antenna spacing."

[0103] When the UE 802 is not perpendicular to the LOS of the signal transmitted by the transmitter 808, the UE 802 may utilize the measurements of the first ranging 812 and the second ranging 816 to determine the incremental ranging 817 (i.e., the difference) at consecutive epochs (i.e., the first time instance 810 and the second time instance 814) to determine and / or confirm the DoA 820 of the signal transmitted by the transmitter 808 (at Figure 8 820). The DoA 820 may be utilized to enhance PNT functionality. For example, the UE 802 may utilize the DoA 820 to remove multipath / NLOS signals and / or the UE 802 may utilize the DoA 820 for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unintended directions.

[0104] Figure 9 900 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an antenna to determine the DoA of a signal transmitted by a satellite at a first time instance and a second time instance. More specifically, diagram 900 depicts a first scenario 902 in which transmitter 808 is a signal beacon associated with satellite 904. Satellite 904 can be a GNSS-associated satellite or a LEO satellite.

[0105] In the first scenario 902, a signal beacon associated with a satellite 904 may be moving at a speed of t1) at a first time instance 810 to a second time instance 814 (p(t2)). In other words, the satellite 904 may change its position relative to the UE 802 while the distance between the satellite 904 and the surface of the Earth (or another planet) remains the same (or within a threshold). Additionally or alternatively, a signal beacon associated with the satellite 904 may change its position relative to the UE 802. 810 to a third position (p'(t2)) at a second time instance 814. In other words, satellite 904 may change its position relative to UE 802 while the distance between satellite 904 and the surface of the Earth (or another planet) changes (or changes to be greater than a threshold). In either case, satellite 904 may experience a change in position "c." From first time instance 810 to second time instance 814, UE 802 may travel distance 818, and UE 802 may stably track a signal with DoA 820 (e.g., θ, altitude). If the RF signal transmitted by satellite 904 is LOS, then the following relationships in equations (II)-(VI) below may be true.

[0106] (II)

[0107] (III)

[0108] (IV) Δt=t2-t1

[0109] (V)α=90°-β

[0110] (VI)

[0111] In formula (II), "Δ ranging" may be incremental ranging 817, "ranging 1" may be the first ranging 812, and "ranging 2" may be the second ranging 816. In one example, when the satellite 904 changes position relative to the UE 802 while the distance between the satellite 904 and the surface of the Earth (or another planet) remains the same (or within a threshold), "c" may be added to formula (II). In another example, when the satellite 904 changes position relative to the UE 802 while the distance between the satellite 904 and the surface of the Earth (or another planet) changes (or changes to be greater than a threshold), "c" may be subtracted from formula (II). In formula (II), "d" may be the distance 818, and "θ" may be the DoA 820. In formulas (III) and (IV), "Δt" may be the difference between the first time instance 810 and the second time instance 814. In formula (III) and formula (V), "α" may be the angle between the second position fix (p(t2) or p'(t2)), the first position fix (p(t1)), and the vertical component relative to the first position fix and the second ranging 816. In formula (V) and formula (VI), "β" may be the angle between the first position fix (p(t1)), the second position fix (p(t2) or p'(t2)), and the vertical component relative to the first position fix and the second ranging 816. In formula (III) and formula (VI), May refer to the velocity (i.e., vector) of satellite 904. In formula (VI), |v SV |Can refer to speed In formula (VI), May refer to a vector associated with the first range measurement 812 or the second range measurement 816. For example, It may be a vector from the position of the antenna 804 at the first time instance 810 to the first position p(t1) of the satellite 904, a vector from the first position p(t1) of the satellite 904 to the position of the antenna 804 at the first time instance 810, a vector from the position of the antenna 804 at the second time instance 814 to the second position (p(t2) or p'(t2)) of the satellite 904, or a vector from the second position (p(t2) or p'(t2)) of the satellite 904 to the position of the antenna 804 at the second time instance 814. In formula (VI), |LOS| may refer to The value of .

[0112] UE 802 may perform a first measurement of the RF signal transmitted by satellite 904 at a first time instance 810 via antenna 804, perform a second measurement of the RF signal transmitted by satellite 904 at a second time instance 814 via antenna 804, and derive a DoA 820 (i.e., GNSS signal DoA(θ)) using equations (II)-(VI) above. UE 802 may compare DoA 820 with the expected DoA from the almanac and / or satellite ephemeris to determine whether the RF signal transmitted by satellite 904 is LOS (at the second time instance 814). The almanac may include data including orbital parameters for a space vehicle (i.e., almanac data). Each space vehicle may broadcast almanac data specific to the space vehicle. Almanac data may be less accurate than other forms of data (e.g., satellite ephemeris data) and may be valid for several months. Satellite ephemeris may include data including orbital orientation and clock orientation for the space vehicle (i.e., satellite ephemeris data) and may be used for precise positioning. In one example, if the DoA 820 is 30° and the expected DoA is 30°, the RF signal may be LOS (at the second time instance 814). In another example, if the DoA 820 is 60° and the expected DoA is 30°, the RF signal may be NLOS (at the second time instance 814).

[0113] Table 2 below provides details on sensitivity for the first scenario 902 involving GNSS or LEO satellites (i.e., NTN). In Table 2, the ranging accuracy may be 20 cm (~GPS layer (L1) carrier phase), and the speed of the UE 802 may be 1 m / s. In Table 2, the NLOS signal may not be common to high altitude SVs, such as in Case 5 below.

[0114] Condition DoA(θ) Minimum spacing (d) Sampling rate 1(low height) Large and close to 0° ~20.0cm >0.2 seconds 2 30° 23.1cm >0.23 seconds 3 45° 28.3cm >0.28 seconds 4 60° 40.0cm >0.4 seconds 5 (high height) Small and close to 90° ∞ N / A

[0115] Table 2: NTN sensitivity

[0116] Figure 10 1000 is a diagram illustrating an example of using an antenna to determine the DoA of a signal transmitted by a terrestrial network at a first time instance and a second time instance. More specifically, diagram 1000 depicts a second scenario 1002 in which transmitter 808 is a signal beacon associated with the terrestrial network. For example, the terrestrial network may include a base station 1004 (which may also be referred to as a cell site).

[0117] In the second scenario 1002, the base station 1004 may not move from the first time instance 810 to the second time instance 814. From the first time instance 810 to the second time instance 814, the UE 802 may travel a distance 818, and the UE 802 may stably track a signal having a DoA 820 (e.g., θ, azimuth). The azimuth may be an angular measurement in a spherical coordinate system and may refer to a horizontal angle from a cardinal direction (e.g., north). In some examples, θ may be an altitude. The altitude may refer to the angle between an object and the local horizon of an observer. If the RF signal transmitted by the base station 1004 is LOS, then the following relationship in equation (VII) below may be true.

[0118] (VII) Δ Ranging ≡ Ranging 1 - Ranging 2 = d·cosθ

[0119] In formula (VII), "Δ ranging" may be incremental ranging 817, "ranging 1" may be first ranging 812, and "ranging 2" may be second ranging 816. Furthermore, in formula (VII), "d" may be distance 818, and "θ" may be DoA 820.

[0120] UE 802 may perform a first measurement of the RF signal transmitted by base station 1004 at a first time instance 810 via antenna 804, perform a second measurement of the RF signal transmitted by base station 1004 at a second time instance 814 via antenna 804, and derive DoA 820 (i.e., TN beacon signal DoA(θ)) using the above formula (VII). UE 802 may compare DoA 820 with the expected DoA from the communication data received by UE 802 from base station 1004 to determine whether the RF signal transmitted by base station 1004 is LOS (at the second time instance 814). In one example, if DoA 820 is 30° and the expected DoA is 30°, the RF signal may be LOS (at the second time instance 814). In another example, if DoA 820 is 60° and the expected DoA is 30°, the RF signal may be NLOS (at the second time instance 814). In one aspect, for the parallel signal LOS assumption to be valid, the distance 818 traveled by the UE 802 may be less than a threshold distance.

[0121] Table 3 below provides example details on the sensitivity for the second scenario 1002 involving TN. In Table 3, if the LOS angle is ≤ 0.1° and the maximum spacing can be determined by If , then the consecutive signals can be considered as parallel. In addition, in Table 3, the speed of UE 802 can be 1 m / s.

[0122] Condition Beacon-UE distance (r) Maximum spacing (d) Sampling rate 1 10km 17.45m 17.45s 2 1km 1.75m 1.75s 3 100m 17.5cm 0.175s 4 10m 1.75cm 0.0175s 5 1m 0.175cm 0.00175s

[0123] Table 3: TN sensitivity - UE rate 1m / s

[0124] Table 4 below provides example details regarding sensitivity for the second scenario 1002 involving TN. In Table 4, the ranging accuracy may be 10 m.

[0125] Condition DoA(θ) Minimum spacing (d) 1 Large and close to 0° 10m 2 30° 11.5m 3 45° 14.1m 4 60° 20m 5 Small and close to 90° ∞

[0126] Table 4: TN sensitivity - ranging accuracy 10m

[0127] In one aspect, when the beacon-UE distance (e.g., the first ranging 812 and / or the second ranging 816) is greater than 10 km for an azimuth angle less than or equal to approximately 55°, the UE 802 may utilize the virtual multi-antenna process described above. In one aspect, if the UE 802 is a 5G NR UE with a higher ranging accuracy (such as 1 m), the virtual multi-antenna process described above may be utilized when the beacon-UE distance is 1 km.

[0128] Figure 111100 is a diagram illustrating an example of using antennas to determine the DoA of a signal at different time instances. For example, UE 802 may operate with stable signal tracking, and UE 802 may generate accurate positioning measurements (e.g., accurate measurements of first ranging 812 and second ranging 816). UE 802 may use the above-described method for determining the DoA of a signal. Figures 8 to 10 The various aspects discussed (eg, performing measurements to obtain the first range 812 and the second range 816 and utilizing equations (II)-(VII)) confirm that the RF signal transmitted by the transmitter 808 is LOS.

[0129] UE 802 may travel a distance 1102 (in Figure 11 If the estimates of the position state (e.g., location, velocity, and acceleration) at the first time instance 810 and the second time instance 814 are accurate, if the IMU 806 of the UE 802 is available for measurement, or if another relative positioning technique (e.g., dead reckoning) is available, the UE 802 can calculate the distance 1102.

[0130] UE 802 may perform a third measurement on the RF signal transmitted by transmitter 808 to determine a third ranging 1106 between antenna 804 and transmitter 808 at a third time instance 1104. UE 802 may determine a delta ranging 1108 (in Figure 11 1104).

[0131] If DoA 1110 is equal to (or within a threshold range of) the expected DoA for the RF signal (e.g., as determined by almanac, satellite ephemeris, or communication data), UE 802 may utilize the signal measurement from the specific beacon (e.g., transmitter 808). If DoA 1110 is not equal to (or within a threshold range of) the expected DoA for the RF signal, UE 802 may remove, correct, or de-weight the third measurement associated with third ranging 1106, as the third measurement may be an NLOS measurement. Removing a measurement may mean not utilizing the measurement. Correcting a measurement may mean updating the measurement with a more accurate value. De-weighting a measurement may mean assigning less weight to the measurement in terms of its use. Estimation corrections may become less dependent on the measurement with the less weight and more dependent on the measurement with the higher weight.

[0132] Figure 12 1 is a diagram 1200 illustrating example communications between a UE 1202 and a signal beacon 1204. UE 1202 may be UE 104, UE 350, UE 404, UE 502, UE 602, or UE 802. Signal beacon 1204 may be part of a TN. For example, signal beacon 1204 may be a base station, such as base station 102 or base station 310. Signal beacon 1204 may be part of an NTN. For example, signal beacon 1204 may be a GNSS satellite or a LEO satellite. Signal beacon 1204 may be a space vehicle (SV).

[0133] At 1206, signal beacon 1204 may transmit an RF signal. At 1208, UE 1202 may obtain, via an antenna of UE 1202, a first indication of a first measurement of the RF signal at a first time instance. The first measurement may indicate a first ranging between the antenna and the signal beacon at the first time instance. At 1210, UE 1202 may obtain, via an antenna of UE 1202, a second indication of a second measurement of the RF signal at a second time instance. The second measurement may indicate a second ranging between the antenna and the signal beacon at the second time instance.

[0134] At 1212, UE 1202 may calculate the distance traveled by UE 1202 between the first time instance and the second time instance. For example, UE 1202 may calculate the distance via an IMU of UE 1202 and / or via a dead reckoning process. At 1214, UE 1202 may calculate a ranging difference associated with the RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance. At 1216, UE 1202 may calculate a DoA of the RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance (and the ranging difference). At 1217, UE 1202 may output an indication of the calculated DoA.

[0135] At 1218, UE 1202 may perform a comparison of the calculated DoA of the RF signal with an expected DoA of the RF signal. The expected DoA of the RF signal may be determined via almanac, satellite ephemeris, or communication data received by UE 1202 from a base station. At 1220, if the calculated DoA is different from the expected DoA or if the calculated DoA is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA, UE 1202 may remove, correct, and / or de-weight the first measurement and / or the second measurement. At 1222, if the calculated DoA is the same as the expected DoA or if the calculated DoA is within a threshold range of the expected DoA, UE 1202 may use the calculated DoA for PNT purposes.

[0136] Figure 13 1300 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 104, UE 350, UE 404, UE 502, UE 602, UE 802, UE 1202, device 1504). The method may be associated with various advantages at the UE, such as enhancing PNT functionality by removing multipath / NLOS signals and / or by providing anti-spoofing functionality. In an example, the method may be performed by virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0137] At 1302, a UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance via an antenna of the UE. For example, Figure 12 At 1208, it is shown that UE 1202 may obtain a first indication of a first measurement of an RF signal via an antenna at a first time instance. In an example, the antenna may be antenna 804. In another example, the first measurement may correspond to first ranging 812. In yet another example, the first time instance may correspond to Figures 8 to 11 In an example, 1302 may be performed by the virtual multi-antenna component 198 .

[0138] At 1304, the UE obtains a second indication of a second measurement of at least one RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. Figure 12 At 1210, it is shown that the UE 1202 may obtain a second indication of a second measurement of the RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. In an example, the second measurement may correspond to the second ranging 816. In another example, the second time instance may correspond to Figures 8 to 11 In an example, 1304 may be performed by the virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0139] At 1306, the UE calculates the distance the UE traveled between the first time instance and the second time instance. Figure 12At 1212, it is shown that the UE 1202 can calculate the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. In another example, the distance can be the distance 818. In an example, 1306 can be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0140] At 1308, the UE calculates a DOA of at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. Figure 12 UE 1202 may calculate the DoA of the RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance, as shown at 1216. In an example, the DoA of the at least one RF signal may be DoA 820 or DoA 1110. In an example, 1308 may be performed by virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0141] At 1310, the UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of at least one RF signal. Figure 12 The UE 1202 may output an indication of the calculated DoA for the at least one RF signal, as shown at 1217. In an example, 1310 may be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0142] Figure 14 1400 is a flow chart of a method of wireless communication. The method may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 104, UE 350, UE 404, UE 502, UE 602, UE 802, UE 1202, device 1504). The method may be associated with various advantages at the UE, such as enhancing PNT functionality by removing multipath / NLOS signals and / or by providing anti-spoofing functionality. In an example, the method (including various aspects described in detail below) may be performed by virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0143] At 1402, a UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance via an antenna of the UE. For example, Figure 13 At 1208, it is shown that UE 1202 may obtain a first indication of a first measurement of an RF signal via an antenna at a first time instance. In an example, the antenna may be antenna 804. In another example, the first measurement may correspond to first ranging 812. In yet another example, the first time instance may correspond to Figures 8 to 11 In an example, 1402 may be performed by the virtual multi-antenna component 198 .

[0144] At 1404, the UE obtains a second indication of a second measurement of at least one RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. Figure 12At 1210, it is shown that the UE 1202 may obtain a second indication of a second measurement of the RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. In an example, the second measurement may correspond to the second ranging 816. In another example, the second time instance may correspond to Figures 8 to 11 In an example, 1404 may be performed by the virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0145] At 1406, the UE calculates the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. Figure 12 At 1212, it is shown that the UE 1202 can calculate the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. In another example, the distance can be the distance 818. In an example, 1406 can be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0146] At 1410, the UE calculates a DOA of at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. Figure 12 UE 1202 may calculate the DoA of the RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance at 1216. In an example, the DoA of the at least one RF signal may be DoA 820 or DoA 1110. In an example, 1410 may be performed by virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0147] At 1411, the UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. Figure 12 The UE 1202 may output an indication of the calculated DoA for the at least one RF signal, as shown at 1217. In an example, 1411 may be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0148] In one aspect, at 1412, the UE may perform a comparison of the calculated DoA of at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of at least one RF signal. Figure 12 The UE 1202 may perform a comparison of the calculated DoA of the RF signal to the expected DoA of the RF signal, as shown at 1218. In an example, 1412 may be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0149] In one aspect, the comparison can be associated with at least one of: LOS of at least one RF signal, NLOS of at least one RF signal, multipath of at least one RF signal, or a spoofed signal with an unexpected DoA of at least one RF signal. Figure 12At 1218 it is shown that the comparison may be associated with at least one of: LOS of the at least one RF signal, NLOS of the at least one RF signal, multipath of the at least one RF signal, or a spoof signal with an unexpected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0150] In one aspect, the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal can be based on at least one of data from an almanac, satellite ephemeris data, or communication data received from a network. For example, Figure 12 At 1218 it is shown that the expected DoA of the RF signal may be based on at least one of data from an almanac, satellite ephemeris data, or communication data received from a network.

[0151] In one aspect, if the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as or within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal, the UE may use the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal for at least one of positioning purposes, navigation purposes, or timing purposes at 1414. For example, Figure 12 If the calculated DoA of the RF signal is the same as the expected DoA or within a threshold range of the expected DoA, the UE 1202 may use the calculated DoA for PNT purposes, as shown at 1222. In an example, 1414 may be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0152] In one aspect, at 1416, if the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal, the UE may remove, correct, or de-weight at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement. For example, Figure 12 If the calculated DoA is not the same as the expected DoA or is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA, the UE 1202 may remove, correct, or de-weight the first measurement and / or the second measurement, as shown at 1220. In an example, 1416 may be performed by the virtual multiple antenna component 198.

[0153] In one aspect, the UE's antenna may be a single omnidirectional antenna. For example, antenna 804 may be a single omnidirectional antenna.

[0154] In one aspect, calculating the distance traveled by the UE may include performing a dead reckoning process for the UE. For example, Figure 12 It is shown at 1212 that calculating the distance traveled by the UE 1202 may include performing a dead reckoning process for the UE.

[0155] In one aspect, calculating the distance traveled by the UE may be based on one or more outputs of the UE's IMU. For example, Figure 12Calculating the distance traveled by the UE 1202 may be based on one or more outputs of the UE 1202's IMU, shown at 1212 .

[0156] In one aspect, the speed of the UE may be non-perpendicular to the LOS of the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance. Figures 8 to 11 It is shown that the velocity of UE 802 may not be perpendicular to the LOS of at least one RF signal between a first time instance and a second time instance.

[0157] In one aspect, at least one RF signal may be associated with at least one of: a ground network node, a space vehicle (SV), a GNSS, or a LEO satellite. For example, Figures 8 to 10 The at least one RF signal may be associated with at least one of: a terrestrial network node, a space vehicle (SV), a GNSS, or a LEO satellite. The terrestrial network node may include a terrestrial network signal transmitter and / or receiver. In an example, the terrestrial network node may include a cellular tower or a base station such as a gNB.

[0158] In one aspect, the at least one RF signal may be associated with at least one of an SV, a GNSS, or a LEO satellite, and calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal may be further based on a velocity of the at least one of the SV, GNSS, or LEO satellite and a difference between the second time instance and the first time instance. For example, calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal may include the aspects described above in conjunction with equations (II)-(VI).

[0159] In one aspect, at least one RF signal may be associated with a terrestrial network node, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance may be less than a threshold distance. Figure 10 It is shown that the at least one RF signal may be associated with a terrestrial network node and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance may be less than a threshold distance.

[0160] In one aspect, at 1408, the UE may calculate a ranging difference associated with the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance, and calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal may be further based on the ranging difference. Figure 12 At 1214, it is shown that the UE 1202 may calculate a ranging difference associated with the RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance, and Figure 12 Calculating the DoA of the RF signal may be based on the ranging difference, as shown at 1216. In an example, the ranging difference may be the delta ranging 817. In an example, 1408 may be performed by the virtual multi-antenna component 198.

[0161] In one aspect, where at least one RF signal is associated with a satellite, the DoA may correspond to a first altitude, and where at least one RF signal is associated with a terrestrial network node, the DoA may correspond to a second altitude or azimuth. Figure 9 shows that in the case where at least one RF signal is associated with a satellite, the DoA may correspond to a first altitude, and Figure 10 It is shown that where the at least one RF signal is associated with a terrestrial network node, the DoA may correspond to a second altitude or azimuth angle.

[0162] In one aspect, outputting the third indication of the calculated DoA for the at least one RF signal may include storing the third indication of the calculated DoA for the at least one RF signal in a memory or cache. For example, outputting the indication at 1217 may include storing the indication in a memory or cache.

[0163] In one aspect, obtaining a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance may include performing a first measurement of the at least one RF signal at the first time instance via an antenna of the UE. For example, obtaining a first indication of a first measurement at 1208 may include performing the first measurement.

[0164] In one aspect, obtaining a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance may include performing a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance via an antenna of the UE. For example, obtaining a second indication of the second measurement at 1210 may include performing the second measurement.

[0165] Figure 1515 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus 1504. The apparatus 1504 may be a UE, a component of a UE, or may implement UE functionality. In some aspects, the apparatus 1504 may include a cellular baseband processor 1524 (also referred to as a modem) coupled to one or more transceivers 1522 (e.g., a cellular RF transceiver). The cellular baseband processor 1524 may include on-chip memory 1524′. In some aspects, the apparatus 1504 may also include one or more subscriber identity module (SIM) cards 1520 and an application processor 1506 coupled to a secure digital (SD) card 1508 and a screen 1510. The application processor 1506 may include on-chip memory 1506′. In some aspects, the device 1504 may also include a Bluetooth module 1512, a WLAN module 1514, an SPS module 1516 (e.g., a GNSS module), one or more sensor modules 1518 (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor / altimeter; a motion sensor such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a gyroscope, and / or an accelerometer; light detection and ranging (LIDAR), radio-aided detection and ranging (RADAR), sound navigation and ranging (SONAR), a magnetometer, audio, and / or other technologies for positioning), an additional memory module 1526, a power source 1530, and / or a camera 1532. The Bluetooth module 1512, the WLAN module 1514, and the SPS module 1516 may include an on-chip transceiver (TRX) (or, in some cases, only a receiver (RX)). The Bluetooth module 1512, the WLAN module 1514, and the SPS module 1516 may include their own dedicated antennas and / or utilize an antenna 1580 for communication. The cellular baseband processor 1524 communicates with the UE 104 and / or RUs associated with the network entity 1502 via the transceiver 1522 via one or more antennas 1580. The cellular baseband processor 1524 and the application processor 1506 may each include computer-readable media / memory 1524', 1506', respectively. The additional memory module 1526 may also be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory 1524', 1506', 1526 may be non-transitory. The cellular baseband processor 1524 and the application processor 1506 are each responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the cellular baseband processor 1524 / application processor 1506, the software enables the cellular baseband processor 1524 / application processor 1506 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by the cellular baseband processor 1524 / application processor 1506 when executing the software.The cellular baseband processor 1524 / application processor 1506 may be a component of the UE 350 and may include the memory 360 and / or at least one of the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359. In one configuration, the device 1504 may be a processor chip (modem and / or application) and include only the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, while in another configuration, the device 1504 may be the entire UE (e.g., see. Figure 3 UE 350) and includes additional modules of device 1504.

[0166] As discussed above, virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to obtain, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance. Virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to obtain, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance. Virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to calculate a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. Virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to calculate a DoA of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. Virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to output a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. Virtual multi-antenna component 198 may be configured to compare the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of the at least one RF signal. The virtual multi-antenna component 198 can be configured to use the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal for at least one of positioning, navigation, or timing purposes if the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as or within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal. The virtual multi-antenna component 198 can be configured to remove, correct, or de-weight at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement if the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal. The virtual multi-antenna component 198 can be configured to calculate a ranging difference associated with the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance, and wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal is further based on the ranging difference. The virtual multi-antenna component 198 can be within the cellular baseband processor 1524, the application processor 1506, or both the cellular baseband processor 1524 and the application processor 1506. The virtual multi-antenna component 198 can be one or more hardware components specifically configured to perform the recited processes / algorithms, implemented by one or more processors configured to execute the recited processes / algorithms, stored in a computer-readable medium for implementation by one or more processors, or some combination thereof. As shown, the apparatus 1504 may include a variety of components configured for various functions. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for obtaining a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance via an antenna of the UE. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for obtaining a second indication of a second measurement of at least one RF signal at a second time instance via the antenna.In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for calculating a distance traveled by the UE between a first time instance and a second time instance. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for outputting a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for performing a comparison of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of the at least one RF signal. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for using the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal for at least one of positioning, navigation, or timing purposes if a comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as or within a threshold range of an expected DoA for the at least one RF signal. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for removing, correcting, or de-weighting at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement if a comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or within a threshold range of an expected DoA for the at least one RF signal. In one configuration, the apparatus 1504, and in particular the cellular baseband processor 1524 and / or the application processor 1506, may include means for calculating a ranging difference value associated with the at least one RF signal between a first time instance and a second time instance, wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal is further based on the ranging difference value. The means may be the virtual multi-antenna assembly 198 of the apparatus 1504 configured to perform the functions recited by the means. As described above, the apparatus 1504 may include the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and the controller / processor 359. Thus, in one configuration, the means may be the TX processor 368, the RX processor 356, and / or the controller / processor 359 configured to perform the functions recited by the means.

[0167] Figure 16Diagram 1600 illustrates an example of a hardware implementation for a network entity 1602. Network entity 1602 may be a base station (BS), a component of a BS, or may implement BS functionality. Network entity 1602 may include at least one of a CU 1610, a DU 1630, or a RU 1640. Network entity 1602 may include: a CU 1610; both the CU 1610 and the DU 1630; each of the CU 1610, the DU 1630, and the RU 1640; the DU 1630; both the DU 1630 and the RU 1640; or the RU 1640. CU 1610 may include a CU processor 1612. CU processor 1612 may include on-chip memory 1612′. In some aspects, CU 1610 may also include an additional memory module 1614 and a communication interface 1618. The CU 1610 communicates with the DU 1630 via a midhaul link, such as an F1 interface. The DU 1630 may include a DU processor 1632. The DU processor 1632 may include on-chip memory 1632′. In some aspects, the DU 1630 may also include an additional memory module 1634 and a communication interface 1638. The DU 1630 communicates with the RU 1640 via a fronthaul link. The RU 1640 may include a RU processor 1642. The RU processor 1642 may include on-chip memory 1642′. In some aspects, the RU 1640 may also include an additional memory module 1644, one or more transceivers 1646, an antenna 1680, and a communication interface 1648. The RU 1640 communicates with the UE 104. On-chip memory 1612', 1632', 1642' and additional memory modules 1614, 1634, 1644 can each be considered a computer-readable medium / memory. Each computer-readable medium / memory can be non-transitory. Each of processors 1612, 1632, 1642 is responsible for general processing, including executing software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by the corresponding processor, the software causes the processor to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory can also be used to store data manipulated by the processor when executing the software.

[0168] Wireless communication devices equipped with multiple antennas can utilize these multiple antennas to determine the DoA of a signal. The DoA can then be used to improve GNSS PNT performance. For example, the DoA can be used to remove multipath and NLOS signals, and / or can be used for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unexpected directions. However, some wireless communication devices may not be equipped with multiple antennas.

[0169] Various techniques related to virtual multiple antennas for enhanced RF-based PNT are described herein. In an example, a UE obtains a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal via an antenna of the UE at a first time instance. The UE obtains a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal via the antenna at a second time instance. The UE calculates a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE calculates a Direction of Attention (DOA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal. With respect to calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal using an antenna (e.g., a single omnidirectional antenna), the UE may emulate functionality associated with multiple antennas. For example, the UE may utilize the DoA (calculated based on measurements performed via the antenna) to remove multipath signals and NLOS signals, and / or use the DoA for anti-spoofing purposes to mitigate signals from unexpected directions, without being equipped with multiple antennas.

[0170] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process / flowchart is merely illustrative of an exemplary method. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the process / flowchart may be rearranged based on design preferences. In addition, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims provide elements of the various blocks in a sample order, but are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy provided.

[0171] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. 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. Therefore, the claims are not limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language claims. Unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular does not mean "one and only one", but "one or more". Terms such as "if", "when" and "while" do not imply a direct temporal relationship or reaction. That is, these phrases, such as "when...", do not mean immediate action in response to the occurrence of an action or during the occurrence of an action, but simply imply that if the conditions are met, the action will occur, but there is no need for a specific or immediate time limit for the action to occur. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance, or illustration". Any aspect described as "exemplary" herein is not necessarily interpreted as being preferred or having advantages over other aspects. Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, which may include multiple As, multiple Bs, or multiple Cs. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, where any such combination may include one or more members of A, B, or C. A set should be interpreted as a set of elements, where the number of elements is one or more. Thus, for a set of X, X will include one or more elements. If a first device receives data from a second device or sends data to a second device, the data may be received / sent directly between the first device and the second device, or indirectly between the first device and the second device through a collection of devices. A device configured to "output" data (such as, transmit, signal or message) may (for example) send the data with a transceiver, or may transmit the data to a device that sends the data. A device configured to "obtain" data (such as, transmit, signal or message) may (for example) receive the data with a transceiver, or may obtain the data from a device that receives the data. The information stored in the memory includes instructions and / or data. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are covered by the claims.Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Words such as "module," "mechanism," "element," and "device" are not intended to replace the word "component." Thus, no claim element is to be construed as part-plus-function unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "component for..."

[0172] As used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of information, one or more conditions, one or more factors, etc. In other words, the phrase "based on A" (where "A" can be information, a condition, a factor, etc.) should be interpreted as "based at least on A" unless specifically stated differently.

[0173] The following aspects are merely illustrative and may be combined with other aspects or teachings described herein without limitation.

[0174] Aspect 1 is a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: obtaining a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance via an antenna of the UE; obtaining a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance via the antenna; calculating a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and outputting a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0175] Aspect 2 is the method according to aspect 1, further comprising performing a comparison of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0176] Aspect 3 is a method according to aspect 2, wherein the comparison is associated with at least one of the following: line of sight (LoS) of the at least one RF signal, non-LOS (NLOS) of the at least one RF signal, multipath of the at least one RF signal, or a spoofing signal of an unexpected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0177] Aspect 4 is a method according to any one of aspects 2 to 3, wherein the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal is based on at least one of data from an almanac, satellite ephemeris data, or communication data received from a network.

[0178] Aspect 5 is a method according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4, further comprising: when the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal or is within a threshold range of the expected DoA, using the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal for at least one of positioning purposes, navigation purposes or timing purposes.

[0179] Aspect 6 is a method according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4, further comprising: removing, correcting or de-weighting at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement when the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

[0180] Aspect 7 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the antenna of the UE is a single omnidirectional antenna.

[0181] Aspect 8 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein calculating the distance traveled by the UE includes: performing a dead reckoning process for the UE.

[0182] Aspect 9 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein calculating the distance traveled by the UE is based on one or more outputs of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the UE.

[0183] Aspect 10 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein a speed of the UE is not perpendicular to a line of sight (LOS) of the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance.

[0184] Aspect 11 is a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of the following: a ground network node, a space vehicle (SV), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

[0185] Aspect 12 is a method according to aspect 11, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite, and wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal is further based on the velocity of at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite and the difference between the second time instance and the first time instance.

[0186] Aspect 13 is a method according to aspect 11, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with the terrestrial network node, and wherein the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance is less than a threshold distance.

[0187] Aspect 14 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, the method further comprising: calculating a ranging difference value associated with the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance, and wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal is further based on the ranging difference value.

[0188] Aspect 15 is a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein, in the case where the at least one RF signal is associated with a satellite, the DoA corresponds to a first altitude, and wherein, in the case where the at least one RF signal is associated with a ground network node, the DoA corresponds to a second altitude or azimuth.

[0189] Aspect 16 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein outputting the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal includes: sending the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal via at least one of the antenna or the transceiver.

[0190] Aspect 17 is a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein outputting the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal includes: storing the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal in a memory or cache.

[0191] Aspect 18 is a method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein obtaining the first indication of the first measurement of the at least one RF signal at the first time instance includes: performing the first measurement of the at least one RF signal at the first time instance via the antenna of the UE; and wherein obtaining the second indication of the second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance includes: performing the second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance via the antenna of the UE.

[0192] Aspect 19 is an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: a memory; and at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, the at least one processor being configured to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0193] Aspect 20 is an apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising means for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

[0194] Aspect 21 is an apparatus according to aspect 19 or 20, the apparatus further comprising: at least one of the antenna or the transceiver coupled to the at least one processor, wherein in order to obtain the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal, the at least one processor is configured to send the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal via at least one of the antenna or the transceiver.

[0195] Aspect 22 is a computer-readable medium (eg, a non-transitory computer-readable medium) comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 18.

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: Memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, configured to: obtaining, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; obtaining, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; calculating a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and A third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is output.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: A comparison of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of the at least one RF signal is performed.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the comparison is associated with at least one of: line of sight (LoS) of the at least one RF signal, non-LOS (NLOS) of the at least one RF signal, multipath of the at least one RF signal, or a spoofed signal with an unexpected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal is based on at least one of data from an almanac, satellite ephemeris data, or communication data received from a network.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: If the comparing indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal or is within a threshold range of the expected DoA, the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is used for at least one of positioning purposes, navigation purposes, or timing purposes.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: If the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal, at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement is removed, corrected, or de-weighted. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the antenna of the UE is a single omnidirectional antenna.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein to calculate the distance traveled by the UE, the at least one processor is configured to perform a dead reckoning process for the UE.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein to calculate the distance traveled by the UE, the at least one processor is configured to calculate the distance traveled by the UE based on one or more outputs of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the UE.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a velocity of the UE is not perpendicular to a line of sight (LOS) of the at least one RF signal between the first time instance and the second time instance.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of: a terrestrial network node, a space vehicle (SV), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite, and wherein to calculate the DoA of the at least one RF signal, the at least one processor is configured to: calculate the DoA further based on a velocity of at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite and a difference between the second time instance and the first time instance.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with the terrestrial network node, and wherein the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance is less than a threshold distance.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: A ranging difference value associated with the at least one RF signal is calculated between the first time instance and the second time instance, and wherein to calculate the DoA of the at least one RF signal, the at least one processor is configured to further calculate the DoA based on the ranging difference value.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the DoA corresponds to a first altitude if the at least one RF signal is associated with a satellite, and wherein the DoA corresponds to a second altitude or azimuth if the at least one RF signal is associated with a terrestrial network node.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one of the antenna or the transceiver coupled to the at least one processor, wherein to output the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal, the at least one processor is configured to transmit the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal via at least one of the antenna or the transceiver.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein to output the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal, the at least one processor is configured to store the third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal in the memory or cache.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein to obtain the first indication of the first measurement of the at least one RF signal at the first time instance, the at least one processor is configured to perform the first measurement of the at least one RF signal at the first time instance via the antenna of the UE, and wherein to obtain the second indication of the second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance, the at least one processor is configured to perform the second measurement of the at least one RF signal at the second time instance via the antenna of the UE.

19. A method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: obtaining, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; obtaining, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; calculating a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and A third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is output.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: A comparison of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal with an expected DoA of the at least one RF signal is performed.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the comparison is associated with at least one of: line of sight (LoS) of the at least one RF signal, non-LOS (NLOS) of the at least one RF signal, multipath of the at least one RF signal, or a spoofed signal with an unexpected DoA of the at least one RF signal.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal is based on at least one of data from an almanac, satellite ephemeris data, or communication data received from a network.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: If the comparing indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is the same as the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal or is within a threshold range of the expected DoA, the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is used for at least one of positioning purposes, navigation purposes, or timing purposes.

24. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: If the comparison indicates that the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is not the same as or is not within a threshold range of the expected DoA of the at least one RF signal, at least one of the first measurement or the second measurement is removed, corrected, or de-weighted.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: A ranging difference value associated with the at least one RF signal is calculated between the first time instance and the second time instance, and wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal comprises calculating the DoA further based on the ranging difference value.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the DoA corresponds to a first altitude if the at least one RF signal is associated with a satellite, and wherein the DoA corresponds to a second altitude or azimuth if the at least one RF signal is associated with a terrestrial network node.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of: a terrestrial network node, a space vehicle (SV), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one RF signal is associated with at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite, and wherein calculating the DoA of the at least one RF signal is further based on a velocity of at least one of the SV, the GNSS, or the LEO satellite and a difference between the second time instance and the first time instance.

29. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: means for obtaining, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; means for obtaining, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; means for calculating a distance travelled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; means for calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; as well as Means for outputting a third indication of the calculated DoA for the at least one RF signal.

30. A computer readable medium storing computer executable code at a user equipment (UE) that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: obtaining, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal at a first time instance; obtaining, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance; calculating a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; calculating a direction of arrival (DoA) of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance; and A third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal is output.

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